"Bagless" system?

I'm heading to the zoo with family this week, and want to take along my camera, lenses and a flash. I'll be also dealing with a 16 month old - so I'm hoping to find something that won't involve me taking my Domke F2 along with me.

I was thinking of a shoulder harness (like the Black Rapid system) for the gripped 7D with 70-200 mounted, and perhaps a belt with pouches for my 28-75mm Tamron, 580exII speedlite and batteries.

Can anyone recommend a system or solution?

Thinktank and lowepro have belt systems that are modular.

A 16mo old should have a carriage no? Why not just store stuff on the bottom or in the diaper bag?

DisrupTer911 wrote in post #10815581
Thinktank and lowepro have belt systems that are modular.

A 16mo old should have a carriage no? Why not just store stuff on the bottom or in the diaper bag?

He'll have his stroller, but his Mom usually finds ways to fill it up

thanks, I'll check those options out.

This is why I ordered an LX5 but I have a few thinktank pouches, the skin pouches are very light and easy to carry, I did try a bag like the change up which is a bag with a built in belt but it was really just not for me, so when I want to go light I seem to always revert back to my Domke F-5xc.

Tommydigi wrote in post #10815682
This is why I ordered an LX5 but I have a few thinktank pouches, the skin pouches are very light and easy to carry, I did try a bag like the change up which is a bag with a built in belt but it was really just not for me, so when I want to go light I seem to always revert back to my Domke F-5xc.

I have been keeping my eye out for a nice G10 or G11 ... maybe I should bite that bullet!

I use the Cotton Carrier system for holding the camera which makes handling my daughter easy as the cameras stay put. Then I have a Tamrac MAS belt with a few lens cases to hold my lenses. Very mobile, no need to worry about a bag and no worry of leaning down to pick my daughter up and a camera swinging into her face.

Worked perfectly when we were at a Zoo last month. Though TBH it's my default setup now, the bag is for transport and storage.

Problem is if your used to a 7D or 5d2 its just a lot less fun using point and shoots. I think I tried every bag and I now realize this stuff is just heavy and not fun to carry, I was going out to a golf outing and I picked up my clubs and realized my golf bag weighs as much as my camera bag. Not fun to lug around so I have been going the route of lighter camera but its not easy once you have been spoiled. I tried the Sony NEX and it had a few issues so now I decided on an LX5 for very small and later I am adding a T2i or 60D with a small lens for casual shooting with an R-strap. The R-strap really makes it feel light. I was actually amazed how well it seemed to work so I ordered on last week.

Tommydigi wrote in post #10815723
Problem is if your used to a 7D or 5d2 its just a lot less fun using point and shoots. I think I tried every bag and I now realize this stuff is just heavy and not fun to carry, I was going out to a golf outing and I picked up my clubs and realized my golf bag weighs as much as my camera bag. Not fun to lug around so I have been going the route of lighter camera but its not easy once you have been spoiled. I tried the Sony NEX and it had a few issues so now I decided on an LX5 for very small and later I am adding a T2i or 60D with a small lens for casual shooting with an R-strap. The R-strap really makes it feel light. I was actually amazed how well it seemed to work so I ordered on last week.

Tommy,

I also have a kids music festival we're heading too with the family in a few weeks, and they specifically ban DSLR's - so the G11 maybe a good option to include that.

Of course, I'm likely to keep picking up my 7D ...

Switchblade,

Sounds like you and I are in the same boat - I'll check those systems out, thank you!

On our family trips to the Zoo we always take a wagon for a cooler, camera bag and anything else we can think of.

Wheels are the answer...

How about a vest instead?

For "bagless", you'd have to think of going as minimum as possible for carrying your gear. A sling system (Luma Loop or Black Rapid or DIY) would work for the gripped 7D (so no spare batteries needed). Just be aware that the camera/and lens will be around your hip/back and not bang it against your surroundings. It's great that it frees up both hands to help carry your child or push the stroller around or change dirty diapers. Heh.

And perhaps cargo pants/short for your other lens. Is a 580EXII flash necessary? Can the 7D built-in flash be used for the occassional fill flash instead? One less thing to carry if you don't have to. Otherwise, stick the flash in the other cargo pockets. Utility pouches/belts have already been suggested.

That would be my recommendation also.

pcj wrote in post #10815701
I have been keeping my eye out for a nice G10 or G11 ... maybe I should bite that bullet!

So I bit the bullet - rather than buying $100 - $200 more in bags, straps, slings, belts or pouches to carry my heavy and bulky 7D, I dropped ~$400 on a G11 and I can put everything else away until someone is paying me to drag it out!

You do know about the G12 coming this month right?