What camera bag....?

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I'll apologise at the outset as I assume that there must have been a lot of similar posts in the past, but a quick play with the search function isn't throwing up a lot of useful threads.

I've just bought my first DSLR - a Canon 400D with 18-55 kit lens from the classifieds here. Inevitably, my descent down the slippery slope of buying bits and pieces to go with it has already started and I need something to carry it in.

I've seen that Lowepro seem to be well-regarded, and Crumpler has been mentioned with approval as well. I've had a look on the Lowepro website but, to be quite honest, I'm a bit lost in the sheer number of different styles they offer.

At least for now, I just need something small enough to carry the 400D, kit lens and maybe a nifty-fifty (which will probably be the next thing on the list of things to buy). I'd prefer something relatively small and which I can carry on my back, simply because I know I won't be arsed to actually take the camera out if it means lugging a huge kit bag with me.

So, can someone guide a n00b through the camera bag jungle and suggest a particular Lowepro model (or indeed from another supplier) that fits the bill?

Or, even better, if you've got one to sell, let me know. With limited funds to chuck at this new hobby, used is always going to be more attractive than buying new! ;)

Thanks in advance.
 
Buy once. Buy big. Somebody's got a Crumpler backpack for sale on here somewhere which would do the business. Don't go thinking that you won't need the space because you will. If not for your camera kit then your sandwiches and flask.
 
Right, there's a blatant plug coming up, so prepare yourself :D

When looking at camera bags, I almost immediately got rid of the idea of a backpack-type bag. I carried my camera round in a rucksack for an afternoon and got so annoyed at continually taking it in and out of the bag, taking it off my back etc that I vowed never to do it again!

Since then, I've sworn by the crumpler range of shoulder bags, they're really well made, pretty much waterproof, look good, and if you pick the right size, you can take everything you want to carry with you. And because they're should bags, you can whip your camera out at a moments notice, and avoid stopping, unziping your rucksack, getting the camera out, putting it back on etc. Changing lenses is rapid too!

If you definitely want something that goes on your back, you can get ones that are accessible from the inside or something, but I've never owned one so I can't really comment!

Now for the plug, I'm selling my Crumpler muffin top 7500 at the moment, it's red, and the reason for selling is I bought a black one instead! They retail at around £60, I'm selling mine for £50, possibly with a little room for negotiation!

It might be a little big for your needs, but it's still a regular sized bag. It takes my 450D, 2 other lenses, and a flash. You may find your equipment list expanding rather more quickly than you were expecting!
 
Lowepro cheap on amazon at the mo and you can look at all the specs etc on there.
 
I bought a small one off amazon for about £20 down from £55. A GEM bag, it does me and fits my modest gear.
 
Mmm interesting question.

You don't need a big bag with the kit at the moment. However once you get yourself another lens or two you will.

I would say keep an eye out for a 2nd hand Lowepro AW100. It's quite small, goes on your back, and has a side zip so you can take your camera out quite quickly without taking your pack off.

People do sell them as they are quite small and once you got yourself a big zoom lens it won't be big enough.

Otherwise consider the Lowepro Fastpack 200. A bit bigger but will have capacity when you upgrade!
 
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lowepro-Fas...R40NZ6UYCN&s=generic&qid =1249471317&sr=1-122

This is the backpack that I use, with my simple set-up, 50mm, 17-85mm and a 70-200mm.
saco1of1.jpg



don't do that, store the 70-200mm in your backpack with the Hood on, the hood mounting on the lens will eventually break, just did it for the picture
 
i would buy a bag that is too big for what you have now, or you will end up with loads of bags....like me :'(

i have a crumpler matchmater which is awesome, and a stealth reporter 650, which admittedly is too big for you, but may come in a smaller size which is a great bag too, but doesnt go on your back.

lowepro aw100 may be worth a look
 
chris321 said:
When looking at camera bags, I almost immediately got rid of the idea of a backpack-type bag. I carried my camera round in a rucksack for an afternoon and got so annoyed at continually taking it in and out of the bag, taking it off my back etc that I vowed never to do it again.
Click to expand...

But that all depends... I had a Crumpler shoulder bag which was great, I loved it except - it is absolutely no use if you trek/hill-walk or expect to carry it any great distance. I found that if I carried it for a long time it gave me back problems because the weight sort of twisted me round. It also couldn't carry my tripod. Point taken about taking the bag on and off - but when I'm shooting the camera is out of the bag, otherwise it's safe and secure inside. So a back-pack is a good option depending on where and how he will be using it. Horses for courses in other words.

To be honest there's a good argument for having two bags, one for everything and one for a walkaround town sort of bag.
 
Personally, I disagree with the buy once statement. Only slightly though.
It depends I think on what you will be doing.
I found at first a little bit of nervousness getting out a big camera in a big place.
So I opted for the Lowepro topload zoom II (I think). I still use it often now. For shows where I know which two lenses I will use. It is perfect for the canon 400d, 28-135+17-55 kit. It can also carry my 400d+70-300 without problems. Has a little slip in the top for cards/batteries, and a sizeable pocket in the front for filters. Getting the camera in and out is quick.
http://products.lowepro.com/product/Topload-Zoom-2,2052,8.htm
I did find though, that some days, it wasn't enough. And it wasn't good enough for flying. This was a year after buying the first. So I bought the Orion Trekker II.
http://products.lowepro.com/product/Orion-Trekker-II,1989,14.htm
This still gives me access to the camera in a couple of seconds (especially if you don't use the zips), can carry 5 lenses plus the camera in the bottom, and has enough room for drinks, books in the top. I have used this bag for hiking, and 10 hour slogs around disney.

Now however, I wan't to take my laptop away as well. Which means that I do /need/ a new bag, as it won't physically fit. However, it will not mean that my other two bags are no longer used. They will still be functional for their current tasks.
I would say start small, and when you come to the backpack, then consider whether you need something that can accommodate a laptop and be a 1 for all. I do not think I will be using my 1 for all bag for disney btw.
 
Definitely look on Amazon, I just went for a Lowepro Vertex 100 AW, fits all my lenses in with accessories and my laptop, they're a steal at the moment.
 
lowepro for me as well , i had a slingshot but constantly felt nervous about it looking like a camera bag and it being slung across my back :eek: , have a rezo 190 which suits me fine , i dont carry it with me as i store battery chargers etc in it , i walk with the 70-300 attached and the 18-55 in my pocket , suits me fine , oh , and my lenspen as well , wouldnt be without that ever :lol:
 
Thanks for all the suggestions, folks.

I was quite taken with the Lowepro Orion Trekker II, but they seem to be quite hard to get hold of, so I eventually (after MUCh searching, comparing and deliberating) ordered a Lowepro Fastpack 200 (as recommended by Mano X above).

It will suit me well while I'm getting started. I'm by no means certain that I'll get the DSLR bug "proper" so I can't see much point buying a big bag that would hold a load of kit that I won't have in the short term, and may not have at all. If I outgrow it, there seems to be a healthy used market in the classifieds here, or on ebay!
 
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