Need Input on Lugging Equipment!

[KRCMOM]

Hi all,

Headed to WDW at the end of September with DH, DS9, DD7 and DS3. After many years of mothering very little ones, I finally have some time to re-indulge my passion for photography. I have a Nikon D50, am waiting the new version of the D90 to come out this fall to upgrade...I also have the 18-200mm lens and the SB-600 external flash. Altogether this a pretty heavy, awkward package to carry around for a 5'2" person like myself...

I think one of my main issues is the flash. I LOVE using my external flash in bright sunlight to fill in all the harsh shadows you often get without it. I've gotten some amazing shots of my kids with it on very sunny days. If it's cloudy, I go flash-less.

As bulky and awkward as it is with the external flash and the longer lens, this is what I need to have to make me happy in terms of the photos I'll get. I've tried carrying the camera with flash/long lens around my neck when out and about and it just tilts forward, bangs into everything, etc. Plus it weighs a ton and as a result it hurts my neck.

Any suggestions on what to buy to make this easier? In addition to comfort, I'd love advice on the type of bag to get that allows quick access to this monstrous combo of camera equipment. Taking off a backpack and unloading to get a photo every time would be too much.

I also don't want to miss half the fun with my family b/c I'm so busy messing with the camera, protecting it on rides, etc. Yet I feel like not taking would be a big regret for me. It's out first trip and will probably be our last trip for quite a while.

I've already had friends trying to talk me down from bringing the tripod for the fireworks!

Advice, thoughts?

 

[Docarino]

What type of camera strap are you using? I use an Op-Tech strap and it's a really cheap upgrade that provides a lot of extra comfort. I know that there are also other types of straps that people on this board use but I have definitely been happy with this choice.

The bag question comes up from time to time and really, there is no perfect bag. I'd recommend doing a search on this board to see what others have said in the past. I'm not completely happy with any of the bags I've tried but I seem to settle on the Lowepro slingshot bags because I am able to access the camera quickly and it fits securely without slipping off like a shoulder bag. I'd rather have the weight distribution of a backpack but I end up sacrificing that for function.

Oh, and I vote for bringing the tripod! But I am childless, so take that with a grain of salt

 

[ssanders79]

I've already had friends trying to talk me down from bringing the tripod for the fireworks!

Advice, thoughts?

Do not cave to peer pressure, bring the tripod. If you do not use it who cares, but you will be very mad when you want it and it is sitting at home instead of your hotel room.

 

[mom2rtk]

Do not cave to peer pressure, bring the tripod. If you do not use it who cares, but you will be very mad when you want it and it is sitting at home instead of your hotel room.

Ditto that.

All those nice fireworks pictures you see were all taken on a tripod.

 

[Bstanley]

Taking off a backpack and unloading to get a photo every time would be too much.

I used a Lowepro 250 backpack on a recent trip and found it easy to access my DSLR, even with a substantial lense attached. It uses the same side-loading trick that the Slingshots use.

If you decide that a Slingshot or attaching things to your strap doesn't have the space you need the 250 was a very comfortable way to tote a lot of stuff.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I would look at the Lowepro Slingshot 102/202 AW series. The new 102/202 series have a tripod holder and a rain cover that comes in handy in FL. Since you're not carrying too much equipment, it would probably work well for you. There have been good things said about the OpTech system, personally I use the Black Rapid R-strap. It more expensive than OpTech but works extremely well.

 

[AlbertZeroK]

First, look at the Black Rapid Straps I use a double strap most of the time as I typically shoot with two or three bodies. I also use a Camera Belt and the Racing Harness plus a bunch of modules. I'm quite a site all geared up for a day of shooting!

First, If you are just looking for some way to carry the flash, and you wear a belt daily, the Lightning Flash rocks. I also can't say enough for Camera Holster or a Camera Belt Pack

There are also sling bags, back packs and over the sholder bags. With kids, I really recommend a hybrid camera bag/back pack with room to put other stuff in.

As for the tripod, stick it in a locker for a day, go get it later in the day before fireworks. I wouldn't carry one unless you have a back pack that you can attach it too.

How to carry your gear is an age old question. And it is a fluid thing. I just ordered a couple lenses and don't have room for them in my current bag, so again, I'm wondering what to do. I own three bags (one backpack, one large back, one really huge bag) and my belt pack set up. It gives me options.

 

[AlbertZeroK]

May I also suggest for $100 you can pre-purchase a photo cd of all the photopass images you get taken of your family at Disney. Even though I have a number of cameras, honestly, the photo pass images will be very important to me at Disney. I'll have my Sony Nex when I'm not backpacking in my camera (which will only happen one day at AK), the rest of the time, I don't want to bother with it.

The Photopass for me, gives me pictures of my family, something I desperately love, without sacrificing my family time.

