Gluttony at its Best/Worst

I don't know why (it should be the worst of my problems), but I still want a shoulder bag for some gear. But every time I buy one, I sell it because they're not comfortable. Maybe I'm trying to challenge physics. I had the Billingham 307, a damn huge bag, and it killed my shoulder to carry a 1 series with 70-200 and another lens plus flash in it.

Perhaps the bag itself, weighing a few pounds, tipped the proverbial scale. I don't know.

But the more I look, I see shoulder bags that either are too small or too big. Am I bucking physics, a subject which I know less about than 2 + 2?

So my fellow friends here, recommend the smallest, lightest shoulder bag, with a comfortable strap, that will hold either a 5D3 with 70-200, 24-70 and flash, or the aforementioned with a 1 series substituting for the 5D3.

I see journalists carrying these bags, they seem to be quick on the drawer and easy to take gear out of. That's what I want.

I love backpacks, slingbags are okay, but when I'm let's say going to a friend's house, I don't want to walk in with a backpack. Just looks funny. Sometimes I'll take a camera to a wedding (I don't get in the pro's way), and I don't want to walk in with a backpack, even hanging from one side.

Most of the time, I have my camera in hand. I use a Lowepro Passport sling to carry an extra lens and some accessories.

Domke F-2, F-4 F-8 or F-10 bags are light weight and would fit your needs.

I usually have the camera with me, with one lens on it, and find that the f-2 or the f-8 will hold the other lens (24-70 or 70-200) flash, notepad and batteries with no problem.

I know Jon, the moderator, swears by Domke and I have been interested in them for sometime. The ones you mention will hold a 1 series with a 70-200 f2.8 vertically in the bag? Thank you.

The f-2 will hold the camera with lens attached, sitting in the bag horizontally. It can also hold the camera with the 24-70 mounted, and the 70-200 standing alongside. I mentioned that I usually have the camera with me, with one lens mounted, so the bag is used to "store" the other lens. These bags are long, not deep. They do make larger bags, but you asked about smaller sized ones, which would be the F-4 and F-8.

Just use your phone...not like you do any better with the other stuff

MDJAK wrote in post #17030547
I love backpacks, slingbags are okay, but when I'm let's say going to a friend's house, I don't want to walk in with a backpack. Just looks funny. Sometimes I'll take a camera to a wedding (I don't get in the pro's way), and I don't want to walk in with a backpack, even hanging from one side.

I bought a 4MDH for this purpose. If I were to do it again, I'd be tempted to get the 3MDH as in general, I find I don't reach for the second lens for most events and thus the bag is larger than it needs to be, but it's by no means a large bag. However, it won't fit a 1 series, but the 5MDH might.

However, if you're able to afford a Billingham 307, there are some other options you might consider. A second body that's significantly smaller like an SL1 is going to be able to be packed much smaller and lighter than a 1 series ever will.

Another great option is the RX 100 (mark ii or iii). It is the largest sensor you can get in a compact point and shoot, and has some seriously impressive IQ. It's also smaller than most cell phones, so you can slip it in your pocket. It's not going to stupid shallow DoF like a FF body and a prime, but it'll be able to match kit lens and a rebel in a much, MUCH smaller package.

My only complaint with the MDH line of bags (own the 5MDH) is the inflexibility of them. Its like walking around with a cooler on your side Its probably why I like the Domke F series or the Think Tank Retrospective series. They protect your camera but also shape to your body a bit giving them a slimmer profile.

vipergts831 wrote in post #17030989
My only complaint with the MDH line of bags (own the 5MDH) is the inflexibility of them. Its like walking around with a cooler on your side Its probably why I like the Domke F series or the Think Tank Retrospective series. They protect your camera but also shape to your body a bit giving them a slimmer profile.

I've handled the 6MDH and I can definitely see it being an issue on the larger (5+) bags. On the 3/4MDH their small enough, it's not really a problem.

vipergts831 wrote in post #17030989
My only complaint with the MDH line of bags (own the 5MDH) is the inflexibility of them. Its like walking around with a cooler on your side Its probably why I like the Domke F series or the Think Tank Retrospective series. They protect your camera but also shape to your body a bit giving them a slimmer profile.

But do they stick to your sweaty spandex?

Think Tank Speed Racer V.2. is a shoulder bag but it also comes with waist belt that you employ when needed and tuck away inside the zipper side pouch when not needed. I love this combination. When using this bag full to the max, then I pull out the waist belt to relieve the load off of the shoulder. I use this bag with my 5DIII with the 70-200 or the 100-400 with the reversed hood.

Phototeacher wrote in post #17030910
Domke F-2, F-4 F-8 or F-10 bags are light weight and would fit your needs.

I usually have the camera with me, with one lens on it, and find that the f-2 or the f-8 will hold the other lens (24-70 or 70-200) flash, notepad and batteries with no problem.

I'd go with the F2 or F4 too. I think the F8 or F10 would be a bit tight. Don't forget the Post Office Pad. The F4 should take the body+70-200 vertically; the F2 will want it to be horizontal and to do that you'd need to replace the standard 720-240 insert with the 3-compartment 720-230 one.

