Camera Bag

[S4E Jord]

Hi Guys,

Ive been lurking on here for a while and i just want to say what great pictures you all take! I am new with a 350D. Ive had it for a few months but due to uni work i haven't had the time to use it.

Any how, lol the main reason i have posted is to ask about camera bags. I have been looking at a Crumpler full backpack and would like to know if anyone has one and what they would reccomend.

Like i said i have a 350D, with 4 lens, hoods, tripod, a few CF cards.

Thanks in advance.

Jord.

[byker28i]

I've got a Lowepro trecker - would really recommend these. It's been out in all weather and has kept my stuff dry and protected.

[bramley]

I have a lowepro mini trekker which holds:

5D body with battery grip
70-200 with hood
24-105 with hood
50mm with hood
flashgun
could probably fit another small lens too

also holds memory cards, pop up reflectors, blower brush and cleaning stuff, loads of filters, tripod ring for the big lens, cables, spare batteries, off camera flash lead, torch etc etc etc. And it will hold a tripod but due to the bungee cord system it can bounce around a bit.

Highly recommended.

I've not used a crumpler so can't comment on them. they look nice and seem expensive to me!

[S4E Jord]

thanks for the replys!

I looked at the Lowepro ones and they do seem very nice! I like the look of the crumpler and the other thing that catch my eye was the fact that the zips are hidden on the back. therefore to get into the thing you have to take it off. Sounds silly i know but it means no one can steal your stuff without you knowing.

Thanks again for the response. The Crumplers start at about 130 for a full back pack. is that the kinda price i should be looking to pay?

Jord.

[VxDuncan]

I have a Lowepro Orion AW (not the orion II trekker) on order (circa £100 in the UK). My requirements were slightly different - quick access to equipment being critical, as well as high security (if that's possible!). THe orion splits from a rucksack into a small rucksack and shoulder bag that also has a waist band. THerefore you can use it as a rucksack, but also unclip the bottom and spin it round to use the camera compartment as a shoulder/waist bag. Thing I liked were the zips to the camera comparment are hidden round the back ;o)

Better explained here !

www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/allWeather/Orion_AW.aspx

[SIDAORB]

Take a look at the Tamrac range, some great backpacks I personally prefer them to Lowepro.

Carl

[Don]

I have a Lowepro. - the one that is half camera bag and half rucksack.

Brilliant. It takes my Nikon D70, a 70-300, my 30x10 Canon IS binoculars and a GPS in the camera bag and I still have the rucksack area to hold my waterproof jacket, lunch etc.

Perfect for Landscape Photography coupled with hiking.

My only advice would be to buy the fully waterproof one. If you get caught in a downpour its a PITA needing to put on a rucksack cover.

[S4E Jord]

Thanks for all the help guys.

I will Definitely look into the others bags. Thanks again!

[jason-l]

I have a Crumpler Pyjama Pride (chosen after also trying the Zoomiverse and LowePro Photo/Nature Trekker AWs).

I guess it's (as always) a personal thing - but for me the LowePros were too big or didn't fit my back, too heavy and shouted out "camera!" too loudly. I like the Crumplers for their hidden zip, more subtle style and lightness.

In the end it was between the Pyjama Pride and Mini AW Trekker (a v good lightweight and spacious bag too), and I chose the Crumpler bag cos it's interior was more on-the-fly flexible. Hasn't got the deluge protection of the AW range of course!

For reference - Mine takes a D200, 18-70 c/w hood, 35mm c/w hood, 70-200 2.8 c/w reversed hood, filters, bits'n'bobs, etc. With any combo of lens being fitted to body. It doesn't carry a tripod - unless it's a lightweight compact model without twist type leg adjusters IYSWIM - I just carry mine in a separate bag over the top of the Crumper.

[jason-l]

S4E Jord said:

The Crumplers start at about 130 for a full back pack. is that the kinda price i should be looking to pay?

Jord.

No Look at www.fotosense.co.uk Cheaper! I got mine from them and good to deal with.

[matthew_h]

I can heartily recommend the Tamrac Expedition range of bags. Great build quality, good sensible features and well priced.

[aspender]

Another vote for the Crumpler Pyjama Pride. I've had mine since before Christmas and it has been on trips to Ireland, Rome and the US. One issue I was worried about was whether it would get past hand baggage constraints as it it doesn't quite meet the 25cm depth limit. However I've had no problems on a number of flights now.

I've got some photos of it here

ETA - unlike jason-l I find that it takes my Manfrotto tripod very well. I walked around London for eight hours with it attached with no problem. See the pics for how it attaches.

Edited by aspender on Tuesday 20th March 13:18

[TonyHetherington]

Just bought myself the Lowepro Mini Trekker AW....not had a chance to use it properly yet (will do this weekend) but early indications are that it is bloody good indeed. Holds my 20D + battery pack and a few lenses very well, and the pouch at the front takes my laptop too...perfect for the complete gits in airport security.

[spitfire-ian]

Another one for LowePro

Edited by spitfire-ian on Tuesday 20th March 14:33

[V6GTO]

LowePro Mini Trekker AW here too...although if I buy one more item I'm gonna have to upgrade, it's rammed!

Martin.

[manek]

I've been toying with getting a Lowepro Slingshot which allows you to access the gear really easily while out and about. Only trouble is, it doesn't allow you to strap a tripod on the back. I've thought about a Billingham with a backpack-style harness but they're sid to be a bit heavy and bulky for their capacity - pricey too! The alternative I'm looking at is a Tamrac Velocity.

I'm looking on www.warehouseexpress.co.uk - any other good bag sites?

[bulb763]

On my Slingshot there are two rubbery "loops" on the back of the bag, one above the other, in line, if you see what I mean. They are part of LowePros adapt-your-bag-by-attaching-other-small-cases system (or whatever they call it) but I just slide one of the legs of my tripod through them, and they hold it fine

[sidaorb]

Manek,

Have a look at Morris Photographics website. Normally do some really good prices and if your are near Oxford they have a load stock.

Carl

[manek]

Looks like a good site - thanks.

[matthew_h]

I rang Morris Photographic yesterday to ask some questions about kit. Not only did he help me out, he went away and checked that what I wanted to do worked then rang me back. I ordered the bits with him over the phone and they were on my desk this morning waiting for me.

Considering I rang about 2pm yesterday afternoon that is pretty speedy.

Excellent service imo.