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Author Topic: Sling Bag for Short Person  (Read 4750 times)

shootergirl

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Sling Bag for Short Person
« on: July 13, 2010, 10:25:14 am »

We're taking a trip to Bryce Canyon in Utah in September. Due to my asthma being way out of whack for the last year and a half, our hiking will be limited to short treks out to viewing points at pull offs. I'd like to get a small sling type bag to carry my 5D plus wider zoom and my 50D plus either my 70-200 2.8L or 100-400L (still to be decided). I'll use my monopod as a walking stick and will leave the "big" camera bag in the vehicle with my other gear in case it's needed. I don't need a large bag, just one that will either carry the two DSLRs noted or just one along with the extra lens. I see some nice possibilities for bags from Lowepro, Tenba and Kata, but the problem is that I'm only a little over 5' tall. I already have a Lowepro backpack but it's too large and cuts into my, uh, "ample backside" and is uncomfortable to wear.

Are any of you on the short side and have any recommendations? What I have been using when we go hunting (I hunt with a Canon   ) is a camo soft sling bag and I leave the camera loose with the extra lens wrapped in one of those velcro lens wraps. It's actually a very comfortable way to carry the gear but I'd like something with a bit more protection.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Donna
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Ken Bennett

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« Reply #1 on: July 13, 2010, 11:08:06 am »

Donna,

Sorry to hear about the asthma. Mine has been well controlled for several years now, but when it wasn't, I was miserable. So I feel your pain, as they say.

In my experience, carrying two cameras and two large lenses is a lot for a small shoulder bag. But it's possible, of course. I just checked out the new Think Tank Photo shoulder bags at a camera store in Virginia, and the largest bag -- the Retrospective 30 -- looked great. Kind of an updated version of my old Domke bags. It will easily hold two or three pro camera bodies, several lenses, and all the other gear. More than I would want to carry on my shoulder, actually. The shoulder strap will work either on one shoulder or bandolier style like a courier bag. As far as I can tell, the strap can be shortened enough for a shorter person, though at 6-2 I didn't actually try this (sorry!)

Hope this helps. Bryce Canyon was *awesome.*

--Ken
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DaveL

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« Reply #2 on: July 13, 2010, 02:05:38 pm »

Donna, try a search for potn (photography on the net)

There's an incedible number of bag reviews there. Look for the section title accessories and storage.

the sticky at the top has an alphaneumeric list of bags.

The Retro ThinkTank bags are frequently mentionned there. Hope this helps you.

DaveL
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shootergirl

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« Reply #3 on: July 13, 2010, 03:48:24 pm »

Ken, thanks for the link for the bag (and for commiserating on this asthma thing   ). On the outside the bag looks like a regular messenger bag, but the inside looks like my Domke. I think I'm looking for something with a bit more padding on the strap, though. I agree that two bodies and two lenses is a lot for a smaller bag to hold, so I may have to just carry the second lens without a body.

DaveL--The pointer to potn is much appreciated! That's an amazing list! I should be able to find good info there.

I don't know about others, but I'm getting a collection of camera bags, none of which is really the "perfect" one. If that even exists. Maybe I'll just get my hunny to tote my gear and forget about getting something else.

Donna
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Ken Bennett

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« Reply #4 on: July 13, 2010, 04:09:11 pm »

Quote from: shootergirl
I don't know about others, but I'm getting a collection of camera bags, none of which is really the "perfect" one. If that even exists.


I just have to laugh out loud at this. I must own thirty or forty camera bags. Maybe more. Rollers, backpacks, shoulder bags, belt systems, waist bags, etc. My lovely wife puts up with this search for the "perfect bag" only because I never mention her collection of black clogs. (Ahem.)

That Retrospective bag has a padded thingy that slides to the needed position. Might help. I think I'll go buy one -- after all, it might be the perfect bag!!!

Oh, by the way, have you considered a belt system? My wife bought me the Think Tank system for my birthday a few years ago, and I wear it at work all the time. It carries all the weight on my hips, and it's much quicker to use than a shoulder bag. I have the smaller Speed Demon along with some Lens Changer bags and the flash pouch, and also the regular Pro Speed Belt and a selection of pouches. You could easily put together a system that would carry a camera and several lenses.

--Ken
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shootergirl

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« Reply #5 on: July 14, 2010, 06:58:10 am »

Quote from: k bennett
I just have to laugh out loud at this. I must own thirty or forty camera bags. Maybe more. Rollers, backpacks, shoulder bags, belt systems, waist bags, etc. My lovely wife puts up with this search for the "perfect bag" only because I never mention her collection of black clogs. (Ahem.)

Now now! You know that there are varying shades of black, don't you?    In any case, I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one who has a collection of camera bags!

Quote
That Retrospective bag has a padded thingy that slides to the needed position. Might help. I think I'll go buy one -- after all, it might be the perfect bag!!!

It just might be!

Quote
Oh, by the way, have you considered a belt system? My wife bought me the Think Tank system for my birthday a few years ago, and I wear it at work all the time. It carries all the weight on my hips, and it's much quicker to use than a shoulder bag. I have the smaller Speed Demon along with some Lens Changer bags and the flash pouch, and also the regular Pro Speed Belt and a selection of pouches. You could easily put together a system that would carry a camera and several lenses.

Along with being short, I'm, uh, "full figured." I think I'd just look silly using a belt system.   But I know people who use them love them.

Donna
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DaveL

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« Reply #6 on: July 14, 2010, 10:10:14 am »

So I'm not the only bagaholic here!

Opposites attract==my wife has 1 camera bag. Ihave all the others.

A rare event--I recently traded a bag that I don't like--for a Domke that I do like! That was on another forum for Nikon owners.

