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Do you prefer a shoulder bag or a backpack bag for carrying gear?

While backpacks are far more comfortable I find them a nuisance because you have to take them off to get to gear.

I like to use a shoulder bag because it gives me much faster and easier access to my cameras and lenses.

I really don't care about the nerve damage the strap has caused to my shoulders over the years, it makes taking photos easier.

I voted shoulder bag as I agree totally re ease of access. That said, if I was hiking for the day I might have a different perspective. So far the most I've done has been about 5 hours walking around (sightseeing, not bushwalking) with the 70-200 VR + about 3-4 other lenses in a shoulder bag - and I definitely felt it....

Sling bag is my pick.

Depend on what number of gear do you have or how and where do you travel.
If, it's just for short strolling or shooting at an event then go for shoulder bag.
Bushwalking, long distance walk or travelling then it's a backpack.

That make all of us have few difference bags to use in difference occassions.
They all have pros and cons in each area and each type of bag.

I had preferred a shoulder bag but now use a combo of a backpack and the LowePro Street and field.

A shoulder bag would be more preferable in my opinion if you are shooting more static or location.

On the Street and Field, I see very few use it but it is very versatile.

I need to talk to Birdy about a case for the 70-200 VR now

LostDingo wrote:
On the Street and Field, I see very few use it but it is very versatile.

You have one already? good system isn't it?
Lens case for 70-200VR is well in the affordable price's range.

vort wrote:Sling bag is my pick.

Coz, you only have one camera and one lens atm.
You'll find out later if you get deeper into the NLD.

Birdy,
I've got 2 cameras and 4 lenses one more lense coming tomorrow!


but.. just to clarify.. I don't actually own a sling bag. I've been thinking about one of late and they seem quite nice, although I've not used one yet. That said I do own a shoulder bag. It is convenient ish but I would prefer a backpack.

vort wrote:Birdy,
I've got 2 cameras and 4 lenses one more lense coming tomorrow!

Once again, depend on what type of other camera and lenses you have,
If they're just small, then, it maybe your great choice, but if they're as 70-200VR or 80-200AF-D or 300/2.8 VR and number of other related to photography items then the sling pack is out.

Photographer's bags are same as women's bags.

How many bag does a woman own in her life? is similar to the answer for a hobby photographer, not mentioned to a pro photographer.

Ahh.. always the eternal question - at least as it applies to camera bags

In practical use, my Lowepro Micro-Trekker 200 is a real dog (as are all backpacks). You have to take it off your back to get at the gear, and preferably lay it down on a flat surface, lest all your lenses and flashes fall out at you when you unzip it!

However, when walking long distances, or tramping through the bush etc, nothing beats the comfort of the backpack's shoulder straps, waist straps and sternum straps - esp if you have a tripod attached to it as well!

I will probably end up going with a combination of bags. Perhaps the Trekker for most of the gear, with a smaller shoulder bag or toploader to carry the camera around for quick/easy access. The sling bag suonds like a decent alternative/compromise too. If I can just find one to try out

It ain't just nerve damage to the shoulder that a bag can cause. I often worked from a very large, heavy shoulder bag. and whilst it is the best way to gain fast access to your lenses...it will eventually destroy your spine. Perhaps the best compromise is a vest...same as Birddog wears...but then you are gonna look like special forces or a suicide bomber. (Not so bad if you like to stand out in a crowd).

losfp,
Again, try a Lowe Pro S&F vest or harness for your bush walking.

You can try all at the next mini meet with all the accessories which I have and use them for myself:
Photo Vest, Lowe Pro S&F vest/ S&F harness.

And special items as Military Flight survival vests + parachute from World War II till VN War, with rescue radio + survival gears, NVG (Night Vision Goggle) etc.....

Thanks Birdy, that would be really good!

I think I might need the survival gear too, judging by my navigation and survival skills!!!

I voted backpack, but it really depends on what I'm doing. If I know Im going to carry the gear for extended periods i'll use the backpack. Otherwise its a shoulder bag

Chris

i'm gonna switch to a roller cause carrying 2 heavy backpacks is getting really annoying

I don't do a lot of fiddling with camera gear once I've left, and find that unhooking one arm from the loop of a backpack isn't that difficult of a thing to do, so a backpack is what I use. Plus I'm always crouching down, the shoulder bags swing around all the time, you're always taking it off, putting it back on, forgetting something etc. Backpack is way too comfy in comparison.

i used my Lowepro slingshot 200AW yesterday at the zoo.

