For my birthday, my friend Amy got me a $40 gift card to eBags.com, with the intention of it going towards a camera bag. I'm getting a bit overwhelmed by the selection, and would appreciate any guidance.
Some specs:
I have a Digital Rebel, the kit lens, plus one small-ish lens (the 50mm 1.8), and one medium-ish lens, (75mm-300mm). I would like it to be able to hold all of this at the same time.
I would like the bag to work for travel, but also be portable enough to wear as I'm walking around shooting. Pockets are nifty.
I'm not too concerned about color/appearance, since it seems that black and grey are the main choices, but a cute appearance and/or bright color would be a bonus.
I don't mind going a bit over the $40, but would like to not go much over $50. If I can find a great deal ($20-$30) then I could add an iPod case to the mix.
Any suggestions as to brand? Things about your camera case that you really like/dislike? Features to look for? Yes, we may have discussed this before, and yes I suppose I could have asked this in one of the photo threads, but I wanted my own thread, and it's (almost) my birthday, so deal with it!
Originally posted Friday, October 20, 2006 (5 years ago)
I'm probably biased but I swear by my Lowepro. I have the Stealth Reporter and I love it. Lots of pockets, special section for filters and accessories. Has a waterproof rain cover for bad weather and concealed top access if you want to change lenses or gain access to your camera in a pinch.
I'm purchasing a Lowepro backpack in a few months; most likely the Slingshot 200 AW. I find myself needing something that can carry my camera stuff without the strain of the single shoulder strap. It has a slick side access panel that allows you to grab your camera quickly using one hand while you are wearing the backpack. Cool!
I suggest the Orion Trekker if you lwant to carry your camera and fit other travel stuff in there as well.
Originally posted Friday, October 20, 2006 (5 years ago)
I currently have a bag similar to the lowepro Mini Trekker Classic, and it's great. If I ever get a new bag, it'll be the slingshot. The side access is awesome.
Originally posted Friday, October 20, 2006 (5 years ago)
I don't want anything huge, but I want it to be able to also hold my lenses so I can change out if I'm walking around taking photos.
The bags you are suggesting are in the 80- 100 range. Is that the range I'll need to spring for to get a decent bag? It seems like a lot of the lower-priced bags are designed to only hold the camera.
Originally posted Friday, October 20, 2006 (5 years ago)
I'd say you're going to have to go for at least 60- 80 if you want a good quality, well-padded bag with separate padded compartments for your lenses. "Just the camera" bags are cheaper, but you're usually still talking around 30- 40.
You're a photographer, (at least a more serious one than I am. ;) ), and you have a nice, relatively expensive camera. I'd splurge. A good quality camera bag will last you a good long time.
Originally posted Friday, October 20, 2006 (5 years ago)
in this case, you pretty much get what you pay for. i agree that 40 isn't going to cut it if you want to be able to carry more than just the camera. i wish i'd bought the slingshot when i was buying a bag, i have a canon backpack bag that isn't as convenient as i'd like and has broken down a bit as well. guess how much it was? 40. ante up the extra and you'll be happy you did. i like the slingshot for the access especially. there is nothing worse than an aching shoulder from a too-heavy bag or having to take off your bag to get things out. if i had to do it again it would be the slingshot or something similar, no doubt.
Originally posted Friday, October 20, 2006 (5 years ago)
Ditto what Joycat said. I tried the slingshot for myself at a camera store and fell in love. I don't like lugging around a big bag either but I also want a lil bit more room for other stuff. Problem is that most bags I have seen for 50 and under are a tad too small and never seem to have quite enough padding.
Originally posted Friday, October 20, 2006 (5 years ago)
I have a computrekker and it has been handy for bringing my SLR, several lenses and my laptop with me. However, it is pretty bulky. I use it for hiking with my big lens ( ;) if ya know what I mean :) )
The LowePro MicroTrekker 100/200 series looks good. check out bhphotovideo.com and do a keyword search for lowepro backpack. My preference is a backpack, not sure if that is what you're looking for.
