Shoulder bag help needed

rob-nikon

rob-nikon

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Rob
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I'm looking for a shoulder bag and need some advice. I currently have a lowepro flipside 400 which great but I find I nearly knock people over when turning around in crowded places. I would like to get a shoulder bag that will carry:

d7000 + grip with 70-200 f2.8 attached
2nd lens (105mm Macro lens or mid range zoom-17-50 f2.8 size)
Sb700 flash if possible

or

d7000 attached to mid range zoom or 105mm macro lens
2nd lens 50mm f1.8
Sb700 flash.

Ive had a look at Lowepro bags and I've seen the messenger and classified range, both which look good but I was wondering if there is something better out there. I would like it to carry the above with a little extra room left over if possible. A slot to carry a tablet or 13" laptop would be good bonus.

Can anyone advise what bag they use and what they can be put in it? I don't want it to be too big if that's possible.
 
I have a manfrotto agile ii stile c. Very compact, fits as hand luggage on flights (even Ryan air!). I fit in a 70-200 2.8, 50mm, 85mm, flash. Has tripod holder and small laptop compartment. All internal compartments can be rearranged and has a side access panel for sling mode. Not sure if I could arrange it to have the 70 200 attached tho. I believe they do a slightly bigger version.
 
I have a couple of Crumpler bags - they are not too bad.
The Thinktank Retrospective 10 or 20 would probably fit the bill very well though.
 
I have a Lowepro Classified 160AW, which I got for similar reasons. I have a gripped D7000 also, though it has no strap on it.

It should fit what you say (I don't own a 70-200 but there's certainly room). The grip is a bit tight due to the odd way the camera section is accessed, ie a zip section on top, not under the flap.

Other than that it's a pretty much a nice bag, pretty cheap too. My biggest issue is the pad on the strap is sewed in not a sliding one, but thats a petty complaint.

If you have more money than I did, I'd be looking Retro 20.
 
I would highly reccomend the Think Tank Retrospective series, they are really comfy to walk around with. They don't look like camerabags either (So it would be easier to trick the thieves). Also they have loads of space and are very high quality.
I have owned the Retrospective 30, which is very big. It says it won't take a D7000 with a 70-200 f2.8 attached, but if you reverse the lens hood it does (only makes the top a little bulky). Now I own the Retrospective 20 and is a bit taller, but takes less gear. It would easily fit your needs though.
They come in grey, black and blue. They're also a bit cheaper than the Lowepro Pro Messenger.
think-tank-photo-retrospective-20-pinestone-275x275-imadbc3h423gntz5.jpeg
 
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The Think Tank Restrospective bags do look very good, can you comment on what the padding's like ?
 
stu.artd said:
The Think Tank Restrospective bags do look very good, can you comment on what the padding's like ?
Click to expand...

I used to use a Retrospective 10. The padding's not as thick as you'd get in a typical Lowepro bag of a similar size. However, it did the job without incident.
 
The TT Retrospectives are another good option to consider too. You need to be aware that the black version of the Retro is made with the ballistic nylon material as the Urban Disguise which I recommended. The other Retros do appear more padded.

I tend to prefer the UD series because the zippers are lockable ( the Retros are secured by velcro ) and the UD 35 and erstwhile 30 are of the taller profile style of bag which means that they retain a smaller footprint which I prefer. The bag won't stick out so much when carried. Access however is easier with the Retro series but I'm more sold on the security provided by zippers and the smaller footprint of the UD 35. The UD35 is 10.5 wide while the Retro 20 for instance has a width of 13.5 inches despite which the UD35 will accommodate a 13 inch laptop.....

