Camera Bag

[MarkBarbieri]

Phew...I saw the title and thought you were going through a mid-life crisis and trying to find a new wife.

In my experience, there is no one perfect bag. I use a backpack, a waterproof case, a vest/belt, and a shoulder bag at different times for different reasons.

 

[rotlex]

Thanks for the replies all! I'm swinging between the AW2 and 3 at this point. Basically trying to keep size down a bit, but still have enough "room". As our daughter is getting a little older, I keep looking for that perfect solution for camera gear, and other "stuff". Probably no holy grail for this, but I'll keep trying, hehe.

For those that own the AW2, do you think you could fit a Vid cam in there as well, say a Canon HV20, in lue of a long lense? (I usually keep a 70-200 on me if possible, but would forgo that on a "video" day).

Thanks again!

 

[DVC Jen]

Yup - I have the 200 and LOVE it.

 

[ktulu]

I like the Lowepro Fastpack, took it out for the first time real use at the Dallas Zoo and it worked like a champ (room to carry all my gear, plus some diapers in the laptop compartment since I didn't need to carry that with me). The only downside is there is no place to put a monopod/tripod, but I'm sure something could be rigged up.

 

[jann1033]

i seriously thought of this bag but unless the sales girl didn't know how to use it( & i sure didn't) you still would have to basically hold it horizontally to make sure nothing fell out when you opened it..which is what i hate since i already am juggling the lens and body and trying to walk and chew gum....not gonna happen without me choking, tripping or dropping the lens and or body, so i got a tamrac system 3, more of a messenger type that also has a piggy back thing so you can put it on a rolling suitcase( or probably a refrigerator dolly if it's full)

 

[Suburbanmom]

Another Lowepro 200 wearer here.

 

[MICKEY88]

a messenger type that also has a piggy back thing so you can put it on a rolling suitcase( or probably a refrigerator dolly if it's full)

my new Naneu Pro Goombah bag, has a place on the outside to hold the refrigerator dolly...its huge...

 

[rtphokie]

I've got the 200 and love it. It's the camera bag I've been looking for for years.

Mine currently has a DSLR with a lens, 3 lenses ranging from 50mm to 200mm. A video camera, extra batteries and CF cards, sunglasses, snacks, and a small first aid kit. I can also fit a baseball cap in the upper compartment in a pinch.

I've owned a lot of camera bags and this one is by far the most useful.

 

[rotlex]

I've got the 200 and love it. It's the camera bag I've been looking for for years.

Mine currently has a DSLR with a lens, 3 lenses ranging from 50mm to 200mm. A video camera, extra batteries and CF cards, sunglasses, snacks, and a small first aid kit. I can also fit a baseball cap in the upper compartment in a pinch.

I've owned a lot of camera bags and this one is by far the most useful.

Seems like a lot of folks like this bag! What you describe above is pretty much what I'd try to jam in there.

I need to find a local place that carries these so I can check them out in person. Trying to really judge them on line is kind of hard.

Thanks again!

 

[TomPokNY]

Does anyone have the AW100? If so, how much stuff can you get in it? I was thinking the AW200 was bigger than I'd like, but I can't find the AW100 locally to try to judge what might fit in it.

 

[AndrewWG]

Seems like a lot of folks like this bag! What you describe above is pretty much what I'd try to jam in there.

I need to find a local place that carries these so I can check them out in person. Trying to really judge them on line is kind of hard.

Thanks again!

Steve,

Try Ritz camera (called "The Camera Shop" in Bethlehem, PA) or Best Buy. I think Best Buy has the slingshot 200 in the store. I went and looked at them and was glad I did as I thought they might be just a bit too small for all my stuff. I ended up buying the Canon backpack on Amazon for about $35. It suits my needs for now but I can tell it will not be too fun to use "in the field".

 

[rotlex]

Steve,

Try Ritz camera (called "The Camera Shop" in Bethlehem, PA) or Best Buy. I think Best Buy has the slingshot 200 in the store. I went and looked at them and was glad I did as I thought they might be just a bit too small for all my stuff. I ended up buying the Canon backpack on Amazon for about $35. It suits my needs for now but I can tell it will not be too fun to use "in the field".

Thanks for the info on that, I'll check the local Best Buy and The Camera Shop. (I always forget about them, since we moved from Bethlehem to Whitehall).

What's bad is, I have a Lowepro mini-trekker backpack which is more than large enough to carry what I need. The problem is, as with any backpack, you have to remove it to access your gear. I like these new sling style one's, have a small Tamrac, as they are very convenient\easy to access without setting up camp.

 

[AndrewWG]

Thanks for the info on that, I'll check the local Best Buy and The Camera Shop. (I always forget about them, since we moved from Bethlehem to Whitehall).

