What’s Your Preference?

ragdoll · #1 (**permalink**) 04-15-2010, 08:43 AM

I read many times on this site, on books and on various other sites that the best way to learn photography (and also to increase the probability of taking good shots) is to take your camera everywhere you go. I definitely agree with this. But I think there is a practical problem.
I am a commuter and I would find many shot opportunities each day. I also want to take with me my dSLR, not a P&S for 2 reasons:
I want to learn how to shoot with my sDLR
I don't own a P&S.
So, the main problem is that I am a commuter and I also carry with me my laptop each day. How could I take with me my dSLR in a safe and convenient way?
So this post is mainly concerned about which bag or backpack is the best to commute taking my dSLR with me. Not necessarily carrying also the laptop.
Suggestions?

Aleix · #2 (**permalink**) 04-15-2010, 09:16 AM

Hello!

First of all let me say I took that advice of "taking the camera everywhere" very seriously, and whenever I have the chance to I take it with me (even when sometimes, in the end I don't use it at all, but I have it with me just in case I have a chance to use it).

My modest opinion is, choose a light, comfortable backpack where there's place for the camera with mounted lens, 1 extra lens, spare battery, a couple of filters and perhaps an external flash unit. I currently use a Cullmann COMO Daypack 300 (cullmann-foto // COMO Daypack 300, black), which offers what I stated above. I carry the following:

* Pentax K20D
* Sigma 17-70mm
* Pentax DA Star 50-135mm
* Cullmann external flash unit D-4500 P
* Extra battery
* HOYA circular polarizer filter
* Lens cleaning cloth (comes attached in the bag)

I can't tell you how much this all weights, but it is alright for me. I generally always take all this with me, but if one day I have the feeling I won't need something, then I just leave that thing at home. I think you should calculate how much weight you tolerate having on your back the whole day long, and judge what pieces of your gear do you use most often for your type of photography; and then choose a (day) bag which suits those requirements. Read further reviews and try the bag if possible. There are many brands and types out there, so you'll for sure find one which meets your needs. Oh and one last thing: search for one which lets you change the inner distribution, so that you can shape it according to your gear and optimise the space...

Raoul Isidro · #3 (**permalink**) 04-15-2010, 09:20 AM

I carry 3 cameras.
The one on the phone (all the time)
The one in my pocket, a 10 MP credit card sized gizmo (all the time)
The one on my backpack, a Full Frame DSLR (occasionally, when I carry a backpack

)
I recharge all of them once a week.

I attach a 50mm on the DSLR if my trip is random.
A 16-35mm F2.8 when indoors and in tight spaces.

Cheers!

ragdoll · #4 (**permalink**) 04-15-2010, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aleix

I think you should calculate how much weight you tolerate having on your back the whole day long, and judge what pieces of your gear do you use most often for your type of photography; and then choose a (day) bag which suits those requirements. Read further reviews and try the bag if possible. There are many brands and types out there, so you'll for sure find one which meets your needs. Oh and one last thing: search for one which lets you change the inner distribution, so that you can shape it according to your gear and optimise the space...

Thank you for the quick answer. Based on these advices, which backpaks or bags can be suggested?

Aleix · #5 (**permalink**) 04-15-2010, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ragdoll

Thank you for the quick answer. Based on these advices, which backpaks or bags can be suggested?

Well, I can recommend you the Cullmann I own, but no other because I've always had that one and haven't tried others (very satisfied with it, this is). However I do recommend you to look other options as well, because your needs may not be the same as mine or because you might find more attractive bags, different size or colour, etc.

You could start looking around here in B&H (reviews included):
Backpacks & Daypacks

And also in Amazon, because there are usually reviews for each product:
Amazon.com: backpack Camera Cases & Camera Bags

You needn't buy it in those stores, but it's a good starting point for seeing what is available, the specs and how owners rate it. This is the way I reached my decision to buy my backpack

Greetings

sinophilia · #6 (**permalink**) 04-15-2010, 09:35 AM

that's one of the reasons why I got a micro4/3 camera with a 20mm pancake lens. it's small and inconspicuous, and if I really need to bring other two lenses with me the total weight is 1 kg and it all fits in a small camera bag...

sorry I have no advices on bags for SLRs!

StillFocus · #7 (**permalink**) 04-15-2010, 10:42 AM

I have the Lowepro Slingshot 100. Very good bag and not very expensive.

ragdoll · #8 (**permalink**) 04-15-2010, 12:10 PM

Ok, I took a look at the LowePro products. They have several backpacks and a couple of shoulder bags meant to carry a notebook beside the dslr (the CompuDay model for example). They often allow to carry 3-4 lenses. Do you know a good choice if I would like to carry a netbook (10" at most) together with my dslr with a lens mounted and another lens, trying to keep weight and incumbrance low?