Camera Bag

[SueInBoston]

I have both the 6 and 7MDH. I took the 6 to WDW in April and carried my gear in it for first few days. But my camera was around my neck most of the time and I was carrying an almost empty bag so I switched to DH's waist lumbar pack. If you prefer to carry your camera in your bag then the 6MDH works really well as you can get to your gear pretty quicky.

 

[feistygalkmc]

Thanks, I think I will go ahead and get one and try it out. I know I will like it outside of Disney but I don't know how well I would like carrying across my neck every day we are there.

 

[jann1033]

if you have a circuit city nearby last time i was there they had a few crumpler bags in case you want to see it in person

 

[boBQuincy]

I carry a Crumpler $4M bag all day at WDW, no problem. My camera is not in the bag but two lenses (or a lens and a water bottle) usually are. DW carries a $5M bag for her Rebel Xt and a lens. We have tried many camera bags but these are the best we have found yet.

 

[Steve's Girl]

I have the $5 and $7 home. The $7 is way too big to carry around all day. But it holds all my gear and is great for carrying everything to WDW. I use the $5 as a day bag and it is just the right size for me for carrying around all day. You can attach extra lens cases, water bottle holders, etc. to the loops on the outside if need be. I usually slip a small wallet with everything I need inside as well.

 

[Groucho]

My wife just bought a $5m bag to carry her K100D - if anything, it's overkill in terms of size. I was able to put my K20D with 50-135mm F2.8 lens in it - that was a little more of a tight fit, but not too bad.

With the basic design of the bag, I think it'd be tough to fit more than two extra "somethings", lenses or flashes or whatever. I'm not sure how the $6m bag compares to the $5m one, though - I really wasn't involved in this decision, all I know is that she announced that she wanted a camera bag that didn't look like a camera bag and that was what she had chosen, and what was my Adorama login?

 

[Steve's Girl]

My wife just bought a $5m bag to carry her K100D - if anything, it's overkill in terms of size. I was able to put my K20D with 50-135mm F2.8 lens in it - that was a little more of a tight fit, but not too bad.

With the basic design of the bag, I think it'd be tough to fit more than two extra "somethings", lenses or flashes or whatever. I'm not sure how the $6m bag compares to the $5m one, though - I really wasn't involved in this decision, all I know is that she announced that she wanted a camera bag that didn't look like a camera bag and that was what she had chosen, and what was my Adorama login?

Groucho - I always knew I liked your wife!

You're right - the $5 comfortably carries a camera with lens attached and two other items - flash and extra lens or two other extra lenses.

 

[feistygalkmc]

I might head over to Circuit City tomorrow to see what I can find. I never ever seem to have any luck there though but I will give it a try. From what it sounds like, the $5 might be more of what I need, hmmmm decisions.......

 

[dr_zero]

Bump for the new folks

 

[Terri.M]

I just returned my 6mdh and ordered the 7mdh from our local store, they didn't have the color in stock I wanted. The 6 did fit my Canon Rebel xt with it's 2 lenses, my Olympus SLR with it's 1:2.8 f28mm lens, a 2x teleconverter, and a 1:1.7 50mm wide angle lens, my canon elura 100 video camera, a few rolls of film in the zippered compartment, the chargers for my canon's batteries, canon manual and some exposure charts. However it was a very tight fit and once I put the chargers in the side pockets, it was very difficult to get a camera out of the side compartment. I want to rent some lenses for our upcoming trip to Hawaii and they just won't fit.

If you can, buy one or both and see how everything fits, walk around with it on as much as you can to see how it feels and return the one that doesn't work.

I found the 6 very comfortable to walk around with!

 

[WVDisGeek]

In addition to what others have already mentioned, I carry a small notebook to record thoughts on shots, ideas for future shots, notes on settings, etc.

I also carry a pocket-type first aid kit with some bandages and such. Nice for those times when crawling to odd places to "get the shot" and you forget you are not 18 still!!!

I have a Tamrac Adventure 7 and I really like it. I wish there was a size in between it and the Adventure 9. I would really like just a tad more room, but have no need to carry a laptop (YET!).

I carry 2 XXL ziploc bags that the entire backpack can fit into. Saved my gear during my wife's recent Relay for Life event where we had a severe thunderstorm. Kept everything nice and dry. Also has a built in handle so you can carry the whole thing.

 

[stitchlet]

I hope it's okay to ask this question here - it is photography related, but not about taking the photo myself.

Could someone explain the "pre-order" aspect of Photopass? In the past, DH & I have bought the CD at the resort. I've read about people requesting specific "magic shots" (beyond Tink in your hand or baby Simba) when they've pre-ordered.

Any info is much appreciated!

TIA

 

[Groucho]

Groucho - I always knew I liked your wife!

You're right - the $5 comfortably carries a camera with lens attached and two other items - flash and extra lens or two other extra lenses.

She is a great woman, I'm a very lucky guy. But man, does she love her bags.

She is quite happy with the Crumpler, it seems pretty sturdy. Part of her excuse for getting it is that she could carry an extra lens for me. We'll see......

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Aside from cameras and lenses, here is the stuff that sometimes finds its way into my camera bag:

GPS data logger - so I know where i was when I took the pictures.

Hot shoe bubble level - so that I know my camera is level

Close up filter - Good 2 element filters, not the cheapo ebay kind, so that I can take macro shots with normal lenses

Polarizing filter

Remote shutter release with intervalometer so that I can trigger the camera without touching it

Flashes and a flash controller and colored gels for the flashes

Cleaning stuff - blower brush, lens cleaning fluid, lens paper, microfiber cloth, sensor cleaning brush, dust-aid pads, rocket blower

ND filters - for getting longer shutter speeds.

