Baggage Woes

seriousrikk

seriousrikk

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Richard
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I'm going to start by saying that I don't think the perfect bag solution for my requirements exists - I've looked a lot. There, now thats out the way I'm going to forge on and ask anyway.

Currently when I'm out at the local reserve I have my camera hanging off my shoulder (Or just round my neck) and a small lowepro bag holding my flashgun, 1.4x TC and spare memory/CF cards/wallet & car keys.

I then have to carry my tripod in one hand.

This setup is all very well but I would like to be ready to shoot at all times - when I see a bird I can usually bring the camera up to shoot without spooking them. I have trouble putting the tripod down & bringing the camera up to shoot without spooking them. So I could really do with a solution that will put all the stuff from the small bag and the tripod in the same solution - but keeping them reasonably accessible.

I'm not holding out much hope and will probably just have to buy a decent tripod bag but it never hurts to ask. Any suggestions?
 
Got a spare camera strap, I put one on my frotto and carry it slung on my shoulder or across my chest

sometimes with a camera on the top too :D
 
I have a pretty basic shoulder bag. It has two straps underneath for carrying a tripod. All I've done is change the buckles for quick release ones. This leaves the camera bag accessible, the camera available for the quick handheld stuff and tripod not far away if needed.
 
david1701 said:
Got a spare camera strap, I put one on my frotto and carry it slung on my shoulder or across my chest

sometimes with a camera on the top too :D
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Thanks for your input. I did try something like that, biggest problem was getting the thing to sit comfortably on me - I'm using a chunky ball head with a wimberlery sidekick attached so there was always some bit or other either sticking in or just plan clonking me round the head!

SussexBlue said:
How about a belt system such as the Tamrac or Think Tank
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Thanks - I've been looking at those as an option, but there doesn't seem to be anything that would do a good job of holding a tripod. Which suprises me.

foggy4ever said:
You could try this :D
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We have a winner! Now, where do I get one & does it come with free lenses to make it look as good? :lol:

Seriously, I feel a bit bad for asking this as I have been looking for months so have probably had a look at most of the usual stuff. Maybe I'm just better off with a rucksack that is fairly small but still allows for a decent tripod mount. I have a mini trekker, but you have to undo the tripod to get at any of the stuff in the pack - right bloody pain!
 
RichardtheSane said:
Thanks for your input. I did try something like that, biggest problem was getting the thing to sit comfortably on me - I'm using a chunky ball head with a wimberlery sidekick attached so there was always some bit or other either sticking in or just plan clonking me round the head!

Seriously, I feel a bit bad for asking this as I have been looking for months so have probably had a look at most of the usual stuff. Maybe I'm just better off with a rucksack that is fairly small but still allows for a decent tripod mount. I have a mini trekker, but you have to undo the tripod to get at any of the stuff in the pack - right bloody pain!
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i have a 055 with a tiny 3d head strap goes round 1 leg and onto the holder thingy then sling it on shoulder upside down

never had an issue even with the camera on it clears the floor by a fair way

ill get you a pic in the morning
 
I've seen people with tripod or monopod over the shoulder with camera attached - I have never dared to do this, how safe is it. I always have visions of the camera dropping off and smashing.
 
Attach the camera(s) to the shoulder straps of the bag with carabiners - then you have both hands free to do other things.
Attach a spare strap to the tripod (and buying one with eyelets for this purpose to begin-with helps) and sling it diagonally so that it falls to one side, rather than across the bag at the back - that way you'll be less likely to clobber any kids standing nearby when you turn suddenly to get that Pulitzer-Prize winning shot.
Photographic Awards mean so much less when you recall you had to kill a small child to get it...
 
