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Traveling: How Do You Carry Your MFT Gear?

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In terms of a tripod. I sometimes take a small gitzo but if not I do bring a table top. I also have the sling/backpack the new one made by Tamrac (smaller one). It carrys a tripod and has room for non camera gear too. I just wish it had a better outside pocket for a larger water bottle
viztyger said:
jhoff80 said:
When I want to have everything, as opposed to just the body and a lens or two, my Kata DR-466i backpack holds everything I could possibly ever need to have.

I know people don't always like backpacks (sounds like it's the case for you as well, based on the blog post), but it's perfect for me.
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I've had a look at the Kata DR-466i (who thinks of those names?!) and it looks like a very clever design. It is very personal, but I've always liked wearing my gear in front where I can easily access it.
viztyger said:
I've got the E-PL2, 14-45 kit lens, Olympus 45-150mm, Panasonic 100-300mm, Panasonic 20mm, Olympus VF2 viewfinder, and a Raynox macro adapter in the bottom camera compartment, along with a blower and my smaller case and a couple lens pouches, for when I'm only taking the camera and a lens or two.

Then of course, my laptop fits perfectly in the computer compartment.

I also am able to have a DVI , 3.5mm to dual RCA, and VGA cable in the top compartment, along with a Targus universal travel charger that works with my laptop and smartphone or my netbook and smartphone (among other things), a Lenspen, and a bunch of other small miscellaneous cables.

This all fits without the bag looking even the slightest bit bulky, and it's really not obvious at all that there's anything of value in the bag either.
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There's always a risk of having gear stolen; on the one hand a belt system makes it more obvious that you're carrying expensive gear, but on the other hand you don't have to take it off and set it down beside you when you're having lunch in a sidewalk cafe. Either way we take some risk.
viztyger said:
It can also hold a travel tripod, but I haven't really used that feature yet, other than confirming that it would fit.
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Do you take a tripod that's larger than a table tripod? I've been wondering whether it would be worth lugging around for 4 weeks.
--
Björn

http://www.bmupix.com
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--
http://markkayphotography.smugmug.com/gallery/1305161
 
I use this guy here, the National Geographic small sling:



It looks good to me, is comfortable, and feels very well built. I can put my epl1 with pancake in the smaller main pocket, and fit 2/3 lenses in the bottom pocket. Then there are plenty of small places for batteries and cards. My only problem so far is where to put the charger, so I'm looking for a smaller travel charger.
 
viztyger said:
There's always a risk of having gear stolen; on the one hand a belt system makes it more obvious that you're carrying expensive gear, but on the other hand you don't have to take it off and set it down beside you when you're having lunch in a sidewalk cafe. Either way we take some risk.
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When I need to take off the bag to sit down, I generally either leave it on my lap (for example on the subway), or under the table with a leg through the strap. Personally, I prefer it that way as compared to something that's obviously camera gear. But as you say, it is a risk no matter what.
viztyger said:
Do you take a tripod that's larger than a table tripod? I've been wondering whether it would be worth lugging around for 4 weeks.
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Well, I just picked up a discounted tripod locally. Honestly, I'm not sure I have a need for it, but for the price I couldn't resist. The one I have is only around 2 pounds and collapses to something like 18 inches, so it's not that much to carry around, but at the same time I'm not sure I need it. Like I said, I haven't actually put it in the bag yet though other than to confirm it'd fit in the tripod holder section.
 
That system looks appealing in some respects, but it's far from innocuous. This is probably great at a photo shoot somewhere, but outside, in public? Or traveling someplace interesting or off the beaten track? Are you kidding? You WILL be noticed! And that is NOT a good thing.

ATTENTION! I am an American and have money. Mug me! Be sure to take my wallet it's in the pouch in back. Kidnap me, too! Since all Americans are rich, you will make a lot!

I was in both Peru and Columbia years ago and had machine guns pointed at me while taking photos. Not a nice thing. I learned to blend in a bit more after that. As an American. it's nearly impossible.

I carry a standard Mountainsmith (Tour or Day) fanny (lumbar) pack with lenses INSIDE in separate Zing (or whatever) neoprene bags. I never carry too much stuff and try like hell not to be noticed.

Low key is the key.
 
I'm not sure what to say... i'm looking for a bag myself but :O do people wear this sort of thing? I don't feel this is comfortable at all or discreet, and am afriad if you are American you may be discriminated against in foriegn countries... even if that just means charging you twice as much with a huge smile. Same sorta thing goes for that special forces vest with camera's strapped to your chest and multiple ones to your sides, I feel like i've entered a Ben Stiller comedy!! This is a good starting point for a plot.

I'm looking for a bag to put my camera in, with other things (day trip sort of thing). When I need my camera I take it out and carry it. All I can say is, I know you guys won't be missing any shots at least!! Those systems are ready to go haha!!
 