The link below shows the capacity of the UD35.


http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/urban-disguise-35-v2.aspx


and here's the Retro 20

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/retrospective-20-black-shoulder-bag.aspx


Capacity of these bags is very generous. My UD30 ( now discontinued ) allows my 1D4 in the front pocket, 5D3 in the main compartment and 2-3 lenses depending on size. The taller UD35 will allow a gripped and mounted body in the main compartment. The V2.0 provide attachments for accessory bags which is very handy. The Retro provides ample storage and attachment points too. Both really are worth serious consideration but the UD35 can take your laptop.
 
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Thanks for all the replies, both the thinktanks look very good. I'm going to wait until focus at NEC in march then I will hopefully be able to have a good look at both of the thinktanks (retro & ud35) and the lowepro classifieds (160 & 200). I don't have any photography shops near me to have a look at them.

i definitely want a bag that's not too big buts carries what I need it to. Rain protect is always a good idea too. I've heard the thinktanks are good and its probably worth the extra for one too.
 
TT Retro's look lovely, but it really bugs me that they charge so much for a bag.

I know they protect, but a bit more padding doesn't cost a lot.
 
drb5 said:
TT Retro's look lovely, but it really bugs me that they charge so much for a bag.

I know they protect, but a bit more padding doesn't cost a lot.
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Yes I would agree TT products come at a premium but I dare say they are not the most expensive out there. Billingham and ONA for example cost more and TT items come with a lifetime guarantee.

What I do like about the UD series is that despite their relatively compact dimensions, they really do hold a lot and are very well-made and wear well too so perhaps if one looks at the longer term. I have two UD bags and also use their skin system which is a real bonus on particular assignments where I prefer not to lug around a bag. I hope no one thinks they make me look like some ninja warrior though!!! The Retros are slightly bigger than the UD for those who prefer that style of bag.


:wave:
 
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I had a retrospective 10 and loaded up with dslr with lens fitted a flashgun and extra lens and a few bits and bobs it is one heavy bag! due to the heavy cotton material used, I would look for something lighter like a lowepro shoulder bag or Thinktank streetwalker or whatever. It weight of the bag is something you should consider as well. I myself now use a Thinktank slingomatic 30 but i cut the slingback strap off and use a Thinktank comfort strap with it instead, This bag is plenty big enough to fit a full size dslr and hebrew trinity selection of lenses with a flash and laptop as well as room for a foldup small tripod, but like most thinktank products there not cheap. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6j3xlKgRzA
 
I've one of the Lowepro Nova shoulder bags and am very happy with it.

They do different sizes as well - worth checking them out
 
andyred said:
I've one of the Lowepro Nova shoulder bags and am very happy with it.

They do different sizes as well - worth checking them out
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I have a small sized Lowepro Nova and highly regard it too. A little squarish IMHO but is strong, tough and renders good protection. I still have it and store my accessories and cables in it. Went to TT in the end because of all the reasons mentioned before.
 
Hotshots said:
I had a retrospective 10 and loaded up with dslr with lens fitted a flashgun and extra lens and a few bits and bobs it is one heavy bag! due to the heavy cotton material used, I would look for something lighter like a lowepro shoulder bag or Thinktank streetwalker or whatever. It weight of the bag is something you should consider as well. I myself now use a Thinktank slingomatic 30 but i cut the slingback strap off and use a Thinktank comfort strap with it instead, This bag is plenty big enough to fit a full size dslr and hebrew trinity selection of lenses with a flash and laptop as well as room for a foldup small tripod, but like most thinktank products there not cheap. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6j3xlKgRzA
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Sorry to hijack but can you give more detail on the strap mod. I too have a 30 and have thought about something similar but was never sure what to do.
 
those of you using shoulder bags with a lot of gear in might like to consider one of these pads:

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00009R86L

414MaqVu8CL._SL500_AA300_.jpg


I often use a billingham packington with my D7000 with power pack - this is a great bag as takes the massive 80-200/2.8 attached no problem. I did find it heavy however until I added the shoulder pad above - seems expensive but it really makes a difference.

I also added a waist strap - bits are under a fiver from ebay, this also helps and also adds some security.
 