 

[Chikabowa]

Is your 3 year old still in a stroller? Last year, my DD had just turned three and barely used the stroller at all. We had it in a pinch, but it was also helpful in lugging my gear. In the past I've used a Tracy Joy bag - it's a shoot bag, so there isn't a TON of padding, but it does protect pretty well. It's not really meant to carry a body though, although you'd definitely be able to get the D50 in there along with the lens, and the SB-600. I also have enough room to throw in a diaper/pull up, some wipes, wallet, and a bottle of water.

My Tracy Joy has seen better days though... so I'm currently in the market. Some other cute things to look at are the Kelly Moore and Epiphany bags. Both are geared mostly towards women (although Kelly Moore does have the 'boy bag') and are much more fashionable. You can also look at a Crumpler.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Never brought a tripod with me before but I am bringing it next trip. I want to try getting some good fireworks shots for a change. I concur with the previous posters that recommend getting a good backpack and having at it. If this is your hobby, enjoy it. You can always bring it with and if it bugs you too much the first day - leave it in a locker. If you leave it at home, the opporubity to kick yourself for not bringing it can creep in and ruin your vacation that way.

 

[DebºoºS]

Dittos on bringing the tripod. I've done trips with and without. It's worth the added weight and inconvenience. I bring a messenger bag and a backpack (slings feel awkward) alternating each day between the two. Changing around saves my shoulders and neck. I also use an Optech strap that will go messenger style. My walk around kit is a Nikon D200 with a 18-200VR usually wrapping the strap around my wrist until it gets tired and then I'll put it around my neck.
Strollers can be sherpas on wheels unfortunately my stroller days are long gone. I remember fondly loading it up with all my gear. Oh yea, and the kids too
Last week I stood next to a gentleman at the MSELP who had all his gear in an umbrella stroller with a blanket over it w/o a baby.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Yes, strollers can be nice sherpas. I've got another year or two worth of stroller use in the parks.

On a side note, I'm going to Aulani next fall when it opens and I'll be bringing any and all of lenses I can get a hold of for that trip.

 

[zetachi]

I did the slingshot 200 for a while. Was not happy with the strap cinched around my chest (to constricting) I moved up to the Flipside 400, while a great bag I found out on a recent trip to D.C. that it is not meant to be worn for 8 Hrs at a time. I'm now in the market for a secondary "Day" bag for my E510 1-2 lenses and flash. Oh and the monopod, gorilla pod and tripod all go on vacation with me. Don't always use them but better safe then sorry.

 

[giantstu]

I carried my Lowepro Vertex 300 all day for 15 days in Florida in May,
This had 50d,7d and a 1dmk2 bodies in it, along with a 70-200l 2.8is, a 100-400 ,24-105 and a 50mm along with teleconverters and 2 flashgun, batteries, memory cards etc, on the last day i also carried a 300 2.8 as we had a "security" issue at the hotel.

I never felt uncomfortable even when i had 2 bodies on my optech dual harness under it.

 

[zetachi]

LOL guess I better hit the gym more often just getting through a bout of Sciatica and we are off to Sesame Place next week not sure if I can lug all the weight. Might have to stick to my Cannon D10.

I carried my Lowepro Vertex 300 all day for 15 days in Florida in May,
This had 50d,7d and a 1dmk2 bodies in it, along with a 70-200l 2.8is, a 100-400 ,24-105 and a 50mm along with teleconverters and 2 flashgun, batteries, memory cards etc, on the last day i also carried a 300 2.8 as we had a "security" issue at the hotel.

I never felt uncomfortable even when i had 2 bodies on my optech dual harness under it.

 

[giantstu]

LOL guess I better hit the gym more often just getting through a bout of Sciatica and we are off to Sesame Place next week not sure if I can lug all the weight. Might have to stick to my Cannon D10.

I don't really do rides (motion sickness), but love to wander around taking photo's while the rest of the family are riding them.
You dont realise the weight when its on your back, and whilst i spend a lot of time walking in the hills around the uk carrying it anyway.

 

[Snappy in OK]

Last year when my family went to WDW I brought my dslr, lenses, etc. I would figure out which lenses I wanted each day and leave any I didn't think I would use in the room. This cut down on what I lugged around each day.

However, I still brought my camera and an extra lens or 2 each day. For day trips, including at WDW, I use a Tamrac Adventure 6 backpack. The bottom part of the bag is for the camera/equipment, and I was able to use the top area for misc stuff we carried around the parks - KTTW cards, wipes for the kids, lens cleaner, etc. The bottom area was large enough for my D90 w/ lens attached & 2 extra lenses/flash, etc. There were also pockets in front & on the sides for memory cards, water bottles, etc. The backpack is also comfortable to carry all day.

Fortunately, I still have a few years left of utilizing the stroller - at least at WDW. If DD3 or DS5 were out of the stroller, I could put the bag in a seat for a while. Of course, it seemed as though every time I put it in the stroller, one of the kids would want to sit back down! But, it was a great place for the tripod during the day.

Good luck in finding a bag to suit your needs.