I have been reading this post and thinking the same thing a Gethenderson! I could see using something like a belt system if I was out hiking in a "safe" area but while travelling it would attract attention.

I am looking for a bag that can carry a few extra things like sunglasses, etc and my camera and yet be easy access when wanting to take a photo. I would never use a backpack - too easy to pickpocket. I have been looking at the Crumpler brand bags so I appreciate folks recommending the 5mdhb - I will look at that size. Also Thanks to redrunnertc I am going to check out the Tenba mini-messenger. Looks impressive. Thanks for the great photos to show this neat bag!

I have a Thinktank holster 20 V 2.0 that fits my pancake 20mm in bottom and then the camera with 14-140 on top. Divider may be moved to switch configuration. This bag has a weather cover and I put my battery charger in it's pocket as well. The top of the bag has a pocket that fits my polarizer filter and extra SD card. This bag is great for easy quick access of the camera but it is too small to fit anything else. The bottom of the bag is expandable (pop down) if you change to a longer lens. Also may use with a belt for extra security. There are opptional modular components they may be attached to it's side if needed. I like the sleek, light design but for a different application. I plan to use it most of the time but want something to take for touring in Europe or on day trip that require other items.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/digital-holster-20-v2.aspx

I keep learning neat things on this site! Thanks :)
 
Another gut-wrenching issue, pun intended. The choice is simple for me; I don't hike and I'm no spelunker, nor am I working for National Geographic. If I were doing any of the aforementioned I would take an entourage along for the trek and they could handle.

Back in the real world, I keep it simple; I decide what I want to take, a lens, filter, camera, and leave the rest behind.

--
joe
 
viztyger wrote:
[snip]
viztyger said:
I've settled on a Think Tank Belt System. It's comfortable without being in the way and gives me quick access to all my lenses. I've written a post on my experience with the belt system so far:

http://www.bmupix.com/journal/2011/2/6/carrying-my-camera-gear-think-tank-belt-system.html
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According to your blog, one of your concerns with a backpack was keeping a hold of the bag when seated in at a coffee shop or restaurant? When I'm travelling, I have similar concerns but I just thread the waist belt of the pack through the chair I'm sitting on, and then place the bag on the floor, against the wall (ie: away from where someone can easily grab it). Or I'll put my leg through one of the shoulder straps so the bag can't be easily snatched away from me.

Last year I bought a Think Tank SpeedFreak but after using it for a few outings, I found it too uncomfortable. It bounced around when I had it loaded with my D300 and a couple of lenses and flashes. Using the shoulder strap at the same time helped reduce the bouncing but it didn't eliminate it unless I really, really cinched the waist belt tight. Of course, that made it difficult to slide the bag around to my front to access the bag. For covering an event or wedding, I'll use it because I'm willing to put up with a bit of discomfort for maximum accessibility. But for traveling, it's not going to work for me.

When I travel, I carry other stuff such as spare clothes (ie: a light rain jacket, water bottle, FRS radios, GPS, phone, wallet, Leatherman, keys, flashlight, etc.). So even if I used a belt system, I'd probably have to wear a small backpack as well. Or hang even more stuff onto the belt. So for me, I've decided that a photo backpack with a general use compartment on top, and with a padded bottom section for camera gear with side-access door is the best compromise. Generally I'm only switching between two lenses while at a given location, and now that I'm using an m43 system, I can carry the unmounted lens in my pocket or in a small pouch attached to the side of my pack (which I can easily reach behind and access even with the bag on my back).

Another thing with belt systems: when wearing a jacket, they have to go on the outside of the jacket, which means the jacket has to be zipped up at least to the waist area. For me, that can be quite uncomfortable when it's warm and/or I'm exerting myself and getting a bit warm. I like to be able to open up the jacket to get some ventilation. For me, I can be more comfortable with a backpack than a belt. Although if in a very tropical climate, I do see how a belt system can be cooler, since I wouldn't need a jacket.

larsbc
 
I also use a Crumpler 5 Million Dollar bag to comfortably carry an entire m4/3 outfit (GH2, GH1, 7-14, 14-140, 20, and 100-300). Out of the car I don't usually carry the whole thing but a small part, either in pockets or in a Crumpler 2 Million Dollar bag.
--
Steve Barnett
 
I really like this. i have a bunch of bags from a big Lowepro Max for commercial shooting down to my smallest Domke, including backpacks, sling bags, shoulder bags but most really more suitable for my DSLR and several large lenses. My 2 favorites are both Domkes so I wonder how I will like the more padded bag but I really want a messenger bag to carry Ipad and G1/several lenses and possibly even GF1. I may take a chance and order from somewhere I can return if it doesn't work for me but it does have all I require. I've been using an old LLBean messenger bag with Domke insert but its just sort of "okay". Otherwise the Domke F6 works but not really able to carry Ipad too.