Rob, I am going through the same selection headache as you at present and I have all but settled on the Crumpler Million Dollar Home series. They can be had on eBay for between £40 and £80 depending on the size you need and seem to offer up as much as the TT or Lowepro equivalent bags. A Six Million Dollar Home is probably what you would need.
 
I have a 7 million dollar home with a 650D attached to my 70-200 2.8, also fits my 300 f4 and I have a side space for a flash or 3rd lens. According to youtube a 7D gripped will fit in attached to the lens. I also have a thinktank retro 7, I use it for smaller stuff because I have a bad neck, it's a nice bag, fits what I need in and I've not been worried about the protection in it. You get lots of dividers and you can use 2 instead of one to divide the bag.
 
jonoooo125 said:
I have a 7 million dollar home with a 650D attached to my 70-200 2.8, also fits my 300 f4 and I have a side space for a flash or 3rd lens. According to youtube a 7D gripped will fit in attached to the lens. I also have a thinktank retro 7, I use it for smaller stuff because I have a bad neck, it's a nice bag, fits what I need in and I've not been worried about the protection in it. You get lots of dividers and you can use 2 instead of one to divide the bag.
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Jono, how do you think I would fare trying to fit a D7000 w/ 17-50mm, 55-200mm, 11-16mm and 50mm alongside a flash, some filters and filter holders and an iPad?
 
On the 7MDH, ipad fits in the front pocket, there is a mesh bit in the flap/lid you can put filters in and the rest you would fit in I am sure, at the minute, I have a 650D with 70-2pp attached, 300mm on the left and on the right is 14mm 2.8 and a 24-70 2.8, I would never try and carry it for a day out! But it all fits in there plus cloths, extra cards, ipad camera connection kit

Can't edit on the ipad but I meant 70-200mm attached**
 
Have you looked at Billinghams range?

They are about the best bag manufacturers in my opinion. I've got several and they stand up to a lot of abuse.

They also do a couple of slimmer ones, which are great for events.
 
Just to up date this thread I've gone with the Thinktank Urban Disguise 35. It's been delivered today and its the perfect size being high enough but not too wide. It fits a gripped d7000 with 70-200 f2.8 attached and 18-70, 12-24 and sb700 very nicely. I can even get in the 70-200 f2.8 and 300 f4 with either attached to the gripped d7000. And there is also room for a 13" laptop (or iPad) and 2nd body in the front pocket. Thanks for the advice otherwise I wouldn't have thought of this bag.

Does any one know where you can get something like a lens sock to put smaller lens in and over the 70-200 mount? It would give a little extra protection and stop the end of the lens rubbing against the camera body.
 
Lowepro event messenger 250 is a good size for the stuff you suggest. I've just bought one for the same reasons you did. You can get it for £38 from a few places which is pretty good. You've probably already seen that the 150 is smaller which might suit you better - I haven't seen it in person but I was sceptical that it would be too small given that the messenger 100 is tiny.
 
Sorry - somehow missed your previous post that you've already bought one! Hope it works well for you!
 
@tiddlybiz

Hi I've been looking at the messenger 250 too. Couple of questions:
1. Does the 70-200 2.8 fit when attached
2. What room is there for other lenses
3. Do you have a grip fitted?

Thanks for any help.
 
tiddlybiz said:
Lowepro event messenger 250 is a good size for the stuff you suggest. I've just bought one for the same reasons you did. You can get it for £38 from a few places which is pretty good. You've probably already seen that the 150 is smaller which might suit you better - I haven't seen it in person but I was sceptical that it would be too small given that the messenger 100 is tiny.
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I did have a look at this before I went for the thinktank but I was worried if a 70-200 f2.8 would fit in attached to the D7000. It specs says the internal height it 24.5cm whilst the thinktank ud35 is 33.5cm which leaves a little room for a tc to be attached too. It otherwise looks to be a good bag.
 
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