??? Lens Bag ???

[krob77]

Hello all,

I am needing some opinions on what bag to buy to hold my lenses while working on location. We don't have a camera shop in my town so I normally have to order online and I don't want to order without hearing some opinions first.

I have started to get some paid jobs (engagement, seniors, and children) and I really want a shoulder style bag to just keep lenses (and one flash) for quick change while out during the shoot.

I have a backpack that I normally carry everything in but its not that quick to get to other gear when needed.

My gear list is in my sig so you can see what I am currently using. My most used lenses are the 24-105 and the 70-200 although I do use the others and want the ability to have them in the bag also. I don't need the ability to keep the camera in the bag just the lenses and a flash.

[Murtasma]

Having all that weight hanging off one shoulder will probably end up giving you neck and back problems. I had this same issue when I got my 2nd body. Walking around during an event for several hours having 10 lbs hanging off to your side will eventually become very uncomfortable. Perhaps a small bag that contains your most used items along with a back pack would be an ideal compromise. I use a photography vest and a dual harness now and my neck and back problems have disappeared.

[OsmosisStudios]

Are you just looking for a bag to hold your lenses while they're not being used while on site? Why is your backpack a pain for this? Just leave it open on a table or the floor.

[krob77]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Are you just looking for a bag to hold your lenses while they're not being used while on site? Why is your backpack a pain for this? Just leave it open on a table or the floor.

I did just that on the last two shoots and found it very frustrating. Now granted these shoots were outdoors over a large area and I didn't feel comfortable leaving my backpack and getting too far away from it.

I have also been asked to help out with some weddings next year and I feel that a smaller shoulder bag will look more professional than lugging the backpack around. I need to ask the people I will be helping out what they normally do for this.

[diputs]

I have 4 bags at this point and I hate all of them for one reason or another.

The latest bag I bought (came in the mail today) is a $25 rip off of the Crumpler 7MDH bag. http://www.sigelectronics.com/Daily-...arch=versa+bag

I am sure I will find a reason to hate this one as well.

My favorite is the Domke F2
Second is the Lowepro Slingpak (sp?) 200
I hate the Tamrac Adventure 75 (I am used to hiking backpacks, and this is not close)

There is a lens only bag that I recently read about, I will see if I can find the link.

Edit: I found the link.

http://www.shootsac.com/

Looks a bit too much like a purse for me, but if it works well.

[OsmosisStudios]

If you just need something to carry lenses while on location, there are some different options, depending on what you want to carry.

Lowepro makes several small waistpacks and shoulder bags that'd be good to hold some moderate sized lenses.

Personally, I'd prefer (and am actually looking at) their Street and Field system: It's comprised of a padded belt with loops on it that you attach smaller individual lens pouches (lowepro) to. Similar to what paintballers use to carry their spare ammo containers, just with lenses instead. It keeps your hands free, you fully mobile and still manages to keep everything tidy and in control.

The downside: it's NOT cheap. The setup i was looking at for my modest equipment was going to run me into the 150-250 range.

[krob77]

I am going to give all of these suggestions a look.

I really wish I had a camera shop closer to me that carried a few bags to look at in person. I like the ideal of both the belt system and the shootsac but as mentioned they aren't cheap so ordering blind kinda scares me.

I did find another in some searching today GOBODA that is either a shoulder bag or can be used with an optional belt. Once again though they aren't cheap so more searching and youtube I will do.

Thanks for all the suggestions!

[OsmosisStudios]

That GOBODA bag doesnt seem very accessible. Might be great for hiking, but if you just need something to hold lenses while youre shooting so that you can switch around easily, thats by far not the best solution.

[krob77]

Yes nothing I have seen really looks ideal. I wish I was more crafty and could just build my own to the specs I wanted.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by krob77

Yes nothing I have seen really looks ideal. I wish I was more crafty and could just build my own to the specs I wanted.

DPReview did have an article from KATA: you get to design your own bag and, if they judge it to be the winner, you win the bag and gear