Camera Bags

[patzor]

What do you guys use as a camera bag when going to the parks?

Right now, I have the bag that my original camera came in (D60)

I have since upgraded to a D7000.

My lenses include:
nifty fifty
Nikon 28-70mm 2.8
Tamron 18-270

I also have a nikon speedlight (doubt I'll bring this though).

I have a backpack now that houses all my lenses and laptop, but don't want something as bulky. Was thinking about one of the sling bags, but didn't have any knowledge of them.

I want to at least have my tamron and 28-70 with me.

Thanks.

 

[ronfin]

Glad you posted this topic. This question and personal bag issue has plagued me for years. Every year I've tried something different, and then this year it hit me. I no longer take a dedicated camera bag with me. One, I like to carry a narrower easy to stow bag with me that has everything we need. It has to be large enough to fit my 5D in an emergency, like a huge downpour, or if I'm just tired of shooting. I stopped taking more than one lens with me to the park also. Now-a-days I only take the 24-105mm, and a 50mm f1.2 prime. The prime stays in the hotel most of the trip, but I'll take it for a day here and there just for nice portrait shots. 95% of the time I keep the walkaround lens on it.

OK, back to the bag. I'm retired Army, so my day pack has to be durable, easy to stow, and have a ton of pockets. I recently went with a CamelBak Hawg. See picture below:

It's perfect for Disney. It carries 3 liters of water, if you want to, and the hydration cap is so large you ca stuff it full of ice first. It's big enough for all your day needs, extra camera stuff, and personal items like ponchos and an umbrella. It's also small and easy to take on any ride without it getting in the way. Took it on Expedition Everest, Space Mountain, and all the other rides I can think of without any problems. Camera went inside during the roller-coasters and back on my person after using a BlackRapid's Sport strap.

For days you don't want to take a bag, but fear that your camera could get wet when it rains, or if you go on a ride like Splash Mountain, try one of these. See picture below:

These are called Dry Bags. They're awesome! When not in use they roll up and clip together to keep it from unrolling. When I didn't take my backpack I put one of these in my pocket. On a few occasions I would unroll one of these, a SMALL (fits a Canon 5D with 24-105mm easily) then around the strap wrap the top of the clip part, and clip it around the strap making it snug to keep rain out. No worries about my gear getting wet, and I didn't have to carry a bag all day. You can order these on eBay if you like them. As far as a "camera bag" goes, I never use one. I want an all purpose pack for the park, and not just a bag that's sole mission is camera equipment.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I'm a pack mule so I use a Lowepro Fastpack 200. I stuff it with a 70-200 f2.8, 30 f1.4 and an 18-55 with an external flash. My camera is always out with my 28-70 f2.8 and if needed, I use a dry sack. If I'm on a wet ride or it starts to rain I may put the 18-55 DA AL WR. That makes my Pentax system totally weather resistant.

 

[patzor]

Thanks!

I like the bag cover idea. I will definitely have to get one of those.

Thankfully we're gonna have a stroller with us, so I'm not really worried about packing everything I need into a backpack.

I want something that I can easily change lenses without putting the bag down (will have the tamron on most the time) just bringing the other two for inside/night time shots.

I am also definitely buying a black rapid before I go. It just makes so much sense, can't believe I haven't seen it before now.

 

[wiigirl]

I'm a pack mule so I use a Lowepro Fastpack 200. I stuff it with a 70-200 f2.8, 30 f1.4 and an 18-55 with an external flash. My camera is always out with my 28-70 f2.8 and if needed, I use a dry sack. If I'm on a wet ride or it starts to rain I may put the 18-55 DA AL WR. That makes my Pentax system totally weather resistant.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

I don't typically carry a bag with me, just the camera with the 24-105. On rare occassions when I'll want to do lens swapping, I have a Think Tank digital holster that I'll wear on my belt. Usually, though, if it doesn't fit in the Joey pouch on my Black Rapid strap (or in my pants pockets), I'm not carrying it in the parks.

For the last year or so, my rain contingency has been a plastic Disney shopping bags that's rolled up and tucked into the pad on my strap. Very low tech, but it works and doesn't take up any space in the limited capacity of the Joey.

 

[nbaresejr]

Glad you posted this topic. This question and personal bag issue has plagued me for years. Every year I've tried something different, and then this year it hit me. I no longer take a dedicated camera bag with me. One, I like to carry a narrower easy to stow bag with me that has everything we need. It has to be large enough to fit my 5D in an emergency, like a huge downpour, or if I'm just tired of shooting. I stopped taking more than one lens with me to the park also. Now-a-days I only take the 24-105mm, and a 50mm f1.2 prime. The prime stays in the hotel most of the trip, but I'll take it for a day here and there just for nice portrait shots. 95% of the time I keep the walkaround lens on it.