Dear MDJAK,

Yep – that’s why I supplemented & added a liberating Fuji X100S (albeit with a fixed 35mm equivalent lens & Fuji EF-X20 small off camera flash) for very effective light-weight/fun activity. (still use the two 5DmkIII's & 1DmkIII for serious stuff though).
Wish the fundamental problem with DSLR’s that we all endure, that of uncomfortable weight & size for performance, was a simple fix!

Always hesitant to recommend bags, as they are such an individual preference, however given that you asked (& after carefully reading your criteria & with an implied bag ID of approx 500 cubic inches), here are four possible suggestions/options I have found effective for shoulder bags:

Think Tank CITY WALKER 20 [Mfr# 681]:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Citywalker_20_​Black.html
http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=VKHMoqmpSzs (6:27 minute product video)
-I can highly recommend, (however, obviously everyone’s preference varies)
1=1 (using your math; => this bag keeps things light, with surprising capacity & simplicity!!)
-most comfortable shoulder strap of any bag I have ever owned during years of the bag iteration process (how many? like a females's age - don’t ask!)
-doesn’t need a Domke postal pad.
- very comfortable & contours to your body beautifully -subtle yet stylist in good taste
-great durable quality
- what I would describe as a “modern Domke”, without the bulk
[while the TT Retrospective series and DOMKE bags are nice I find them a bit too bulky & stiff. Even though, I highly respect moderator Jon’s lengthy experience & varied insight of photography items & subjects]
- bonus: no sweaty Spandex required!
-“scrunchable” (folds down flat) & very versatile for general travel (car or air), or family gatherings, events etc.
-fast access which you liked (you could probably be a contender for the title: “the fastest draw in the east”)
-a 5DmkIII or IDx either with mounted 70-200f2.8L mkII will fit upright tightly & certainly horizontally (but usually I have that combo out of bag, or just want to have it reachable in bag, or for transporting or for tucking camera away when going into restaurants, events, etc.).


Think Tank SPEEDRACER v2.0 [Mfr# 409]:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …acer_V2_0_Black​_Gray.html
-if want comfortable all-day wear & a true “shooting” bag (rather than just a carrying bag)
-nifty retractable waist belt (transferring load to waist, off shoulders)
-a bit big, but holds everything

Think Tank SPEEDFREAK v2.0 [Mfr# 406]:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …reak_V2_0_Black​_Gray.html
-if want comfortable all-day wear & a true “shooting” bag (rather than just a carrying bag)
-nifty retractable waist belt (transferring load to waist, off shoulders)
-caveat: with the TT SPEED FREAK v2.0, a mounted 70-200f2.8L mk II won’t fit vertically only just fits horizontally.

Lowepro Passport III Sling:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …port_sling_iii_​black.html
-for casual day explorations, travel etc. [Including weddings, if I am wearing a dress; I know not likely applicable in your case! When want a subtle photography profile)],
or if want to tote other stuff like miscellaneous travel items, snacks, a map, travel guide book, i-Pad 2, etc.
-a bit tight & not as comfortable as the other mentioned Think Tank bags
-“scrunchable” for travel


In SUMMARY…
For general use: Think Tank CITY WALKER 20 - black (as indicated, highly recommend)
For all-day walk around: Think Tank SPEEDRACER v2.0
Remember the general bag guideline - don’t carry more than 10-15% of your body weight, or your may be visiting your chiropractor or doctor for a fire-side chat!

Good luck in finding your elusive solution and HAPPY SHOOTING!!!!
Just one view…

Mary
P.S.
a.k.a. petite, but always camera ready in the west.
(not necessarily the “fastest in the west”; but I can hold my own to get the important photography elements of: light, composition & moment, thanks to my camera bags, which are based on real field-use & the help of so many friendly POTN users)

Jon wrote in post #17031364
I'd go with the F2 or F4 too. I think the F8 or F10 would be a bit tight. Don't forget the Post Office Pad. The F4 should take the body+70-200 vertically; the F2 will want it to be horizontal and to do that you'd need to replace the standard 720-240 insert with the 3-compartment 720-230 one.

This. I like the F3X, but it won't be enough for the 70-200/2.8. The F4AF is essentially a larger version of the F3X. The F2 is a great bag and very versatile. It's huge, but neither feels big nor looks big. You will be amazed at how much fits in an F2.

I also like the F803 messenger-style bag, but it's smaller. I think it's still good for when you're only taking a single lens, or possibly two and I think the 70-200/2.8 would fit sideways.

Good luck.

I switched from a Tenba large messenger to the Tamrac Apache 6. Normal shoulder bag, not quite a deep as the Tenba, but wider. Has a look that doesn't scream "camera bag, please steal me". Although I don't have the same equipment list, it works well for me - 50D with 24-105 f/4L normally mounted w/lens hood, 10-22 EF-s UWA w/hood mounted, Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro with hood mounted and a 580EXii flash -- all in the main compartment. Front panel hold a small quantity of batteries, a couple of filters and memory, etc. There was space where the Tamson sits to put my old 70-200 there, but it was a f/4 model. I think it might be worth a look.