Good luck!
"Our imagination is stretched to the utmost, not, as in fiction, to imagine things which are not really there, but just to comprehend those things which 'are' there." - Richard Feynman
The 100 is 25 cheaper, but it's a bit smaller, and it sounds like I should just go ahead and spend a bit more to get a bag that will fit my needs longer. I'm going to see if a local camera store has any of the bags for me to see in person, but y'alls recommendations are enough to make me buy the bag right off the internet anyway, in case they don't.
Originally posted Friday, October 20, 2006 (5 years ago)
Quoted from "LindyButt" I'm a big fan of Tom Bihn and Crumper bags. I have a Crumpler camera bag and I heart it.
I'm looking to buy a crumpler bag (they're from Australia, and quite popular in Europe) but I have to save my pennies as they're quite pricey. I like them mostly because they don't look like a camera bag and they come in a lot of colors.
Originally posted Saturday, October 21, 2006 (5 years ago)
I would second Lowepro for good quality bags. I did have a Lowepro backpack that would fit most of my gear, but was god-awful heavy (I have a lot of gear). I haven't really looked at the smaller bags.
I think in this case it's a "you get what you pay for" kind of situation. The cheaper you go, the more likely you'll end up with zipper malfunctions, poorly designed and uncomfortable straps and pads, poor to non-existant padding internally, and bad ergonomics making it difficult to get to what you need easily.
These days I've traded in for a Pelican rolling hard case. Not exactly what you're looking for, but it holds all of my gear including 3-4 lenses, two flashes, batteries, a flash frame, light meter, white balance cards, extra camera batteries and so on.
Originally posted Sunday, October 22, 2006 (5 years ago)
Dana -- maybe try the crumpler Beer For Bags program next year. I nearly did it this year but decided the bag wasn't for me. Basically you bring a certain specified kind of beer to their storefront/warehousething on 8th ave (near 14th I think) and trade in for a specific kind of bag. Last year the Bundle camera bag was a 40oz of OE and a 12-pk of PBR.
I went by a local camera shop and checked them out in person before making the purchase online. It's what I was looking for, something simple and accessible. It has places for the lenses on the side in seperate pockets, so you don't have to dig through a main compartment to fish them out. Plus, it's small enough that I can see walking around with it strapped around my waist.
Thanks again for the suggestions. At the very least, knowing what brands to look for was a big help. If I remember, when the bag gets here, and I get a chance to use it, I'll let you know what I think.
Originally posted Monday, October 23, 2006 (5 years ago)
Quoted from "RubyMae"
Quoted from "LindyButt" I'm a big fan of Tom Bihn and Crumper bags. I have a Crumpler camera bag and I heart it.
I'm looking to buy a crumpler bag (they're from Australia, and quite popular in Europe) but I have to save my pennies as they're quite pricey. I like them mostly because they don't look like a camera bag and they come in a lot of colors.
Yup, exactly. Sometimes ebags.com has discontinued colors on sale, etc.
Gotta love the nude model in their cat!!
Originally posted Friday, June 8, 2007 (5 years ago)
When I have an extra 200 laying around, I'm getting me a ShootSac. They're bags specifically made for holding your stuff while you're walking around shooting, and they have all sorts of nifty custom covers.
Originally posted Friday, June 8, 2007 (5 years ago)
Those are great, and I'd be happy to add it to my wish list... but there aren't any photos of the functional inside of the bag anywhere on the website, which is annoying.
Originally posted Friday, June 8, 2007 (5 years ago)
Toni, you know where I sometimes find the most interesting non-standard-size vinyl/poly bags? The Gap, of all places; I have one for each of my digicams, plus their variegated accessories. You might also try Old Navy or Banana Republic, their subsidiary stores.
If there is a Steve & Barry near Jacksonville, you might try them, too.
