Suggestions for a camera bag??

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Jchaplin

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Jeremy
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Hi all,

I've been looking around for a suitable bag for a week or two now since purchasing a couple of extra lenses. I need something that will hold a 5D with battery grip, a 24-70, 70-200 2.8 IS and a couple of extra prime lenses as well as a few extras maybe a flash or two.

EDIT: It needs to be big enough to accomdodate the hoods that go with the lenses too.

The current deals on the Lowepro flipside 400 or 300 looks good but I'm thinking it might be a struggle to get everything in and than maybe a Tamrac Expedition 7x case or something would be more suitable??

Anyone with any experience of these or other suggestions as to what to go for??

Cheers,
Jeremy.
 
It depends on if you want it to be pretty much indestructible or just look "cool" ?
I'd have a look for either a secondhand Domke F2 or a Billingham. Either would do the job and it'll take you decades to wear them out.

Of course I may be just a boring old sod that's locked in the past :)

cheers
 
Thanks Bill - I've not looked at either of those brands so I'll check them out.
 
Go for the Tamrac..there well made and designed...I have been using mine for almost 15years now and the fabric in not even showing any signs of wear yet..
 
I second Billingham, lovely durable bags which age gracefully and provide an appropriate level of protection rather than my worst ever buy, Crumpler, too much protection and therfore bulk and noisy velcro that used to wake the mrs up when I decided to download me snaps late at night.

John www.phototuition.net
 
just got the Dakine Reload backpack here..
loaded with same kit as you and its just right..really comfortable and loads of space.

been looking for a pack for ages that takes the gripped 5D and doesnt look like a camera pack.

T
:canon:
 
Thanks all for the suggestions. Billingham looks nice but probably a bit out of my price range at the moment. Domke F2 looks impressive and within price .. bit concerned there's not a lot of padding but all the reviews sound good.. do they do any colour other than 'Sand'??

Good point re the velcro Phototuition - i'll bear that in mind!
 
They certainly do black Domke F2's I have one. Actually I've also got a 20+ year old Billingham too, and I'd be hard pressed to choose between them. They just get better with age, which is why I suggested looking for a secondhand one. Don't worry about the apparent lack of padding... there's enough, without it being intrusive.
 
Thanks Bill - found the F2's in black at Warehouse Express at a sensible price so as I'm based near to them I'll go and check one out. Appreciate your suggestions - I honestly wouldn't have looked at them had you not suggested.
 
Yup - handy being near Warehouse Express but not so good for the credit card!

Bill - does the F2 hold a 70-200 f2.8 IS happily, I've seen one review that says not???

Edit - Seen plenty of other reviews that say otherwise. Am definately going to have to check one of these out.
 
mmm... to be honest I'm not sure. It's amazing what I can cram in there but I don't have a 70-200 f/2.8 to try. If you're close to Warehouse Express it may be worth taking your kit along and asking them if you can try it. I can't see why they'd refuse.

This review (second one down) would suggest it does take a 7-200 OK LINK
But obviously not having tried it personally I'd still suggest checking at W/Ex.

cheers
Bill
 
If its any help, I went through this dilemma a while back. I went for the Domke F1 (got it here) in the end.
I can comfortably fit my gripped 40D with 24-70 attached and a 70-200 F2.8 along with room for my flash and a couple of smaller lenses. Its a great bag with loads of space, not sure if I would get it all in an F2 though!!!
 
another vote for Lowe Pro... but one thing i'd say is go bigger... much bigger than you think... I bought a Lowe pro bag recently and you forget how much room all the other stuff takes up... battery chargers, maps, food, gloves, sun cream, pain killers, pens, notepad etc etc... all the other stuff you like to carry... I'm prob even after a year going to look at upgrading...

I always have had two bags too... one traditional over the shoulder... but another for travel and walking!

M
 
Hmm, I like Lowepro but I can't think of anything in their range that would meet my needs. Do they do a similar shoulder bag like the Domke F2's?? I agree though - always go for the bigger option, particularly with these types of bag where the padding takes up half the available room!!

