Slight misjudgement...

Ste Manns

Ste Manns

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Hi all

May have made a teensy error of judgement. Having bought a 1Dmk4, 24-70 f2.8L recently, I purchased a ThinkTank Streetwalker Hard Drive. Popped a 50mm f1.4 in there too, got my three flashes (580EX2, 2 x 430EX2) and various small bits n bobs (triggers etc)

I've bought a 14" ultra portable lappy as well. Awaiting delivery of a 70-200 f2.8L - thought I'd see what this little lot weighs - 11 KG (and still to add the 70-200 :gag:)

Question is - how in gods name do you all manage with this sort of weight on your backs?

Now, when I'm out just for fun I won't be taking all this with me so that's alright, the above list of gear is for when I'm on a shoot. But still. Thinking I may need an assistant :D There's all the other stuff too like light stands, modifiers etc. Anyone know a good gym local :thinking:

The bag is designed for all this, plus the option of a tripod tied on the back. Do you reckon ThinkTank are being a tad optimistic?

Anyone know what their typical 'on a shoot' kit bag weighs?
 
I think I saw someone on a photoshoot meet with one of these. I cram my stuff into a lowepro backpack which feels like it weighs a ton sometimes. Not sure what the answer is - a workout at the local gym pumping iron, perhaps? Or a slave to carry your stuff? I'd seriously think about one of those suitcase trolleys - I have one you can strap your stuff too. Not perfect, but does the trick when you don't want to lug stuff on your back.
 
Thing is I've not filled it yet! Theres loads of room left. I'm wondering who on earth they had in mind?? :cuckoo:

I bought it as an 'on a shoot' pack, so I won't really be walking about with it all day. It has a trolley mount, so maybe thats the route forward. Being a backpack though it's easy to pick up and sling over my shoulder while I carry other gear (like lighting kits) or at least that was the idea till I weighed it!
 
No idea what mine weighs (less than 11Kg but no idea how much less) but when I pick it up I certainly feel the weight. However once on my back I don't really even notice it, I suspect with the right bag I could get away with about double my gear and still be fine for a day out.

That's a Red Snapper Verso bag. Will stick it on the scales later as you have peeked my curiosity.

Experience with 70l hike bags shows you really need to get the bag on and set right so the weight is spread then you can carry really quite heavy weights all day with out too much pain/effort.

A good bag really helps here as it will be designed to allow the adjustment needed to get it sat right. Also have the shoulder straps reasonably tight, a bag hanging loose on them will feel heavier than one attached to you snugly.
 
I think the bag itself is really well designed - it fits nice and snugly, has a decent spread on the straps to distribute the load etc. I wouldn't want to have it on my back all day though! Maybe I'm being a bit of a wimp 'cos looking at the kit list I would have thought its around the same sort of stuff a pro sports/pap might carry with the addition of a longer (heavier) lens too. I'm only carrying one body too!

Guys, HOW ON EARTH DO YOU DO IT?! :thinking:
 
My bag a few years ago was 15kg and somehow, when I was working, I carried it around all day.

I wouldn't like to do it now, I prefer a light weight option, so only take what I need.
 
When I go for a day out photographing Falcons, the whole lot weighs 32 kgs. How do I do it? With difficulty........:bang:
 
Well Prompted by this thread I've just weighed my on out bathroom scales and my bag weighs in a 8kgs, as to carrying the weight it's not a big issue for me ;) I hardly know I have my backpack on most of the time :thumbs:

Though after spending every weekend for the last 8 months helping my brother in law carrying is DJ gear including a SS Flight Case that weights in excess of 200kgs and that we had to negotiate a steep flight of stairs with to tight 90 degree bends in this weekend I doubt I'll ever moan at the weight of my kit bag again :lol:

Matt
MWHCVT
 
Oddly I weighed my weekly shop this week, it was nearly 40kg for a weeks worth and I live on my own! Oh and on the 4th floor!

I guess the army guys manage, don't they carry 25kg++ each?

I saw a guy at Le Mans with a HUGE full packpack, he had some reasonably big lenses but he looked like it was a struggle to keep it on his back, I'd have just rested it on the floor while shooting.

PS I tend to just take a small bag with the bits I need for that shoot, as I never need everything.
 
It's not about how much weight you have, but how you carry it. So a well designed bag is what you need, though 11kg isn't too much imo.


I went for one of these.
http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/eng/product/calumet_bp1500_large_backpack/rm2184

Although i could only find one review on line, it was written by someone who was a walker first and a photographer second. They seemed to know what they were talking about regarding what makes a good back pack, and they rated it well.

Must say i am in agreement, furthest i have gone so far with it fully loaded was about a 3 hour walk. But i could almost have forgotten it was on my back.
 
When I first weighed it I didn't think 11KG sounded that much to be honest - Julia weighs more than that and I can carry her all day! Picking it up it is a lot, but the test will be when I have it on my back (complete with the 70-200)

I am in awe of all you carrying heavier loads for long periods (and can hear all you pro photographers in the back giggling...:wave:)
 
Oh yeah, picking it up is a pain. I struggle a little getting mine on, but once it's on my shoulders it's fine.
 
if you're on firm ground - not trekking say-- how about one of those trolleys that carp fishermen use to transport a zillion rods ....:D
 
Sell that heavy bag and you should be able to carry a bit more...

ladentog.jpg


(Uncredited photo found on't Web.)
 
photon said:
Sell that heavy bag and you should be able to carry a bit more...

(Uncredited photo found on't Web.)
Click to expand...

:lol: :lol: the inner nerd in me asks why has he got nikon and canon round his neck :bang: I need to get out more

Matt :exit:
 
Ok let's play a game.

What is the value round him..

Hope he don't get robbed lol
 
Ste Manns said:
Question is - how in gods name do you all manage with this sort of weight on your backs?


Anyone know what their typical 'on a shoot' kit bag weighs?
Click to expand...


Answer to question 1....... I don't, I take what I need for a particular shoot, everything else stays behind.


Answer to question 2........ Aint got a scooby, couldn't tell you how much my main kit bag weighs, but it isn't a lightweight :D
 
As has already been mentioned, I think the secret is a decent backpack. I walked 8 miles with mine on Saturday, it must have been nearer 15Kg, with 3 lenses (inc 70-200 f2.8), tripod, waterproofs and 3l of water.

When the pack was on I didn't notice it, the only problem is that the light was rubbish, so the camera stayed in the bag.
 
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