Originally posted Friday, June 8, 2007 (5 years ago)
I've only seen the bag online. It seems expensive, though a bit more fashionable than most. I think she posted those photos on her blog in response to somebody saying that they were too purse-like for guys!
Originally posted Monday, August 20, 2007 (4 years ago)
Don't know why I'm digging this up...guess I'm just avoiding work today. 8)
I got the Lowepro Slingshot 200AW a few weeks ago and I LOVE it! :)
The 100 was way too small, and the 300 is way too big (for what I shoot anyway). It also forces to bring just what I need with me...which is a big deal because I always cram too much crap in my camera bag.
The bag is nifty, though it takes a bit of getting used to. The over the should design is painless and you can quickly access you camera and accessories by swing it down and around. There's also some quick release safety straps to keep all of your stuff from flying out of the bag when you unzip it.
I love the fact that it doesn't look like a camera bag cause if someone walked off with my Nikon I'd cry. I would... honest! :cry:
Originally posted Monday, August 20, 2007 (4 years ago)
Quoted from "Mr. Swank" I got the Lowepro Slingshot 200AW a few weeks ago and I LOVE it! :)
The 100 was way too small, and the 300 is way too big (for what I shoot anyway). It also forces to bring just what I need with me...which is a big deal because I always cram too much crap in my camera bag.
I wish I had stuck with my original plan to get that bag. The Off-Trail is just too fanny-pack-ish for my own taste, even if it doesn't showcase my belly as magnificently as Mugsy's. :D
Originally posted Monday, August 20, 2007 (4 years ago)
You could always sell it on ebay. One thing ebay has taught me is that "someone will buy it if you sell it".
I would consider hanging on to it though if you like to backpack and take travel photos. It is a lot more practical in some instances, say "trekking across Europe" or on a weekend hike. Having 2 backpacks; one for your stuff and one for your camera would be beyond dorkiness and sort of impractical.
Originally posted Monday, August 20, 2007 (4 years ago)
I have the Slingshot 100, and I really like it. It's enough to hold my 350D with the kit lens, as well as two extra lenses. Plus all the other crap I like to carry with me. The extra "waist" strap seems dumb and I've never used it, but it's definitely a lot more flattering and comfortable (and holds more) than that POS Off-Trail.
We are the keepers of Funny, the Judges, the Whisperers. We are Superior Naysayers And Rebukers of Knavery. We are SNARK. - Boosh!
Originally posted Wednesday, September 5, 2007 (4 years ago)
Quoted from "Mugsy Malone" The extra "waist" strap seems dumb and I've never used it,
The waist strap is dumb in the 100, but very useful in the 300. Many camera backpacks have those waist straps these days...I guess other people do use them.
What I have discovered over the years is that there is no one perfect bag. So I have started developing a collection. Here are my selection of bags at this moment:
Lowepro Slingshot 100 AW: My first bag and I love it. It fits snugly across my body and I can fit a body w/ grip, 2 lenses an a flash in the main compartment, a lightsphere and diffuser inthe upper compartment and my wallet and Treo in the front pocket. It's easy to swing around and switch your equipment, without having to take anything off -- very important for urban trekking!
Lowepro Computrekker AW: I use this to travel with my laptop. Fits everything I need, although it is VERY heavy when fully loaded. It is still small enough, that I'll never be asked to check the bag at the gate while traveling.
Lowepro Slingshot 300 AW: This is the bag I carry for day Hikes. I love being able to sling it around with my camera hooked on my 70-200 ready to shoot wildlife if needed. However, I need to remember not to overload it with gear since I'll pay for it later.
Boda bag: I haven't been able to justify the cost of this (yet). However as I do more event photography I am starting to consider it. Lots of pockets and compartments for carrying everything you could possibly need. I might just end up getting the Think Tank Speed belt. I haven't decided yet.
