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I am sure everyone has the same issue at some point.

My problem: My trusty Vertex 200AW is perfect for carrying everything, but does not allow for quick access, my little Nikon freebie bag wont fit anything else in after I cram in my D300+MB-D10+AFs 24-70mm f/2.8, so I am looking for a bag that will allow me to carry more and give me quick access.

Ideally I want something that will take the above kit PLUS a SB-800, a 50mm f/1.8, a 70-300mm (this may possibly be subsitiuted with a 70-200 f/2.8 VR in the future) and a Tamron 17-50 (this will be subsitituted for a wide zoom later on) as well as some filters, fitting a film SLR (F80) or a second small digital SLR would be really good as well. I need the bag to be smallish, easy to carry on public transport (something the Vertex is not great for) and will either let me carry some non SLR gear or let me carry a backpack in conjunction.

The Solution:
I have looked at a lot of bags and have come down to three that I like

-Slingshot 200AW - will fit the kit, but will it give me a dead shoulder? Probably no chance of fitting the 70-200 VR later on though. F80/smaller body will fit in the top compartment. I really like it for the quick access and lens change capability, but it means I have to work out where to keep a notepad/books and some pens.
-Fastpack 250 - will fit the kit, top section will allow me to carry a 70-200 VR and has the handy laptop sleeve that can fit a folder/notepad/books for uni BUT it is almost as big as the Vertex, but no SlipLock, AW cover
-Compact AW - will fit the kit and more!!! dead shoulder? Professional build quality, will give the best fit for the D300 with grip (the other two are a tighter squeeze) will also let me carry a backpack, but it is cumbersome.

I have considered the Stealth reporter's (fugly) and the Nova's (fugly and tighter than the Compact), the Slingshot 300AW I know is work due to the Seeto's example, are there any other bags that I have missed? I do prefer LowePro.

Should I consider dropping a lens or two from the kit? I can get the D300 + grip, 17-50, 70-300, 50 and a SB-400 into the little Nikon bag comfortably.

I know this is something I should be able to do myself, but I am so bloody indecisive!!

I'm in a similar boat at the moment also, I have the Slingshot 200AW at the moment and I can tell you if you want to carry around a tripod at all its not a good choice IMO. Fitting a body, 70-200, 16-35, 24-70, 580EX, batteries, filters, adapters etc is possible but theres no room for anything else. I don't know how long the 70-300 is but I know that the 70-200 is a tight fit. The 200 AW also gave me a hard time on my shoulder when fully loaded. Im looking at

http://www.geardiary.com/2007/11/08/the-crumpler-whickey-and-cox-photography-bag-review/

Only for the anti-theft zipper design, and the ability of being in most cases deemed to be able to be classed as carry on luggage, and fit a notebook, tripod and other goodies for a Travel Trip. I know it's a pain to access easily, but I find that usually by the time i do change lenses the shot has already been missed so this, perhaps unlike yourself isn't really an issue for me...

Also like you I'm still undecided tho cos I'm a procrastinator.

It's a Tamron 70-300mm, so very small, about the same size of a kit lens. Thanks for the imput on the SlingShot, quick access but sore shoulder, I suspected so.

The Crumpler's are nice and do not scream camera bag, I want quick access though so this is not an option for me, having the camera out of the bag is better than camera stuck in bag!

I am sure someone will be able to help us out on this topic.

-1 vote AGAINST the SlingShot 200 AW

1 more against the slingshot bag.

They look like a good idea, and they are if you don't carry them for long. The problem is the weight focussed on one side of the body, and you can't flip it over the other side to even it out.

Michael

I have the stealth reporter 650 and have found it quite good.

You can access your camera gear through a zip on the top of the bag.

Also fits a 15 inch laptop so I use it for business when I need to take camera gear.

It's a biggish bag but I currently have D300, D70, MB-D10, 2 chargers, 4 lenses include the monster 70-200VR. It weighs a tonne at the moment with all the gear but I take things out that I know I won't use for trips.

I highly recommend it if you need to carry a heap of stuff.

One more against Slingshot 200AW. I returned this to Good Guys after one week of use as it gave me back pain..

Well I guess I can safely rule out the SlingShot, If Surenj has back pains with it from carrying a 350D then I have no hope!

I may have to look at the stealth reporter again, does it have a dedicated laptop sleeve?

I don't mind my 300AW at all. The waist strap helps to locate the weight on your torso more when used properly. I have carried it around quite a bit with it loaded up.

Here is the review I did on it a while back

I just went and tried a SlingShot 200AW, FAIL, it wouldnt fit the kit mentioned above (D300 bare, 70-300, 24-70, 17-50 only just squeezed in, no room for a 50mm and getting a SB-800 in was a drama) so I think i will have to pass on this bag. The moment I put on the bag I knew it was going to cause me pain as well.

Slingy 300 is too big and having used Seeto's i know it is goin to be too heavy.

Good news is that I will be able to try to squeeze in the stuff into a Fastpack 250 soon, it'll be delivered in a few days.

