What camera bag do you have and/or recommend?

With the new gear I've purchased, I am in need of a bigger bag& suggestions. I don't have any stores near me that sell them so I'm relying heavily on your advice& whatever pics/reviews I can find on the web. It's amazing how some sites don't even show the inside of the bag! The ones that do, it is hard to tell if I'd even have room in the divider sectionfor the big lens hood that came with the 100-400mm.

I've narrowed things down to four...


OGIO Atiba Mini
Mountainsmith Traverse AT
Kata KT DR-467-BR
Kata 3N1-30 Sling

My gear would be my 7D, macro lens, 17-55mm,one of my telephotos (either the 100-400mm zoom or 300mm), teleconverter, extermal flash, cleaning supplies, lens hoods, misc. small stuff such as filters, etc. I don't have a laptop but would like to haveroom for a manual or book. Although when I go out, I wouldn't take every lens I own with me but you never know what you might need walking trails or down by the marina. Even at home, I still like to haveas much together as I can.

Recommendations for any of the above or others greatly appreciated! Please feel free to post photos of your bag fully loaded! [:)]

Thanks so much!


Denise

Hi Denise,


I'm really happy with my Lowepro Flipside 400AW. Great capacity - it holds my 7D with grip, all of my current lenses with their hoods (EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM,EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM,EF 85mm f/1.8 USM,EF 100mm f/2.8<span style="color: red;"]LMacro IS USM,EF 200mm f/2.8<span style="color: red;"]LII USM , andEF 300mm f/4<span style="color: red;"]LIS USM), and my Speedlite 430EX II. I think I'll be able to get the 100-400mm in there with the hood (instead of the 300mm f/4), but I won't have that lens to try it out for another couple of weeks). The outside pocket holds my charger, 5 filters (77mm) in their boxes, LensPen, Rocket Blower, and the Magic Lantern 7D guide. It's got an external holder for the tripod. It opens from the front, i.e. the part of the pack that is against your back when worn. In addition to theft deterrence in an urban setting, one thing I really like about it is when hiking I can remove the shoulder straps, spin it around, and have a platform to change lenses, all without setting the pack on the ground. It's also quite comfortable to wear on a hike of several hours, even with all that gear inside.


Here's a pic (the top of the pack is in front):


[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.35.15/Lowepro-400AW.JPG[/img]

I suggest lowepro for your needs. Either shoulder bags, backpacks, etc, all are well made. I have a different brand bag but for you I think a lowepro pack will be a good fit. How's the 100-400 coming along? What's your impression of the 100-400 vs the 300 f/4?


brendan

Quote:

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Originally Posted by neuroanatomist

I'm really happy with my Lowepro Flipside 400AW.

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Hi John,


Thanks for the info on your Lowepro bag and the photo! It was VERY helpful and has made it toward the top of my list. The reviews on a few sites I looked at are really good also. Only two things are am wondering, if it will hold my tripod ok or if it is made for smaller ones and how easy is it to open on the go? I just watch a video on it and the guy showed the advantage of the waist strap and being able to turn the bag around to the front to open it using his thigh for support ...looks like it mightwork ok but one reviewer said things can easily fall out. Is it quite the balancing act or is the bag pretty sturdy and rigid on the back?

Denise

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bburns223

How's the 100-400 coming along? What's your impression of the 100-400 vs the 300 f/4?

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Hi Bendan,

To be honest with you, I have not had a chance to really use the 100-400mm. I have been really sick and it has also been raining here for days and for a few more yet to come. I am "impatiently" waiting for some nice weather now that I am feeling better! It looks like better weather coming on Monday when I will be at work! [:(]

Denise

It holds my Manfrotto 190CX4 + 488RC2 ballhead just fine - two of the legs fit in the pocket (which tucks into a little compartment when not in use), and the strap holds it up higher. The legs + ballhead are about 25" long, and the top of the ballhead is just a couple of inches above the top of the pack (and the pack is deep enough that the ballhead is nowhere near my head).


I don't find a need to do a balancing act or use my thigh to support the bag when it's in front and opened up. Unlike the lower numbers in the series (Flipside 200/300), the 400AW versionThe only 'issue' I've noticed is that the camera body is a significant weight positioned near the top of the bag. So, when the body is in the bag and I spin it around and open it, I need to support the bag with one hand when pulling out the body - it drops about 6" when I pull the body out. That does not occur when pulling out lenses (even heavier ones, which I place near the base). Even so, I don't feel anything is likely to fall out - the dividers hold things in place nicely.


