A Bag for africa

rgrebby

rgrebby

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Ive gone through a few bags over the last few years, none of them I am totally happy with.
I started with a small Lowepro nova bag which was too small, so I got a slingshot 200AW which was fine but very obviously a camera bag. I then got a bright red Crumpler 7500 which isnt bad, but its a little ridged feeling and kinda 'out there'

What I want is a bag that does not advertise 3 grands worth of kit but can hold my canon 5Dmk2 24-70mmL lens attached, a long lens currently a 70-300mm IS lens but hopefully a canon 70-200 2.8. It would also have space for extra bits, possible a flashgun.

Any suggestions?
 
Is the 'out there' to do with the bright red colour? In which case id suggest a different colour/type of crumpler as they're the only ones I've really seen that don't scream out camera bag. Depends if you're going to do much trekking about too, the Turkish Shower Half Photo might be one to look at if so?

Edit: With the long lens you'd probably want a full photo rather than half.
 
A lowepro version of the Turkish shower, is the Orion Trekker II, I quite like it. Will just about get away without it looking too camera bag, unless someone knows the brand (same problem really with the crumplers really)
Or you could try the crumpler Pony Box. Like the turkish shower/muffin top, but also has a quick access lid for getting the camera out of. I have the larger version, the Big Cheese, (review here), but this might be more than you need (holds all of my kit)
 
Africa? - hire a local thug to be your minder... Young guys in Kenya will work for a few shillings a day and will keep the local riff-raff away while you're trying to work - also having a local around means you'll get around any language problems - most of the likely candidates for this kind of 'work' will be lurking outside airports and bus stations (ask a taxi driver, if in doubt) - let them know up-front that it's a long-term contract, for the duration of the holiday and that you'll be giving them food and drink as well as the pre-negotiated fee, as these guys are that same ones that would be mugging you if you tried to avoid them...lol

They'll also steer you clear of 'dirty' brothels (if that's your 'bag') and get you home in one piece if you do decide to get plastered in a local tavern.

Seriously - having a minder takes the strain...it'll be relatively cheap and may get you to places you'd never find otherwise...
 
If it's a shoulder-bag, I'd still take a tan and brown Billingham, even though they do look 'toggy'...
 
interesting thanks. I was thinking something canvas but the insides are never much good.
 
Can you be a bit more specific? Africa is a continent covering a vast range of countries, societies and situations/conditions. Where are you going? Are you travelling alone or with an organised group? where will you be staying? What are you going to photograph?

I lived in South Africa ( corrupt, incompetent, frustrating and wonderful!) until recently, and I've been to several other countries in Southern Africa over the last 30 years. I'll try to help if you can give me a better idea of your plans.
 
If you are going on safari,You need to put your kit in plastic bags,As the dust Gets every where.
 
MartynK said:
Can you be a bit more specific? Africa is a continent covering a vast range of countries, societies and situations/conditions. Where are you going? Are you travelling alone or with an organised group? where will you be staying? What are you going to photograph?

I lived in South Africa ( corrupt, incompetent, frustrating and wonderful!) until recently, and I've been to several other countries in Southern Africa over the last 30 years. I'll try to help if you can give me a better idea of your plans.
Click to expand...

Im going to Johannesburg with some friends, one of which has been before and is a photographer. We will do a few days of safari but hopefully we will do some more than just animals as I want to get some of the people too.
Ideally I need me a day sack.
Does that help at all?
 
Another one for the Billingham (550) I used one for Kenya can stand a camera with lens attached no problem
 
rgrebby said:
Im going to Johannesburg with some friends, one of which has been before and is a photographer. We will do a few days of safari but hopefully we will do some more than just animals as I want to get some of the people too.
Ideally I need me a day sack.
Does that help at all?
Click to expand...

Yes, quite a lot!

Johannesburg is violent/dangerous. I lived there for nearly 30 years, and worked in security risk management/consultancy. Local knowledge, situational awareness, some informed street smarts and a fair amount of common sense are far more important than the type of bag you carry, or your gear.

You should be safer while you are on safari, but be careful on the roads to wherever you're going.

I'll post again over the weekend, and try to give you some more specific advice, but SA is not a safe destination. For example, the known murder rate is approaching 20,000/annum, or around 50/day, which is pretty extraordinary for a country with a population of about 50 odd million. OTOH, most people are friendly, it's beautiful and the climate/scenery is wonderful. A land of heart breaking contrasts. It's Africa. My kids (grown up) still live there because they want to, and I may very well go back
 
MartynK said:
Yes, quite a lot!

Johannesburg is violent/dangerous. I lived there for nearly 30 years, and worked in security risk management/consultancy. Local knowledge, situational awareness, some informed street smarts and a fair amount of common sense are far more important than the type of bag you carry, or your gear.

You should be safer while you are on safari, but be careful on the roads to wherever you're going.

I'll post again over the weekend, and try to give you some more specific advice, but SA is not a safe destination. For example, the known murder rate is approaching 20,000/annum, or around 50/day, which is pretty extraordinary for a country with a population of about 50 odd million. OTOH, most people are friendly, it's beautiful and the climate/scenery is wonderful. A land of heart breaking contrasts. It's Africa. My kids (grown up) still live there because they want to, and I may very well go back
Click to expand...

Thanks, look forward to your post.
 
and I think you're talking more than 3 grands worth of gear in your kit Grebby.........
 
I have family in Botswana, and they travel to Jo'burg fairly regularly. Personally I have only been through the airport there, never out into the town, so my view / opinion is taken from hearsay only.

I can't recommend a particular bag, except use a bag which fits your gear, and you find comfy - irrespective of what it looks like. Remember that whatever the contents of your bag (even if it is just your lunch, wallet and phone) it is worth something to someone. If someone asks for it - give it them, without hesitation - I have heard of people being killed for a phone or wallet, sometimes even before the theif / murderer asks you for it (that last bit could be scaremongering by my family to make sure I don't talk to people in the airport! But I believe it to be true that people are killed during muggings)

Pacsafe sell bags and straps with wire cables and mesh in to prevent would be thieves from slashing and grabbing, these may be worth a look - but weigh up the pros and cons - whilst they may deter an opportunist, what is the possibility that they could aggravate someone and hence escalate the situation? :shrug:

The best thing you can do is get good fully comprehensive insurance which will cover you for mugging / theft - double check the small print to make sure too - just remember to keep your memory cards seperate somewhere discrete, as insurance cannot replace your shots.

Sorry for the doom and gloom! It just needs stressing how unsafe it can be when compared to London, New York etc, but I am certain you will have a great time there, and your experiences will stay with you for ever!
 
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