Fastpack 250 was tested today...

It was a little tight but it did manage to fit a Nikon D300 + grip + 24-70mm f/2.8, Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8, Tamron 70-300mm, SB-800 and a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8. When I say tight I mean tight as in the lenses are hard to get to quickly without unzipping the whole bag, and the camera body +grip stretches the bag a little to zip up.

BUT there is a big weight bias on the bag now, with one side being much heavier than the other.

It is the most promising bag of the lot, maybe I will get it, but then again it is almost as bulky at my Vertex and is no where near as well padded for the me or the camera. What do you guys think? Should I reconsider the Compact AW and the Stealth Reporter bags?

Stealth reporter bags would fit a lot more I think, although do you want to carry a shoulder bag everywhere you go fully loaded? If the slingshot would cause you pain, what's a shoulder bag going to be like?

Shoot wrote:Stealth reporter bags would fit a lot more I think, although do you want to carry a shoulder bag everywhere you go fully loaded? If the slingshot would cause you pain, what's a shoulder bag going to be like?

Good point, shoulder bags will always cause me a dead shoulder! Hmm maybe I should just go and get that Fastpack 250.

This is absolutely the hardest purchase in photography.
Experience tells me that if the camera isn't accessible it won't get used.
Ask yourself - how many times have you driven down a road, seen a picture out the window and didn't stop to shoot it!!

I have the Lowepro Compact AW - it is home base for most of my D300 and associated kit.
It is very well made, but heavy as hell when loaded up. It goes in the car and I load up into other options at location.

I also have the Lowepro MiniMag AW.
This is also very well made, but is smaller and deeper than the Compact AW and will take the 70-200F2.8 upright.
I have yet to test this one over a day at an event - it is a shoulder bag.

As I prefer the descretion of the Toploaders I often use the Lowepro Toploader 75AW - which I have rigged into a S&F belt along side a couple of sliplock lense cases. I have never been able to make this load balance, and despite a number of different shoulder strap experiment I have NEVER found this to be a comfortable setup.

My latest fling after searching the forums for ideas was to try a modular carrying system.
I sought out the S&F Vest Harness (one size fits most) rigged into the S&F Belt (3 sizes fit no-one) and loaded up as above.
It took 2 attempts at different belt sizes and assorted sliplock options before I started testing a packed outfit.
After testing different configurations, walking around the house like a wadling duck, bumping into every corner and door opening, not to mention looking like a prize prat - I gave up on the Lowepro modular system. Sure the load is spread over shoulders and waist, but mobility and stealth is seriously compromised. There is also a dozen strap loops hanging loosely once your strapped in and the plastic connections at critical junctions didn't look very long lasting. One busted $2.50 plastic clip and the whole kit becomes a very heavy pile of unstable nylon strapping. Very disappointing as I had hoped it would work.
I took the whole lot back in frustration and now have $164.00 in credit at Photocontinental.

By the way I had read this article from Thom Hogan on this exact topic, before my latest foray into the modular experiment :-

http://www.bythom.com/bags.htm

Given my Lowepro - modular experiement I am loathed to try the Think Tank Photo kit, as return to USA for refund doesn't beg thinking about. I still think the modular system has potential but it is an expensive option for another possible failure.

What do you think about the TTP - Rotation 360 Backpack ?
You can even carry a tripod !!

http://www.rotation360.com/

When you figure it out let me know.

This is absolutely the hardest purchase in photography.
Experience tells me that if the camera isn't accessible it won't get used.
Ask yourself - how many times have you driven down a road, seen a picture out the window and didn't stop to shoot it!!

I have the Lowepro Compact AW - it is home base for most of my D300 and associated kit.
It is very well made, but heavy as hell when loaded up. It goes in the car and I load up into other options at location.

I also have the Lowepro MiniMag AW.
This is also very well made, but is smaller and deeper than the Compact AW and will take the 70-200F2.8 upright.
I have yet to test this one over a day at an event - it is a shoulder bag.

As I prefer the descretion of the Toploaders I often use the Lowepro Toploader 75AW - which I have rigged into a S&F belt along side a couple of sliplock lense cases. I have never been able to make this load balance, and despite a number of different shoulder strap experiment I have NEVER found this to be a comfortable setup.

My latest fling after searching the forums for ideas was to try a modular carrying system.
I sought out the S&F Vest Harness (one size fits most) rigged into the S&F Belt (3 sizes fit no-one) and loaded up as above.
It took 2 attempts at different belt sizes and assorted sliplock options before I started testing a packed outfit.
After testing different configurations, walking around the house like a wadling duck, bumping into every corner and door opening, not to mention looking like a prize prat - I gave up on the Lowepro modular system. Sure the load is spread over shoulders and waist, but mobility and stealth is seriously compromised. There is also a dozen strap loops hanging loosely once your strapped in and the plastic connections at critical junctions didn't look very long lasting. One busted $2.50 plastic clip and the whole kit becomes a very heavy pile of unstable nylon strapping. Very disappointing as I had hoped it would work.
I took the whole lot back in frustration and now have $164.00 in credit at Photocontinental.