Originally posted Saturday, January 5, 2008 (4 years ago)
I'm heading out to crumpler today. Arthur bought me the 6 million dollar home but it's too much bag for me right now. So, I'm looking to exchange it for the 5 million dollar home.
I really wish I could afford a shoot sac. I'm resigned to two bags. One for housing all my gear (which at this point is only the camera and a lens) and one that is practical for carrying around with me all day.
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Help me buy a camera bag.
For my birthday, my friend Amy got me a $40 gift card to eBags.com, with the intention of it going towards a camera bag. I'm getting a bit overwhelmed by the selection, and would appreciate any guidance.
Some specs:
I have a Digital Rebel, the kit lens, plus one small-ish lens (the 50mm 1.8), and one medium-ish lens, (75mm-300mm). I would like it to be able to hold all of this at the same time.
I would like the bag to work for travel, but also be portable enough to wear as I'm walking around shooting. Pockets are nifty.
I'm not too concerned about color/appearance, since it seems that black and grey are the main choices, but a cute appearance and/or bright color would be a bonus.
I don't mind going a bit over the $40, but would like to not go much over $50. If I can find a great deal ($20-$30) then I could add an iPod case to the mix.
Any suggestions as to brand? Things about your camera case that you really like/dislike? Features to look for? Yes, we may have discussed this before, and yes I suppose I could have asked this in one of the photo threads, but I wanted my own thread, and it's (almost) my birthday, so deal with it!
Thanks! 8)
Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica.
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I'm probably biased but I swear by my Lowepro. I have the Stealth Reporter and I love it. Lots of pockets, special section for filters and accessories. Has a waterproof rain cover for bad weather and concealed top access if you want to change lenses or gain access to your camera in a pinch.
I'm purchasing a Lowepro backpack in a few months; most likely the Slingshot 200 AW. I find myself needing something that can carry my camera stuff without the strain of the single shoulder strap. It has a slick side access panel that allows you to grab your camera quickly using one hand while you are wearing the backpack. Cool!
I suggest the Orion Trekker if you lwant to carry your camera and fit other travel stuff in there as well.
I currently have a bag similar to the lowepro Mini Trekker Classic, and it's great. If I ever get a new bag, it'll be the slingshot. The side access is awesome.
I don't want anything huge, but I want it to be able to also hold my lenses so I can change out if I'm walking around taking photos.
The bags you are suggesting are in the 80- 100 range. Is that the range I'll need to spring for to get a decent bag? It seems like a lot of the lower-priced bags are designed to only hold the camera.
Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica.
I'd say you're going to have to go for at least 60- 80 if you want a good quality, well-padded bag with separate padded compartments for your lenses. "Just the camera" bags are cheaper, but you're usually still talking around 30- 40.
You're a photographer, (at least a more serious one than I am. ;) ), and you have a nice, relatively expensive camera. I'd splurge. A good quality camera bag will last you a good long time.
I'm a big fan of Tom Bihn and Crumper bags. I have a Crumpler camera bag and I heart it.
Anyone else? Mugsy? Keither? Eli? Joeycat?
Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica.
in this case, you pretty much get what you pay for. i agree that 40 isn't going to cut it if you want to be able to carry more than just the camera. i wish i'd bought the slingshot when i was buying a bag, i have a canon backpack bag that isn't as convenient as i'd like and has broken down a bit as well. guess how much it was? 40. ante up the extra and you'll be happy you did. i like the slingshot for the access especially. there is nothing worse than an aching shoulder from a too-heavy bag or having to take off your bag to get things out. if i had to do it again it would be the slingshot or something similar, no doubt.
Ditto what Joycat said. I tried the slingshot for myself at a camera store and fell in love. I don't like lugging around a big bag either but I also want a lil bit more room for other stuff. Problem is that most bags I have seen for 50 and under are a tad too small and never seem to have quite enough padding.
