looking for a Camera Bag

Hello Folks,

Entering the world of DSLR for both stills and video. Narrowed down the purchase to a Canon 60D and EF 15-85mm lens as a starter. I will be adding a 50mm f1.4 and a 75-300mm in the near future, along with a Feisol Tripod (specifically for video).

I need a bag/case.

Currently, I am evaluating the Lowepro Classified 140 AW. But I fear that I will soon run out of space in there. My preference is a Sling bag rather than a backpack. I prefer that my bags don't scream Camera bag.

To those posters who will say go to the store and check - Yes I have already done it. Many stores.

Your advice on your experience with large Slings and or the knowledge regarding large sling bags please. )

I have used a sling bag, backpack, waist pack, shoulder bag, and belt with cases over the decades I have been in the business. What I learned quickly is that there is no single best solution. I do think the sling bag is the best compromise between a backpack and shoulder bag, but I just can't get used to working out of one.

I have 2 Nikon D700s and nine lenses. I need a backpack to carry all of them, but I rarely take all of them on any job. Usually I am using one body and three lenses (17-35, 35-70, 80-200). I carry the 35-70 on my shoulder and two zooms in a shoulder bag that can be converted into a waist pack. When I have to use 2 bodies, I carry one lens in bag. If I need a flash I attach my SB900 case to the bag.

I often use the waist belt and shoulder strap of the bag to place weight on the hips to relieve the shoulder. The shoulder strap basically keeps the waist supported bag from shifting. That bag is the LowePro Photo Runner 100. Getting to and from locations I just use wraps and cases a stuff everything in a duffel bag that I stow in the car trunk or hotel room.

When I have to carry more gear, I use 2 Photo Runners -- one on each side. It is balanced and it works.

--
Richard Weisgrau
http://www.weisgrau.com
Author of
The Real Business of Photography
The Photographer's Guide to Negotiating
Selling Your Photography
Licensing Photography

I have used a sling bag, backpack, waist pack, shoulder bag, and belt with cases over the decades I have been in the business. What I learned quickly is that there is no single best solution. I do think the sling bag is the best compromise between a backpack and shoulder bag, but I just can't get used to working out of one.

I have 2 Nikon D700s and nine lenses. I need a backpack to carry all of them, but I rarely take all of them on any job. Usually I am using one body and three lenses (17-35, 35-70, 80-200). I carry the 35-70 on my shoulder and two zooms in a shoulder bag that can be converted into a waist pack. When I have to use 2 bodies, I carry one lens in bag. If I need a flash I attach my SB900 case to the bag.

I often use the waist belt and shoulder strap of the bag to place weight on the hips to relieve the shoulder. The shoulder strap basically keeps the waist supported bag from shifting. That bag is the LowePro Photo Runner 100. Getting to and from locations I just use wraps and cases a stuff everything in a duffel bag that I stow in the car trunk or hotel room.

When I have to carry more gear, I use 2 Photo Runners -- one on each side. It is balanced and it works.

--
Richard Weisgrau
http://www.weisgrau.com
Author of
The Real Business of Photography
The Photographer's Guide to Negotiating
Selling Your Photography
Licensing Photography

Crumpler X Million Dollar Home bags. I use the 8 Million Dollar Home, and love it. Does not look like a camera bag at all, and very comfortable for its size. Solidly built too, and I have used it for most of this year.

I carry a 7D body with lens attached, a second lens, a flash and accessories - filters, spare batteries, lens hood etc. easily. I could squeeze more in like another lens or the battery grip if I had to.

The Think Tank Sling-O-Matic 20 I think is a good choice

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0046MAI1O?ie=UTF8&tag=sengngo-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0046MAI1O

I don't own this bag but I did a lot of research on sling bags. I did like the fact that you can switch shoulders (looks pretty easy) and it can hold a lot of equipment. The styling is okay but I don't think it looks like a camera bag, you can judge for yourself.

Ben Jacobsen did a review on it that I found helpful.
http://www.benjacobsenphoto.com/2010/gear/thinktank-sling-o-matic-video-review/

I decided to buy the incase DSLR sling bag because I like the styling and I'm a beginner so I don't have a lot of equipment. I also like that it is smaller, the idea of the sling is that it sits on one shoulder and you sling it around you have sorta of a work bench. Since it sits on one shoulder I wouldn't want to overpack it as it'll definitely get heavy after awhile. Plus I figured, that I wanted this bag for when I'm in the city and then buy a hiking backpack. (F-stop Loka or Tilopa BC) However, some issues with the Incase are that you can't really customize it, the Velcro is in only certain spots so those are the only places you can put the inserts.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047DXGHK?ie=UTF8&tag=sengngo-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0047DXGHK

Ben did another review for the Incase DSLR Sling and the Lowerpro Classifed 220.

http://www.benjacobsenphoto.com/2010/gear/sling-bags-reviewed-incase-dslr-sling-and-lowepro-classified-220/

Hope this helps.

Richard,

Thank you for that wonderful post.

Ari,

I will be using this on my travels with kids (3) and the better half (even though she is half my size) ;o) Therefore this will be the second bag that I will be carrying. A backpack and a sling. I will look at the crumpler. Thank you!

Sengngo,

Thank you! I will look through the links.

I will keep you folks updated.

Cheers,
Navin

To update you folks...

I finally purchased the Kata 3N1-33 bag.

My reasons being that it will hold my 3 lenses with the body, laptop, is both a sling and a backpack, the build quality looks very high.

Thanks all for your advice.

Cheers,
Navin

I have a Nova 180AW for small excursions and an Elite AW for something more serious. As bags are relatively inexpensive, you should consider more than one, for different trips.

LOL!!

That is exactly what I am doing - searching for a smaller bag rather than the beautiful behemoth that I have with me now. Thanks for the advice! Take care, Navin