What camera bag do you use when you're out and about?
Discussion
I got a Lopro bag with my camera when I bought it, big enough for the camera and a couple of small lenses.
Then when I started getting a bit more serious with kit, I bought a rucksack type big enough to take everything, and all my kit lives in it. But it's too big and heavy to just take out for an afternoon's wander.
So what I need now is a shoulder type bag (I think), big enough to take the camera plus two or three decent sized lenses and maybe a flash, but that isn't too bulky and awkward.
Just wondered what people use or recommend?
Then when I started getting a bit more serious with kit, I bought a rucksack type big enough to take everything, and all my kit lives in it. But it's too big and heavy to just take out for an afternoon's wander.
So what I need now is a shoulder type bag (I think), big enough to take the camera plus two or three decent sized lenses and maybe a flash, but that isn't too bulky and awkward.
Just wondered what people use or recommend?
Ari said:
I got a Lopro bag with my camera when I bought it, big enough for the camera and a couple of small lenses.
Then when I started getting a bit more serious with kit, I bought a rucksack type big enough to take everything, and all my kit lives in it. But it's too big and heavy to just take out for an afternoon's wander.
So what I need now is a shoulder type bag (I think), big enough to take the camera plus two or three decent sized lenses and maybe a flash, but that isn't too bulky and awkward.
Just wondered what people use or recommend?
I use a Case Logic sling bag and that holds my camera and has enough room for two other lens's as well.Then when I started getting a bit more serious with kit, I bought a rucksack type big enough to take everything, and all my kit lives in it. But it's too big and heavy to just take out for an afternoon's wander.
So what I need now is a shoulder type bag (I think), big enough to take the camera plus two or three decent sized lenses and maybe a flash, but that isn't too bulky and awkward.
Just wondered what people use or recommend?
But I'm a little confused. You say you want a bag for an afternoon's wander but it sounds as though you are taking the kitchen sink along for the walk. If you replaced one of the two additional lenses with the flash, the sling might be adequate.
GetCarter said:
Blimey, that's $200.My Case Logic sling was around £50!!
GetCarter said:
That's impressive! Maybe a little bigger than I was hoping for, but it can certainly handle some kit!Ari said:
So what I need now is a shoulder type bag (I think), big enough to take the camera plus two or three decent sized lenses and maybe a flash, but that isn't too bulky and awkward.
I use something like this: http://products.lowepro.com/product/Stealth-Report... , though mine is a generic one from eBay and cost all of £25 (it has a 'Nikon' logo on the front even though it isn't). It's been to NZ and back and done all my weddings and everything else. Still perfectly good. Ali Chappussy said:
I use a Case Logic sling bag and that holds my camera and has enough room for two other lens's as well.
But I'm a little confused. You say you want a bag for an afternoon's wander but it sounds as though you are taking the kitchen sink along for the walk. If you replaced one of the two additional lenses with the flash, the sling might be adequate.
That's more the thing, thanks.But I'm a little confused. You say you want a bag for an afternoon's wander but it sounds as though you are taking the kitchen sink along for the walk. If you replaced one of the two additional lenses with the flash, the sling might be adequate.
I'd like to be able to carry the camera with one lens attached (usually the 18-105), the a wide angle (12-24) and a zoom lens (70-300) as well.
Whichever I leave behind is always the one I wish I'd taken!

Simpo Two said:
I use something like this: http://products.lowepro.com/product/Stealth-Report... , though mine is a generic one from eBay and cost all of £25 (it has a 'Nikon' logo on the front even though it isn't). It's been to NZ and back and done all my weddings and everything else. Still perfectly good.
That's the sort of thing! GetCarter said:
That still looks pretty big to me.OP, sounds like you are using a Lowepro Slingshot AW200 or similar, as do I. It's pretty good but a bit bulky, but I'm not sure how much smaller you could go and carry dSLR + 2x lenses + flash. I've got a Lowepro Nova AW160 (iirc) which gets 2 lenses + dslr (or 1 lens, flash + dslr) at a push, but it's no easier to carry than the slingshot...
ETA pic of AW200:

