Another bag question - sorry !

[Siox]

Ok, my 40d \ 70-200 f2.8 \ grip arrive tomorrow thanks to Kerso and i need a decent bag!

I was pretty much sold on the LP slingshot 200 AW cos i liked the idea of not having to have the camera out all of the time and the ease to whip the bag around the front and then out with the cam etc. I didnt fancy the idea of having it on one shoulder tho and so started looking around.

Last nite i came across the Tamrac range and i must admit, id prefer a `proper` backpack anyhow.

Im looking at the Tamrac Expedition 4 and think it should take the 40d with grip and 70-200L lens attached with no probs. Only thing that is making me unsure now is this >

Will i miss the ease of removal feature from the 200AW ?

Possibly...

However, for long hikes and climbing etc im sure the Tamrac will be better and they have very positive reviews from Andy Rouse so cant be bad.


Has anyone else faced this dilemma or am i just weird lol !?

I`d also be interested to hear from anyone with these bags to see how they have got on with them.

I should add that i also think the Tamrac looks better , more anonymous (ie generic rucksack) and a lot less schoolboy (which the slingshot range reminds me off)

Cheers

Ade

 

[walls]

another option could be the lowpro primus. More expensive and has a quick removal feature - although you won't be able to get the 40D + grip out of it very easily...it's easy with the 30D+70-200 though. Great straps and waist belt and the upper bit for lots of walking gear.

Looks like a regular back pack with quite a slim profile. Quite a bit of money though.

 

[sypix]

Been more than happy with my Tamrac Expedition 5, but as you say it's not easily accessable.
Also recently bought a Tamrac Velocity 9x (like a slingshot) because it will take my 20D and 100-400L downwards (if you know what I mean?), and not sideways like the slingshots. Not had chance to use this yet though.

 

[denz1968]

Hi there

I use the expedition 4 with my Nikon D80, and a 100-300mm lens attached no problem. Also have the Nikon battery pack fitted no probs. Lots of pockets for SD cards, etc. All pockets are well protected. Also a nice little touch for the SD card slots is a little red flap that you either tuck in or out to say the card is full or empty.

Another useful feature is the additional pockets you can buy to add to the straps and to the bands fitted to the side of the bag.

I took this kit to the maldives last year with no damage to anything whatsoever.

Hope this helps but if you have any other questions just ask me.


Denz

 

[Siox]

another option could be the lowpro primus. More expensive and has a quick removal feature - although you won't be able to get the 40D + grip out of it very easily...it's easy with the 30D+70-200 though. Great straps and waist belt and the upper bit for lots of walking gear.

Looks like a regual back back with quite a slime profile. Quite a bit of money though.

Crikey tis a wee bit pricier than the Tamrac, nice bag tho altho probably a bit more than i was hoping to spend.

Been more than happy with my Tamrac Expedition 5, but as you say it's not easily accessable.
Also recently bought a Tamrac Velocity 9x (like a slingshot) because it will take my 20D and 100-400L downwards (if you know what I mean?), and not sideways like the slingshots. Not had chance to use this yet though

Hmm ive been looking at this one too, great bag for the money and gives me room for growth.

Something else that just occured to me is the lack of bottom protection in the Tamracs if you should plop em down on a hard surface or something as the gear goes right to the bottom of the bag by the looks of it ?

 

[jamesward93]

I have the slingshot 200 and have just bought the Tamrac adventure 9. I personally feel that the build quality of the the Tamrac is superior to the slingshot. I also think that while the quick access to the camera with the sligshot is great, i dont think it will fit the bag with the 70-200 2.8 attached. I can try tonight at let you know how it works.

 

[Siox]

Cheers James, i guess the other alternative would be the 300 AW ?

Denz, thanks for the info m8. Guess i shouldnt struggle with the 70-200 attached then

 

[denz1968]

Denz, thanks for the info m8. Guess i shouldnt struggle with the 70-200 attached then

No problem. I will check out the bottom padding when I get home and post later for you.

Also has strapping and a pocket for a tripod to be carried.

 

[Wookie]

I'm in a similar bag buying dilemma. New 70-200F4L has outgrown the faithful old Lowepro Nova 2 (it JUST fits in with other bits when its off the camera, but its a bit of a squeeze and I cant have it on the camera)
so I've been looking around for something deep enough to take the 70-200 on the 400D ready to shoot,
my shortlist includes these that I think you may also want to have a look at:

ThinkTank Holster 30 : http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_DH_compare.html - neat feature is it extends for if you've got the hood fitted on ready to shoot. Combine that with a photo rucksack to hold the stuff not in use or better combine the holster with individual lens bags to either clip alongside (useful for quick access) and stuff them in the normal walking rucksack while travelling.

Lowepro Toploader 75 or Zoom - similar to thinktank but without that neat extending bit, again bits & bobs in seperate bags for mix'nmatch setup or use a full photo rucksack

Lowepro Specialist 85 : http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_DH_compare.html - one bag for everything, deep so will take 70-200 lens fitted (hood reversed). It sits on wierd waist belt rucksack harness thing that is worn front or back. Doesnt give space for any non-photo gear.

 

[frank]

I've got the Tamrac Expidition 5 and my 40d fits in fine, I like the idea of the velcro strap to fasten over the part where the camera sits so it won't fall out when you open it. I have Tamron 28-75, sigma 70-300 canon 17-85 always in the bag tho' one of them is usually on the camera while its in. Also have extension tubes, hoods, speedlite 430 EX in the compartments too. All the other bits and bobs, memory cards remote etc etc in the various pockets. It's good for carrying all the junk around and the bag is WELL padded against the knocks.

2 things I find wrong but it's probably me, is when taking a photo either kneeling or bending over a tripod you need to take it off or it throws you off balance a bit. Also I'd like to see more of the velcro type strap for the other compartments to stop a lens from accidently dropping out if the bag was opened the wrong way, only 2 in mine. Easy enough to make one I suppose.

 

[denz1968]

No problem. I will check out the bottom padding when I get home and post later for you.

Also has strapping and a pocket for a tripod to be carried.

Checked the padding last night for you on the bottom of the bag and there is at least 0.5" if not 0.75" of thick padding to protect the contents. Unless you have a massive long lens the camera and lens would not be on the bottom of the bag as the way the bag is designed it is situated at the top of the bag with the lens facing downwards.

 

[Siox]

Thanks a lot for that m8 appreciate it. Think im gonna order the expedition 4 or 5 in a minute

May go for the 5 as it will give me a little more room for the time when i have a few more lenses. Only a tenner more and i guess it would be better to get it now rather than go for the smaller 4 and regret it.


Thanks all for the info

 

[jamesward93]

Good choice Siox. I checked the 200 this morning and there is no way you can use the bag as its intended with the 70-200 attached.

 

[Siox]

Thanks James. I can get used to having no quick access in favour of comfort so yes i think the Tamrac is the right choice for my needs

 

[sypix]

with my 20D + 100-400mm attached, in an Exp 5, there is at least a couple of inches from the end of the lens to the bottom of the bag. Not quite enough for another lens tho. I have various filters in this gap. I think the 70-200mm is of a similar length ot the 100-400mm?