When did picking a camera bag become so hard?

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Davey_Pitch

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After getting my new 550D last week, I obviously decided to get myself a bag to go with it. I ended up getting a Lowepro Nova 190, as even though I only have the camera and 2 lenses, I wanted to get something with plenty of room so that I can get more kit and always have room for it.

My problem is that I'm unsure now whether I like the bag or not. It feels too big (I used to have a Rezo 160 when I had a 450D and it was perfectly sized), and it can be a pain to get into due to the design of the front of it (though it does offer great weather protection). I'm currently considering taking it back to where I got it and exchanging it for something else.

So, what bag(s) would you all recommend? I know I'll likely end up with a couple, as different bags work in different situations, but for now I'm mainly after a shoulder bag, that can hold my 550D, plus 3 additional lenses. Is the Kata DC-445 worth the extra money?

Thanks for the advice :)
 
The nova 1aw is a good size. Can get a body with lens and 2 other lens if one of them is a small one like a 50mm in it. Room for a few filters too. I get my sony body, 105mm sigma, 50mm and a 28-300 walkabout zoom in it.
 
Look at the Lowepro Slingshot range. I still have my 200, which gets used for when I'm travelling "light" without my 70-200 f2.8.

I recently purchased a "Think Tank Photo" Streetwalker backpack which I think is excellent. It takes my 7D, 70-200, 17-55 flash plus a few more bits & bobs. Very comfortable and under £100 (the Slingshot 202 is about £45).

Go into a store and take your time looking at the bags and planning how you'd lay your kit out. When I bought my main bag I took all my kit in the store and looked at which one suited me best. Took nearly an hour, but it worked!

Steve

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It is much better to go in and get hold of them physically. Some seem to appear more commodious in photos and others look smaller than they are.
 
Jelster said:
Look at the Lowepro Slingshot range. I still have my 200, which gets used for when I'm travelling "light" without my 70-200 f2.8.

I recently purchased a "Think Tank Photo" Streetwalker backpack which I think is excellent. It takes my 7D, 70-200, 17-55 flash plus a few more bits & bobs. Very comfortable and under £100 (the Slingshot 202 is about £45).

Go into a store and take your time looking at the bags and planning how you'd lay your kit out. When I bought my main bag I took all my kit in the store and looked at which one suited me best. Took nearly an hour, but it worked!

Steve

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I took a look at the Slingshot and tried one on, but just didn't find it too comfortable. Not sure why, maybe it's because I'm used to carrying bags over my left shoulder, whereas the Slingshots have to go over my right shoulder.

neil_g said:
its not hard, theres like 1000's of threads on here asking the same question with loads of suggestions ;)
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Nice subtle way of saying "use the search!" ;) I have searched, and there are so many suggestions out there I thought it might be better to have my own thread so I can perhaps be a bit more specific about what I'm after. And so I can feel special :p
 
Davey_Pitch said:
I took a look at the Slingshot and tried one on, but just didn't find it too comfortable. Not sure why, maybe it's because I'm used to carrying bags over my left shoulder, whereas the Slingshots have to go over my right shoulder.
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the Beauty of the slingshot system is that you can wear it across the front and get access to what's inside. And, when over your shoulder, there is a chest strap to keep it in place.

Steve

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Jelster said:
the Beauty of the slingshot system is that you can wear it across the front and get access to what's inside. And, when over your shoulder, there is a chest strap to keep it in place.

Steve

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Yeah, I do quite like that, I'm just not sure how comfortable I'd find it. I'm considering a few different backpack type bags, mainly for walks and holidays when I can take my time composing pictures (such as New York in October), but looking for a shoulder type bag (like the Nova) for times when I think I may need quicker access to equipment in case I miss a shot. I really liked my Rezo 160 when I had it, but I'm hoping to have 3-4 lenses by the end of the year and the Rezo 160 would just be far too small for that.
 
When did picking a camera bag become so hard? :)
Yep I am having the same trouble. Good luck
Gary
 
Well, don't do what I did and buy about 6 bags then forget to return them. Saying that, I do find most of them useful at some time or another but could easily just make do with the ones I have.

