Help me choose a bag

captain P

Ok, I wanna get a backpack for my camera. I only have a 350d with 18-55mm and 50mm lenses at the moment but i plan on getting quite a few more (over the summer).

Has anyone used a Crumpler bag? They don't look like camera bags and open from the back (very safe). The are really expensive (for me), but have room for some other stuff like non-camera stuff you'd bring on a day out. but because of this, have less room for lenses etc.

The Lowepro minitrekker aw is my other choice. I found on ebay for €69.50 which is really good (Conns Cameras=149.99). Its alot cheaper than the crumplers (~180 for the ones i'd want) but slightly less safe. Has anyone used this one? Does it fit much extra non-camera stuff in it?

aFlabbyPanda

this might help ya a bit.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2054895091

Cameraman

Like some other people here, I would also recommend the Lowepro range - you're almost certain to find something suitable.

Personally, I've just bought the SlingShot 200AW which is perfect for my needs, and a very clever design too.

rymus

I was looking for a crumpler too recently to carry some bits & pieces when I don't want to bring the whole huge (and heavy) backpack with me. Seems they're pretty hard to get hold of around here anyway but having said that I couldn't even find one in a fairly large camera shop in Amsterdam.

As has been said, Lowepro are very good, I recently got a bag that I can stuff a small amount of stuff into when I dont want to carry the backpack. €30 got me a bag that'll take the 20D with grip, sigma 24-70 2.8, a 580ex and a 50mm 1.8

EireRoadUser

When looking at camera bags ,be aware that if it's a lowepro backpack theres a good chance when you are using it ,you'll pick up the bag now and then when it's open and not realize until your stuff ends up on the ground.

I use a micro trekker and a couple of times i picked it up and hey presto.

But maybe i'm getting alzeimers or something ,i cant remember

rymus

EireRoadUser wrote:

When looking at camera bags ,be aware that if it's a lowepro backpack theres a good chance when you are using it ,you'll pick up the bag now and then when it's open and not realize until your stuff ends up on the ground.

When it's happened once, it'll never happen again. I took my backpack out of the car once not realising it was open until my flash plopped out and bounced onto the floor of the front seat. Luckily everything else was safely velcro'd in but it was a good lesson.

captain P

thanks guys, ill probably go for the Lowepro. Just more affordable than the crumplers. out of curiosity what was the €30 one Rymus?

As for having the bag open ill remember that!! Ill probably be paranoid and check it like 5 times before i pick it up and stuff!! :eek:

leinsterman

captain P wrote:

thanks guys, ill probably go for the Lowepro. Just more affordable than the crumplers. out of curiosity what was the €30 one Rymus?

As for having the bag open ill remember that!! Ill probably be paranoid and check it like 5 times before i pick it up and stuff!! :eek:

I got the Lowepro Rover II AW in Gunns on Wexford St in Dublin for €110 or something like that ... They are great for this kind of thing

I bought it for the following reasons -

• Airline Carry on Friendly
• Weather resistent (including a rain hood)
• Tough Material (I travel to some pretty extreme climates - hot and cold)
• Lots of space in the easy access bottom for (in my case) 20d&18-125mm, 75-300mm, flash, Battery grip, 40GB MP3 (photo store), remote shutter release cable, small hama clamp tripod, memory, filters, hoods, charger, adapter etc
• External tripod holder
• It also has a top compartment for bits and pieces (eg. when flying long haul - books, snacks, water, travel clothes)

I'd say it has been a great purchase ...

eas

I have a crumpler "Loyal Chap". The bags are made VERY well made....super heavy duty straps and nice compartments, very well paded . I do love the bag, but not sure if everyone would think the extra €€ over a Lowepro would be worth it.

I ended up paying about €120 including shipping (£69 + £5) for it from here http://www.fotosense.co.uk.

I was a bit disapointed over it's size, - if you have lots of gear go for the Geekstar for the shoulder bags or one of the backpacks.

what I can get into it:

TOP:
SLR body with lens - a 105mm fits but gets a bit tight to close the flap
2 lenses
Camera recharger + cable + extra battery.

BOTTOM:
2 lenses
flash

compartments :
cards/battery/filters/bits and pieces other small bits


to the bags credit, it is designed very well and is very comfortable to carry around. It also has a touch of "something different" about it.

PaulieC

I just got the Lowepro Slingshot 100 AW last week. It is on the small side, but it will fit a body/lens and two extra lenses, plus memory cards, filters, card reader, other bits and bobs. I got it for $59 in B&H photo in NY.

It doesn't look like a camera bag, that may or may not be to your taste. I had it in the zoo on Saturday and was very pleased with the slingshot idea, where you dont have to remove the bag to get anything out. Suits my lazy disposition. There is a Slingshot 200 AW if you need more space

captain P

thanks guys. but now i can't decide!!! more things to choose from!!!

i looked at the slingshot bags, i quite like them. i love the idea of not having to take it off to get at your stuff. but i can never wear bags with one strap. they just don't sit on me right. maybe i've got weird shoulders!!!