New Bag

[zmikers]

Well, as some of you may remember, but probably not:p, I was in search of a new bag. I do loads of backpacking with a 75 litre backpack and needed something to accomodate this. I did loads of research including months of trying on camera bags with a fully loaded backpack on and, with my trans siberian trip looming in the near future, I finally made my choice.

I decided on the Lowepro Orion belt-pack. The ability to strap it around my waist and have the camera accessable from the top with my pack on my back is awesome. The bag is small and doesn't hold all of my gear, but my xti with mid range zoom lens mounted, two additional lenses, and all of my little goodies like filters and rechargers etc, is all I need for a trip like this. It is very comfortable and has a shoulder strap as well for times where my back pack will be left behind. The quality feels great and I'm sure it will last a long time.

Anyway, I hope all of my research and experimenting can help somebody else in the future.

[ryan112ryan]

right now im trying to figure out a bag to hold all my stuff:

D200 w/ grip
Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR
Nikon 50mm f1.8
Nikon 60mm f2.8 micro
Nikon 1.7 teleconverter
Sigma 18-50mm f2.8

Right now I have a Nova 4 and its nice but it doesn't hold my 70-200 and the shoulder bag hurts my back, so im thinking im going to need a backpack

if im going to go as big as a backpack I figure i want something that can hold a laptop

Lowepro makes great backpacks for camping, but their backpacks for cameras really suck in terms of shoulder straps and support


Any ideas anyone?

[zmikers]

Have you thought about the lowepro slingshot bag, they are very comfortable too. Here's a link http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Sling_Bags/All_Weather_Cover/SlingShot_200_AW.aspx

[kgosden]

I would think you will need the larger Slingshot 300 for the listed gear. You might also look at the ThinkTank bags; especially if a good waist pack interests you. The Speed Freak is really pretty large. My Olympus gear is slightly smaller than your Nikon, but it holds my E-510, the two kit lenses (the older ones from my E-500), my 50mm macro and 11-22mm zoom. The outer pocket handles memory cards. I have a filter holder and a small case for batteries on the belt.

[Coobie]

Have you thought about the lowepro slingshot bag, they are very comfortable too. Here's a link http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Sling_Bags/All_Weather_Cover/SlingShot_200_AW.aspx


I'm trying to figure out what type of bag I need. thanks for this link, I like that bag!!

[zmikers]

I'm trying to figure out what type of bag I need. thanks for this link, I like that bag!!

Just as a side note, like I said, I tried on many bags with all of my gear in it. I think this is important. The slingshot was on of the most comfortable bags I tried, I would have bought it but unfortunately it could not work with my backpack. Anyways, just make sure you take your gear in and put it in the bag you want and try it first. Oh, and your welcome for the link!:D good luck, and keep us posted on what bag you buy, I love seeing other people's purchases:p

[RichNY]

I started with a Slingshot 200 and have found it to be a good mid sized bag.

Recently I have purchased a Domke F-1x shoulder bag which I like much better. (Mine is large but they come in various sizes). Fully loaded my pack weights 24lbs. That's carrying my IIN with the 70-200 f/2.8 attached, the 30D with the 17-55 attached, a 100-400L, 10-22, 85 f/1.8, all the lens hoods, a gorillapod, batteries and chargers, lens and sensor cleaning kits, 580EX, etc.

Ryan- For what you want to carry I'd put the Domke F-2 bag on the short list to see if it will meet your needs.

The other really great sized Domke is the F-3x for carrying a camera and 2-3 extra lenses.

When you look at a Domke the first think you'll notice is that the bag is soft canvas with no padding. All of the padding to protect your gear are inserts that velcro into the bag. With my bag for example it came with an insert that holds 4 lenses vertically. I chose to remove that insert and purchase a 3 lens insert and a big one camera insert.

I keep my 10-22, 85, and 100-400L stored vertically in the 3 lens insert. I put the 10-22 and 100-400 lens hoods at the bottom of the big single camera insert and then put the 30D w/grip and 17-55 with reversed hood facing down in that spot.

The 1D Mark IIN lies outside of the padded inserts but is protected by the padding on the bottom of the bag and pouches all around it.

I must say that the build quality of the Domke is far superior to the Slingshot which is starting to fray after only 9 months. I expect to replace this Slingshot with the smaller Domke F-3x in a few months.

My new Domke preference aside, the Slingshot is a really nice bag which has served me well traveling all over Europe and at home.

http://www.tiffen.com/userimages/Domke_Cat_noZing_SS.pdf

[zmikers]

Rich - I was wondering how long my lowepro bag would last keeping in mind its going to get pretty banged up with the style of travelling I do. Your slingshot is fraying after only 9 months eh? That's good to know. Thanks for the reply here. I think the more suggestions and options people have, with the most amount of information will get them into the best product for their needs.:D

[zmikers]

By the way, I like the satchel style bag from the link you posted. Very inconspicuous, and stylish too!

[TNB]

right now im trying to figure out a bag to hold all my stuff. . . .
I own a Tenba bag that has a compartment for a notebook and will carry a lot more than that, but by the time it is loaded, it is a very heavy bag since it is also a rolling bag with wheels. When actually shooting sporting events, I may use a LowePro belt with accessory pouches and then usually put the LowePro Toploader 75 AW over my shoulder (which will hold the Nikon D200 with both the MB-200 and the 70-200 VR).

http://image.rcuniverse.com/forum/upfiles/70716/Sq47947.jpg

[T06]

http://www.kata-bags.com/Item.asp?pid=275&cid=28&perentId=4&ProdLine=4The same company that makes bulletproof vests etc. I have all the confidence in the world with this bag & it easily accommodates my D200, 70-200VR, 50/1.8, 17-55, filters laptop etc etc. It's not the biggest backpack you'll come across but the quality & robust make of the thing is top shelf. Forgot to mention this bag rides great on the back, it doesn't have a waist belt but the adjustment in the shoulder straps lets you do a lot more than you think & the strap harness is a separate setup from the bag intentionally for comfort.