Hope that helps!


--John

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

It's amazing how some sites don't even show the inside of the bag!

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I agree. It should be in their best interest to show as many pictures as they can.


Luckily, I came across of this website. It is in german, but you can easily find the backpack of your choice and see what can be put in it. The database is getting updated frequently.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by piiooo

Luckily, I came across of this website. It is in german, but you can easily find the backpack of your choice and see what can be put in it.

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Thank you so much for the link! This is exactly what I searching for earlier. A site that actually shows you pictures of the inside of the bag loaded with gear! This is great (even if it isn't in english)!

Denise

Denise, try searching the name of the bag on flickr. Many users post pictures of their bags loaded w/ gear.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bburns223

Denise, try searching the name of the bag on flickr. Many users post pictures of their bags loaded w/ gear.
<div style="CLEAR: both"]</div>

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Thanks Brendan, I will check that out. I really like John's but want to look over a few more before I order one.


Denise

Hi Denise,


I've had the Kata KT DR-467 (green trim) for about a year now. I like it for not being able to hold too much stuff i.e. makes me think about what exactly I want to carry. It's my choice as a carry on for planes as it meets the size requirements, but you can stuff a lot into it. I've had an XTI with 24-105, 70-200 f4 IS, and 430 EX flash in the bottom compartment with a little room for a sunglass case or other random object. It's a snug fit, but not too crazy. It's also very comfortable to carry around for an entire day.


I also own a Lowepro Rover AWII which is monster of a bag and I don't use it very often due to it's size. The Lowepro Slingshot series is also one of my favorite (even though it's not on your list) for just throwing a few things and going out the door with.


Hope this helps.


Ed

Quote:

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Originally Posted by edfrometown

I also own a Lowepro Rover AWII which is monster of a bag and I don't use it very often due to it's size. The Lowepro Slingshot series is also one of my favorite (even though it's not on your list) for just throwing a few things and going out the door with.

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Hi Ed,


Thanks for the info! The Rover does look like quite the bag! Not exactly something I need for a day at the park! [:P] I am really torn right now between the Kata and Lowepro 400AW. Dimension wise, the Kata is wider but not as much depth. Plus the Kata's price is more attractive...leaves $ for other stuff. I just want to make sure I don't make the decision on $ alone and will also look at the Slingshot. The Kata doesn't have an attached holderto put the tripod on the outside, does it?

Thanks again,


Denise

Much like Ed, above, I tend toward a smaller bag for most outings. I have a LowePro Nature Trekker when I need everything, including my f/4 IS Kitchen Sink. But, for the most part, I use my Crumpler Six Million Dollar Home. It easily holds my 5DII, 24-105, 70-200 f/4, 580EX II, 50mm f/1.4, a small rocket blower, plus an extra battery, memory cards, a couple of filters, a lens pen... I usually take a bit less than that and can stuff a small water bottle, or something like that, in there. It's quite a versatile piece of equipment, is relatively small, and looks like a generic shoulder bag. Unfortunately, there's definitely not room for a laptop, although some of the larger Crumpler bags can accomodate one, I believe. I've been very happy with the bag and wouldn't hesitate to buy another Crumpler.


A halfway decent site for camera bags with photos (and reviews by real-world users) is CamBags. It can be a bit hit or miss (and I find their navigation a bit frustrating), but it might just have what you're looking for. I imagine that the "perfect camera bag" is propped up next to the fountain of youth. Good luck with your search! :)


Aaron

The LowePro Flipside 400AW sounds really nice, and when my gear expands I may look into one for myself, but for now, I like the capacity and portability of the LowePro Flipside 300. It opens in the same manner as the 400. It is a little more compact, judging by the picture above, but has plenty of room for a body with battery grip plus an attached 400mm f/5.6 lens in the middle, with room for a 17-40mm f/4, a full-size flash, a 100mm macro (which I don't own but tried before I bought the bag at the camera shop) and accessories like chargers, etc. It has several individual pockets inside a covered outer zippered pocket that accomodate CF cards and filters, though not likely in the boxes. I don't have the quantity of gear that neuroanatomist does, but for my limited current kit, it does a great job and is very handy to carry or wear.