I actually have a lowepro 202AW and find it too small for my liking. I'm going to have to give it another chance though as I always liked the idea of it.
 
draiman said:
I actually have a lowepro 202AW and find it too small for my liking. I'm going to have to give it another chance though as I always liked the idea of it.
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As I said, I tend to use my Slingshot 200 (it's the older one) when travelling light. Body, 17-55 f2.8, flash and maybe one other lens. It's perfect for this type of use.

jimbobc said:
What about Crumpler?
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Crumpler do make some nice shoulder bags, but I have been really impressed with my TTP backpack. They also do a range of shoulder type bags too (Here)

Steve
 
I am in the same situation of trying to get a good sized bag that I can easily (without fiddling around) fit my camera (D90 with grip) and a nikon 80-200 F2.8 lens fitted and a couple of other lenses in there two. I want a bag that's easy to change lenses and keep them safe.

Someone on here recommended the Item picture Tamrac Velocity 9x so I need to look closely at that
 
Im never happy with my bag. Very difficult to find something that meets all the needs minus the high cost.

At the moment I have settled for a Think Tank Urban Disguise 50 which holds most of my gear but with just the essentials its perfect. Great for heading out with as it is quite casual but well protected and lots of space and pockets.
 
An alternative the the Slingshot 200/202 is the Lowepro Classified Sling 180AW which is physically roughly the same size but hold's more gear. I use mine mainly for my 5D with 24-105 attached and 100-400. I would also be able to squeeze in another lens if I wanted to, like a 17-40 or simular. I've gone through loads of bags and have ended up with 4 and a Lens Case which now cover most scenarios :D
 
Has anyone tried the Tamrac Evolution bags? I really like the look of them, and the fact they can be slung over either shoulder, and the gear accessed from any side. Quite expensive but look like it could well be worth it.
 
I recently went into one of our cheap shoe shops to get a pair of trainers.

They were selling cheapo bags (£6.00) with both handles and a shoulder strap which attracted me because I suddenly realised I could probably turn them into a camera bag.

I am now in the process of converting it (with some foam rubber and glue) into my own custom made bag.

.
 
I'd recommend the Crumpler Muffin Top range! I've got the 4000 and it holds my D40 with 18-55 attached and my 55-200 next to it, with space for a flash.
 
A bag is easy..

.. it's when you want a day bag for holidays, something that will get all your kit into the Ryanair (non-)standard luggage device, something that doesn't look like a camera bag with "steal me" written on it (rules out most Crumplers) etc. that it gets complicated..
 
another vote for crumpler muffin top well constructed bags and it does not look like a normal camera bag if you go for a colour other than black
 
I don't think the perfect bag exists! I have a small collection - a massive one that I keep all my kit in at home, a smaller shoulder one for days out, one in between for holidays and a pouch type system when I want to travel really light...

I hope the wife doesn't read this as I'm always complaining she has too many handbags...
 
DazzGreen said:
I don't think the perfect bag exists! I have a small collection - a massive one that I keep all my kit in at home, a smaller shoulder one for days out, one in between for holidays and a pouch type system when I want to travel really light...
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I am the same. I cant seem to find one and stick with it, but I like the flexibility of having multiple bags and cases.
 
Advocate for Kata bags here, excellent after sale customer service. I've got a DR-467, holds most of my gear, plus personal peripherals and a laptop. Taken this bag around the world without a glitch on airlines etc.
 
Davey_Pitch said:
Has anyone tried the Tamrac Evolution bags? I really like the look of them, and the fact they can be slung over either shoulder, and the gear accessed from any side. Quite expensive but look like it could well be worth it.
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Have a look at the Kata 3n1 series (3N1-10,20 or 30)- I've the 3N1-30 with the gear below stored in it with ample more room for more gear (the TC, 50 & 20mm are in Carl Zeiss type round cases).. Thats a slingshot (U can access both sides - together as well but NOT recommended thou as your kit would fall out :p), its also a backpack & someother thing that I cant quite remember what thou :$

They do a version that also holds laptops/netbooks but not desktops (obviously) 3n1-22,33
 
Tenba bags are a favourite of mine, bought my first in 1976 ... they do a messenger bag, the Mini is more than big enough, they do them in 7 different colours LINK (scroll down page)

They do two larger sizes, just follow the links on the MCLmedia site, and I would recommend them to purchase from, very good service.
 
Thanks for all the advice guys. I had a good think about what I want from my camera bag, and decided that I fancied getting the Tamrac Evolution 8. It'll hold everything I plan to get, has a tripod holder at the front, has tons of room for storage, will hold my 14" laptop, and still fits within the hand luggage restrictions on the two holidays I've got planned for the next 16 months. I'll take my Nova 190 back and swap it for something smaller I think, that I can use for smaller days out where I only want to carry a camera and couple of lenses.

Thanks again :)
 
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