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Hi guys,

Just about to go travelling to india with my camera bits.

350D
50mm 1.8
17-85mm 4-5.6 IS USM
430EX
Tripod 2.5 foot
Chargers + batteries

Any suggestions for a good bag to hold these equipment and a 70-200 2.8 future lens ?

Hi,

Check out this website:
http://www.kata-bags.com/photobagchooser/

I like the crumpler bags. They often have clearance lines that run for about 30% RRP.

THey have great sling bags, with, or without laptop section.

they also have nice backpacks, which are good for tranport, but not so good for shooting, as you have to remove them to open them.

In here, lots of people love the Lowepro 100AW. or the larger 200AW. It might be called a "slingshot"? because you swing it around to open for lens / card/battery changes. http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Sling_Bags/Designed_for_Digital/

http://www.crumpler.com.au

Hi Surenj,
I just spent a month travelling around the world and I bought a Lowepro Mini Trekker AW backpack. I managed to fit into the bag the following;
- D70
- 70 300 nikkor lens
- 18 - 70 kit lens
- 50mm 1.8 lens
- Videocamera
- 2 x chargers
- 4 x batteries
- manuals etc
- card reader
- EDIT: forgot about the SB800

I still had plenty of room left in the bag. It wasnt cumbersome to carry around as I took it out on most days when wandering the cities. You can somehow attach a tripod to the bag, but I wouldnt.

When you start looking around for a bag, dont leave it too late as I found a lot of shops didnt keep it in stock, even online businesses. I used shopbot.com.au to find the best price.

Cheers
Steve

There are many bags out there, but here's a review for a bag similar to one I've got http://www.shuttertalk.com/articles/katar102
The review is for the R102, I've got the R103 which has an additional pocket for a laptop. I don't pack mine as heavily as in the review, but can easily fit 30D+grip, 12-24, 17-85, 50, 70-200, flash, portable storage device, blower, filters - just for rough sizing.

My only issue with it is when I forgot the zip up the centre pocket and my camera/lens fell out. Otherwise I like how it has got the tripod holder for travelling (if they let you bring it on the plane).

There are so many choices of bags out there, make sure you try them on to make sure they are comfortable.

As mentioned in other threads, you can get different types of bags.
I find the backpack easy and comfortable to carry around all day as the weight is evenly distributed across both shoulders and it's well padded, but if you're into changing lenses, and changing things from the bag inside, it's a bit troublesome having to take it off and put it back on all the time - that's when a shoulderbag or othertypes can be a bit more convenient, The downside with shoulderbags is that a day of carrying a full shoulderbag all day can cause a bit of pain.

Thanks for the tips guys... I have only two weeks left!! Will investigate during the week and get one during the weekend if possible... tending towards the slingshot versions currently....

I'm not very familiar with other products outside the Lowepro range, but here is my short conclusion to start with.

For maximum flexibility and accessibility, Slingshot 200AW or even the 300AW (havent seen this one yet) is just what you will need. Quick and fast to change lenses and put things back, its not too big to carry around to raise eyebrows.

For maximum carrying weight and transport need, the Computrekker or Mini-Trekker AW will do very well. It can hold so much that you will squeeze everything possible in and it becomes heavier and heavier over time.

Maximum stealth around towns is Crumpler's bags. They look like everyday ordinary backpacks and will not raise eyebrows of thief or security guards.


Try this website, might be helpful for you to choose:
http://www.cambags.com

The slingshot 200 AW was in short supply today at lunch time in Sydney CBD. I found one at Georges (the York St store) and a couple at Foto Riesel. But they wanted $149 & $169 respectively - you would have to haggle to get them down.

Suggest you check that the shops you plan on visiting have them in.
Cheers, Mick

Thanks Yi-P and Oscar, will check out the cumplers and slingshots.... wish me luck

bag threads on other forums:
http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showt ... hlight=bag
http://www.digitalslr.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1139

HEAPS of awesome camera bag reviews here:
http://www.cambags.com/

(edit: Yi-P beat me to it)

Can't believe this camera bag site!!!

http://www.cambags.com

Just what I was looking for...thanks guys for your responses!

yeh cambags rocks, glad you like it

I bought a Slingshot 200AW before going away recently. It has a well designed interior.

But after wearing it every day for 2 weeks, I can report that I had 3 visits to the physio while overseas. Doubtless a couple of long trips in uncomfortable aircraft seats contributed, but I feel the major cause was this bag.

In the bag I had:
-D70 body+50mm f1.4
-80-400 VR
-kit lens
-12-24 DX
-SB800
-batteries, filters, etc

I think the very design of this bag, meant for easy access without removing the bag, is a problem for long-term use because all the weight is carried on one side only.

Spotted 3 slinghot 200s at Foto Riesel today - $110. You should be able to haggle the price down

Cheers, Mick

Got Slingshot 200AW from Good Guys for $110. Reasonable deal considering I didn't have much time to waste. Happy with the bag so far. I usually travel light..

Thanks for all your comments..

Returned the Slingshot 200AW after wearing it for about an hour. Even with my relatively light gear, it felt uncomfortable and unbalanced hanging on one shoulder. I think for a person without any back prblems this bag should do fine but not for me...

Too late to find a bag now... (already travelling) i will have to make do.

Thanks for your replies and help....

Hi guys,

Back from India but wanted to report that I returned the sling shot because it's just too uncomfortable! It's too bad because it's otherwise wonderfully designed... For people with non back problems, highly recommended..

hi


Would love to see some photos, where in India did you go to?