Discussion
I've seen dozens of camera bag threads in the last year but after flicking back through 10 pages and using the (frankly dire) search I'm no closer to any of them, so hopefully people can forgive another thread.
I've currently got a Lowepro Nova 160AW which has been very good so far but I'm just running out of space, despite tagging on a Lowepro lens case (velcro'd on the outside.)
My current kit is:
Canon 400D
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8mm
Canon 18-55mm IS II
Canon 50mm f/1.8 II
Metz AF 24-1
And an assortment of niff naff and trivia that goes with, including a few bulkier items (like rocket blowers etc.)
Whilst a second body isn't on the cards I'm keeping an open mind about adding a Canon 55-250mm IS II in the next year, and I'm considering (but dare not mention is to SWMBO) a better quality mid-range zoom - which I'll need a bit more room for. I'm not fussed about a fashionable bag, I'd much rather have a bit of weatherproofing and padding over something that'll look at home on the tube.
My budget is £50-60 and my first thought was just to go with a bigger version of what I've got - maybe the Lowepro Nova 200 AW but I'm mindful that there is a lot of other choice out there. Any thoughts?
I've currently got a Lowepro Nova 160AW which has been very good so far but I'm just running out of space, despite tagging on a Lowepro lens case (velcro'd on the outside.)
My current kit is:
Canon 400D
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8mm
Canon 18-55mm IS II
Canon 50mm f/1.8 II
Metz AF 24-1
And an assortment of niff naff and trivia that goes with, including a few bulkier items (like rocket blowers etc.)
Whilst a second body isn't on the cards I'm keeping an open mind about adding a Canon 55-250mm IS II in the next year, and I'm considering (but dare not mention is to SWMBO) a better quality mid-range zoom - which I'll need a bit more room for. I'm not fussed about a fashionable bag, I'd much rather have a bit of weatherproofing and padding over something that'll look at home on the tube.
My budget is £50-60 and my first thought was just to go with a bigger version of what I've got - maybe the Lowepro Nova 200 AW but I'm mindful that there is a lot of other choice out there. Any thoughts?
You are right, there are hundreds of bags out there.
Have you decided what type of bag you want ? shoulder ? backpack ? sling type ?
do you want a tripod carrying facility ? weatherproofing ? do you need it to be small enough to take as hand luggage on an aircraft ?
If you haven't already found it http://cambags.com/ is worth a look, lots of reviews and pictures of bags full of kit so you can get an idea of the size.
Have you decided what type of bag you want ? shoulder ? backpack ? sling type ?
do you want a tripod carrying facility ? weatherproofing ? do you need it to be small enough to take as hand luggage on an aircraft ?
If you haven't already found it http://cambags.com/ is worth a look, lots of reviews and pictures of bags full of kit so you can get an idea of the size.
I'll check that out, thanks.
Weatherproofing is important, flight/hand luggage isn't an issue. Some way of carrying a tripod would be a bonus. And I'm completely undecided on bag type - a lot of my photography is taken with a baby strapped to my back or front, so I'm thinking that sticking with a sling style bag is probably the way ahead - but I'm slightly concerned that with the extra weight of kit it might get a bit uncomfortable (I'm not 'powefully built' in PH parlance.)
Weatherproofing is important, flight/hand luggage isn't an issue. Some way of carrying a tripod would be a bonus. And I'm completely undecided on bag type - a lot of my photography is taken with a baby strapped to my back or front, so I'm thinking that sticking with a sling style bag is probably the way ahead - but I'm slightly concerned that with the extra weight of kit it might get a bit uncomfortable (I'm not 'powefully built' in PH parlance.)
If looking at backpacks/rucksack types pay attention to the straps and waist support.
I've got a lowepro vertex 200. On one occasion I had my 450D and (I think) 3 lenses, together with a 4/3rds body and 3 lenses plus all the other bits and bobs.. it was very heavy but ok to wear because the straps have tensioners that help spread the weight rather than just pulling at your shoulders.
The vertex 200 is maybe a bit too big for what you need but it might pay to get a slightly bigger more substantial bag because it'll be more comfortable than filling a smaller, more lightweight bag to the brim.
Slingbags are okay, but don't tend to have that much space in them.
I've got a lowepro vertex 200. On one occasion I had my 450D and (I think) 3 lenses, together with a 4/3rds body and 3 lenses plus all the other bits and bobs.. it was very heavy but ok to wear because the straps have tensioners that help spread the weight rather than just pulling at your shoulders.
