Topic: Camera Bags (Read 3624 times)

CanonKid · « **on:** February 03, 2009, 03:36:54 pm »

I'm looking at buying a camera bag. I've narrowed my to choices down to Tamrac or Lowpro. For now just a simple bag will do, one that will hold my 5D w/ lens attatched, an off camera flash, and some extra things like batteries, memory cards etc. Does anybody have any recommendations for me?

Hank · « **Reply #1 on:** February 03, 2009, 04:06:39 pm »

It mostly depends on how you will use it. Options like daypacks, sling packs, waist bags, belt pouches or fanny bags might suit in addition to conventional over-the-shoulder bags. We use bags really hard in our business, and I have to say that I've had zipper failures on and off with Lowepro. I haven't tried them recently and have heard they've fixed that little problem. But when a pack zipper fails and dumps the contents of the pack, it's not such a little problem. Just can't bring myself to trust them yet. Check the Tamrac and Lowepro sites. Both have little drawings next to their products to illustrate which array of camera gear they're intended to carry. I've found those depictions accurate.

Ken Bennett · « **Reply #2 on:** February 03, 2009, 08:14:33 pm »

Lately I have been buying various bags from Think Tank Photo. I particularly like my Urban Disguise 40 bag for a camera, a couple of lenses, and a flash. It'll hold even more when necessary, but otherwise it's a compact shoulder bag that doesn't look like a camera bag.

I also have one of their waist pack systems with various pouches, and an Airport International roller. Well designed and thought out for photographers.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_products.html

mike.online · « **Reply #3 on:** February 03, 2009, 08:17:57 pm »

I think the next bag i'll get is the Domke F-2. Anyone using this one?

RafalA · « **Reply #4 on:** February 03, 2009, 10:02:23 pm »

You will find more information on bags at either of these two sites:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/index.php

Otherwise, I'm also a big fan of Think Tank Photo stuff. It is essentially all I use, aside from a couple of Domke satchels and Arc'Teryx backpacks.

The Domke F-2 / J-2 is a great bag: inconspicuous and nearly indestructible, but, and this is a very big but, their inserts are too small for modern lenses. Back when I shot film with Canon FD's, any and all of my lenses would fit into their inserts. Now with Canon EF f2.8 glass, I can barely squeeze one or two lenses into a four-slot insert. Until Domke redesigns and expands their inserts, I cannot recommend their bags. Unless you get your own inserts.

As for LowePro, Tamrac and Tenba, I have yet to find a bag of their I like or can work well out of. They are designed to appeal to a too broad audience and, as such, cannot cater to specific needs.

I have only one camera system but about ten different bags to put it in - including custom modified backpacks. It all depends on how, when and why you're going to use a bag. Sometimes, no bag is best of all.

Hank · « **Reply #5 on:** February 03, 2009, 11:37:44 pm »

Quote from: mike.online

I think the next bag i'll get is the Domke F-2. Anyone using this one?

I've had a couple, but they wore out pretty fast in our hard use. It's a handy size, though. I've ended up building my wife and I each similar bags from leather with the small pockets inside rather than out for more security. They're still our favorite shoulder bags and lots more durable in leather. I'm a leatherworker, so that wasn't a big deal, but you're likely to pay through the nose for factory or custom leather bags.

The Domke is a good suggestion for casual use, though.

250swb · « **Reply #6 on:** February 04, 2009, 12:38:34 pm »

After many years of buying low and high end camera bags looking for something that worked I eventually found Think Tank. I'm now a big fan, and have one of their 'Urban Disguise 40' bags which is undoubtedly the best designed and made bag I've ever had. A committee of photographers couldn't add to its features, yet it is still extremely easy to use and carry, not gimicky, and blends into the background by not shouting 'look at me, I'm a camera bag'.

Steve

Hank · « **Reply #7 on:** February 04, 2009, 01:49:45 pm »

Quote from: 250swb

.....and blends into the background by not shouting 'look at me, I'm a camera bag'.

Steve

That's a huge point in lots of urban settings around the world, but also in shiny new rental cars parked in front of restaurants near national parks. The leather bags we're so proud of don't look like camea bags, but they're distinctive and attractive enough that they attract lots of attention. Not good.

sposch · « **Reply #8 on:** February 04, 2009, 01:50:40 pm »

For day trips I have a Lowepro Mini Trekker Classic. It's a light bag and not very bulky. It'll hold my 5D with 70-200 f2.8 attached as well as a flash, a couple other smaller lenses, cords,filters etc. I've also used it with my 400DO attached to the 5D but there's only room to put a flash in with that combo. What I really like about it is the two outside pockets, I always keep a couple reflectors and some Lumiquest flash accessories in those and there's still room for a water bottle and some snacks.
On a 10 week trip to Australia I used a Think Tank Airport International to carry on almost all the Camera gear I own and packed the Mini Trekker (and my tripod) in my checked luggage, when touring around I'd leave the big bag in the rental car and stuff whatever I thought I'd need for short hikes into the Mini Trekker, worked like a charm.
I also have a big Lowepro PhotoTrekker AW(All Weather) back pack but rarely use it because it is so bulky and heavy, over 8Lbs without any gear in it.
Kata also makes some nice bags. I have an H14 but it's a bit tight fitting the 5D with 70-200 and EX15 eye piece extender but it will fit along with a flash and spare batteries and flashcards. I'd get the H16 which would be perfect for this combo as it's more than an inch longer inside. This bag is like armour plating for your camera, very good protection from bumps and drops.

Steve.

Ken Bennett · « **Reply #9 on:** February 04, 2009, 03:03:56 pm »

Quote from: RafalA

The Domke F-2 / J-2 is a great bag: inconspicuous and nearly indestructible, but, and this is a very big but, their inserts are too small for modern lenses.

This is exactly the problem with Domke bags. I have at least five old Domkes, various models and in various states of (dis)repair, and I don't use any of them. In some cases, the lens itself will fit in the insert, but the hood almost never fits.

If you are using older FD mount prime lenses, as I did for many years back in the fabulous '80s, it's a great bag. Not so much with current f/2.8 zoom lenses.

--Ken

beamon · « **Reply #10 on:** February 04, 2009, 03:24:28 pm »

Years ago in a Leica email mailing list that I fathered, there was a lengthy thread on the use of diaper bags modified for camera gear. With various stiffening and cushioning materials added they were reported to be quite satisfactoy for photo gear.

Their obvious advantage was that no one ever realized what they contained, so they were virtually theft proof! Radical solution, no doubt, but in high risk areas they deserve a mention.

pete_truman · « **Reply #11 on:** February 04, 2009, 07:32:04 pm »

Love the idea of a diaper bag - just think how you could conceal equipment. No, let's not go any further.

Most people will have bought several bags and keep trying to find their perfect bag. I too have a collection. My advice is to get one bigger than you think you will need as you will inevitably buy additional equipment and not have space in the bag, then buy a bigger bag, then additional lenses, then......

I now use a simple and relatively inexpensive backpack designed for hiking and almost never pick up any of the photo bags I have collected.

Author Topic: Camera Bags (Read 3624 times)