It also has the foot and straps for my tripod, but I don't like the exposure or security when it is on there, so I carry it in its own separate padded case with a built-in shoulder strap.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HiFiGuy1

The LowePro Flipside 400AW sounds really nice, and when my gear expands I may look into one for myself, but for now, I like the capacity and portability of the LowePro Flipside 300.

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That was a tough debate for me (300 vs. 400AW). When I bought the 400AW, I didn't have enough gear to fill it. Now I do, when I want to take everything. I also have the Inverse 200AW (belt pack type) - that's great for a body + 3 'normal' lenses, body + 2'normal'lenses and flash, or body + big white lens, for walking about.


Initially, before buying the 400AW I thought I would end up getting one of the smaller Flipsides down the line, but the 400AW is comfortable enough that I now don't see the need. The main factors that led me to the 400AW over the 300 were not the capacity for more gear (soon, I'll have more than will fit in even the 400AW!), but rather the wider, padded hip belt (it's in the style of a real backpacking pack and actually transfers weight to the hips), the semi-rigid frame the 300 lacks, and the AW cover. I do use the tripod holder for hiking in the wilderness, but I don't use it for urban treks (on those, I'm more likely to carry the Inverse 200 and just the right lenses for the shooting I'll be doing).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Aaron K

A halfway decent site for camera bags with photos (and reviews by real-world users) is CamBags. It can be a bit hit or miss (and I find their navigation a bit frustrating), but it might just have what you're looking for.

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Thanks for the website info! I did check it out and it was very helpful, I saw a few that I hadn't on other sites but yep, I am finding that the perfect bag must be propped up right nex to that fountain of youth! [:P]

Denise

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

I am finding that the perfect bag must be propped up right nex to that fountain of youth! [img]/emoticons/emotion-4.gif[/img]

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Very true. No bag is perfect, and no gear solves all the problems. But really, that Lowepro looks like a solid choice.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bburns223

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

I am finding that the perfect bag must be propped up right nex to that fountain of youth! [img]/emoticons/emotion-4.gif[/img]

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Very true. No bag is perfect, and no gear solves all the problems.

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I do agree. Until somebody invents a perfect bag, having eventually a few of them may be the way to go. I have read threads full ofposts stating how maybags photogs have and on what occassions theyare being used.


BTW, I have the Flipside 400 and love it for its capacity, ergonomicsandcomfortableness. The 300 is also fine, but itwill betighter if you are planning on taking lens hoodswith you, itswaist belt is not as comfy, its tripod holding system not as strong andthereis noall weater cover.

LowePro Mini-Trekker AW


I love this bag! It's big enough to fit a good amount of stuff without being too big to carry. It's durable, has plenty of additional storage and a place for the tripod. It also has a nice little raincoat-like thing that comes from under it to cover the bag to protect it from rain.


Here is my bag:


On the left you'll see an EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM with hood. Just to below you'll see an EF 2x converter.


Middle column from top to bottom is an EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM Macro, then an EF 1.4x converter and underneath that is an EF 50mm f/1.4 USM. Below that is my Canon 7D with attached EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens.


Right column: Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 UWA and Canon 50D.


I also have one of my two 430EXII Speedlites in the other, front compartment of the bag. Both could fit but I keep one at home as I rarely use even the one I bring along with me. I also have pens, a USB stick, blank DVDs, lens-cleaning paper, memory card wallet and extra camera batteries.





NOTE: I used to have an EF 100-400 in the SAME exact place as the 70-200 is now in my bag... I never even moved the divider so it shouldn't take up any more space than you see there.

Jordan, Welcome back! (It seems you haven't posted in a while...)


I tried a Mini Trekker when I was looking for a camera bag. Well, I ended up going with a Crumpler (best bag out there) but that lowepro's a solid recommendation.


brendan

Quote:

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Originally Posted by piiooo

BTW, I have the Flipside 400 and love it for its capacity, ergonomicsandcomfortableness. The 300 is also fine, but itwill betighter if you are planning on taking lens hoodswith you, itswaist belt is not as comfy, its tripod holding system not as strong andthereis noall weater cover.

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Right now, the 400 AW is at the top of my list. I was thinking of the 300 for awhile but I'm glad you pointed out the main differences!

