The Three Lens Mambo

Went on a photo field trip today. Took my three trusty lenses, 10-22, 17-85, and 70-300 DO. But, once again, I was totally frustrated trying to juggle them around. Have any of you found a convenient, safe way to change lenses while out and about? After coming home, I was thinking about a transfer bag. Something small and light that isn't meant to actually carry anything, but only to hold one lens while another is being handled. Do you think that is feasible? Ideas?

Had nearly the same kit as you, except my 70-300 IS USM is the non-DO version.

I mount the 17-85 by default onto the camera, and carry the whole setup in a Domke F-802 messenger bag that goes over one shoulder. When I need to change lenses, I simply unmount the old lens, drop the lens in the bag (which has the Domke 3-compartment divider), pull out the new one, and mount it. My preferred solution.

Well, I've decided to try something different. I've ordered the Kata T-214 sling bag. I like the way it looks in the ads, with the double zipper opening down the long side of the bag. It looks as if it could be used as a lens changing station while hanging around one's neck. I'll let you know how it works out.

I'd like to know how the Kata works out. I started out with a small Lowepro Rexo bag -- enough to carry the camera with my 17-70 on plust one more lens. Seemed too small, and I wanted a sling-pack. I replaced the rezo with a Slingshot 100, and I don't like it. It's too small, and changing lenses is a pain (because the lens compartment opens on the other side!). I wanted to get a Kata bag, but was worried that it has no compartments to prevent lenses and the camera from bumping against each other. Let us know how it works out for you. Thanks.

I like the Lowepro Slingshot AW200. My wife got me one for Christmas and it's been great. I throw a couple of lenses in it, and when I need to change, I can pull it around to my chest, unzip it and changing is a breeze.

Mark

The best sort of bag arrangement is one which keeps the lenses in vertical "tubes" so that you can drop one in and grab the next with no chance of any of them falling out. For my large L zooms, I very much like the Lowepro Stealth Reporter 650 AW that I use. There's never any risk of spilling equipment on the ground like there is with other designs of bags (backpacks, etc.).

Wouldn't be my solution as just makes an easy task more comoplicated than it needs to be. Personally, I carry my Sigma 15-30mm EX Dg, Canon 24-105mm IS L and Pentax 50mm 1.4 in this bag on walkabout.

The L and EX fit in the same pouch and so it's interchangeable if I swap. When I change lens I simple kneel down and flip open the flap. The flap forms a dry and semi soft area to change. The previous lens goes in the pouch (the 50mm has its own in a side packet) and the new lens one the camera and off we go again. Quick, fuss free, and stuff stays well protected.