national geographic medium or large???

i wanna buy one of the national geographic earth explorer shoulder bags...

i have a 1d markIII + 35L + 70-200 f2.8L + 17-40 + 580exII

whic one is better for my gear???

the medium 2475 or the lagest version 2477????

I have the medium backpack. It was smaller then I expected, although about as large as I could reasonably shove under an airplane seat. Looking at the shoulder bags, I'd lean towards the large one. In the interest of full disclosure, I am 6' and 230 lbs, so my perceptions may be skewed, but that medium looks aweful small.

I have the medium, stuffed with a 40D, 10-22, 17-85 and 70-200 2.8 IS, 430EX and 420EX. Your gear will fit but it will be tight. I would take the large one, you'll get things in and out easier.

Have you considered a non-National Geographic backpack for travelling? The National Geographic camera bags, while based on popular designs, are not ideal for traveling photographers.

The bags overall tend to have an awkward design that is does not allow was easy access to your equipment, and the somewhat bulky looking exterior, while 'cool' & 'rugged' is not very ergonomic. Additionally the positioning and design of the laptop slot can place undue pressure on the computer's screen. The pressure is caused by the positioning against the equipment packed inside.

When traveling with camera equipment safety and security should be primary. You do not want to stand out and you do not want to be a target. These bags, while great for showing your support for NatGeo make you an instant target of thieves, not only in the field, but in airports and train stations as well. Professional airport thieves look for obvious signs of high dollar items, and often for inexperienced travellers. Once they have their target in sight, they are often hard to defeat.

The overall security of the NatGeo backpacks are also lacking. The design of the bags makes it very easy for thieves to enter your bags and remove your items in a crowded area without your knowledge, as some of the flaps cannot be secured.

When looking for an effective camera bag you need to look for something that is low profile (draws little to no attention); holds what you need ergonomically; can be secured at all points to keep unwanted hands out of your equipment.

I discuss these topics often on my blog for traveing photogs, Flying With Fish (http://www.flyingwithf​ish.com), the info might be helpful for reduce your potential risk as a thief's target.

I HATE the NG products. They look absolutely awesome, but other than that, they suck.

I was considering buying one 'till I realized that ANYONE who actually uses them to take pictures in the field/travel with them is going to get them dirty as hell in a week. I find them to be too soft for adequate protection, the flaps and pockets are easy to access for thieves (as said above) and yet awkward to get to...most of them look about as water resistant as a 1/4" pile of Kleenexes too...oh, and they're overpriced.

I'd stay faaaaaaaaaaar, far away from them.

LowriderS10 wrote in post #6773401
I HATE the NG products. They look absolutely awesome, but other than that, they suck.

I was considering buying one 'till I realized that ANYONE who actually uses them to take pictures in the field/travel with them is going to get them dirty as hell in a week. I find them to be too soft for adequate protection, the flaps and pockets are easy to access for thieves (as said above) and yet awkward to get to...most of them look about as water resistant as a 1/4" pile of Kleenexes too...oh, and they're overpriced.

I'd stay faaaaaaaaaaar, far away from them.

+1 Look nice but offer hardly any protection; bag doesn't hold it's form, heavy equipment pokes out. If you must have one get the largest, the medium won't fit your equipment.

LowriderS10 wrote in post #6773401
I HATE the NG products. They look absolutely awesome, but other than that, they suck.

I was considering buying one 'till I realized that ANYONE who actually uses them to take pictures in the field/travel with them is going to get them dirty as hell in a week. I find them to be too soft for adequate protection, the flaps and pockets are easy to access for thieves (as said above) and yet awkward to get to...most of them look about as water resistant as a 1/4" pile of Kleenexes too...oh, and they're overpriced.

I'd stay faaaaaaaaaaar, far away from them.

I have three NG bags, the small, medium and large. I've used the small with a body and 24-105 for my daily drag-around-bag for over a year and it still looks new. Like any bag there are things I would like to see changed, but It's the perfect size and overall I have no complaints.

Saying that you HATE something and that it sucks without any real experience with it is a reflection on you, not the item.

I have the NG 2345 midi shoulder bag which holds my 40D with 24-105mm and 10-20mm quite nicely, plus other bits and pieces. I think it's a great lightweight travel camera bag. I've used mine when I've been out and about exploring cities in Europe and its does fine. Ideal for those days when you don't need to lug around your full kit. Because its so squashable, you can just fold it up and tuck it away in your hold luggage as an additional camera bag if you so wish.

As for lack of padding, its on par with Domke's. You could always add more padding with camping mat foam cut to size.

I wouldn't recomend it in a downpour however. It does show the dirt more than other camera bags, but I think a grubby camera bag has more charm to it and would make it look like a bog standard canvas bag. Of course that becomes a moot point when you pull out your camera.

It's all a matter of personal preference in the end. To each and every one their own.

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I'm thinking about trying the large shoulder bag. The 2477.

Jon.

I have the large one and love it. No worry about thieves, always on my shoulder or in line of sight. Scotchguard it and it will be virtually rainproof. Heavy when full though and it holds a lot.
john

From your sig it looks like you have a fair bit of gear to carry. Worse case, I would be packing two 40D bodies gripped, 70-200, 75-300, 28-135, 50, maybe a couple kit lenses, 3 to 4 speedlites, tele-converters, extra batteries, remotes, a few gels, business cards, clipboard with some paperwork, battery chargers and a few other odds and ends like snacks or candy. What would you say as far as space in the large bag? Would I be good to go?

Jon.

That is a lot of gear too. I usually don't pack it all, leaving the macro stuff out and carrying one camera with the 24-105 on it. Everything else fits, snug though with flap pockets for chargers, remote trigger, shutter release, rocket blower & extra batteries. Filters and flat objects in the back slot ( I don't carry a computer). After flap is on, 580 and 550 flashes rest on top under the top cover, batteries out. Monopod gets strapped to the back snugly, and off I go with hernia insurance certificate in wallet. Lenses usually in thick socks for cushioning. Two bodies gripped because of shape, makes things difficult, so always carry one, or leave one camera depending on the circumstances. Admittedly heavy, but can carry on. Flaps hold a lot of the small stuff, which is convenient. Strap is strong. Now having said all that, I rarely pack everything, circumstance dependent. I love the 70-200 - won't leave home without it and often leave the 200 prime at home, so I kind of pack the bag with the shoot in mind. I am sure I can't get everything in, but seem to get what I need in, if you know what I mean.
Cheers,
John

This is the type of answer I was looking for. Thanks for the help. I think I will place an order for one of these soon.

Jon.