Comfortable enough but not ideal with a lot of gear, tripod, H2O etc.
would definitely need to upgrade if going to a 70 - 200VR or similar.

this pack works really well while on a bike or other times you need quick and easy access without taking it off. Changing lenses still needs effort and a lot of care.

R2

I use a Lowepro Computrekker. Bit big but it holds alot. Also got a smaller backpack that holds d70 and a couple lenses. Yesterday for my birthday my wife gave me a Lowepro Street and Field belt and 2 lens canisters. I'll try these out this weekend and if they work well will be looking for a few more lens canisters.

Hmm, wonder if they make one for a 300 2.8

Cheers
John

I've got a good sized Kata pack, which fits about 5 lens including the 70-200VR, 2 bodys, mono and tri pods and a laptop. It's a bit heavy at times

I saw a good camera rig once that was worn around the waist, like 'webbing' the army wear (a utility belt full of pouches that rests on the hips with thick padding). I don't know who made it, how much it cost or anything, but I keep wishing I'd got it.

For you Qld types it was in Camera House at Maroochydore.

back pack at the moment... but i'm very seriously considering a good quality vest to make my coming and goings a little easier on the spot....

e.g. http://newswear.com/index.html

cheers

Raskill wrote:I've got a good sized Kata pack, which fits about 5 lens including the 70-200VR, 2 bodys, mono and tri pods and a laptop. It's a bit heavy at times

I saw a good camera rig once that was worn around the waist, like 'webbing' the army wear (a utility belt full of pouches that rests on the hips with thick padding). I don't know who made it, how much it cost or anything, but I keep wishing I'd got it.

For you Qld types it was in Camera House at Maroochydore.

Bugga off Raskill stop causing work for me

If you want a decent and less expensive check out a good army disposal store near any army base or a copy of Australian defender magazine.


most army gear is available for sale because the government is too stingy to give our fighting forces the kit they require to do the job.

Most armed forces personnel spend about $1,000pa keeping their equipment in order by buying it form army disposal shops:-(

The rig wasn't actual army gear, just based on that idea. All the pouches were cordura nylon with velcron and quick release clips, and padded to protect your goodies. It had a nicely padded belt for your waist and loops to hang trinkets off, pouches for water bottles. Seemed really well designed, but I couldn't buy it with the wife there I think it was around the $350 mark.

I was an infantryman for 10 years, so I know all about buying my own gear. I still have most of it in my shed, a whopping big pack, webbing, uniforms, boots, sleeping bags, bivi bags, wet weather gear, battle smock, rifle cleaning gear etc etc. In fact I got more army stuff that photog stuff

Hi,

On the job I like to use my shooting vest. I feel naked with out it. Has a few pockets for bits and peices and for a lens. A friend of mine has a larger size one and can slip a 2nd camera body in it with a smalish lens.

When I need more pockets I have a waist belt from Lowepro which I can customise with various pockets you buy seperatley. I found this a very inexpensive rig to build up and I can use it in conjunction with the vest. I also have if I am doing video work shoulder braces that attach to the waist belt so I can carry around the waist a 10KG camera light battery and and hard drive. Mosy camera stores can order in the Lowepro gear and it's all on their web site.

Have flexability on the job is a great plus and helps protect your gear and helps you get more shots.

Mark

jerrysk8 wrote:i'm gonna switch to a roller cause carrying 2 heavy backpacks is getting really annoying

Yep I agree, my mini trekker is starting to kill my back when its full, a roller bag would be ideal

Birddog114 wrote:How many bag does a woman own in her life? is similar to the answer for a hobby photographer, not mentioned to a pro photographer.

I'll be using this exact statement to justify me next bag! Thanks Birdy!

Raskill & Hudo,
Yes, you all have the same thinking as I do.
I use photovest or Lowe Pro vest/ S&F for all any shooting outdoor at any location.
Backpack or any bags just are the containers for all my gears during transit.

On my vest, I know exactly where my lenses and other gears I need are, no need to search or finding around and the photovest will balance with my movement around the events and I feel more comfy with it in any kind of weather.

Now this is COOL!!!

http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Belts_and_Harnesses/harness/S_and_F_Vest_Harness.aspx

The combination of vest and belt rig!

Might have to have a looksee at who stocks them!

xerubus wrote:back pack at the moment... but i'm very seriously considering a good quality vest to make my coming and goings a little easier on the spot....

e.g. http://newswear.com/index.html

cheers

xerubus,

For the job and fun you're doing, you better look into some design as the Vested Interest which I have two of them, Still Photo vest. one in black & other in tan colour, all come with:

On the front of one bottom pocket a clear plastic ID window is sewn for placing a press pass or other event documents.

