Camera Bag

[happybratpack]

Ultimately, from my initial impression this morning, it looks pretty good - and you can't beat the price. Off eBay, it was a paltry 25 cents plus $8 shipping. Amvona has a ton of bags, it's worth checking them out if you want to save a few bucks over the Tamrac, etc. bags. The big-name ones probably have slightly better quality but the Amvona seems well put-together and I don't see quality being an issue. I don't see that they have much in the way of sling bags, though.

Wow, that's a great deal! I'll be curious to hear your review on how it does. Thanks for all the input.

 

[fitzperry]

I went with this one Lowepro SlingShot rather than the Tamrac sling bag because I thought it was easier to access the camera with the Lowepro. Like you, I have a backpack that I really like, except that it's rather a pain to get to your gear. I really didn't think the Tamrac sling improved on that much. The Lowepro seemed to swing around easier, and the camera goes into the side of the bag, so when you swing it around, it is right there on top, if that makes sense. I have to say, it's not quite as comfy as my backpack, but it is considerably better than a shoulder bag in that regard. I went with the larger version (the 200), and it holds my D70 with lens attached, plus two other lenses, with room for other stuff as well because when I carry a camera bag, it has to double as a purse.

 

[jann1033]

no suggestions since ilooked and looked for somethng to hold everything i wanted to take and found a big backpack that holds all my stuff but found it's way to heavy for even hubby to lug all day so now looking for something much smaller ..last vacation used the binocular case for an extra lens holder and just left the camera on my neck so looking for bag #6...the elusive perfect bag i hope

 

[Jeanne B]

Maryann, I posted this link last night but here it is again in case you didn't notice my thread from last night. I paid $7.50 for it and it's really nice looking and very nice quality IMO. It would have to hang on your shoulder or the strap extends so you could probably put it on so that it crosses over the front of you (I know I'm not explaining that well!!). Isn't it fun trying to find the right bag for traveling?? I wonder how many bags we all have hidden in our closets.

http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PROFRAME&PROD_ID=1859273

 

[rtphokie]

One thing to keep in mind when selecting a bag. It's tempting to get one that will hold lots of stuff but you run the risk of straying out of the "camera bag" label and into the "purse" or "backpack" label.

This can be an issue when bringing the camera into areas with security checks such as sporting events, airshows, etc. which do not allow larger bags yet allow camera bags.

 

[amid chaos]

Thanks for the overstock.com link...I may take a closer look at that one.

 

[Digital]

I'm not sure I'd recommend this to everyone but I use the Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG for my Nikon d50 (don't tell anyone! ). I was able to carry two lenses, the camera body and a travel tripod. I didn't really notice the weight too much if I used both shoulder straps. Except in stores where I would knock things over... Mine is more of a backpack than a bag but I was able to take it on rides and into parks pretty easily

 

[Groucho]

last vacation used the binocular case for an extra lens holder and just left the camera on my neck so looking for bag #6...the elusive perfect bag i hope

Now that's an interesting idea that I hadn't thought of... I do have a set of very-rarely-used binoculars around, I'll have to see how the lenses fit in them. I'm not sure if I'd ultimately choose it but every avenue is worth checking out.

It's been mentioned recently but I'll throw it in again - it's worth checking out alternative neck straps if you're getting sore. I'll know for sure more after my non-Disney trip next week, but my new Op-Tech Pro Strap sure SEEMS to make my camera feel a lot lighter, just like they claim.

My only concern now is cramming the monopod into a backpack... I haven't tried yet and it's gonna be a tight fit!

 

[handicap18]

The Tamrac Model 5549 is the one I'm looking to get for x-mas. Its also referred to as the Adventure 9. I'll use this to keep my camera gear together. Right now I only have the LowPro Off Trail bag which is actually a large fanny pack which can only hold the body w/lens and 2 lenses. Well I also have a speedlight flash that needs a home and I know I'll have at least 1 other additional lens that will need a home. I also believe that the replacement for my current 70-300mm lens will be bigger and therefor wont fit in my current bag as the 70-300mm lens I'm using now just barely fits. I also have no room for the Lumiquest Omni-bounce diffuser I have and I'm thinking of upgrading that to the Gary Fong diffuser which takes up even more room.

I haven't decided if I'll carry this new bag around in the parks when we go next year. Most likely I'll use a vest to carry and extra lens or two and/or my speed light flash (when needed). Since we'll still be with stroller age kids, I'll have that to hold the travel tripod.

I was leaning towards a full camera bag, but I don't really think that I'll end up with enough lenses to fill one. This Tamrac bag I think will work for me. I like the idea of the extra space for a few other items on top. I was using my L.L. Bean backpack and putting my camera fanny pack in that. So this new bag should be easier to get around and into than my previous setup.

To be perfectly honest, I don't believe there is the one perfect bag out there. The bags will change as your photography habbits grow and change. I think that eventually I will have to get a full camera bag that can hold lots of lenses. Some day the time will come that I'll need it.

