Favorite bag(s)?

[RogerSmith]

I'm generally happy with the Gitzo Adventury 45L as a larger travel bag or "car bag". Looking for a bit smaller hiking bag. The Adventury 30L is a tad small. Looking at the Mindshift Backlight 36L.
My main load is the 200-600 with A1 + grip, binoculars, sometimes a 70-200 and or 16-35 added.

 

[iamdlewis]

I would suggest my bag but they don't make it any more. My bag isn't perfect so I keep an eye open for another one if I get to the point that the imperfections of my bag just annoy me too much. So ones to consider that all can fit the 200-600 with attached Body, the 100-400, 2nd body, bins, 24-105, small cleaning kit, rain cover, battery bank, and other miscellaneous things.
In no particular order:
MindShift Gear BackLight 36L Backpack
Manfrotto PRO Light Multiloader M
Tenba Axis 32 L
MindShift FirstLight 40L

 

[davidzvi]

Wontancraft, sadly they don't make the trooper anymore.

 

[JimsZ]

Check out the thinktank range, they seem great quality and value for money. I have one for walking round with, big enough to hold one camera either an 24-105 + one small lense (55/ 1.8) and a spare battery or a 70-200, there are many more options and styles.

Think Tank - Best camera bags, shoulder bags, backpacks, and rollers

We are a group of product designers and professional photographers on a mission to design and create the highest quality travel gear for the world’s Venturing Observer.

www.thinktankphoto.com

 

[Deleted Member 5045]

I have a few for different purposes. I have a Vanguard sling which fits the 200-600mm nicely into the underneath tripod compartment. My Lowepro Flipside AWIII fits a fair bit into it and is quite compact still.

View attachment 53692

 

[Uncle Kevriano]

I think that the Manfrotto ranges are often overlooked but offer some of the nicest looking and most practical of bags around. Worth a look for sure. I have an older Redbee 300, it's been perfect for my needs.

 

[Unframed Dave]

I just looked at the labels on my gitzo to find out what model it is. On the label in various languages is the instruction "do not iron". The mind boggles at the circumstances that led to the need for such a label. I still don't know what model it is.

 

[Uncle Kevriano]

I just looked at the labels on my gitzo to find out what model it is. On the label in various languages is the instruction "do not iron". The mind boggles at the circumstances that led to the need for such a label. I still don't know what model it is.

I'd like to see someone attempt that

 

[Magnus129]

Check out the thinktank range, they seem great quality and value for money. I have one for walking round with, big enough to hold one camera either an 24-105 + one small lense (55/ 1.8) and a spare battery or a 70-200, there are many more options and styles.

Think Tank - Best camera bags, shoulder bags, backpacks, and rollers

We are a group of product designers and professional photographers on a mission to design and create the highest quality travel gear for the world’s Venturing Observer.

www.thinktankphoto.com

I would second the ThinkTank gear. I had one years ago and somehow got away from them. Just today I was looking at the bag I have been using for the last year or so, the Nomatic McKinnon pack and I have to admit it's very much a disappointment. It's an attractive bag but functionally it fails me in terms of the handle and the outside pockets.

My regular bag prior to last year was the Peak Design and it really did the job, but I was looking for something a little bigger.

 

[Thad E Ginathom]

My regular bag prior to last year was the Peak Design and it really did the job

Must be a personal thing, and they must work for many, many people, as the company is successful. Not for me. I bought one, open-box bargain so I couldn't return), and found that it did not open, stand or hold gear in the way that I wanted to. Complete and immediate bag fail. I sold it immediately: luckily they are popular.

Currently with tenba DNA messenger bag. I've got a tiny one and a huge one.

I'd mention Lowepro and Vanguard as being good, and better value for money than any of these more-fashionable names. My Lowepro messenger bag was just perfect at carrying the gear that I had then, in the way that I wanted it to, at a small fraction of the price of my Tenba.

 

[Magnus129]

Must be a personal thing, and they must work for many, many people, as the company is successful. Not for me. I bought one, open-box bargain so I couldn't return), and found that it did not open, stand or hold gear in the way that I wanted to. Complete and immediate bag fail. I sold it immediately: luckily they are popular.

Currently with tenba DNA messenger bag. I've got a tiny one and a huge one.

I'd mention Lowepro and Vanguard as being good, and better value for money than any of these more-fashionable names. My Lowepro messenger bag was just perfect at carrying the gear that I had then, in the way that I wanted it to, at a small fraction of the price of my Tenba.

Now that you mention it, Thad, I can see that. I got away from it because it couldn't quite hold the gear I had grown into. With that said, though, I've realized that I rather liked the top closure, which was effortless. The only drawback there was that I would take the bag to the beach and needed extra care to avoid sand getting into the top. I've come to realize I am also a sucker for a good side panel opening.

As you point out, it's a very personal decision.

I really do like the design of the Lowepro products. They're clearly well thought out, but I am one of those "I don't want something that screams 'camera bag'..." guys. I'm in the market for a new bag (Please don't tell my wife), so maybe I'll look at Vanguard.