The vertex 200 is maybe a bit too big for what you need but it might pay to get a slightly bigger more substantial bag because it'll be more comfortable than filling a smaller, more lightweight bag to the brim.
Slingbags are okay, but don't tend to have that much space in them.
Crafty_ said:
Slingbags are okay, but don't tend to have that much space in them.
I've got a old slingback 300, I actually find that it has too much space in it 
By that I mean it is the size of a small rucksack and so I tend to load it up like one - but of course it all hangs off one shoulder. My own fault of course
Okay, I'm slowly starting to make my mind up. I'm veering away from sling type bags - it just seems uncomfortable with the weight involved on one shoulder. Right now it's a toss up between a new Lowepro Pro Runner 300AW (about £50) and a second hand Vertex 100AW (about £70 with a bit of luck.)
The Vertex is much bigger though I think the Pro Runner has enough room. Vertex is just over double the weight (3.4kg.) The waist strap on the Pro Runner doesn't look to have any padding though which is a bit of a minus. Both will carry a tripod, have a rain cover etc and otherwise meet my needs. So pro's and con's for both. Any compelling reason to go for one over the other?
The Vertex is much bigger though I think the Pro Runner has enough room. Vertex is just over double the weight (3.4kg.) The waist strap on the Pro Runner doesn't look to have any padding though which is a bit of a minus. Both will carry a tripod, have a rain cover etc and otherwise meet my needs. So pro's and con's for both. Any compelling reason to go for one over the other?
Big Worm 1 said:
Looks great in theory but it's from a company I've never heard of in China, so I just wouldn't know what I'd be getting. I've had a few bit's by Lowepro, they've got an excellent reputation and I know that at the very least any bag I order will keep my camera gear safe. I can't really chance an untested source from Ebay.Crumpler do some good camera bags.
I have 'the big cheese' one and it is brilliant.
Kit includes:
550D + Grip with 28-135mm lens attached
Canon 55-250mm
Canon 18-55mm
Canon 50mm
2 x battery chargers
USB Cables
HDMI Cables
Memory cards
there is still space inside for another 2 lenses of a good size.
I have 'the big cheese' one and it is brilliant.
Kit includes:
550D + Grip with 28-135mm lens attached
Canon 55-250mm
Canon 18-55mm
Canon 50mm
2 x battery chargers
USB Cables
HDMI Cables
Memory cards
there is still space inside for another 2 lenses of a good size.
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread... - check the link with the thread there.
PJ S said:
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread... - check the link with the thread there.
Have to be a TP member apparently.It's now between the Lowepro Flipside 400 AW and the Vertex 100 - I'm veering towards the former as a decent chunk of my future photography will be with a baby/toddler strapped to my back - having the option to spin it around and keep it on the front is probably a good thing. Have seen one for sale for £55 from China...quite tempted, though a month or more delivery time could be irritating.
Logged out, I can access the link above there, but for some weird reason, not the one within.
Presuming you can too, see if this direct link works - http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread...
If not, then check out Naneupro Military OPS Alpha L
Presuming you can too, see if this direct link works - http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread...
If not, then check out Naneupro Military OPS Alpha L
Yes, I was pointing it out to you to see if it may be a contender.
In the first link, you'll see I posted two links to images & price, and the Czech distributor's site, along with a posted price.
That's the larger Alpha, which that member was possibly needing for storage of light fleece, etc.
The direct link to the review is a local member I pointed it out to - both members wanting back-opening for security - which his review links to the Polish reseller, and paid a grand total of £60 delivered.
It's only available in the Olive colour - assuming they've any left after Christmas.
I was speaking with the Dutch distributor about the K3L (slightly smaller and predecessor to the K4L) I acquired effectively as brand new from an ebay seller, and they're expecting a big shipment in about 6 weeks or so.
Not sure who, if anyone, in the UK is reselling them.
In the first link, you'll see I posted two links to images & price, and the Czech distributor's site, along with a posted price.
That's the larger Alpha, which that member was possibly needing for storage of light fleece, etc.
The direct link to the review is a local member I pointed it out to - both members wanting back-opening for security - which his review links to the Polish reseller, and paid a grand total of £60 delivered.
It's only available in the Olive colour - assuming they've any left after Christmas.
I was speaking with the Dutch distributor about the K3L (slightly smaller and predecessor to the K4L) I acquired effectively as brand new from an ebay seller, and they're expecting a big shipment in about 6 weeks or so.
Not sure who, if anyone, in the UK is reselling them.