What's bad is, I have a Lowepro mini-trekker backpack which is more than large enough to carry what I need. The problem is, as with any backpack, you have to remove it to access your gear. I like these new sling style one's, have a small Tamrac, as they are very convenient\easy to access without setting up camp.

Well, if they are like all other Ritz camera shops they are easily forgotten, in my opinion. I have never had good luck at Ritz. They are a "stop in, check out the product and leave" type store.

 

[tekoa]

Just curious, does anyone use a holster bag to carry their dslr around Disney.
I have been looking for a bag and because I have to carry a fanny pack to carry all of our "stuff" I was thinking maybe the holster would do the trick along with the fanny pack too. Has anyone been able to wear a holster bag around their waist and not off the shoulder. Any thoughts or recommendations would be appreciated. I did see 2 or 3 from Lowepro that look pretty good. Thanks.

 

[senecabeach]

I have this one...
http://stores.channeladvisor.com/sellnsend/Items/lptopload75aw-192?sck=46447554
Holds my Nikon D80, 18-135 OR 70-300VR + 50mm (on the bottom) and the outside pouch I use for $$, cc, tickets, cards..etc.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Not me. I don't put my camera away.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Just curious, does anyone use a holster bag to carry their dslr around Disney.
I have been looking for a bag and because I have to carry a fanny pack to carry all of our "stuff" I was thinking maybe the holster would do the trick along with the fanny pack too. Has anyone been able to wear a holster bag around their waist and not off the shoulder. Any thoughts or recommendations would be appreciated. I did see 2 or 3 from Lowepro that look pretty good. Thanks.

I have this holster which I really like because it's sturdy, tough and holds a lot:
http://www.amazon.com/Kata-H-14-GDC...2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1202049732&sr=8-2
I can fit my D80 w/18-135 kit lens, my 70-300VR lens, my 50mm f1.8 lens, my SB800, extra battries, SD cards, lens cloths and probably filters when I get them and still have room. I have also managed to squeeze in my 10-20mm on the top of the bag w/ all the rest. So for a little bag it holds alot! The problem is, it's heavy to lug around the parks all day because the bag is so well made, so that's the trade off. I would buy it again though because it's great for traveling.
Since I now use my camera everyday, I simply bought one of these to protect it from getting dinged: http://www.adorama.com/OTDIGSZ.html...ital D Series D-SLR Neoprene Pouch &item_no=2
It's an Optech Soft pouch case. It's so easy to carry and doesn't add any extra weight. Just don't drop the camera because it won't protect it from that kind of abuse, but it'll help keep your camera from getting all dinged up while you're walking around with it everyday. And it's cheap!
What I did was I put my 50mm lens in a ziplock bag along with my lens cloths. I also put my extra camera battery in there as well. Then I stuck that in my fanny pack (since I wear one anyway while in the parks). So I had easy access to my camera when I wanted it, and also had all the stuff I needed in my fanny pack. Carrying the camera on my shoulder was fine in the Optech case. I even lugged my lightweight CF Tripod in it's bag and it was fine.

Sorry I just re-read your post about wanting to hook the holster to your fanny pack. Kata has a way of being able to do that within their own brand bags I think, but imo, it would be too heavy around the waist and cause back strain.

 

[senecabeach]

I have this one...
http://stores.channeladvisor.com/sellnsend/Items/lptopload75aw-192?sck=46447554
Holds my Nikon D80, 18-135 OR 70-300VR + 50mm (on the bottom) and the outside pouch I use for $$, cc, tickets, cards..etc.

BTW... forgot to mention..I use this as my "day/night bag". I only take whats needed for the day or night. I usually rent a locker for the tri for nightime...and waist-ing it would definitely pull my pants down .

 

[My2Girls66]

I own a Lowepro mini to keep my D50 and 18-135mm lens in when not in use but I never carry it anywhere in the bag. My camera pretty much stays around my neck whether hiking or at a park. I could wear the bag around my waist on its own but with a fannypack, I think it would be too much, especially on rides like Space Mt. where your space is limited.
If you take a lot of photos it seems like keeping the camera in a bag would be a pain. In and out, in and out...for me anyway. I wear a fannypack for all my other stuff and keep a big ziploc in there for the camera on Splash Mt.

 

[JR6ooo4]

I am currently using the Lowepro 170. It is a top loading bag.

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Rezo-170-AW,2008,20.htm#
I can fit:
XT with the 70-300 attached
a 28-135
and 50mm 1.8
cards and batt in the front pocket

I have worn it on my waist before, but it is usualy over my shoulder.

Mikeeee