Edited by NiceCupOfTea on Wednesday 8th August 10:50
Ari said:
Funny timing. I have that bag and have the same problem. It was fine when I only had about 2 smallish lenses (18-55 & 50mm) and a flash but with a chunky lens (Tokina 11-16mm) it only fits all in the bag if the Tokina is on the camera. That's not a real issue for me but buying a bigger bag of a similar style had crossed my mind.I just picked up a Lowepro lens case for another reason but realised that when attaching it horizontally through the sleeves at the back of the bag I can either put the 11-16mm or two smaller lenses in there, which also frees up plenty of room in the main bag. It looks uncomfortable to carry that way but it's not at all - the second pouch hangs lower so it doesn't get in the way.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lowepro-11-14cm-Lens-Case/...
It wasn't the reason I bought the pouch but with everything else that's on my 'To Buy' list I was pleasantly surprised to be able to put off buying a bigger walkabout bag for another time. I feel like I've got a lot more flexibility now too with whatever I buy.
I tend to use a Lowepro Stealth reporter D100AW which will take the camera and 17-35 + 28-70 lenses for general wandering. I also have the D400AW version of same which is rather larger and can take the 70-200/2.8 as well (and more besides) which gets used if I'm at a motorsport event taking photos (rather than competing / marshalling / clerking)
If I want to take the 300/4 I'll think about using a backpack.
If I want to take the 300/4 I'll think about using a backpack.
I use a Lowepro Toploader 70AW for general walk-about bag for camera + 1 lens (a flash will also fit in the front pocket). I can also attach pouches if I wanted to carry more. It's small and very versatile. I think it came with a harness too but I haven't used it.
EDIT: I can see that they've update it to Toploader Pro now which seems even better.
EDIT: I can see that they've update it to Toploader Pro now which seems even better.
Edited by Gemm on Wednesday 8th August 11:23
NiceCupOfTea said:
GetCarter said:
That still looks pretty big to me.Edited by NiceCupOfTea on Wednesday 8th August 10:50
They are however, very expensive (but extremely well made)
For me the biggest issue when on a walkabout the whole day is to keep the shoulders and arms free. I prefer a beltbag for this purpose that gives immediate access to the equipment and other stuff, but keeps the upper body unencumbered.
I use the Think Tank Wired Up 10 which comfortably holds a D300 + 11-16 2.8 and either a 80-200 2.8 or 24-70 2.8 with room for other accessories if needed. If I need to carry more kit, I attach a lens bag to the WiredUp which either carries the 80-200 or provides a temporary holster for the lens+body. It's proving to be a really versatile bit of kit with superb quality and thoughtful features built in. It can also convert to a shoulder bag or a backpack with straps that are included.
I think this model has only just been discontinued, but they are still available new from their distributors.
I use the Think Tank Wired Up 10 which comfortably holds a D300 + 11-16 2.8 and either a 80-200 2.8 or 24-70 2.8 with room for other accessories if needed. If I need to carry more kit, I attach a lens bag to the WiredUp which either carries the 80-200 or provides a temporary holster for the lens+body. It's proving to be a really versatile bit of kit with superb quality and thoughtful features built in. It can also convert to a shoulder bag or a backpack with straps that are included.
I think this model has only just been discontinued, but they are still available new from their distributors.
tenohfive said:
Funny timing. I have that bag and have the same problem. It was fine when I only had about 2 smallish lenses (18-55 & 50mm) and a flash but with a chunky lens (Tokina 11-16mm) it only fits all in the bag if the Tokina is on the camera. That's not a real issue for me but buying a bigger bag of a similar style had crossed my mind.
I just picked up a Lowepro lens case for another reason but realised that when attaching it horizontally through the sleeves at the back of the bag I can either put the 11-16mm or two smaller lenses in there, which also frees up plenty of room in the main bag. It looks uncomfortable to carry that way but it's not at all - the second pouch hangs lower so it doesn't get in the way.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lowepro-11-14cm-Lens-Case/...
It wasn't the reason I bought the pouch but with everything else that's on my 'To Buy' list I was pleasantly surprised to be able to put off buying a bigger walkabout bag for another time. I feel like I've got a lot more flexibility now too with whatever I buy.
That is an excellent solution and a great idea, thank you!I just picked up a Lowepro lens case for another reason but realised that when attaching it horizontally through the sleeves at the back of the bag I can either put the 11-16mm or two smaller lenses in there, which also frees up plenty of room in the main bag. It looks uncomfortable to carry that way but it's not at all - the second pouch hangs lower so it doesn't get in the way.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lowepro-11-14cm-Lens-Case/...
It wasn't the reason I bought the pouch but with everything else that's on my 'To Buy' list I was pleasantly surprised to be able to put off buying a bigger walkabout bag for another time. I feel like I've got a lot more flexibility now too with whatever I buy.
Think I might get one of those.
GetCarter said:
NiceCupOfTea said:
GetCarter said:
That still looks pretty big to me.Edited by NiceCupOfTea on Wednesday 8th August 10:50
They are however, very expensive (but extremely well made)

Ari, Don't know if it's any use to you but I'm about to advertise my one of these:
http://www.tamrac.com/5585.htm
It's a great bag but only just fits my gear in and I'd prefer a little room to manoeuvre. Drop me a PM if you're interested.
http://www.tamrac.com/5585.htm
It's a great bag but only just fits my gear in and I'd prefer a little room to manoeuvre. Drop me a PM if you're interested.
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