belt question

I’m thing of getting a Tamrac lens case for a 70-200 f4 non is. My question is if I mount it on a Lowepro Street & Field belt will it bounce around and be uncomfortable? Or is it better to mount it the side of my top loading camera bag and not get the belt. When I’m out it’s usually for 3 to4 hours and I like to carry a 17-40 and a 70-200. I like the idea of a belt system what do you think.

I have no clue but have been looking at the think tank belt products and wondered the same thing.

I hope someone is able to advise.

I use the Think Tank belt system and am really happy with it. I can carry almost every thing I own and not strain me back. Best of all un like a back pack, it is all quickly avalable. I find that it is easier to get at lenses from the individual cases than it is from a shoulder bag.

I have the Lowepro light weight S&F belt, and I keep my Canon 70-200 f/4 in a 5" diam. x 10" Lowepro lens case. It stays home sometimes, and goes with me on that belt when I know I want to use it. It sits very nicely on the hip; and since I can put my Lowepro camera bag on the belt, too, the 70-200 on the opposite hip nicely balances the whole load on my hips rather than shoulder.

My suggestion is to look into the right Lowepro lens case (see their web site) rather than putting the Tamrac case on it, since the attachment points with the Lowepro products are optimized for each other.

It's not quite a belt system, but I recently acquired the Think Tank Speed Freak hip-mounted camera case

http://www.thinktankph​oto.com/ttp_product_Sp​dFrk.php

I've only used it twice now (once while on my feet for 12+ hours at a motorsport event, and the second time with family for a few hours at the local park), so my thoughts are still preliminary (I'll post a comprehensive review after a few months use).

Compared to the LowePro, Tamrac or Temba products that I've used over the years, the material and build quality and design details of the Think Tank are superior, which is to say first rate. I suppose it should be since you pay a price premium, which I was willing to do if this was THE holy grail of bags.

Having used backpacks, shoulder bags, and neverready cases, I wanted an accessible bag that allowed for mobility and comfort. Thus far, the Speed Freak has impressed on all points.

Though Think Tank has smaller (Speed Demon) and larger (Speed Racer) hip-mounted bags, I wanted something that could carry the following equipment:

Non-pro EOS body (5D or smaller)
24-105L
70-200L 2.8IS
550EX flash
50/1.8 or 28/1.8 & 1.4x TC

The Speed Freak can hold the 5D with 24-105L mounted, the 70-200 with lens cap and reverse-mounted hood, and either the flash or one prime lens plus the teleconverter (as the flash is too tight a fit, I'll probably get a separate case that mounts on the belt). It has an additional zippered pocket in the front with myriad smaller compartments, and stretchable side pockets (mesh on the outer pocket, thinly cushioned inner pocket). It also comes with a cushioned compact memory card holder (holds 10 CF cards), a rain cover, and a very comfortable and secure shoulder belt.

Accessibility is excellent. I can wear the bag in front or quickly swing it to the back (for when I'm on the move). The side pockets are great for quickly stowing lens caps, batteries and CF cards. Changing out lenses while standing was a breeze. The first time I used the bag was at a race track in cold, wet, windy weather, so I got to test the rain cover, and it worked well. However, I did not use the shoulder belt, and after several hours, all that weight caused the top of the bag to sag outwards uncomfortably around my hips. Having now used the shoulder belt in conjunction with the hip belt, I find it balances well on my body, and I can still swivel the bag to the front and back without difficulty.

While I can zip close the bag top with the 24-105 mounted to the 5D (and the 70-200 in one of the side slots), it comes close, but is not possible to do while having the 70-200 mounted to the camera (I presume it's possible on the Speed Racer, but the bag gets quite big) . I can still use the center slot for the 70-200 mounted 5D when I'm at rest.

If you haven't experienced a belt system, I would encourage you to give it a try. I'm very happy thus far, but give me a few more months to determine whether this is the holy grail for me.

I think the belt systems have merit - which is why I have a Lowepro Deluxe Waistbelt and Vest Harness based setup.

I would support what Wilt says - these things are best thought of as a system, and it's probably best to stick to one brand. All my bags and accessories are Lowepro, and they work well together.

David

Having recently acquired the ThinkTank Speed Freak I will second the vote for that! I have a backpack and a Lowepro Stealth Reporter 550AW. The Speed Freak makes for a very nice "have what I NEED when I am out for the morning" compromise. The build is AWESOME (high quality material/zippers) and comfortable (lots of padding in the right places). I can not praise this system highly enough. I will probably be adding the side pouch for my Speelight and maybe a smaller gear bag for some incidentals. The only concern I have is that the Digital Rebel XT with Canon grip is a tad large to get out the top through the zipper -- I usually unzip around the case. Something to LOVE about this bag is that it unzips TOWARD you - when you unzip it the camera is facing you -- not about to fall out away from you. Seemingly small - but important - detail. Outstanding bag -- I also vote the Speed Freak is a Goldilock -- not to small, not too large -- just right...for me anyway. Happy Snapping - Tim.