I use them extensively and they're exellent in comparision to other cloth photovest which I've seen.

That harness and belt rig, kitted up to hold 2 water bottles, 2 medium pouches, a memory card pouch and a pouch to hold the valuable 70-200 VR is $217 (posted airmail) from B&H.

$217 = $295. Not rediculous.

My wife thinks I look like a trout fisherman in my vest or I have just come from the Madri Gras ?????? lol... I feel important and bullet proof in my vest. Add a high visability vest over it and you can go most places.

Raskill wrote:That harness and belt rig, kitted up to hold 2 water bottles, 2 medium pouches, a memory card pouch and a pouch to hold the valuable 70-200 VR is $217 (posted airmail) from B&H.

$217 = $295. Not rediculous.

I don't think It's expensive if you just utilize our normal order form as you did before

You dont happen to know someone who stocks them, do you birdy....

That Lowepro rig is similar to mine. The waist belt is the same but my shoulder braces are more light weight. I felt using a photovest as well that would be ok which it has been. However when handling to camera's and a few extra lens and it a fair walk to where the camera bags are tucked away safley then the more rigid outfit might be the way to go.

The videoguys http://www.videoguys.com.au where able to order all components in for me easily from Lowepro rather than trecking into a city store in Melbourne.

Birddog114 wrote:

xerubus wrote:back pack at the moment... but i'm very seriously considering a good quality vest to make my coming and goings a little easier on the spot....

e.g. http://newswear.com/index.html

cheers

xerubus,

For the job and fun you're doing, you better look into some design as the Vested Interest which I have two of them, Still Photo vest. one in black & other in tan colour, all come with:

On the front of one bottom pocket a clear plastic ID window is sewn for placing a press pass or other event documents.

I use them extensively and they're exellent in comparision to other cloth photovest which I've seen.

thanks birddog... exactly what I need... at the moment I'm not able to wear the backpack at incidents as it covers the protective gear etc etc ... and the id flies around the neck as i run backwards and forwards. will have a squizz at these.

thanks.

Xerubus,

I've been down to that road and I wanted everything consolidated in one compact photovest + not bulky and easy to access all my needed gears same as comply to the regulations of other organizers which I used to work with especially when you mostly are on standby and working with the air units.

Just a phone call, put a fully equipped vest on and run to the aircraft.

So finally I got that photovest and will use it for life.

cordy wrote:I voted backpack, but it really depends on what I'm doing. If I know Im going to carry the gear for extended periods i'll use the backpack. Otherwise its a shoulder bag

Oi! That's *my* opinion!

I've got both a barely-carryon sized backpack that takes my laptop, two bodies and some lenses; and a shoulder bag that means leaving the laptop and a couple of lenses behind, but when I'm running round the streets I can have short+long lens options immediately available and the flash if I need it.

It so much depends on what I'm doing - if I'm out bush I'll use the shoulder bag because I can carry it with my proper pack, but for wandering the streets the backpak works really well because I can carry everything I might need. Of course, a bit more lens lust will break that...

I have just purchased a Nova 3 bag but I seem to think that its too small to fit a 70-200mm lens in the near future. I had to send the bag back cause the stitching on the velcro was coming off.........

any opinions on this ?

Catcha wrote:I have just purchased a Nova 3 bag but I seem to think that its too small to fit a 70-200mm lens in the near future. I had to send the bag back cause the stitching on the velcro was coming off.........

any opinions on this ?

Not quite understand what did you mean? (Letter in bold)

A lot of my work is in the bush and I have to carry heaps of gear over long distances. I have had a Lowepro Backpack for years (Phototrekker) and it has been brilliant. Easy to adjust velcro spacings, very strong and good shoulder straps. Lowepro's gear is excellent quality and come with a decent warranty.

Backpack is the way to go for me.

Cheers

Michael

Birddog114 wrote:

Catcha wrote:I have just purchased a Nova 3 bag but I seem to think that its too small to fit a 70-200mm lens in the near future. I had to send the bag back cause the stitching on the velcro was coming off.........

any opinions on this ?

Not quite understand what did you mean? (Letter in bold)

Those arrows pointing to the paddings which are stitch to the bag are were loose when I recieved it. So if i kept on pulling or rearranging that small padding divider the whole thing will come apart