Denise

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jordan

Here is my bag:


On the left you'll see

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Sorry, I can't see anything [:(]. I wish I could see it fully loaded to compare to John's because the mini-trekker AWand the 400 AW are the two I've narrowed it down to. Of course, they weren't even on my original list! Both sound really nice and they are about the same price. Thanks for the info, I hadn't even looked at that bag until you posted. I wish I had a store nearby to actually try both out!

Denise

Hi Denise,


If you scroll down to the red bag in this linked review, you'll see a loaded Flipside 300. I was lucky enough to be able to try both on at a brick &amp; mortar store - the hip belt is a big difference, much more substantial on the 400AW version.

Denise, just as a general piece of advice, don't sweat your gear purchases too much [:P]


I'm sure which ever of the bags you pick you'll be satisfied with, and remember gear is only 1/3rd of the picture (pun intended.


brendan

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bburns223

Denise, just as a general piece of advice, don't sweat your gear purchases too much

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I wouldn't really say I'm sweatin' it, Brendan. I just trust the advice I get from others here and since I don't have a store nearby that sells any (Bestbuy has one), I figure who better to ask than people who actually own and have used them awhile. Also, most that have replied also own the same gear packed inside.

Never hurts to post and ask.


Denise

Quote:

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Originally Posted by neuroanatomist

Hi Denise,


If you scroll down to the red bag in [url="http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=445678]this linked review[/url], you'll see a loaded Flipside 300. I was lucky enough to be able to try both on at a brick &amp; mortar store - the hip belt is a big difference, much more substantial on the 400AW version.
<div style="CLEAR: both"]</div>

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Everything looks much more "snug" in the 300 than in yours. I think I'm going to get either the 400 AW or the mini-trekker. Haven't decided which yet.

Thank you for all your help! [:)]

Denise

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bburns223

Denise, just as a general piece of advice, don't sweat your gear purchases too much

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I wouldn't really say I'm sweatin' it, Brendan. I just trust the advice I get from others here and since I don't have a store nearby that sells any (Bestbuy has one), I figure who better to ask than people who actually own and have used them awhile. Also, most that have replied also own the same gear packed inside.

Never hurts to post and ask.


Denise

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True. I don't have a camera store near me either....

Well, I've got it narrowed down to the Lowepro Mini-trekker AW and the 400 AW.
I found someone who posted photos on flickr comparing the two with front, side and open view completed loaded.

Here's the link in case anyone else is looking for a new bag ...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kentkc/3742411878/in/photostream/

Hmmm ...looks like it will be the 400AW for me!

Thanks everyone for the help!

Denise

Hi Denise,


Unfortunately the Kata doesn't have a full tripod on the outside. It has a little mesh pocket that is meant for a 500 mL water bottle (and it works). I've used it along with one of the front straps to hold a tripod, but it's not ideal and does flop around when you walk.


The Slingshot is great for the ability to slide it in front of yourself to access your gear. I find it slightly uncomfortable over a long day and I find that I end up switching it from one shoulder to the other every hour or so. But, I find most backpacks dig into my shoulders to some extent, so don't le t my discomfort sway you from trying out the Slingshots. The new series (102, 202, 303) look really great, especially with the built in tripod carrier, which I really wish the original one had.


Good luck with your shopping.


Ed

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

Hmmm ...looks like it will be the 400AW for me!

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I cannot speak for the Mini, but you will not be disappointed with the 400. Good luck.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by piiooo

I cannot speak for the Mini, but you will not be disappointed with the 400. Good luck.

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Thanks! I just ordered it off ebay newfor $95 w/ free shipping!! It's $150. @ Amazon!

Denise

You can't see anything?? I thought it was quite fully-loaded. Are we talking about the same photo here?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jordan

You can't see anything?? I thought it was quite fully-loaded. Are we talking about the same photo here?

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It's just a padlock icon with "Content Protected by Owner." Rather a moot point now, though... [;)]

Hi John,

I received my Lowepro Flipside 400AW already and I absolutely love it!! It is AMAZING how much can fit in it and when full it doesn't even feel heavy or awkward!

Thanks so much for recommending it!

Denise

I too have Flipside 400 AW. I can stuffed my gears inside and absolutely efficient way of changing accessing your gears w/o having to put your bag on a flatform or floor. Perfect back for my needs ;) Cheers!