I have the vertex 200AW and its a brilliant bag but I've soon reached its limits. With 4 lenses 1 body, flash filters and all the rest I need to go bigger if I buy anymore. Although I do have space for 1 more body.
Build quality is second to none and even with a tripod strapped on its very comfortable on long hikes. Plus you have the waterproof cover stashed underneath.
Build quality is second to none and even with a tripod strapped on its very comfortable on long hikes. Plus you have the waterproof cover stashed underneath.
PJ S said:
Yes, I was pointing it out to you to see if it may be a contender.
In the first link, you'll see I posted two links to images & price, and the Czech distributor's site, along with a posted price.
That's the larger Alpha, which that member was possibly needing for storage of light fleece, etc.
The direct link to the review is a local member I pointed it out to - both members wanting back-opening for security - which his review links to the Polish reseller, and paid a grand total of £60 delivered.
It's only available in the Olive colour - assuming they've any left after Christmas.
I was speaking with the Dutch distributor about the K3L (slightly smaller and predecessor to the K4L) I acquired effectively as brand new from an ebay seller, and they're expecting a big shipment in about 6 weeks or so.
Not sure who, if anyone, in the UK is reselling them.
Sorry, I've looked at so many bags in the last week my head was swimming and didn't link it all up with the earlier post in my head. I do like the look and style of them but they don't look quite big enough.In the first link, you'll see I posted two links to images & price, and the Czech distributor's site, along with a posted price.
That's the larger Alpha, which that member was possibly needing for storage of light fleece, etc.
The direct link to the review is a local member I pointed it out to - both members wanting back-opening for security - which his review links to the Polish reseller, and paid a grand total of £60 delivered.
It's only available in the Olive colour - assuming they've any left after Christmas.
I was speaking with the Dutch distributor about the K3L (slightly smaller and predecessor to the K4L) I acquired effectively as brand new from an ebay seller, and they're expecting a big shipment in about 6 weeks or so.
Not sure who, if anyone, in the UK is reselling them.
I'm pretty well settled on the Flipside 400 AW now - loads of room, decent padding, light, built in raincover, already pretty well preconfigured for wearing on the front and the usual Lowepro build quality. Given the low weight I can live with going small and knowing that over the years I won't need to replace the bag.
Now I just need to find one at a reasonable price - according to camerapricebuster they're at an all year high pretty much, and I'm struggling to find one for less than £84 - unless I look at a probable knock off from eBay/China, something I'm reluctant to do.
Thought I'd post a quick update in case anyone else comes across this thread in the future.
I went for the Flipside 400 AW in the end - oodles of space, the look and feel of a normal rucksack and the ability to spin it round to my front (whilst carrying other stuff on my back) is ideal for me. I managed to get one second hand (not that you'd be able to tell) for just over £60 delivered.
I'm very impressed so far. It feels comfortable and the hip straps take most of the weight when worn normally (as they should) and when spinning it around and taking the shoulder straps off the hip straps comfortably held the weight. It's easy to get into the main compartment which has plenty of space for the essential accessories and of course the body/lens storage area. The front pocket has plenty of room and pockets for the other stuff (card reader, chargers etc.) Everything's well padded and works as it should.
The only thing I'm not 100% on is the tripod holder. I've got a heavy and bulky tripod (Manfrotto 190D) and the head hangs out a bit too far meaning it swings about a bit - the top strap for it is just a bit too low. It's easy enough to solve though - some cord tied to the top carry handle and looped around the head should work. A gripe but a very minor one and easily rectified.
Overall I'm very happy with it - it's an excellent bag.
I went for the Flipside 400 AW in the end - oodles of space, the look and feel of a normal rucksack and the ability to spin it round to my front (whilst carrying other stuff on my back) is ideal for me. I managed to get one second hand (not that you'd be able to tell) for just over £60 delivered.
I'm very impressed so far. It feels comfortable and the hip straps take most of the weight when worn normally (as they should) and when spinning it around and taking the shoulder straps off the hip straps comfortably held the weight. It's easy to get into the main compartment which has plenty of space for the essential accessories and of course the body/lens storage area. The front pocket has plenty of room and pockets for the other stuff (card reader, chargers etc.) Everything's well padded and works as it should.
The only thing I'm not 100% on is the tripod holder. I've got a heavy and bulky tripod (Manfrotto 190D) and the head hangs out a bit too far meaning it swings about a bit - the top strap for it is just a bit too low. It's easy enough to solve though - some cord tied to the top carry handle and looped around the head should work. A gripe but a very minor one and easily rectified.
Overall I'm very happy with it - it's an excellent bag.
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