Camera Bag

[DebºoºS]

My dream bag is a messenger style that converts to a backpackthat would hold a trips worth of gear.
I have an old LL Bean bag that still goes to WDW with me but it's too small for anything but my D200 with a 50 mounted and a few personal items.
I wish they had "build a bag" like they do "build a bear"

 

[webshark3]

I've seen a few of you mention you use a diaper bag to carry your gear. How?! I'd love to be able to use a diaper bag as my camera bag/purse, but I'm afraid my gear won't be protected enough. Right now I'm using a Crumpler 4 mil and like how snug the camera fits in there. I'm worried in a diaper bag it would shift around too much and break. So, how do you pack your gear in a diaper bag? If you include pics of your packed bag, I'll love you forever.

I used diapers as padding for spare lenses. works great...until you run out of diapers.

 

[WDWFWfan]

I wish they had "build a bag" like they do "build a bear"

Did somebody say "build a bag?" Well they do have them...sort of. Enter the modular belt system...add what you want, delete what you don't and typically have a variety of carry options. It gets all the weight off your shoulders, the heat (and sweat ) off your back and the best part is you can adjust what you carry to meet your daily needs.

While several companies manufacture similar systems, Think Tank Photo is highly regarded for their product offerings. I have been searching for the perfect carry solution for my usage (landscapes, wildlife and of course...DISNEY!) and this system is the closest thing to perfection that I've found.

I haven't had a chance to get out and give the system a full test yet, but here are a few pictures to help everyone get the idea anyway. I'll post more as I continue to configure and adjust.

First a few pictures with my complete system on. These pictures include the Steroid Belt, the Digital Holster 30 and the Chimp Cage.

As stated previously, each component can be added or removed as needed. Each bag can either be locked into place on the belt or allowed to slide around the belt with minimal effort. This is great for shifting the weight of the load, walking in crowded areas, sitting down, etc.

The camera holster can also be work as a chest pack (sorry no pics) or with a simply shoulder strap as seen here.

Here are a few pictures of the individual components. First, is the actual holster.

Think Tank makes a variety of different size holsters suited for different camera/lens combinations. Mine (the 30) will hold my Canon 50D with a 70-200 2.8 lens.

Next are a few photos of the Chimp Cage. This bag is designed to hold a pro DSLR body. I'll be using the bag to hold various odds and ends.

Next, is the Lens Changer 75. It will accommodate a 70-200 2.8 lens with hood. Since I don't have the lens that will eventually find it's home here (a 70-200 F4 IS), I added a visual aid to show the relative size of the bag. BTW, that's a 2 liter bottle!

Finally is the actual belt itself. Think Tank produces three different style belts. A nonpadded belt (the "Skin" belt), a moderately padded belt (the "Pro" belt) and this behemoth affectionately named the "Steroid" belt.

In conclusion, each bag includes it's own personal seam-sealed rain cover that is tethered to each bag. Think Tank makes a number of other components what makes this system great! An individual can most certainly configure the system to their liking.

Now for the $64,000 question. Does wearing this system make one look dorky? Perhaps...but this dork will be cool and comfortable, having all my gear within a moments reach. I will not have to take the bag off, put it down, and search through it looking for what I need while the moment passes me by.

I'll share more real-world experience as I gain it, as for now...I just love this system!

 

[JeffPoth]

Should you decide on the Canon bag, don't get it from Best Buy. I think the bag is around $80 from Best Buy, but Adorama sells it for about $50.

Muahahaha I love working at Best Buy. I can get this bag for $32. If only my discount was good on lenses.

 

[ssanders79]

For some time I was responsible for carrying the diaper bag (backpack style) and I did not want to carry a camera bag as well so I worked with my wife to purge some things from the bag and made room for my extra lens, 2 small umbrellas and a golf towel to wrap my camera up in if I needed to put it away.

 

[Hoan & Poopie]

Just curious. I know a few years back it was D70's then I think they were switching over to D80's two years ago.

Also what flash setup?

 

[Todd_H]

I thought they were still using the D70's, but I could be wrong.

 

[YesDear]

I saw D70s and D80s in January. They all seem to have SB800s for flash

 

[tjl1388]

Most of them still don't have a clue how to use them though.

 

[ChipNDale]

To Add to the OP Question What Len(s)? Tripods? Straps? Filters?

 

[jfinke]

I just saw noinks.. Didn't see what models they were shooting. We did have some photos that were way overexposed. Like the flash kicked into high gear. Not sure what kind of metering they were using. It was really odd. We had a bunch of photos and one in the middle the flash really kicked in.

 

[10_Kyle_10]

They were using D70's last October...like most of you said they definitely don't know how to use them especially indoor photos.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I saw a them using D80s at DLR in January.
ETA: w/ the aforementioned SB800 flash.

 

[Tom_Mack]

Back in December, they were using Nikon D80s with the SB800 Flash.

 

[MICKEY88]

From "What The Duck"

 

[annnewjerz]

Very cute.

 

[My2Girls66]

 

[Hoan & Poopie]

I was wondering about which lenses also. I assume they use a 'kit' lens, 18-70, 18-55, etc.?

 

[Suburbanmom]

I just got Lightroom 2.0.
I just finished loadeding it and I gotta admit, I'm a little intimidated by all the options.
If anyone wants to give me a few tips or point me towards a good tutorial, that would be much appreciated.

I think I'm going to want to re-process all my WDW pics from last November.

 

[annnewjerz]

I think I'm going to want to re-process all my WDW pics from last November.

I have no pointers for Lightroom, but wanted to say good luck!!