Recommend me a decent camera bag
Discussion
What do you want to get in it?
I got a Lowepro Fastpack 250 - Clicky to see layout.
Not too big, doesn't scream "expensive camera stuff in here"... But plenty of space for a hobbyist.
In the padded compartment I can easily fit a normal sized SLR with big standard zoom lens attached, telephoto lens, ultra-wide-angle lens, cable release and USB cable and 2 memory cards... And there's easily enough "growing room" if I get a vertical grip, plus enough space for a couple of slim flash-guns and a 50mm f/1.8, but that's a squeeze.
Then you also have the equally large top compartment (not padded) - Big enough for gorillapod, large flashgun or two, extra lens, Morph and a crystal ball, filters, flash triggers, etc. (or forget all that and use it for lunch).
Then there's an external compartment that I use for battery chargers (one for camera, one for AA's) and a smaller external compartment that I use for batteries.
AND you can slip a 15.4" laptop into the padded bit at the back!
£39 is lowest price at the moment - use www.camerapricebuster.co.uk
That'll do me
I got a Lowepro Fastpack 250 - Clicky to see layout.
Not too big, doesn't scream "expensive camera stuff in here"... But plenty of space for a hobbyist.
In the padded compartment I can easily fit a normal sized SLR with big standard zoom lens attached, telephoto lens, ultra-wide-angle lens, cable release and USB cable and 2 memory cards... And there's easily enough "growing room" if I get a vertical grip, plus enough space for a couple of slim flash-guns and a 50mm f/1.8, but that's a squeeze.
Then you also have the equally large top compartment (not padded) - Big enough for gorillapod, large flashgun or two, extra lens, Morph and a crystal ball, filters, flash triggers, etc. (or forget all that and use it for lunch).
Then there's an external compartment that I use for battery chargers (one for camera, one for AA's) and a smaller external compartment that I use for batteries.
AND you can slip a 15.4" laptop into the padded bit at the back!
£39 is lowest price at the moment - use www.camerapricebuster.co.uk
That'll do me
Edited by rasputin on Monday 15th March 16:09
Fastpacks are good - I have a 300. I curse mine sometimes because of how heavy you can load it up!
Slingshot is a really handy bag for mediumish amount of kit and getting access quickly for walking round town - has a neat little pull out rain cover too. Nice and padded so you can "sling" it around in more than one sense - will still leave room for your golf clubs....
I am also a fan of Billinghams - you just cannot wear the damn things out! But they look much more like a camera kit carrying system.
Have a look round the Crumpler range if you want to try and foster the "Old Geezer Trying To Look Like The Trendy Student" type of image. Only thing that puts me off is that you can't easily find size details on line, if you want to e-shop them.
Slingshot is a really handy bag for mediumish amount of kit and getting access quickly for walking round town - has a neat little pull out rain cover too. Nice and padded so you can "sling" it around in more than one sense - will still leave room for your golf clubs....
I am also a fan of Billinghams - you just cannot wear the damn things out! But they look much more like a camera kit carrying system.
Have a look round the Crumpler range if you want to try and foster the "Old Geezer Trying To Look Like The Trendy Student" type of image. Only thing that puts me off is that you can't easily find size details on line, if you want to e-shop them.
Billingham's are amazing. I did manage to damage mine once and got it repaired quickly and to a very high standard. I loved the side pockets as you could stash sandwiches in there without them getting crushed. Carrying a large load on one shoulder for many years though will make you lop-sided and give you back problems, hence the back-pack recommendation. You do feel like a proper old-school pro carrying one though 
Maybe I should consider one for holidaying.
K12beano said:
Slingshot is a really handy bag for mediumish amount of kit and getting access quickly for walking round town - has a neat little pull out rain cover too. Nice and padded so you can "sling" it around in more than one sense - will still leave room for your golf clubs....
Another vote for this from me. I've got a 200 http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-lowepro-slings... and it's great for days out etc.The only downside is after a day wandering around, you can sometimes develop one achy shoulder, depending on how much you put in it. It's never really been that uncomfortable, just something to be aware of.
Other than that - Billingham. Comparatively dear, but very good.
all you need is a Army gasmask bag
it protected my 400d + 18-55 + 70-200 + 50mm in a thin canvas bag off a 350ft drop in snowdonia yesterday, watching it crash into rocks and fall was horrible.
Scrabbled down the sheer drop, an hour later i found it, thinking the worst. Only broke a uv filter. One of those ohhhh f
k tt st moments.
The moment was caught on video, just waiting for him to upload it.
it protected my 400d + 18-55 + 70-200 + 50mm in a thin canvas bag off a 350ft drop in snowdonia yesterday, watching it crash into rocks and fall was horrible.
Scrabbled down the sheer drop, an hour later i found it, thinking the worst. Only broke a uv filter. One of those ohhhh f
k tt st moments.The moment was caught on video, just waiting for him to upload it.
ali_kat said:
I got this one, but I don't think it would be your colour 
Tis great as it doubles up as a handbag and it isn't so obvious I've got the camera & lenses in there
Can't get a tripod in it tho
Oh me likey! I bought a camera all of my very own this weekend (450D) and now need a bag. Was thinking of a Cath Kidston nappy bag but probably need something a bit more robust. That is lovely Tis great as it doubles up as a handbag and it isn't so obvious I've got the camera & lenses in there
Can't get a tripod in it tho
olimeads said:
all you need is a Army gasmask bag
it protected my 400d + 18-55 + 70-200 + 50mm in a thin canvas bag off a 350ft drop in snowdonia yesterday, watching it crash into rocks and fall was horrible.
Scrabbled down the sheer drop, an hour later i found it, thinking the worst. Only broke a uv filter. One of those ohhhh fk tt st moments.
The moment was caught on video, just waiting for him to upload it.
just adding that i have been doing some research and it turns out i came down "the steepest quarry incline in Wales" at over 1 in 1 incline, in some places. over 700ft straight down.it protected my 400d + 18-55 + 70-200 + 50mm in a thin canvas bag off a 350ft drop in snowdonia yesterday, watching it crash into rocks and fall was horrible.
Scrabbled down the sheer drop, an hour later i found it, thinking the worst. Only broke a uv filter. One of those ohhhh f
k tt st moments.The moment was caught on video, just waiting for him to upload it.
Having known that then, i dont think i would have been so hesitant to retrieve the camera.
Its the Rhosydd/croesor tramway, if anybody knowes it.
" It is not advisable to attempt to climb or descend the incline nowadays as the slope is dangerously eroded, instead use the quarrymens track from the head of the valley."
Edited by olimeads on Tuesday 16th March 00:57
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