Camera bag or backpack

[jason.williams14]

Hello everyone.

I am in some serious needs of a new backpack or pack of some sort for my camera gear.

I currently have a Nikon D80, with a 18-55 lens.
however, i am getting a 18-200 lens and a 50 or 35mm prime lens as well as a speedlight flash.

Now, I am leaning towards a backpack or sling type bag.

does anyone have a recommendation on something to look into?

I would like to be able to carry my body and a couple lenses

Any suggestions?

thanks.

Jason

[codewarrior00007]

I've this. Love it. Check it out.

[inkista]

CAMBAGS.COM Camera Bag Review Resource for DSLR Cameras

Best site for researching various camera bag options.

Personally, I'm in need of a smaller bag for just a couple lenses and the body when I don't want to bring the full backpack, so I've got my eye on Think Tank's Retrospective bags when they're released.

[ddr]

That Retrospective bag is pretty nice. Does it have any padding inside?

My only recommendation is for you consider if you have a lot of gear to carry and how much they weigh in total. A sling or messenger type bag looks cool, but with a fair bit of gear you won't be liking it in a couple hours. I chose the Kata 3N1-20 because it can be both a sling and a backpak. I haven't used it in sling mode for a while and i'd probably look into something like what inkista mentioned if I was going lite for the day. As well, the Lowepro Passport Sling looks interesting.

Also to consider is if you want to carry a laptop (at all, maybe travel?), or if you want to use it to carry a book or two (for school?). Backpack wise, I really like the Booq Blur. Most people will recommend a Lowepro or Tamrac to you for backpacks.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by ddr

That Retrospective bag is pretty nice. Does it have any padding inside?

No idea. That's why I want to see one.

One more recommendation for the OP: you may also want to think about whether or not you need a bag to hold gear you haven't bought, yet. E.g., if you get a flash, do you have room for it in your bag? Most of us end up with a variety of bags as we buy different gear over time, and have a variety of carrying needs. Just don't assume this bag is going to be the only one you ever get.

[photog1107]

Regarding the sling type... I found it highly uncomfortable within a mere 30 mins, with a fair amount of gear loaded... and not at all easy to manipulate changing out lenses, etc, without taking the whole thing off, then re-rigging myself again.

[Dennismc]

I would recommend this one Tamrac - Model 5375 Adventure 75 Photo Backpack

I have that, was the first bag I bought after spending a month comparing and researching.

It fits my d40x gripped, 18-55mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70-300, my little PnS, flash, filters, and charger with room to spare still. Nice and comfortable to wear and will even hold my tripod when needed

Can be configured in countless ways to accommodate the gear.

If you have a camera store near by, go there and check them out in person, so you can actually see what it will hold.

[autofocus]

We have a large Tenba shoulder bag, but our needs are probably different than yours. On assignments we carry in this bag 2 bodies, around 7 lenses with hoods, 2 flash units, various filters, extra batteries, and a sprinkling of misc stuff. ~35 lbs fully loaded. I don't think most backpacks would suit our needs. Plus, once we get to our job it's very easy working out of this bag. We also have a small shoulder bag when we only need to take half our gear. I think backpacks are good for hauling your gear, but a little cumbersome when you need to quickly get at your equipment.

[fxxrodriguez]

I got a Quantaray Pro backpack and I love it. It's med-size, and can hold your camera with the lens attached, plus 3 additional lenses, flash, and has 2 front pockets that can hold an array of items.

[spazoid1965]

When looking at bags ask yourself a fews question. 1. What whill happen if the zipper or latching mechanizism broke? 2. What if I or some else grabbed the oppend bag by the straps and carried it around. Most back packs open on the back side. If this zipper or latching mechanizism broke your stuff will want to fall out the back. Granted most have velcro strips across most compartments. But would you trust a strip of velco with your equiptment. most all sling bags open from the top. And can be carried safely even if the latches are not fastened.