By the way I had read this article from Thom Hogan on this exact topic, before my latest foray into the modular experiment :-

http://www.bythom.com/bags.htm

Given my Lowepro - modular experiement I am loathed to try the Think Tank Photo kit, as return to USA for refund doesn't beg thinking about. I still think the modular system has potential but it is an expensive option for another possible failure.

What do you think about the TTP - Rotation 360 Backpack ?
You can even carry a tripod !!

http://www.rotation360.com/

When you figure it out let me know.

I have read Thom Hogan's article but I dont think there was much for me in there in terms of recommendations. I have considered the ThinkTank 360 but have sort of put it aside as a bag that will not be easy to get a look at (not keen on having to refund it over the net) and possibly being smaller than it makes out to be. That tripod support looks very similar to that of the Vertex, which I have found unusable.

I do prefer Lowepro, and have good access to most of their stock. I have sort of had a really good look at their range and checked out what I have thought to be possibles with not much luck. Maybe my needs are too demanding.

Has anyone ever seen/used a KATA Sensitivity V??

Has anyone given any thought to getting something made exactly as you want it? I know guys in the military do it all the time. If the issued kit doesn't do exactly what you want it to do - modify it. There are several companies who will make stuff to order and at least two of them actually let you go and discuss it with them. Might be a slightly more expensive option but at least you won't have to compromise. It will all be exactly where you want it. Either go the full custom route or buy a bag and get it modified.

wheels wrote:Has anyone given any thought to getting something made exactly as you want it? I know guys in the military do it all the time. If the issued kit doesn't do exactly what you want it to do - modify it. There are several companies who will make stuff to order and at least two of them actually let you go and discuss it with them. Might be a slightly more expensive option but at least you won't have to compromise. It will all be exactly where you want it. Either go the full custom route or buy a bag and get it modified.

Damn I just bought the Fastpack 250. Which companies do custom bags? For reference for next time and for the other users.

full custom route

Funny you say that, it just jogged my memory , crumpler have a new store in newtown where they custom make bags! It used to be a normal crumpler outlet but recently they have done it over and I am fairly sure they do custom making there!!

I will make an effort to pop in there next time I walk past and find out more info, I am a fan of the crumpler bags, whilst expensive they seem fairly well made and not just for camera gear...

the store is 305 king st newtown, just up from the train station on the left.

biggerry wrote:

full custom route

Funny you say that, it just jogged my memory , crumpler have a new store in newtown where they custom make bags! It used to be a normal crumpler outlet but recently they have done it over and I am fairly sure they do custom making there!!

I will make an effort to pop in there next time I walk past and find out more info, I am a fan of the crumpler bags, whilst expensive they seem fairly well made and not just for camera gear...

the store is 305 king st newtown, just up from the train station on the left.

I spoke to a crumpler guy at Myer the other day, the Crumpler Custom shot in Newtown will let you design the flap on your chosen bag (one of 7 basic models they do). So it sounds like it is not the 'Custom' that we are thinking,

design the flap on your chosen bag (one of 7 basic models they do)

well thats bit useless! point taken...

i gave up trying to find "the right bag" cos i dont think it exists. it will depend on what you go out shooting. i have a flipside 300 which i find very comfortable and it fits a pile of stuff in it. i wear the sb800 on my belt in its case and i use another sb800 pouch on the other side of my belt which i put a coulpe of primes into. to me thats been the most comfortable and convenient way of taking alot of gear.

aim54x wrote:

wheels wrote:Has anyone given any thought to getting something made exactly as you want it? I know guys in the military do it all the time. If the issued kit doesn't do exactly what you want it to do - modify it. There are several companies who will make stuff to order and at least two of them actually let you go and discuss it with them. Might be a slightly more expensive option but at least you won't have to compromise. It will all be exactly where you want it. Either go the full custom route or buy a bag and get it modified.

Damn I just bought the Fastpack 250. Which companies do custom bags? For reference for next time and for the other users.

It was just a thought but there are two companies that military guys use to mod their kit. Platatac is one and Sword is the other. I'll try and find website links and add them in here when I've got a little more time.

wheels wrote:

aim54x wrote:

wheels wrote:Has anyone given any thought to getting something made exactly as you want it? I know guys in the military do it all the time. If the issued kit doesn't do exactly what you want it to do - modify it. There are several companies who will make stuff to order and at least two of them actually let you go and discuss it with them. Might be a slightly more expensive option but at least you won't have to compromise. It will all be exactly where you want it. Either go the full custom route or buy a bag and get it modified.

Damn I just bought the Fastpack 250. Which companies do custom bags? For reference for next time and for the other users.

It was just a thought but there are two companies that military guys use to mod their kit. Platatac is one and Sword is the other. I'll try and find website links and add them in here when I've got a little more time.

I can only assume you mean this platatac (clicky)...