Edit: Anyone tried the Lowepro Magnum 200AW or 400AW??
 
Currently thinking Domke F-1X or Lowepro Magnum 400 AW.. anyone any thoughts which way to go?? I guess the extra padding and the way the Lowepro is designed to take the body with a 70-200 mounted appeals a the moment, but I'm sure I could do that with the F1-X too??
 
The trouble is bags are like lenses... you always need more than one.
I've got Pele and Storm cases that are ideal for storage but I wouldn't like to carry them too far. I tried a Kata backpack, it was really decent quality too, but I guess I just don't get on with backpacks. The Domke and Billingham are great, but as you're starting to realise... just how big do I need?

Don't worry, you'll end up with a small collection eventually, just like the rest of us :)

cheers
 
thats the trouble isn't it, you always need more than one. normally theres one that holds everything designed for storage, one for hikes, one for city trips, one for holidays, one for popping to the shops, one for walking out the garden...the list is endless.
 
Hehehe.. never easy is it. I've already got a Lowepro backpack so as you all say it wont be my first or last camera bag purchase I'm sure!!

Thanks all for the advice. I'll let you know what I end up with!
 
Hi Jeremy,

Your question prompted me to register so I could throw in my experience !

I did a lot of searching for a bag suitable for my gear for the Australian Airshow March last year. I knew I would be walking around with my gear for a number of hours and I wanted something comfortable and secure. I settled on the LowePro Flipside 400 after a lot of research and trial runs (Luckily I had a friend with a photography shop who lent me a variety. I carried the following gear back then;
1 x 50D with 70-200mm F2.8 L IS & Battery grip attached
24-70mm F2.8mm L
24-105mm L IS
100-400mm F4.5-5.6 L IS
10-22mm EFS
Second 50D Body
2 x 580EX Flashes
Velbon Sherpa 450
Spare batteries, Cleaning Stuff etc.

I walked around with all this gear on my back for 6 HOURS and didn't even feel it that or the next day. With the thousands people at the Airshow, I felt my gear was very secure because you can only access the camera gear by swinging the backpack from the back to the front which allows access to the secure INSIDE of the pack with the added bonus of being able to change lenses, bodies all while the gear is suspended in front of you and kept well off the ground (Like a stable Table). Later in the day, we had a real DOWNPOUR. I slipped the integral rain cover out from the bottom of the pack, covered up the bag and watched every one around me ducking for cover to protect their camera gear ! I just purchased another FS400 and a FS300 because I love how much thought they put into 1. Comfort 2. Security 3. Protection from the elements 4. Stable workspace to change lenses with it even touching muddy wet ground ! Simon
 
Lower Pro mini Trekker AW

IMG_1272.JPG


1D MKIV with 70-200 f2.8 + hood,17-40,Sigma 105mm with hood,24-70 f2.8 with hood,50mm f1.4 with hood,1.4x and 2x TC's and in the top 2 x 580 EX flashes, hood for 17-40, remote release,flash extension cord,rocket blower,sensor swab kit and loads of memory cards and other odds and sods and i think its just about full ;).Sorry forgot the backup 20D.

Easy to carry around considering how much weight it has in it and also comes with its own cover in the bottom of the bag to keep the lot dry if it rains(And it works).
 
mastertrinity said:
thats the trouble isn't it, you always need more than one. normally theres one that holds everything designed for storage, one for hikes, one for city trips, one for holidays, one for popping to the shops, one for walking out the garden...the list is endless.
Click to expand...

Hahaha, sometimes feels like that.
 
Thanks Simon & Gadget Guy - adds to my choices and doesn't make the decision making process any easier - but the advice is greatly appreciated! :)

Edit: And welcome to TP Simon!
 
Lowepro Stealth Reporter range is quite good. I have a 500AW and the larger 650AW, and both will probably take what you want. For when I need a backpack - eg for longer walks, then I use a Lowepro Computrekker AW.
 
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