Camera Bag

[Nik's Mom]

I have Velocity 7 and it is currently holding my D70 with 18-200 lens mounted, nikon 50mm lens, and a sigma 100-300mm lens. The strap is well padded, and since it's top loading, my camera is very easy to get in and out.

My only complaint is that I have to mess with the positioning while carrying the bag. It's a sling style bag, and because I'm...well...lets say God blessed me in the chest area. So I have to position the strap just so across my chest. Other than that, love the bag!

 

[boBQuincy]

I have a Tamrac Velocity 2 and just never liked it. No particular reason, it just didn't feel right and doesn't look like I wanted (I prefer a more nondescript look and the stripes & logo are not that). I gave it a full day workout and now use it to store some photo equipment for travel but not to carry in the field.

I have purchased over six different bags in my search for the right one, which apparently doesn't exist yet. To me, LowePro makes the most useful bag but the shape isn't right. I want a more vertical shape than most, more like a messenger bag.

My field days can be long, hot, and humid (hmm, sounds like WDW), with no return to the car or hotel room in over 12 hours. I carry a 10D, 24-105, 70-200 f4 and the usual battery packs, CF cards, filters, monopod, and a tiny 'first aid' kit. It can feel pretty heavy by the end of the day if the bag doesn't work well.

I bought a Crumpler $4 Million Dollar Home and gave it a full day test today, at Virginia International Raceway. The bag fits my camera gear well, feels right, and has a lot of little loops & pockets (but too much velcro). It doesn't shout "camera bag" and appears to be very well made. I do miss the built in 'raincoat' of my LowePro AW bag but a plastic bag should provide a low cost substitute.

For now, the Crumpler may be the best bag I have found for an all day adventure.


boB

 

[Nik's Mom]

Hi,
Does anyone have experience with either of these bags? They are backpack style. The camera is stored in a lower compartment, and the top compartment would carry other gear non-camera related. I thought it would be perfect to carry my wallet, ds' inhaler, my inhaler, etc.

Has anyone tried out these bags?

 

[Shanan]

I have the LowePro and would buy it again.

 

[ldibo]

I have the LowePro and would buy it again.

How much can you fit in the top? I was looking at this bag and it seems really small to me. I'm looking for something I could fit maybe snacks and a light jacket in.

Lynn

 

[Nik's Mom]

I've read that you could fit a light jacket and snack. The exact measurement for the top portion is 11.8"W x 6.9"D x 10.4"H. The bottom portion is 11"W x 6.5"D x 6.3"H

I have a question for Shanan. How easy is it to get your camera in and out of the bag? I need to be able to get it in and out without a great deal of effort.

 

[pyrxtc]

I have a lowepro too and I am looking for something else to use more often. The lowepro is great for long day trips where I don't need to get my camera out easily but will ahve it our for extended periods and have the rest of the equipment on my back with me but to take it out and put it away constantly, I really need a hip bag. This one is too much work to go into a million times. Can't tell you all the lost shots from the time it takes to get into the bag when I realized I wanted a picture of something, like the bear in my yard this morning!

 

[Shanan]

I have a Nikon D50, 2 filters, several memory cards and room to spare in the bottom section. When I go to WDW or on any vacation in the top section, I can put wallet, checks, phone, 2 water bottles (of course in ziploc bag), package of crystal light and small snacks. I have been able to put a jacket in there but had to remove water bottles, crystal light and snacks. I use my back pack as a "purse" when I want to take camera to relatives house, church or where I know I will need my camera. I do not have a 'regular' camera bag just the back pack and I love it.

 

[Nik's Mom]

I'm disappointed to hear that it's difficult to get the camera in and out of the bag. I need quick access to my camera, but also want space to store non-camera stuff.

 

[jenny2]

A pretty cool site is http://www.cambags.com/. He's got hundreds of pictures of camera bags with the equipment in the bags. HTH!

 

[Shanan]

I have never had any trouble accessing my camera. I have been hiking in the Tetons and been able to swing that backpack around, quickly unzip the bottom compartment and grab the camera. I use my bag alot so I might be more used to it.

 

[Nik's Mom]

Shanan,
When you unzip the bottom compartment to access the camera, do you have to support it so the camera doesn't come tumbling out?

 

[Shanan]

Yes. I always hold the bottom (camera compartment) while the top (backpack storage) falls back. Hope that helps.

 

[daisylove]

I read this thread on the tamrac before buying mine.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1062220&highlight=tamrac+adventure

It is hard getting to the camera fast. I end up putting it in the top for a temprary place but I know that is dangerous. One good hit against something and it will be it. I have just purchased a Mountainsmith Aurora medium lumbar pack that I ma going to try out this next trip. IOt is pretty hefy bag. Will hold my Canon S2IS and leaves enough room for other things. Water bottle holderon sides. Sticks out a bit so I am not sure about that but it is an alternative.http://www.ebags.com/mountainsmith/...a_pack/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=62915

 

[Nik's Mom]

Getting the camera out fast is pretty important. I'm also looking in to the Sinking Barge, made by Crumpler. The camera compartment is gusseted, so the camera doesn't come tumbling out. The down side is that the bag is large. But, I do tend to carry a lot of gear with me.

 

[goodferry]

I got the Tamrac Adventurer for Mother's Day and so far I love it. I haven't found it difficult to get the camera out of and I like how well protected the camera is. I haven't gone out enough with it to try packing other things in it, but it is handing being able to strap my tri-pod onto it.

 

[ldibo]

Well, I just ordered the Orion Trekker II. As soon as I get it, I'll let you know what I can get in it etc.

Lynn

 

[tjl1388]

I have the adventure 6 and I love it. Plenty of room up top and the camera doesn't just fall out when I need to get to it.

 

[PoohJen]

well, that pretty much sums it up.

Do you like your bag? Why/why not? Recommendations?

 

[Sonno]

Lowepro
http://www.lowepro.com/