Looking for Shoulder Bag

[LadyHawk]

I think I'm looking for a needle in a haystack. :confused:

I am trying to find a shoulder bag that is wide enough to hold the 20D with 70-200mm lens with hood, yet with a shallow depth... just enough for the the width of the camera. I'm using a leather office tote at the moment and the fit is good, but I would like to find something with padding to protect the equipment.

A second option would be to pad the bag I have now... does anyone know where I can buy padding? I would prefer fabric padding rather than foam.

Any suggestions or leads would be greatly appreciated. :)

[lostdoggy]

Buy a really cheap bag and ripout the padding. Or try one off those fabric stores or craft stores where they sell popcicle sticks and handpaints.

Tamrac Pro-Zoom Pak 519 it holds a body w/ up to 8" lens, the 70-200 is about 7.6 (for IS version): http://www.tamrac.com/welcome.htm

Model 517 is a little smaller 7.5"

[LadyHawk]

Thanks, lostdoggy. Buying a cheap bag is a great idea ... this is probably what I will end up doing. I looked at the Tamrac Pro-Zoom, but prefer a horizontal method of carrying this camera and lens. Like I said, I'm looking for a needle in a haystack! :D

[lostdoggy]

Here is another suggestion. My wife likes to rip out her shoulder pads from her blouses they too will do well as padding. Maybe you might find some in out clothes especially jackets. Here is a really weird one so don't laugh. Take an old pillow case and base stitch some sanitary napkins into it for padding and cut away the extra fabric from the pillow case. Satin pillow case would look really nice.

[Skip Souza]

My wife bought an inexpensive camera bag at Target that looks more like a big (?) purse. It is padded and has compartments both internal and external (but hidden) and padding that is moveable. It appears to be big enough to hold the 20D and the 70-200 L IS. The hood will probably need to be reversed. I think it was in the $25-$30 range.

[Skip Souza]

P.S. It really looks like a purse.

[LadyHawk]

Here is a really weird one so don't laugh. Take an old pillow case and base stitch some sanitary napkins into it for padding and cut away the extra fabric from the pillow case. Satin pillow case would look really nice.
Well now that's a creative idea, Lostdoggy! But I'll pass on this one... have no interest in seeing those things ever again, and after spending $2000 on the equipment was hoping for something a little more "sophisticated." Thanks for all the help, and also the chuckle! :D

My wife bought an inexpensive camera bag at Target that looks more like a big (?) purse. It is padded and has compartments both internal and external (but hidden) and padding that is moveable. It appears to be big enough to hold the 20D and the 70-200 L IS. The hood will probably need to be reversed. I think it was in the $25-$30 range.

Thanks Skip... I'm definitely going to check this out. I guess removing the hood wouldn't be too much trouble. Say hi to Maureen. Must go shopping now... ;)