 

[MICKEY88]

the perfect camera bag for travelling, hiking, and WDW..is....drum roll please...


a vest

 

[amid chaos]

Op-Tech Pro Strap

This is without a doubt the best neck strap ever.

 

[Master Mason]

I just ordered one of these straps. ebay for $15.95

 

[Jeanne B]

the perfect camera bag for travelling, hiking, and WDW..is....drum roll please...


a vest

Ok, I know it shouldn't be all about fashion but DD13 would NOT want to be seen with me in WDW if I stepped off the Disney bus sporting a vest (and quite honestly, I don't think I would want to be seen with me!!). But I'm sure you're absolutely right!!

 

[SplshMtn99]

Sounds like I'm doing a bit more shopping because of this board. lol My new Canon S3 does deserve a new "home" after all.

BTW, Jeanne B tells me the strap extends out to a full 48" -- not just 27" like the website states. So, should be nice & long to wear across my full size body as I plan to; with room to spare in the strap.

Total was $10.62 after using a 10% off coupon I found here
http://www.dealcatcher.com/overstock-coupons
Click the coupon FIRST to get to overstock, then search for the bag. Coupon will show upon starting to check-out. Saved 85 cents.

 

[Groucho]

Maybe we need one of those "shady street vendor" jackets like in the cartoons. Looks like a regular jacket, open it up and there's a zillion pockets on the inside. Instead of stolen watches, it'll be full of lenses, filters, support systems, memory cards, etc. "Psst... hey buddy... wanna be in a picture?"

Or maybe go back to the '80s and wear a red Michael Jackson jacket with a zillion zippers - each one hiding a piece of photo equipment!

My biggest concern with a vest would be (besides the fashion concern! and I'm hardly a fashion plate) how it'd fare on the thrill rides - I could just see having a full vest on Tower of Terror. It drops, all the lenses float out of the vest, then smash on the floor as it rises again. My camera usually does float in mid-air at some point on that ride!

 

[jann1033]

I'm not sure I'd recommend this to everyone but I use the Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG for my Nikon d50 (don't tell anyone! ). I was able to carry two lenses, the camera body and a travel tripod. I didn't really notice the weight too much if I used both shoulder straps. Except in stores where I would knock things over... Mine is more of a backpack than a bag but I was able to take it on rides and into parks pretty easily

that's the same bag i have and i can fit canon rebel xt body, 28-135 is lens, 50mm lens, 100mm macro lens, 100-300mm lens, kit lens, filter wallet, memory wallet , extension tubes( kind of redundant) lens hoods for all lens, battery charger and 2 spare batteries, remote, some macro filter type lens,cleaning junk, a notebook,the manual...hmmm what am i forgetting,,oh a flashlight...and the full size tripod fits on the bottom straps...don't know why i can't lift it

the binoc bag was a "what do i do now" when hubby almost dropped from exhaustion after a full day of lugging the above around but i didn't have anyplace to leave it since i only took the one bag...next time i'll do things differently

if i hadn't just dropped $200 on books and elements 5 i'd get that little overstock bag...although it's kind of purselike and hubby usually carries my stuff so he might object to it( doesn't look like a manbag and he doesn't have a fur coat ala seinfield) even for under $10 I can just picture hubs eyes glazing over..."you bought what?" ....

seriously fashion sense aside,it would seem the vest would be as heavy as the bag( although i wouldn't have to lug everything if i had the bag in the room) and don't you clank when you walk?

 

[jann1033]

This is without a doubt the best neck strap ever.

not to be gross but does your neck get sweaty with it? the eos one makes my neck drip so much i feel like i could wring it out...ewwwww toomuchinformation????

 

[spoon2003]

not to be gross but does your neck get sweaty with it? the eos one makes my neck drip so much i feel like i could wring it out...ewwwww toomuchinformation????

This strap is so much more comfortable than the eos strap. I was in Mexico in mid-August with this strap, it was sweaty but it wasn't gross. Worth the cost.

Sue

 

[JR6ooo4]

I have settled into the lowepro rezo 170 aw

I also have the tamrac expedition 5 which holds my entire setup, but I do not bring it all to disney so the 170 is my current choice.

It is top loading by zipper, has a front pocket, side pocket.
Also a rain hood that pulls out from the bottom to make the whole thing almost submersibly waterproof. I used that rain pouch my whole last trip and it was great comfort.

It is tall enough to fit my XT and the 70-300IS attached, on one side and the 28-300 and 50mm on the other. then batts and cards in the little pockets.

top handle as well as seperate belt and shoulder straps.
http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Shoulder_Bags/allWeather/Rezo_170_AW.aspx

Mikeeee

 

[Groucho]

not to be gross but does your neck get sweaty with it? the eos one makes my neck drip so much i feel like i could wring it out...ewwwww toomuchinformation????

The part that rests on your neck is foamy neoprene with little nubbies on it. (How's that for a technical description?) But it covers more area, which might increase sweatiness but the texture should help counteract that.

The web page for the strap is here - I can post a better picture of the actual "contact" side of the strap if you like.