i was given some money to purchase "something for that camera thingy you're always using", and i've decided to purchase a new camera bag. i need something that will be good for trips to the zoo/concerts w/out being too heavy, but still able to hold the following:
Canon 350D Body
Canon 70-200mm 2.8 IS USM
Canon 85mm 1.8 USM
Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC
and Sigma 500DG Super Flash Unit
If need be, for size restraints, i can carry the body with the 85mm or sigma 18-50mm attached.
I'm open for any and all suggestions. i always ask on here from people that have purchased and used the equipment, and i have had great luck with doing so.
Thanks so much, and have a great Christmas and New Years. :D
What style do you prefer? Backpack? Sling, Traditional? Wheeled?
As you can tell, there are many styles from which to choose. Also, do you need to carry a laptop/notebook computer in the same bag? Do you need to carry anything else in the bag that is not directly related to your camera (e.g. books, folders, electronics)?
I've always been a huge fan of LowePro. I just got a Stealth Reporter D300 for Christmas and am already quite fond of it. I've had a few LowePro bags over the years and have always found them to be sturdy and well designed. They seem to put a lot of effort into little details you might not think about...good padding in the strap, leather covers on internal zipper pulls so they don't jingle against your gear, high quality buckles, etc. Their slip lock system is also pretty nice for customizing or adding additional space later on. I also like that my new bag came with a lot of accessories like a memory card wallet and a pouch that I'm using for my batteries.
I got a LowePro Stealth Reporter 400 earlier this summer. It is pretty good. I checked the tamrac bags at the time when I was buying it. Tamrac was fine as well, but LowePro seems to give me more options for the interior setup and I liked some details on the LowePro better than the Tamrac.
I just got a Tamrac Pro System 12 for Xmas! Was just under $200 (Aus). It's a fantastic bag and fits everything I have perfectly except for my Lightsphere! It's a fairly large bag but I would definately recommend it!
I would go into a camera store that carries lots of choices and try them on for size. You don't have to buy there of course, but get a feel for how they "fit" you and then order online if you want. I did this and got a Tamrac Expedition 7 with the optional large side pockets. It is VERY comfortable and holds a ton. It's a backpack though, but if you're open to backpacks it is worth a look.
i think i am going to go with B&H and purchase the Velocity 9 Pro Sling Pack. it looks comfortable and very nice. the other bags looked great as well. hopefully i made the right choice. :D i'm a big guy, so i'm hoping that this bag comes with a nice si zed strap. we shall see.
thanks again for the support. you guys/gals always help out so much, and it's much appreciated.
I haven't tried these, but I've seen them in stores.
I have the Slingshot AV200 and love it. It holds my Xti, 70-200 f/4L, 50 mm, my kit lens, extension tubes and most of my accessories. I also have the batter grip on my XTi. Plenty of room. I would check it out if you like the sling.