Goneforagasper said:
I've seen people with tripod or monopod over the shoulder with camera attached - I have never dared to do this, how safe is it. I always have visions of the camera dropping off and smashing.
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fine as long as you have complete faith that your qr plate will hold it on :D
 
How about getting someone to follow you around and they carry all your gear? It gives you complete freedom of movement all the time! You could say its a method of introducing the whole family to photography :D
 
Goneforagasper said:
I've seen people with tripod or monopod over the shoulder with camera attached - I have never dared to do this, how safe is it. I always have visions of the camera dropping off and smashing.
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That's my preferred method of carrying my gear once I arrive at a spot. I usually have my gripped 400D and 50-500mm lens on a Redsnapper Tripod and slung over my shoulder when on the move, never had any oopsies so far and it's pretty comfy. As long as everything is locked off before you chuck it over your shoulder you should be fine... wouldn't recommend it with one of the ten quid tripods though.

Tommy.
 
I would look at a Lowepro Primus- I have one and love it. It has a tripod holder on the back, and although its a racksack, there is side opening bit which means I can have my camera out in 5 seconds :)
 
david1701 said:
i have a 055 with a tiny 3d head strap goes round 1 leg and onto the holder thingy then sling it on shoulder upside down

never had an issue even with the camera on it clears the floor by a fair way

ill get you a pic in the morning
Click to expand...

CHeers, I think I get what you are going at. I guess it is just the bloody wimberly that makes myne uncomfortable to carry!

Goneforagasper said:
I've seen people with tripod or monopod over the shoulder with camera attached - I have never dared to do this, how safe is it. I always have visions of the camera dropping off and smashing.
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I do that sometimes - when I know I won't be going too far and I will be using a tripod. It does need a good deal of faith in your qucik release. I use the arca swiss system which is pretty reliable - can can use retaining screws to further improve security.

Arkady said:
Attach the camera(s) to the shoulder straps of the bag with carabiners - then you have both hands free to do other things.
Attach a spare strap to the tripod (and buying one with eyelets for this purpose to begin-with helps) and sling it diagonally so that it falls to one side, rather than across the bag at the back - that way you'll be less likely to clobber any kids standing nearby when you turn suddenly to get that Pulitzer-Prize winning shot.
Photographic Awards mean so much less when you recall you had to kill a small child to get it...
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You mean clobbered kids don't get extra points?! :eek:

This actually sounds workable - my tripod has no handy eyelets but this setup sounds like I could easilygo from standing to laying prone (Which is how most of my best shots are taken) without too much difficulty or pain.

This gets tried later - thanks :thumbs:

ozanan said:
How about getting someone to follow you around and they carry all your gear? It gives you complete freedom of movement all the time! You could say its a method of introducing the whole family to photography :D
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Tried this. My wife no longer comes out with me when I go on photography jaunts. My friend tried this, his girlfriend now carreis as much gear as him. :shrug:
 
aligibbs said:
I would look at a Lowepro Primus- I have one and love it. It has a tripod holder on the back, and although its a racksack, there is side opening bit which means I can have my camera out in 5 seconds :)
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Actually you might be onto something here. I started looking at the lowepro bags and the primus or flipside look like they could be just the ticket. What is the biggest camera/lens combo you stick in your primus?
 
RichardtheSane said:
Actually you might be onto something here. I started looking at the lowepro bags and the primus or flipside look like they could be just the ticket. What is the biggest camera/lens combo you stick in your primus?
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Can fit my Canon 5dm2 & 70-200 F4 no worries :) The only pain is if I have the battery grip on, I cant see to get it out of the side opening- but it can still fit in (and use the back opening)
 
Thanks Alistair - is there much room to spare?
Ideally something that holds my 50D+300mm F4 would make me happy

(BTW, this is in addition to my tripod carrying woes - I need a new GP rucksack)
 
RichardtheSane said:
Thanks Alistair - is there much room to spare?
Ideally something that holds my 50D+300mm F4 would make me happy

(BTW, this is in addition to my tripod carrying woes - I need a new GP rucksack)
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It fits my Canon + 70-200mm nicely (without battery grip) then there is 2 slots for lenses- something like a 17-40 & 50mm nicely. In the top pouch bit, you could fit another 70-200mm- but it might roll around, I use this bit for all the extra bits and pieces :)
 
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