which camera bag?

achoudry · 08-11-2009, 12:46 PM

hi,

i've currently got a lowepro fastpack (100) which is a great bag while you are on a holiday and need a backpack type bag for your slr but now that i'm wandering around with the camera back home in the uk, i feel a shoulder type back would be of better use where i can have my lenses at the side of me should i need to change rather than taking the bag off my shoulders to get my camera out or change a lens.

i've been having a look at the lowepro website and am confused between the adventura/nova/rezo/stealth reporter/classified ranges as one of the bags in each of those ranges satisfy my criteria of needing to hold my slr (450D) and 3 lenses (kit, 55-250mm, 50mm) plus accessories like remote, lens hood, charger, memory cards etc.

is there a website that compares these? or does anyone have experience of using any of these range of bags and is able to offer their advice or share their experience of using one?

alternatively, has anyone used a bag that satisfies my criteria which they would recommend outside of lowepro?

tonkie · 08-11-2009, 12:57 PM

Snap! I will watch with interest

Pirate!! · 08-11-2009, 1:19 PM

Ahoy!

FWIW, I have a LowePro Mini Trekker AW which holds my A700 + vertical grip with Sigma 100-300mm F4 EX DG attached, Sigma 17-70mm DC, flashgun, Tamron 90mm and there's still room for at least one more lens (maybe a small prime) notwithstanding all the ancilliary stuff (battery charger + lead, remote, cleaning gear, teleconverter etc etc).

See my kit list in sig. Nice bag and does it's job well. I have nothing to compare it with though.

eviljohn2 · 08-11-2009, 5:38 PM

I've just bought a Stealth Repoter 100 from Jessops for £59 to carry a similar amount of gear (Nikon D60+ kit lens, 35mm, 70-300VR) and find it much better equipped than the equivalent Rezo. It comes with a memory card holder, accessories pouch and the interior padding can even be completely removed for when travelling really light. The quick access zip is good for quick changes of stuff in the middle of the bag. Sadly I can't comment on any others.

ManAlive! · 08-11-2009, 6:58 PM

The Lowepro Slingshot range are very good. Try the 200 or 300 models - they can hold a huge amount of gear...

alj23 · 08-11-2009, 8:38 PM

Hi - I have a Canon 20D and usually have my 28-200 lens on it - I was wondering if a Lowepro SlingShot 200 AW would be big enough to carry it with lens on ?

Or just seen this one - Lowepro Fastpack 100 Black Backpack ?

I also have a 70-300 and a nifty fifty but thats about all I would want to carry.

Any advice and pointers on places to purchase would be handy ta

AJ

ManAlive! · 08-11-2009, 8:47 PM

In my Slingshot 200 I can carry:

D200 with grip + 18-70mm
1 x Sigma 10-20mm
1 x Sigma 70-300mm
1 x Nikkor 50mm
1 x Sigma 18-50mm 2.8
1 x SB-600 flash

...plus space for cards, lenspen, bits & bobs

Hope this helps

**Dave** · 08-11-2009, 9:23 PM

Another vote here for the lowepro slingshots.

I was initially put off by the price but it's worth it. My 200 carries all my kit with ease, is comfy to carry and dead easy to get the gear out of when required.

I carry the camera, flash and 5 lenses plus all the other bits and bobs. My 70-210mm beercan also fits nicely which is a bonus.

achoudry · 09-11-2009, 4:11 PM

think i may go and have another look at the slingshots, although i did want a shoulder type bag. i remember going for the fastpack over the slingshot thinking the fastpack would be more comfortable while on holiday as the load would be spread over both shoulders what with it having two straps as opposed to the one the slingshot has.

neilos100 · 09-11-2009, 4:47 PM

Been looking for a new bag myself and was looking at Lowepro Slingshot until I came across these Kata Navigator (look under 'video and slr) Click on 'dslr content' when you get there and very handily it shows what each will carry!
I think i'll be buying the 3N1; its just won 'Bag of The Year' 2009 in Digital Photo/Practical Photography Mags. They have just reviewed a load of shoulder bags too in the mag itself and the winner was the Kata DC445 so have a look at the site above. they look really well made and are around the same price(ish) as the Lowepro's.

Neil

Optio · 09-11-2009, 7:12 PM

Hi

CAMBAGS.COM Camera Bag Review Resource for DSLR Cameras is a pretty good site for looking at bags etc .. on most of them there is several reviews from users of the bags and they usually have pictures with the kit in situ. Maybe helpful maybe not.

alj23 · 09-11-2009, 7:12 PM

Those KATA ones look brilliant - let us know if you get one, think it looks a lot comfier to wear than the lowepro one ?

Want to try and get my paws on one to see what they are like - any idea on stockists other than the place the website recomends ??

AJ

neilos100 · 09-11-2009, 8:01 PM

Yes, they do look good don't they? all the reviews i have read seem to confirm it too. i particularly like the fact they all come with the rain cover as standard and you can get a little add-on to carry your tripod too. Oh and they look pretty cool in black and yellow too.....

