Which bag should I choose?

Firetographer

Firetographer

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I apologise for the posting of another Bag thread. However, I have only joined the forum this evening and have down a search, but I also realise peoples opinions change as they purchase new items.

The trouble is not many shops stock the mass amount of bags available so its impossible to call in and try them out.

I am looking to purchase a shoulder / messenger type bag that will carry a bit of my kit for day trips. I will be looking to take a 7D with a Canon 24-105L attached, a 70-200L, a 430EXII Flash and possibly my 17-55 f2.8 along with a bit of room for batteries etc.

I have been looking at the following but can't make up my mind.

Crumpler Cupcake 5500 /7500
ThinkTank Retrospective 10 /20
Tamrac Rally 7

Can anyone offer any opinions based on their own experiences. Any help much appreciated.
 
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I wondered about that but the ThinkTank site says it will, and even displays an image with one inside. ;)
 
I've used Lowepro for years, never had an issue with any of them. They always have bag for any requirement. Currently have two of their backpacks and am very happy with both. http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/manufacturer~man~Lowepro~categoryid~157.html

Also had a Billingham 445 - too heavy when fully loaded for the strap to be comfortable. But their customer service is simply the best. My bag was way way out of warranty and some stitching came loose in place where it wouldn't have mattered but I contacted them and it was repaired FOC.
 
I have used a couple of backpacks but to be honest, I now favour a messenger type bag. However, like everything else, there is simply too many and no facility to go and try them all out, purely down to stores not being able to stock every single one.

Hopefully I will get more replies to help make my decision, either harder or easier ;)
 
+1 for the Think Tank Retrospective. Nice well made bags with a reasonably discreet non camera gear look to them if that matters.
 
It has, thank you. I have used these review sites to narrow it down, not i am interested in the people who use them. ;)
 
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I have the Retro 20, which will take a mounted 70-200mm, and a lot more. The main reason I purchased it was because its discreet. However, even when half-loaded, it soon starts to feel heavy after walking around a while. I'd suggest having a look at some sling-type bags too.
 
I now use a Kata 3N1-30. Thiis will take a gripped 7D with 70-200 2.8 IS USM attached and a spare body, flash and a couple more lenses. Also there's room for personal stuff in the top compartment, and batteries, cards etc elsewhere. I tend to wear it as a backpack to my shoot then convert to slingpack for shooting. The bag gives a lovely stable platform for the elbows when slung around, and of course the camera and lenses/flash etc. can be accessed from here without taking off the bag, speedy lens changes and no getting the bag wet or dirty! The tripod pouch is a very worthwhile addition which means I take my Redsnapper out a lot more now. Even with a fair bit of weight on board the bag is comfy due to padded straps and belt. I found the bag useful for hols this year to stow all of my gear and took a smaller Kata shoulder bag for body and 1 lens while using the 3N1 for a day bag if needed.
 
kartracer said:
I have the Retro 20, which will take a mounted 70-200mm, and a lot more. The main reason I purchased it was because its discreet. However, even when half-loaded, it soon starts to feel heavy after walking around a while. I'd suggest having a look at some sling-type bags too.
Click to expand...

I had one and sold it for that same reason, actually I found it heavy even when empty, a bit too well made I think :lol:
 
My son owns a Vanguard Uprise 33 Messenger bag. Very versatile, both as a camera bag and general purpose shoulder bag. He's delighted with it. I've borrowed it on occasions and I am very impressed with it too...
 
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