Camera Bags

[walter g]

I'm looking to upgrade my camera bag. Something in the 6 lens plus range. I normally use shoulder bag style.

I really like the Domke f2 shooters bag. Also the Tamrac Pro 12 thru 14
looks good.

So what is your favorite multi-lens bag, and what do you like and dislike about it.

[rbelyell]

hey walter

i have a few, but my favorite is my new national geographic backpack:

http://www.gmcamera.com/spec_sheet.html?catalog[product_guids][0]=9c21de47-30e6-4e16-aee1-757b628e5224

i actually bought it from those guys, and its great. i can put 3 cameras and a variety of lenses, plus it has a cell phone holder, a laptop compartment and several outside pockets, a really amazing bag, and very light in and of itself.

[SkedAddled]

Oh, boy. There are so many options.
There's simply no way to cover all of them in a single go.

I suggest you START HERE, looking into the options presented.
Join up if necessary, so that you can perform proper searches
for what you're looking for.

I have a 'clone' of the Crumpler 7MDH(7-Million Dollar Home), which
I like a lot; it holds most of my gear and comes with more Velcro dividers
than I can use with my current gear set. It's a large-sized shoulder bag.

[mo]

Craig sounds like a nice bag....can I ask what goes into your standard bag for example a camera 2 lens or more?
I have a basic bag with one Velcro separator it's not enough now so what size bag is best to get?

[martinsmith99]

I tend to use different bags depending of what I'm carrying.

I prefer a shoulder bag if I'm taking the camera in & out and swapping lenses a lot. Back packs are great for walking, but I find them a PITA for access. I rarely use mine because of this. I may sell it as being a Lowepro it wasn't cheap. My shoulder bag is a cheap thing that I got shortly after getting my 1st real camera. It was way too big, but I have grown into it.

I do have a couple of smaller bags which are great for film cameras and a couple of lenses. Sometimes lugging large kit around is not practical.

[exaklaus]

I strongly recommend the Tamrac Velocity bags. A backpack, that slides to the front easily. In different sizes (when buying mine, I took the lenses and the camera with me to the store to try out!). Sturdy, looking good and "small" for what you can put inside.
These should bags "kill" me when carrying stuff around for hours.

Klaus

[marty]

Mmmmh, bags, bags, bags... I have at least 4 of them, not to mention the non dedicated ones. Tamrac are robust and well built, mine is at least. It's a Pro 8, I'm able to fit in the inside compartment 6 lenses, two bodies, flashgun, tc, one ext tube. 16 rolls of film can find their place in the zippered pockets located inside the top cover. There is a zippered front container which I use for filters and batteries. Then two velcroed side pockets are available, I use 'em for light meters, pocketable tripod or whatever else fits . There is even a flat back pocket closed with the usual zip, not very capable in truth, which I find useful for my cardboard flash bouncer. 8 kilos of stuff can be easily reached, albeit heavy it's still reasonably comfortable to wear (for me at least). The top cover has a double closure for fast operation: zip and velcro, you can travel safely with the zip closed and using the velcro only on the field for your convenience. This is the one I use regularly these days along with a floppy bag I use when I don't need (or want ) the full setup. Have a look here for other reviews: http://www.cambags.com/. Although I have also a backpack I don't use it much (on the field at least, in my closet it's still a convenient place where to keep exceeding gear ).
I simply find easier and faster the shoulder bag for my kind of making photography. If one likes to trek maybe the backpack is the right choice.

Best, Marty.

[w1cgr]

Just bought a large Tenba 'Messenger'. It holds my DSLR & FSLR, with lenses mounted, and still has room for extra lenses as well as many small items. I want to have the option of film or digital when I go out on a shoot, yet not have a bag that's too cumbersome. It's not an 'obvious' camera bag, either. It works for me!

[SkedAddled]

[Esox lucius]

Pro body with 1 medium zoom & up to 4 normal/medium tele lenses: Lowepro Stealth Reporter 200

Pro body with 1 medium zoom, 1 supertele & 6-7 other lenses: Tamrac Expedition 5 (plus extensions up to 4 hanging outside)

Pro body with 1 medium zoom, 3-4 lenses & 1 flash: Lowepro Slingshot 200

[mo]

Thanks Craig,so what I am seeing there is a need of a variety of bags depending on circumstances.That's good news another addiction on the way

Can I ask which way is best to store the lens in the bag(vertical or horizontal, I guess which is the common way) and do you use just filters or caps to protect them while in the bag.
Does anyone use the old aluminum boxes with the padding and separators?

[SkedAddled]

[Puplet]

I've got a Domke F2 shooter's bag and really like it. It does exactly what it's supposed to do as a 'shooter's bag' and offers very quick access to a large amount of equipment (two SLRs with lenses attached; four lenses in the middle; accessories in the two side pockets and front pocket). BUT, by the time you fill it up it does get heavy. And, because it's quick-access, it'd be relatively easy to steal from. No zipper, so if you're around water or in boats, you'll probably want to consider something else.

[walter g]

Thanks, everyone. I started reading the reviews in the links, and about the bags you listed.

So far the Tamrac pro series 8 up seems the best fit. If i went to Tenba it would be more money for something close.

I still like the Domke f2, but as a main bag it won't work. I need something that seals.

Crumpler I'm still reading about.

Lowepro would be higher than the Tamrac. Still have to reasearch Lowepro.

But I want the best bag my money can buy, for my limited budget.

I found another option. Good reviews, great price, but holds one camera.
Kata Dc-445. Only 70 bucks US.


Well if I had a large budget, it would be the Billingham 445. But that's over double my budget, and then some.

Walter

[walter g]

I still need to buy a larger bag. But, today I found a vintage Etsumi hard bag.Pretty nice shape, and only $3 at the Charity Shop.
It needs a good cleaning,and the bright work needs polishing. There are a couple scratches I will touch up, but it's in pretty good shape.
I think I'll use this one for my Yashica.

[Esox lucius]