OK, back to the bag. I'm retired Army, so my day pack has to be durable, easy to stow, and have a ton of pockets. I recently went with a CamelBak Hawg. See picture below:

It's perfect for Disney. It carries 3 liters of water, if you want to, and the hydration cap is so large you ca stuff it full of ice first. It's big enough for all your day needs, extra camera stuff, and personal items like ponchos and an umbrella. It's also small and easy to take on any ride without it getting in the way. Took it on Expedition Everest, Space Mountain, and all the other rides I can think of without any problems. Camera went inside during the roller-coasters and back on my person after using a BlackRapid's Sport strap.

For days you don't want to take a bag, but fear that your camera could get wet when it rains, or if you go on a ride like Splash Mountain, try one of these. See picture below:

These are called Dry Bags. They're awesome! When not in use they roll up and clip together to keep it from unrolling. When I didn't take my backpack I put one of these in my pocket. On a few occasions I would unroll one of these, a SMALL (fits a Canon 5D with 24-105mm easily) then around the strap wrap the top of the clip part, and clip it around the strap making it snug to keep rain out. No worries about my gear getting wet, and I didn't have to carry a bag all day. You can order these on eBay if you like them. As far as a "camera bag" goes, I never use one. I want an all purpose pack for the park, and not just a bag that's sole mission is camera equipment.

Can you post a link to those bags on Ebay? I am having trouble finding them. I think that would be perfect for my trip to the Masters in April. Going for a practice round and they are very picky about bags. Need something for the DSLR if it rains.

 

[ronfin]

Here's one link, but if you search "dry bag" on eBay you'll get a ton of hits.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Outdoor-Wat...Domain_0&var=460151718594&hash=item257ab15ed5

 

[kofslinky]

I bought this bag from Amazon before one of my trips this past year. I really like it- it holds lots of things and is quite comfortable to wear. Just another option!

 

[MolonLabe]

I originally got this-

http://www.voodootactical.net/p-1029-voodoo-tactical-15-0457-stakeout-padded-concealment-bag.aspx

The thought process being my T4i with a lens could go directly into the main pocket and another lens could be in the main pocket standing upright. Some nice front pockets for spare batteries, memory card, external flash and some odds and ends.

While it works, it isn't ideal for 12-14 hour days in the park.

I got this-

http://www.amazon.com/KT-D-3N1-20-S...&qid=1377921111&sr=8-1&keywords=kata+d-3n1-20

You can use it a sling backpack, traditional backpack... it's pretty flexible and in sling style, you can access it while wearing it by sliding it around front.

Dedicated pockets to carry the T4i with a lens on it and then one lens on each side of it (separately padded) or one lens and one speedlight on either side, then a top pocket with areas for batteries and mem cards as well as a spot big enough for my sunglasses and case when I need to stow them.

Two other side pockets allow me to bring along a medium rocket air blaster and some other doodads.

It also has a water proof cover for it. although the cover only covers the top, sides, back and bottom. Still gets the job done while wearing it.

It has a D-ring on it for putting a tripod on it that I put a carabeaner on instead that can hold my hat or anything else I want on the back of it.

While the Kata pack isn't exactly what I want, it's about as close as I'm gong to get. I can get into it with out taking it off which is a huge plus while standing in lines.

For a sling, I use a FS-Pro from carry speed with the mounting plate. Best sling around and I'm actually satisfied with it, not much about it I would change.

 

[lhermiston]

I haven't taken it to Disney yet, but I got the Lowepro Sling 202 a month ago and I love it. Major upgrade from my AmazonBasics backpack.

The bag holds my D5100 and these three lens (with one attached): 18-55, 50 and 55-300. I also have room for my remote, extra battery and other necessary accessories. I don't have an external flash, but I could get one of those in, too. One neat feature is the bag opens up and has two SD card holders just inside the flap. It also has a pull out rain guard and a tripod holder.

My favorite feature - and the primary reason I selected this bag - is it swings around to the front and the camera is easily accessible. But, it's set up in a way that if you open it partially to grab your camera, your other gear won't come tumbling out.

I highly recommend it.

 

[nbaresejr]

I haven't taken it to Disney yet, but I got the Lowepro Sling 202 a month ago and I love it. Major upgrade from my AmazonBasics backpack.

The bag holds my D5100 and these three lens (with one attached): 18-55, 50 and 55-300. I also have room for my remote, extra battery and other necessary accessories. I don't have an external flash, but I could get one of those in, too. One neat feature is the bag opens up and has two SD card holders just inside the flap. It also has a pull out rain guard and a tripod holder.

My favorite feature - and the primary reason I selected this bag - is it swings around to the front and the camera is easily accessible. But, it's set up in a way that if you open it partially to grab your camera, your other gear won't come tumbling out.

I highly recommend it.

I loved this bag for the exact same reasons you did UNTIL I went to Disney. I think that was the last time I used it. Carrying a bag around for a little while is much much different then carrying a bag around for 10 hours in the Florida heat (oct trip with that bag).