 

[Thad E Ginathom]

I've realized that I rather liked the top closure, which was effortless.

My Peak design bag was the largest messenger bag, so it was top opening. But the top flap didn't naturally fall to the back, it only fell back to closed. I like to sit (in a concert) with my bag on the seat beside me, top open. Also it was too floppy to be stable sitting without support, and the dividers, of some PD origami design which was supposed to make every thing possible, for me made everything hard. I hope it's buyer (from me) loved it!

Lowepro have come out with entire new ranges since I bought mine, an "Event Messenger." I think they do look more camera-bag than the old ones, but they certainly look good. Do non-photographers know brands like Vanguard and Lowepro? I suppose thieves do!

I guess I have a bit of a camera-bag thing! I like that they are all soft and padded inside, with velcro bits that we can move around. Mmmmm .

 

[Clix Pix]

Many years ago now, back in my film days I fell in love with Domke bags and I still love them, even though I've added bags from a few other brands over the years since then, including ThinkTank, LowePro, etc. When possible, I much prefer to toss my gear into one of my nicely worn, comfy canvas Domke bags and sling it over my shoulder..... Some of my larger and heavier lenses, though really require something different, and that's where the other bags come into use.

 

[spudhead]

Ok so I have way too many bags ruck sacks, shoulder bags what ever, never found the perfect one but for travel gitzo shoulder bag because it doubles for all the travel paper work and small laptop what ever we need. For days out although I try not to use a bag these days unless it is car then a lot of walking and kit, I go to is the a lowepro backpack flipside 400 I think I have not even used it for the last year or so

 

[EdHarrison]

I'm generally happy with the Gitzo Adventury 45L as a larger travel bag or "car bag". Looking for a bit smaller hiking bag. The Adventury 30L is a tad small. Looking at the Mindshift Backlight 36L.
My main load is the 200-600 with A1 + grip, binoculars, sometimes a 70-200 and or 16-35 added.

I have the Explore 35L V2 by Shimoda with the large mirrorless core unit. It fits my Sony a1 with the 200-600mm attached to the body (snug fit but works fine), including my a7iii with 20-70 G attached, and other musc stuff. I've had it for only about a month but so far, I like it so far.

 

[Magnus129]

My Peak design bag was the largest messenger bag, so it was top opening. But the top flap didn't naturally fall to the back, it only fell back to closed. I like to sit (in a concert) with my bag on the seat beside me, top open. Also it was too floppy to be stable sitting without support, and the dividers, of some PD origami design which was supposed to make every thing possible, for me made everything hard. I hope it's buyer (from me) loved it!

I didn't particularly care for their messenger bag. Mine was the backpack. I can see that.

Lowepro have come out with entire new ranges since I bought mine, an "Event Messenger." I think they do look more camera-bag than the old ones, but they certainly look good. Do non-photographers know brands like Vanguard and Lowepro? I suppose thieves do!

The thieves are well aware

I guess I have a bit of a camera-bag thing! I like that they are all soft and padded inside, with velcro bits that we can move around. Mmmmm .

I think we ALL have a bit of a camera bag thing,

 

[AlphaWorld]

I have several sizes of ThinkTank Retrospective, partly because I like the styling, and the colours (I don’t wan’t my camera bag to be black - seems the worst possible colour!). Catch is that they are all shoulder bags, and I’m sometimes feeling pain in my shoulder carrying them recently.

I’m starting to look around for a different style of bag. Maybe I need one attached to a drone hovering (quietly!) behind me and following me around?

 

[Clix Pix]

I didn't particularly care for their messenger bag. Mine was the backpack. I can see that.


The thieves are well aware

I think we ALL have a bit of a camera bag thing,

Oh, yes, all photographers seem to be seriously afflicted with CB GAS..... Camera Bag GAS, since there is never quite the right one, the perfect one, the Holy Grail which we all endlessly seek.

Quite a few years ago I was at a gathering of fellow photographers and we were playing one of those games where one "wins" something but then has the ability to swap it out for something else that is more desirable. One participant won something-or=other. All of us couldn't help but laugh while he was making a strategic switch for something more appealing to him..... His wife moaned, "oh, not ANOTHER camera bag!"

 

[Richard A]

Lowepro have come out with entire new ranges since I bought mine, an "Event Messenger." I think they do look more camera-bag than the old ones, but they certainly look good.

I have always liked Lowepro bags. I tend to get a smaller sling bag & then a bigger backpack. I have just got a Flipside 400 AW III & a Slingshot SL250 AW III for all my new Sony gear.

 

[Snapshot]

Well, I'm sorry, (not sorry) to necro this thread, but I'm thinking about bags a lot lately. I have three sitting on my shelf right now, and they've been adequate, but they're just not really what I really want. I have these:

Crumpler 4 million dollar home - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/870214-REG/Crumpler_MD4002_X01P40_4_Million_Dollar_Home.html

Crumpler 7 million dollar home - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/896402-REG/Crumpler_md7002_u04p70_7_Million_Dollar_Home.html

Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 AW II - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U3TQR6O

I've got my Sony gear transferred into the Lowepro, and honestly, it just feels unusable. It's defintely more of a car bag than a trekking bag. The Crumplers are shoulder bags, but just don't seem to work for me.

