Camera bag for school

[Pickletickle]

Was wondering if anyone had any input as to what camera bag will be good for maybe something the size of a 50D with a medium or standard size + another lens about the same size while having extra room for a notebook or a laptop with a 15.4 in screen. I've been looking around for a bit and there seems like there's a few around, but I'm not really sure which one to get. I need space for a couple of books, maybe ditch the laptop if need be.

Should I get a separate smaller bag for the camera and the 2nd lens? I was thinking that might be a better alternative, but no idea which type of bag I should go with. I've been eying sling bags for a while, but it seems like a shoulder bag would be a much better choice. Any input on that?

Thanks for looking

[el_vago32]

Perhaps this one?: Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack

I use that one myself and it's pretty comfortable and reliable.

[Nicole]

I use something like this: Tamrac - Model 3380 - Aero 80 Photo/Laptop Backpack

The only thing is that you might be a bit hard pressed fitting a full size notebook in along with the laptop. Sometimes I'll throw papers in that back section along with the laptop, but I try to avoid anything that would scratch it (e.g. staples, wires, etc). You can actually fit a lot including a decent size book or two if need be (though not the giant hardcover type), in the stuff section of it. And I can usually fit about 2 lenses, plus body with attached lens, and some other miscellaneous stuff.

Meanwhile, by the time it gets to that amount of stuff I would definitely recommend a backpack rather than a sling for weight distribution.

[Pickletickle]

I have a LowePro Runner 200, but I never thought of using it as a school bag since I usually keep all my gear in it. The Tamrac bag looks really interesting; I'll check it out at the local store. I might have to ditch one of the books; they're not that heavy, but it adds up.