:dunno:
I have a computrekker and it has been handy for bringing my SLR, several lenses and my laptop with me. However, it is pretty bulky. I use it for hiking with my big lens ( ;) if ya know what I mean :) )
The LowePro MicroTrekker 100/200 series looks good. check out bhphotovideo.com and do a keyword search for lowepro backpack. My preference is a backpack, not sure if that is what you're looking for.
Good luck!
"Our imagination is stretched to the utmost, not, as in fiction, to imagine things which are not really there, but just to comprehend those things which 'are' there." - Richard Feynman
With that sort of unified response, I'm leaning towards the Lowepro SlingShot 200.
<img src="http://a1472.g.akamaitech.net/f/1472/124/4h/img.ebags.com/is/image/im9/70479_1_1?&op_sharpen=1&qlt=80,1&hei=249&wid=249">
The 100 is 25 cheaper, but it's a bit smaller, and it sounds like I should just go ahead and spend a bit more to get a bag that will fit my needs longer. I'm going to see if a local camera store has any of the bags for me to see in person, but y'alls recommendations are enough to make me buy the bag right off the internet anyway, in case they don't.
Thanks! :thumbup:
Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica.
I'm looking to buy a crumpler bag (they're from Australia, and quite popular in Europe) but I have to save my pennies as they're quite pricey. I like them mostly because they don't look like a camera bag and they come in a lot of colors.
yeah the crumpler stuff is not cheap, even here in Australia.
I would second Lowepro for good quality bags. I did have a Lowepro backpack that would fit most of my gear, but was god-awful heavy (I have a lot of gear). I haven't really looked at the smaller bags.
I think in this case it's a "you get what you pay for" kind of situation. The cheaper you go, the more likely you'll end up with zipper malfunctions, poorly designed and uncomfortable straps and pads, poor to non-existant padding internally, and bad ergonomics making it difficult to get to what you need easily.
These days I've traded in for a Pelican rolling hard case. Not exactly what you're looking for, but it holds all of my gear including 3-4 lenses, two flashes, batteries, a flash frame, light meter, white balance cards, extra camera batteries and so on.
Dana -- maybe try the crumpler Beer For Bags program next year. I nearly did it this year but decided the bag wasn't for me. Basically you bring a certain specified kind of beer to their storefront/warehousething on 8th ave (near 14th I think) and trade in for a specific kind of bag. Last year the Bundle camera bag was a 40oz of OE and a 12-pk of PBR.
http://www.gothamist.com/archives/2006/06/03/crumplers_beer.php
So, in case anyone was terribly interested...
I bought the Lowepro Off Trail.
<img src="http://a1472.g.akamaitech.net/f/1472/124/4h/img.ebags.com/is/image/im7/3327_1_1?&op_sharpen=1&qlt=80,1&hei=249&wid=249">
I went by a local camera shop and checked them out in person before making the purchase online. It's what I was looking for, something simple and accessible. It has places for the lenses on the side in seperate pockets, so you don't have to dig through a main compartment to fish them out. Plus, it's small enough that I can see walking around with it strapped around my waist.
Thanks again for the suggestions. At the very least, knowing what brands to look for was a big help. If I remember, when the bag gets here, and I get a chance to use it, I'll let you know what I think.
Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica.
Yup, exactly. Sometimes ebags.com has discontinued colors on sale, etc. Gotta love the nude model in their cat!!
When I have an extra 200 laying around, I'm getting me a ShootSac. They're bags specifically made for holding your stuff while you're walking around shooting, and they have all sorts of nifty custom covers.
Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica.
Those are great, and I'd be happy to add it to my wish list... but there aren't any photos of the functional inside of the bag anywhere on the website, which is annoying.
Toni, you know where I sometimes find the most interesting non-standard-size vinyl/poly bags? The Gap, of all places; I have one for each of my digicams, plus their variegated accessories. You might also try Old Navy or Banana Republic, their subsidiary stores.
If there is a Steve & Barry near Jacksonville, you might try them, too.
OK, that bag called the SHOOTSAC...that's marketing genius!