Another thing I found out is that if you dont have the camera out at all times are you likely to miss shots, could be from taking the time to get it out or not wanting the hassle of taking the camera out for 1 shot.

After that trip I made the following changes:
Black Rapid strap- This allowed me to keep the camera out at all times and be comfortable.
Crumpler 5 and 6 Million Dollar Home Bags- Depends on how much gear I want to carry. They both fit my t2i w/ Sigma 17-50 2.8, Sigma 10-20 and Canon 70-200 f/4 IS. The 6 million allows me to add my 430ii flash and little things like my rocketblower.

I use an X pattern (see image below) to carry and its comfortable for carry all day. I have used this setup in Europe as well as my last Disney trip in April 2013 and have 0 complaints about carrying. In addition I can attach a tripod to the 6 Million Dollar Home by being creative. If anyone wants to see that let me know.

 

[patzor]

I am definitely getting a black rapid. In fact, I'm about to place the order for that and Lightroom 5.

I'm still trying to decide on the pack. I might have to find a local store for that though. try them on and see how I like them. I just wanted something to put the camera in when I go on rides. (and that's bigger than the little bag I have now.)

 

[ratlenhum]

I go plain. I carry a regular backpack with all my junk. I wear my camera on a Black Rapid strap. For rain or wet rides I keep a giant 2.5 gallon ziplock in the backpack. The camera, wallets and cell phones go in it.

 

[jimim]

I am definitely getting a black rapid. In fact, I'm about to place the order for that and Lightroom 5.

I'm still trying to decide on the pack. I might have to find a local store for that though. try them on and see how I like them. I just wanted something to put the camera in when I go on rides. (and that's bigger than the little bag I have now.)

I just got my black rapid yesterday. It's awesome. I got the slim. I really like it

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[jimim]

I originally got this-

http://www.voodootactical.net/p-1029-voodoo-tactical-15-0457-stakeout-padded-concealment-bag.aspx

The thought process being my T4i with a lens could go directly into the main pocket and another lens could be in the main pocket standing upright. Some nice front pockets for spare batteries, memory card, external flash and some odds and ends.

While it works, it isn't ideal for 12-14 hour days in the park.

I got this-

http://www.amazon.com/KT-D-3N1-20-Sling-Backpack-Black/dp/B001BP7YFM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377921111&sr=8-1&keywords=kata+d-3n1-20

You can use it a sling backpack, traditional backpack... it's pretty flexible and in sling style, you can access it while wearing it by sliding it around front.

Dedicated pockets to carry the T4i with a lens on it and then one lens on each side of it (separately padded) or one lens and one speedlight on either side, then a top pocket with areas for batteries and mem cards as well as a spot big enough for my sunglasses and case when I need to stow them.

Two other side pockets allow me to bring along a medium rocket air blaster and some other doodads.

It also has a water proof cover for it. although the cover only covers the top, sides, back and bottom. Still gets the job done while wearing it.

It has a D-ring on it for putting a tripod on it that I put a carabeaner on instead that can hold my hat or anything else I want on the back of it.

While the Kata pack isn't exactly what I want, it's about as close as I'm gong to get. I can get into it with out taking it off which is a huge plus while standing in lines.

For a sling, I use a FS-Pro from carry speed with the mounting plate. Best sling around and I'm actually satisfied with it, not much about it I would change.

I have the same kata but the larger one. I only use OT for travel. Airports and stuff. It's an awesome bag isn't it. I love how I can get access from the side. It's great protection for my Mac and can even get an iPad in out when totally packed up. Best bad I ever had

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[jimim]

I don't typically carry a bag with me, just the camera with the 24-105. On rare occassions when I'll want to do lens swapping, I have a Think Tank digital holster that I'll wear on my belt. Usually, though, if it doesn't fit in the Joey pouch on my Black Rapid strap (or in my pants pockets), I'm not carrying it in the parks.

For the last year or so, my rain contingency has been a plastic Disney shopping bags that's rolled up and tucked into the pad on my strap. Very low tech, but it works and doesn't take up any space in the limited capacity of the Joey.

Same here for rain. Disney plastic bag does the trick for my domke

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[disneycruising]

I have a Lowepro Passport Sling (original). I have had it for a few years. I love it.

 

[littlekidagain]

My last 3 trips have all been with the Crumpler 6. I holds a lot but small enough for the ride without taking up to much room.
At all times I have:
Pentax K5 W/grip
Sigma 70-200 f2.8
Sigma 24-70 f2.8
Sigma 10-20
From there I add a flash or lens depending on the park. I do keep a
trash bag in my bag if it rains.

 

[scbell]

I have a Case Logic TBC-307 that I bought on eBay a few weeks ago. They are also available on Amazon. I love how the camera slips into the top (and there is room for another lens down in the middle cylinder sleeve if the one mounted on your camera isn't too long). I took it with me to the zoo the other day and it was great to also hold water bottles and other items. It's not as big as other backpacks I've seen, but it has LOTS of support/cushioning.