Diane
redrunnertc said:
Wow, that screams "mug me for thousands of dollars in photo gear"!

I use a Tenba mini messenger
http://www.mu-43.com/f67/tenba-mini-messenger-bag-9189/
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--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic
G1 gallery http://www.pbase.com/picnic/temp_g1
 
I use two bags for travel depending on the situation:
  1. PacSafe MetroSafe 200 to store my E-PL1, 20mm, 14-140mm, and 9-18mm micro 4/3 lenses. In addition, a ND filter for the 20mm, a Sony TX-5 with Xshot Camera Extender for self-portraits, Garmin GPS 60SX for geotagging and map, phone, tissues, gum (except in Singapore), and water bottle. I'll try the PacSafe VentraSafe 300 on my next trip so I can add the 100-300mm lens & Olympus VF-2 (not yet purchased). This bag is normally used during the day.
  2. PacSafe MetroSafe 100 is mainly used for night outing with the E-PL1 & 20mm, and GPS.
The above PacSafe bags are not normally used for cameras and they are not padded. However, I just love their tamperproof zippers and they don't scream "camera" or "laptop" bag.
 
Len_Gee said:
This is what I use when I travel or backpack

http://cottoncarrier.com/

I attach a Canon 5D, 7D, and GF-1., add a small hip or backpack for additional lenses, usual accessories, a tripod and netbook.
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That's an interesting system I hadn't seen before. It's somewhat similar to the Think Tank belt system which also has an optional method for distributing some of the weight onto the shoulders. I like the method the Cotton Carrier uses to keep the camera ready to shoot; being ready is key if you don't want to miss opportunities.

--
Björn

http://www.bmupix.com
 
Ann Chaikin said:
I'm still thinking about this one. For me the waste system would not work at all. I am short wasted and things around the waste look and feel horrible.
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There's just no one solution for everybody. That's why it takes so long to find something which works.
Ann Chaikin said:
For daily use I use a Clik Elite Traveler ( http://www.ebags.com/product/clik-elite/traveler-camera-bag/150867?productid=10020104&sourceID=GOOGFEED&couponid=40959822&CAWELAID=527871840 ). It has room for my GH2 and a couple of lenses and accessories. The purse section is compact and I can just fit all the items I need in the space. There are pouches you can attach. I have one but leave it at home so the bag is more streamlined.
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That's a nice looking bag, Ann. Is it easy to get at and change lenses? Do you generally keep your camera out when you're walking around?
Ann Chaikin said:
I may take this in a larger backpack when I travel to Europe this spring. I'm still thinking about that as I plan to take a second body as a backup just in case.
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That's a good point that I forgot to mention. I will be taking my GF1 along as a backup body, although I think I'll leave it in the hotel. So I would have to return to the hotel if the GH2 stopped working for some reason. I'm not sure it makes sense to wander around each day for 4 weeks carrying my backup body.

Of course if all my lenses and GH2 got stolen, then I wouldn't have any lenses to shoot with on my backup body. That's quite a depressing scenario.

--
Björn

http://www.bmupix.com
 
tdlee said:
It's easy for me. I only have the 20mm for my GF-1 so I usually just throw it in a ziploc and then into whatever bag I have.
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There's a real elegance to that minimalistic solution. On shorter city trips I often just take the 20/1.7 plus a camera body. A 40mm equivalent focal length is versatile enough that most of the time I don't miss my other lenses.
tdlee said:
I try to pack light when traveling so even when I have my D300 I usually only bring a couple lenses. The body goes in a dry bag and then my bag and the extra lens usually goes into a ziploc or padded bag.
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I used to travel with a D300 and a couple of lenses. It seemed to me that I was carrying around a lot more in those days, so I checked:
Nikon D300 + 16-85VR + 70-300VR + 35/2.0 + 50/1.4 = 2.55kg
Panasonic GH2 + 7-14 + 20/1.7 + 25/0.95 + 45/2.8 + 100-300 = 2.00kg

So not that much difference, except that I have a lot more coverage at both the wide and tele ends with my MFT kit. Also, on shorter trips my GH2 with the pancake weighs a lot less than the D300 with a prime.
tdlee said:
I would worry about bumping into things in gift shops and attracting pickpockets with a belt system.
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When I'm wearing the belt, the 4 lens cases are all in front of me. Only the pouch with water in it sticks out to the side. So I would notice if a pickpocket started trying to unzip one of the cases. Yes, if I'm not careful I could bump into things, but that's also true for backpacks and shoulder bags.
--
Björn

http://www.bmupix.com
 
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