Cheapest place I can find the 3N1 is here Camera Backpacks - Photo Rucksacks & Backpacks at £64 plus p&p for the size 10 or £70 for the size 20 and their standard p&p is only £3.86 which i think is quite reasonable Or here PurelyGadgets.co.uk - Bags And Cases for £62 for the size 20 which seems like a real bargain as its actually cheaper than the size 10 !!! Will keep looking though and if I find it any less will let you know.......

Neil

Spiderkid · 09-11-2009, 9:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by achoudry

think i may go and have another look at the slingshots, although i did want a shoulder type bag. i remember going for the fastpack over the slingshot thinking the fastpack would be more comfortable while on holiday as the load would be spread over both shoulders what with it having two straps as opposed to the one the slingshot has.

Another vote for the slingshot range. Very practical, lightweight and easy to carry. I've carried by kit around all day (including cycling long distances) and haven't felt at all uncomfortable. The way you can access the camera without taking the bag off is really useful and innovative.

It also includes lots of handy pouches and pockets and a raincover which is invaluable this time of year! Jacobs sometimes do very good offers on the 100 and 200's, so keep an eye out for these (I got a 200 for £25 a while ago!)

anthony566 · 10-11-2009, 12:16 AM

I have a Lowepro Slingshot 300 and holds all I need it to, I have been out with my A700 + grip, sigma 50-500, 18-250, 70-300, 11-18, 50 rain covers, remote, blower etc

technofan · 10-11-2009, 8:19 AM

The Kata ones look really good

I am now in the market for an 'easy access' bag for my new kit (which I haven't quite bought yet

but sooooon)!

I love street work so to be able to swing the bag and change lenses easily is a must.

Pete

A GREAT informative post chaps, thanks

alj23 · 10-11-2009, 12:15 PM

Awesome - Santa will be getting my letter soon !! I so want one of the KATA bags- they look fab -

Keep up with the comments guys - I love this forum

AJ

achoudry · 10-11-2009, 4:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Optio

Hi

CAMBAGS.COM Camera Bag Review Resource for DSLR Cameras is a pretty good site for looking at bags etc .. on most of them there is several reviews from users of the bags and they usually have pictures with the kit in situ. Maybe helpful maybe not.

thanks. the pictures on this site are very handy to have a look inside the bags with kit!

alj23 · 16-11-2009, 9:11 AM

Has anyone got one of these KATA bags ? interested to know the size of the compartment that holds the camera and lens - whats the total length that you can fit in from back of camera to end of lens if that makes sense - cant work out which model I need !!!

Def getting one - so any pointers on anywhere I could possibly go and get my paws on one to see what they are like would be good ??

ta
AJ

alj23 · 17-11-2009, 8:27 PM

size 20 Kata bag on its way from Amazon - cant wait to see it then will be hiding it away for Santa to bring on Xmas day !!!

Price was fab - £56 with £5 postage !!! I was well impressed

Will post pics and review when I get it -

Cant wait for Mr Postman to visit !!!

AJ

alj23 · 19-11-2009, 4:15 PM

Bag has arrived - Kata 3N1 - 20 - seems brilliant, have got my Canon with the 28-200 lens in nice and comfy with room to spare -

Seems really comfy to wear - will get some pics taken tmrw but I am definately impressed with it.

Just need to persuade Santa to let me have it early as I am going to the Brecon Beacons in a few weeks and it would be so handy !!!!!

Pics to come soon - thanks to neilos100 for the pointer -

AJ

neilos100 · 19-11-2009, 4:27 PM

You're welcome....I'm jealous though......got to wait till nearer Christmas till I get mine

I WANT IT NOW!!!!!!!

happhhitachi · 27-11-2009, 8:34 PM

cool designs, well made.

StuR6 · 28-01-2010, 3:44 PM

Anyone had good or bad experience with:

GEM. or,
Tuff-luv.

Any idea? Looking for something semi-small that simply takes DSLR and one spare lense only. (Most of your above posts seem to take 2 lenses).

jonneymendoza · 28-01-2010, 10:21 PM

Get a fastpack 350

terrykc · 01-02-2010, 10:26 AM

Bit OT but for anyone looking for the Lowepro Fastpack 100 (black), Asda have it for £24.98 which is about £12 cheaper than anywhere else I can find, you need to spend another 2p to get free delivery to a store though.

Lowepro Fastpack 100 Camera Backpack | Camera Accessories | ASDA direct

Wyatt · 01-02-2010, 1:29 PM

I use a Lowepro Computrekker these days and it is a nice, albeit big, bag. A friend uses a slingshot and it seems a good system. I have loads of old Domke bags which were the best around but they are shoulder bags and after a couple of miles with a heavy camera set up hanging off one shoulder, you'll want a rucksack type bag again...