Seriously, I have no idea why no body has come up with that before.
Nice find Toni.
Here are a few: (click View More Images)
Showing the spaces for your wallet, keys, etc...
I personally like this one. :wink:
Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica.
I've only seen the bag online. It seems expensive, though a bit more fashionable than most. I think she posted those photos on her blog in response to somebody saying that they were too purse-like for guys!
Thanks. Those shouldn't have been so elusive, but whatever. This is definitely going on my Christmas wish list.
I think that costs extra. But it's totally worth it.
Don't know why I'm digging this up...guess I'm just avoiding work today. 8)
I got the Lowepro Slingshot 200AW a few weeks ago and I LOVE it! :) The 100 was way too small, and the 300 is way too big (for what I shoot anyway). It also forces to bring just what I need with me...which is a big deal because I always cram too much crap in my camera bag.
The bag is nifty, though it takes a bit of getting used to. The over the should design is painless and you can quickly access you camera and accessories by swing it down and around. There's also some quick release safety straps to keep all of your stuff from flying out of the bag when you unzip it.
I love the fact that it doesn't look like a camera bag cause if someone walked off with my Nikon I'd cry. I would... honest! :cry:
That's about it. I can't avoid work forever. LOL
Welcome to the club! I love my Slingshot as well. Like you, I also found the 200 to be the perfect size.
I wish I had stuck with my original plan to get that bag. The Off-Trail is just too fanny-pack-ish for my own taste, even if it doesn't showcase my belly as magnificently as Mugsy's. :D
Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica.
You could always sell it on ebay. One thing ebay has taught me is that "someone will buy it if you sell it".
I would consider hanging on to it though if you like to backpack and take travel photos. It is a lot more practical in some instances, say "trekking across Europe" or on a weekend hike. Having 2 backpacks; one for your stuff and one for your camera would be beyond dorkiness and sort of impractical.
I have the Slingshot 100, and I really like it. It's enough to hold my 350D with the kit lens, as well as two extra lenses. Plus all the other crap I like to carry with me. The extra "waist" strap seems dumb and I've never used it, but it's definitely a lot more flattering and comfortable (and holds more) than that POS Off-Trail.
We are the keepers of Funny, the Judges, the Whisperers. We are Superior Naysayers And Rebukers of Knavery. We are SNARK. - Boosh!
The waist strap is dumb in the 100, but very useful in the 300. Many camera backpacks have those waist straps these days...I guess other people do use them.
What I have discovered over the years is that there is no one perfect bag. So I have started developing a collection. Here are my selection of bags at this moment:
Lowepro Slingshot 100 AW: My first bag and I love it. It fits snugly across my body and I can fit a body w/ grip, 2 lenses an a flash in the main compartment, a lightsphere and diffuser inthe upper compartment and my wallet and Treo in the front pocket. It's easy to swing around and switch your equipment, without having to take anything off -- very important for urban trekking!
Lowepro Computrekker AW: I use this to travel with my laptop. Fits everything I need, although it is VERY heavy when fully loaded. It is still small enough, that I'll never be asked to check the bag at the gate while traveling.
Lowepro Slingshot 300 AW: This is the bag I carry for day Hikes. I love being able to sling it around with my camera hooked on my 70-200 ready to shoot wildlife if needed. However, I need to remember not to overload it with gear since I'll pay for it later.
Boda bag: I haven't been able to justify the cost of this (yet). However as I do more event photography I am starting to consider it. Lots of pockets and compartments for carrying everything you could possibly need. I might just end up getting the Think Tank Speed belt. I haven't decided yet.
I'm heading out to crumpler today. Arthur bought me the 6 million dollar home but it's too much bag for me right now. So, I'm looking to exchange it for the 5 million dollar home.
I really wish I could afford a shoot sac. I'm resigned to two bags. One for housing all my gear (which at this point is only the camera and a lens) and one that is practical for carrying around with me all day.
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