Looking for a good Messenger Bag when I have my 70-200 f2.8 mounted

I have a 60D with a battery grip and when I have my 70-200mm lens mounted I would like to have a it easily accessible from a messenger bag so I don't have to unzip or pull open a flap.


Any suggestions? I would also like to be able to safely carry a spare lens (17-55mm) in a small pouch and have it in the same messenger bag.


I found lots doing a Google search - but I'm interested in real life opinions.


Thanks


-Robert

I

Check out the ThinkTank Retrospective 20, it will holda pro body, 70-200mm f/2.8 with hood reversed, a flash and another lens.


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


I don't own this bag, but I have many think tank products and they are all very well made, same for Tenba.


Also check outthe Tenba Large:


http://www.tenba.com/products/Messenger-Large-Photo-Laptop-Bag.aspx#specifications


I don't own the million dollar crumpler but I have heard very good things about it as well.





Rich

I have the Lowepro Classified 200 and the smaller 160, it just fits a DSLR with a battery grip and 70-200 attached. Both are very good bags, but they both get heavy, specially with the load that you are considering. In actual shooting conditions, I find they do get a little uncomfortable and I usually end up having to put them down and hopefully have someone else watch them.


I have tried on the ThinkTank versions and they are very good, but they have the same footprint and weight as the Classifieds.


My best bag is the Tamrac 5788 Evolution backpack. This carries all lenses you specified, plus another one, plus a flash. It has room for filters, cleaning supplies and food or a jacket up top. But, the very best thing about this bag is you don

+ 1 on Sean

I just looked on the crumpler website and I see they

Hi Sean . I have had several Lowepro sling type bags.. but have just found that they are too cumbersome to reach and grab when I am out and about. I have a Compupack (lowepro) now so when I travel I can take my lap top and my camera - but definately not good for walking the streets to take pictures. I

Hey Richard - I think these Thinktank retropective series bags may just be the ticket. They look great.


Thanks,


-Robert

@Steve: How easy is it to get to the camera when mounted on your back? Can you swing it around and pull out the camera? It's a very nice looking backpack - but accesibilty is what I am looking for with a messenger bag.


Thanks,


Robert

The local store sells Tamrac and I have two versions. One of them is this one:





[View:http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/488194-REG/Tamrac_576801_5768_Velocity_8x_Sling.html]


It works with the hood reversed, but I really want somthing that I could carry with the hood on. Its a pain walking around, taking the camera out, put the hood on and then have to take it off to put it back up.


This bag will do what you are saying. If you zip it, or clip it closed is up to you. Gravity holds the camera in, unless you are moving around alot and then you can just clip the sides shut. I zip mine just to keep dust out.

@btaylor: The bag you mentioned above looks great too - now I

Hi Robert,


If you watch the B&H Videohttp://community.the-digital-picture...oduct_demo.gifthat shows the Tamrac 5788 Evolution 8 Backpack, it really is that easy and that fast to get access, once the pack is set up right on your back. I have never used it as a sling, as the backpack is so comfortable and easy to use and access. In use, I find that generally I am not pulling the camera out and taking 2 shots, putting it back, 5 minutes later pulling it out and taking 10 shots, putting it back and so on. If I'm shooting something, I'll have the camera strap around my neck and the backpack on. If I have a messenger bag it is a lot more comfortable to shoot for extended periods with the bag off.


Because I have 2 of the Lowepro Classified messenger style bags as well as having tried the Crumpler's, I would say that the Lowepro's are a little more "camera style" design, but the Crumpler is more "street". I also tried the ThinkTank and they are very good, but they have minimal padding at the base of the bag compared to the others, something that you would always have to be aware of.


I may be a little more delicate than most, but I find wearing a messenger bag for more than 30 minutes with your gear list plus a flash to be a very noticeable strain, I am always looking to set it down. Two hours with a balanced backpack and I don't even feel it.


However, if I go to evening indoor events,I always take a messenger style bag butI always set it down somewhere "safe".


Steve

Great info Steve! Thanks for the video link especially... I

Another bag you could consider is the Jill-e Jack messenger bag: www.jill-e.com/.../jack_messenger.html(The MSRP they list is high, it's only $184 on B&H).


Jill-e typically makes bags for women, but the Jack line is meant for men.


Its a fairly large bag, and can easily hold a 70-200 f/2.8 mounted on a pro (or gripped) body. I'm able to get a flash, 16-35, 24-70, 70-200 (with hoods for all) with room for another lens, plus plenty of memory cards and accessories in the front pockets, and a 15" laptop.


I also have a Crumpler 6 million dollar home, and I would say a 70-200 f/2.8 would be a tight fit (just the lens itself, let alone mounting it), I think you'd have to go up to the 7 or 8 million dollar home. I use it when I just want to carry a couple of smaller (relative to the 70-200 f/2.8) lenses. I suppose it might work if you laid it down flat in the 6 million dollar home, but then it would be difficult to carry other gear.