Anyone have any sling bags that hold the camera & lens, plus probably two more zoom lenses that they like?

 

[Snapshot]

I've had more bags than hot dinners it feels like!

Being totally honest I've never found one bag that covers everything I want, but currently I have a Wandrd Prvke 31 V2 & Wandrd Rogue 6l I bought about a month ago for when I don't wanna lug a backpack around

Yeah, I've had many bags prior to the three I have now. I got that from my dad. He bought bag after bag. You should see all the bags I have for non-camera gear.

 

[Snapshot]

I've managed to palm a few off to my son as school bags

I used to give my castoffs to my dad. He'd take anything. Now I have to go through them all again.

 

[Snapshot]

To bring this thread back to the subject, now I'm looking at these two. Anybody got an opinion on them? If you haven't seen them, and have a moment, take a look at them, and tell me what strikes you as good or bad without them. I'm a big guy, and a larger bag is probably just fine.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod..._photo_466_turnstyle_20_v2_0_convertible.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1408191-REG/tenba_636_424_solstice_sling_bag_10l.html

 

[davidzvi]

Well, I'm sorry, (not sorry) to necro this thread, but I'm thinking about bags a lot lately. I have three sitting on my shelf right now, and they've been adequate, but they're just not really what I really want. I have these:

Crumpler 4 million dollar home - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/870214-REG/Crumpler_MD4002_X01P40_4_Million_Dollar_Home.html

Crumpler 7 million dollar home - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/896402-REG/Crumpler_md7002_u04p70_7_Million_Dollar_Home.html

Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 AW II - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U3TQR6O

I've got my Sony gear transferred into the Lowepro, and honestly, it just feels unusable. It's defintely more of a car bag than a trekking bag. The Crumplers are shoulder bags, but just don't seem to work for me.

Anyone have any sling bags that hold the camera & lens, plus probably two more zoom lenses that they like?

I've used many Crumpler's in the past. Now I start with Think Tank, Domke, Tenba, and Peak with a fancy Wotancraft thrown in because.

 

[AlphaWorld]

I have used Crumpler and LowePro in the past. My current bags are all ThinkTank - I have an Airport something for taking into the studio when I’m taking a bunch of primes, a couple if bodies, and sundry other stuff (radio triggers, cable remote, etc). The bags I use outside are mostly ThinkTank Retrospective bags, because I like the design and the fact that they aren’t black!

 

[Richard A]

Well, I'm sorry, (not sorry) to necro this thread, but I'm thinking about bags a lot lately. I have three sitting on my shelf right now, and they've been adequate, but they're just not really what I really want.

See my post above this. I have been using both bags recently & I'm pretty happy with them to be honest. But everyone has different needs.

 

[Unframed Dave]

The perfect bag does exist. Ladies and gents, I present to you the Vanguard alta sky 68. You can literally put everything in it.

• SM-G981B
• 5.4 mm
• ƒ/1.8
• 1/50 sec
• ISO 200

Once done however, very few can pick it up and walk.

Banana for scale.

 

[BrianN]

Hi,
I bought this nice compact one as a carry on and to use for my New Zealand trip, it has space for a 15"laptop and my camera, two lenses, batteries, tripod etc.


FreeLine BP 350 AW, Black

FreeLine BP 350 AW, Black

Inspiration is everywhere. Your gear changes every day and the freedom to carry what you need is essential. FreeLine is a premium daypack designed for today’s storytellers, photographers and videographers. This versatile pack protects the tools that capture your vision, wherever you go, leaving...

www.lowepro.com

 

[Snapshot]

I've only had one sling bag as I find them very uncomfortable with all weight on one shoulder? the temptation is to pack alot of gear into them as they have space? Of course hopefully not teaching you to suck eggs?

Might also be worth you mentioning just what actual gear a bag needs to fit in it so people can suggest some ideas?

I did mention in post #20 above, that I'd like to fit my a7riii with a lens, and probably two other lenses. I don't think I'll need a laptop or tablet pocket, as I never carry those even in my bag that has room.

 

[Snapshot]

Yes I did double check before posting this, no disrespect meant, but are you looking to pack 3 pancake lenses or a 300mm f2.8 & 600mm? if you see my point?

I understand. I did say zooms.

I guess I want to pack a Tamron 17-50, 50-300, and Possibly my Sony 24-105 G OSS. I realize that's a lot of lens for a sling pack, but of course, that's why I'm asking. Your point about slings being too heavy for you is well taken. The Lowepro FreeLine pack that BrianN posted above looks interesting, and it looks like it would pack the three lenses I want. I need to do a comparison with my Fastpack 250. I actually wish all the manufacturers would just start rating them in liters, as some do.

What stinks is that there used to be local shops I could go to to try out all these things, but sales have all moved online. I can't fly to New York and go to B&H when I want to shop. I wish I could, but I spent all my money on gear. Lol.