I recently bought 2 Domke pads for my 2 Domke bags. Canadian prices are prohibitively high; Adorama had them for sale for a good price until you factor in shipping costs. They shipped more cheaply, more slowly and I was happy. (USPS fwiw).

Pet peeves:
* bags with slippery straps that I have to hold in place with one hand
* Dealers that claim/show they have stock but don't
* Dealers that don't realize--I need to try my stuff in their bag to make sure it fits
* Free Trade--how does a bag that sells in the US for $149 list, cost almost $250 taxes in from a Cdn dealer? when the dollar is pretty close to par

Ihave about 15 pro grade bags somewhere in the house...

DaveL
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Christoph C. Feldhaim

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« Reply #7 on: July 14, 2010, 11:58:38 am »

I use this type for my smaller gear (not the Mamiya Universal...):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIoN2P2PB9A

DaveL

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« Reply #8 on: July 14, 2010, 10:31:15 pm »

Donna,

F-stop gear make a separate storage unit for packs.

Here's a link to their site.
http://fstopgear.com/

Here's the link to the "internal camera unit", available in 2 sizes.

http://fstopgear.com/en/icu

Perhaps it would provide the protection you require so you can keep using your pack.

Another thought--costco carry a pack designed by climbers. It's the Baby Sherpa. Comes in solid colours and camo. Supposed to carry a load well. It's a baby pack for baby gear.
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250swb

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« Reply #9 on: July 15, 2010, 04:14:56 am »

Here is an idea.

A Think Tank Urban Disguise bag shoulder bag, say the UD40, but with the Think Tank accessory backpack straps. Why that? Well, its not as deep as a sling bag or a dedicated backpack, so it won't rub on your behind. Being a squarer shape it would hopefully sit higher on your back, but yes, it isn't a sling bag. But its a great bag anyway, as are all Think Tank bags, tough as heck and comes with a monsoon cover and as many pockets as you could shake a stick at. Just a thought.

Steve

shootergirl

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« Reply #10 on: July 15, 2010, 12:18:23 pm »

I want to thank everyone for the replies! The insert for the bag I've got looks interesting. I'll have to check into that further.

The comment about Think Tank accessory backpack straps got me thinking. I've got a Domke bag (actually, two--I do like those) and they have backpack straps you can add to them. This might do the trick! It's not all that expensive, either. Of course, I'd have to unload about half of the stuff in the bag to make it light enough for me to carry without turning into a wheezing mess.  

Donna
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Ken Bennett

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« Reply #11 on: July 15, 2010, 06:59:12 pm »

I have a new bag insert from Mountainsmith, and I love it. It's called the Kit Cube, and here is a link.

The Kit Cube holds a 70-200/2.8 lens with the hood, and a 40-D with a 17-55 attached. Or it holds two lenses and a flash. Etc. It fits inside my day pack, where it can protect my extra gear on a hike.

Even better, it fits inside my old Timbuk2 *small* messenger bag, which becomes a great travel bag, able to hold camera and lenses, plus all the usual travel stuff. And it doesn't look like a camera bag.

On the subject of the Urban Disguise 40 -- that's my usual camera bag at work. Nice bag. Can hold three big pro lenses and their hoods, and two pro bodies, and various accessories. Haven't tried the backpack strap adapter, so can't comment, but the bag itself is great. Though I might replace it with the Retrospective bag mentioned above.
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DaveL

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« Reply #12 on: July 21, 2010, 03:19:50 pm »

A skier whose name is Ben Jacobsen (?) posts at potn. He used a UD 35 I think for a while and has replaced it. Point is that he does reviews on potn. He's connected with ThinkTank somehow, but that doesn't limit his choices for reviews.

I'm a skier; ski instructor for 35 years. I've had issues with carrying gear going back to my F3+motor drive and 80-200/2.8 etc. days. Wondered whether my trips were to go skiing? or go photo- taking...

I have way too many bags. Just ask my wife.

Bags are a personal thing.

DaveL
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DaveL

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Re: Sling Bag for Short Person
« Reply #13 on: February 07, 2012, 09:24:59 am »

A skier whose name is Ben Jacobsen (?) posts at potn. He used a UD 35 (edit: no, actually a UD30) I think for a while and has replaced it. Point is that he does reviews on potn. He's connected with ThinkTank somehow, but that doesn't limit his choices for reviews.

I'm a skier; ski instructor for 35 years. I've had issues with carrying gear going back to my F3+motor drive and 80-200/2.8 etc. days. Wondered whether my trips were to go skiing? or go photo- taking...

I have way too many bags. Just ask my wife.

Bags are a personal thing.

DaveL
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Alan Smallbone

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Re: Sling Bag for Short Person
« Reply #14 on: February 07, 2012, 09:56:24 am »

Well I have to laugh and join the ranks of bagaholics, I too have way too many bags. For a sling type bag for short duration hikes like you are talking about I like the Tamrac Velocity 8x, it will hold two dslrs and is relatively easy access. It is not comfortable enough for a long hike, but for a short one and to carry a variety of things it works pretty well. Like anything there are lot of choices and opinions.

Alan
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Alan Smallbone
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David Sutton

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Re: Sling Bag for Short Person
« Reply #15 on: February 07, 2012, 08:07:03 pm »

Hello Donna. If you are willing to cut down your gear a little the Kata 3N1-20 may work well
http://www.kata-bags.com/3n1-20-for-dslr-w-mid-range-zoom-lens-3-4-lenses-flash

It will carry my 5D2 and 70-300 lens attached and a 24-105 lens in the main compartment, and a 550D with lens in the top compartment or the 70-300.
I use it as a backpack to get to my destination (it's very comfortable) and convert it to a slingbag on arrival.
David
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