Graduated ND filters - for reducing dynamic range. I use a cokin style holder so that I can adjust the "horizon" on the filters.

Consumables - batteries, memory cards

Extension tubes - for getting even closer macros

5-in-1 "reflector" (white, silver, gold, translucent, and black)

Flashlight - for finding stuff in the dark. I use an LED headlamp if I plan on shooting much after dark. Also, a bright flashlight for "painting" things in the dark.

A mini-voice recorder for taking "notes."

A focusing rail and leveling base for the tripod - the focusing rail is useful for focusing on macro work and the leveling base and focusing rail work well together for panoramic shots.

I'm sure that I'm forgetting lots of other random items that used from time to time, but that's a reasonable list of the main things that jump to mind.

 

[NostalgicDad]

So, what camera bag is currently in use by you photogs? I've been using the Lowepro Slingshot 200 but definitely need more room after taking delivery of my new D300 and battery grip. I'd like to make the change now to include more gear like my laptop, etc. To this point, I've always kept my laptop in a separate bag while traveling. I've pretty much decided I will purchase a backpack style bag this time around, primarily due to the comfort concerns with my back. My main concern is keeping the new bag within carry-on limits which typically is 45 linear inches. At least for the Lowepro, their listed dimensions are overstated a bit and all reviews I've read are that no one has had any problem using them for carry-on. Secondly, I need to be able to clip my camera straps to the shoulder harness in order to keep from hanging the camera around my neck whilst walking, etc. This requires something like D-rings to be in place on the shoulder harness of the backpack. And finally, I would also like room or a compartment to carry assorted sundries, etc.

Below are the ones I'm trying to decide between. If anyone has had or currently uses any of these, I would love to hear your thoughts.


Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II

Think Tank Airport Antidote

Tamrac Expedition 7x

 

[handicap18]

I like Tamrac's. I have the Adventure 9 to hold all my stuff and it will also hold a laptop. I can get everything in there along with my video camera and extra taps and all the wires. When its fully loaded it is HEAVY, but all my stuff is together in one place. It will hold my D50 with a battery pack and lens one along with my 70-300mm VR, 50mm f/1.8, 30mm f/1.4, 90mm f/2.8, SB-600 flash and also either my Gary Fong diffuser or my 70-210mm f/4. At the rate I'm going, if I get any new lenses I'll need a bigger backpack.

I'm probably going to get the Tamrac Velocity 8x as a day pack to hold the camera and 1 or 2 extra lenses.


Of the one's you listed, I like the Expedition 7x. I've seen that one up close and if I need to down the road get a new camera backpack that would be at the top of my list.

 

[barrie]

This isn't one of your 3 choices but I have to throw it into the mix. I bought this bag to use on my trip to Europe and absolutely LOVE it!

Kata KT DR-467 Digital Rucksack

It holds all of my camera gear (including my tripod!) and my laptop with room to spare for things like travel guides, a jacket and a water bottle. And even with all of that, it's still comfortable to carry.

It's built really well. It has lots of pockets for organizing with zippers that are concealed. It has this cool hard padding on the outside of the camera compartment to prevent "slice and go" theft. It has a strap to secure it onto a rolling cart or suitcase handle. It's very sturdy and I feel like my equipment is very safely stored.

The interior is bright yellow to make finding black equipment easier. The compartment that holds the camera equipment tips forward and comes completely out which is really nice. Plus, that creates a nice hiding place underneath it for things like passports and money. It's completely customizable with 6 velcro dividers.

It has D-rings on the straps. Also, the chest strap has a slider so that you can adjust it to the level that fits you best.

It has a pocket on the side for a tripod or water bottle with a strap to hold the top of the tripod. When not in use, it can be zipped away.

The computer compartment holds a 17" laptop, plus a few magazines or a couple of Bryan Peterson books! There is a strong, sturdy strap on top to carry it like a hand bag which is also handy.

It easily fits into overhead bin on planes or under your seat. I have back problems too and although it was heavy with all my crap in it, I had no problem lugging it around Europe.

I did a lot of research before choosing this bag and I'm totally glad I got it. It's perfect! And the price is great - only $61! I would have paid double that for this pack.

Can you tell I like this bag?! Anyway - check it out. It's one of the best purchases I have made.

 

[YesDear]

I currently use a Lowepro Nova 5 AW for my stuff. I have an older larger Tamrac shoulder bag for all my 35mm film cameras and stuff. The 5AW works well for me for what I carry. I have A D200 and D300.

I did order the computer version of the one Lowepro Trekker. It is the Lowepro computrekker plus. It is supposed to be here Monday. I have a 17in mac and I am going on a Disney cruise in September. Looking to reduce shoulder stress with wanting to take both. I also have a friend that is going to let me borrow his 70-200, so I am going to need the extended lens space.


FYI I found it at ebay for a very good price It was new and from a Lowepro dealer. You might want to check that out.

 

[dr_zero]

When its fully loaded it is HEAVY, but all my stuff is together in one place.

Amen! hauled mine around just that past weekend and its nice to have the extra gear but darn its HEAVY LOL

 

[NostalgicDad]

Well, I decided to go with none of the above.

I ended up getting the Think Tank Airport Acceleration. It's pretty much the same as the Antidote but a little larger. One feature I liked on this one is that the shoulder harness can be tucked away when not in use. I was able to see another one of Think Tank's bags first hand and the build quality was astounding. That pretty much decided it.

The Tamrac was nice but just too much in the way of straps and bulk for my liking. And, the Lowepro shoulder harness was lacking in features as well as being too close to carry-on limits.

No shop in my area has the Acceleration so I had to order it online and should get it in a couple of days.

Thanks for the suggestions!