Toploading bag advice

[Spooky]

Hi guys

I am looking at getting a Toploading bag for my upcoming trip. I want something I can put a D200 in with say a 17-55 attached and wear the bag on my belt. I will all ready have a pack on so want easy access and have the weight on my hips.

Do you think the lowepro toploader 65 would do the job?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... sku=279326

What are these bags like on your belt when you walk along. Do they sit alright or are they a pain and flop around.

Thanks

[stubbsy]

I have the lowepro SLingshot AW 200 which is both toploading AND a backpack. I've previously had a microtrekker, a min trekker, a nova 4 and a computrekker

The slingshot is the best, most usbale bag I've ever had. It holds my d2x, 28-70, 10.5, 12-24, SB800 and the odd bits and pieces.

Get one

Edit - Sorry missed the bit about you weraing the pack.

[Yi-P]

Do your D200 have a grip attached?

The dimension of a D200+grip is way larger than its normal size. You'll then need a bag that can comfort a D2x (full-sized pro body) in this case.

[Kyle]

Slingshot 200 or 300 definitely the go here imo

Nice to know that all fits in there stubbsy, been considering one of these bags myself

[Yi-P]

What is reasonably cheap/good deal for the 200AW? or possibly 300AW?

[Spooky]

No, I don't have a grip attached on my D200.

Thanks for the suggestions but the slingshot bags are backpacks from what I can see, as I said in my origianl post I am after something to put on my belt, not on my back as I will already have a pack on.

Anyone with experience of the toploaders on a belt?

Thanks

[big pix]

No, I don't have a grip attached on my D200.

Thanks for the suggestions but the slingshot bags are backpacks from what I can see, as I said in my origianl post I am after something to put on my belt, not on my back as I will already have a pack on.

Anyone with experience of the toploaders on a belt?

Thanks

Photo Continental near Brisbane have a HUGE section of bags........ worth a poke about.......

[gstark]

What is reasonably cheap/good deal for the 200AW? or possibly 300AW?

The slingshot 200s have been sighted in downtown Sydney stores for sub $100.

We'll have a new Bagman along on Saturday night at the dinner. But someone else will be leaving with it.

I need to get some prices from Poon for these: I am most impressed with the design and functionality of this bag. The one we have will comfortably hold a big laptop, along with a couple of bodies and a paparazzi of lenses.

[Reschsmooth]

The one we have will comfortably hold ...... a couple of bodies

Concrete shoes and all?

[shutterbug]

I highly recommend the Thinktank bag range. The are designed my Pros for Pros. Have a look at the Speed Racer http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_SpdRcr.php

Vince

[losfp]

The Toploaders are pretty good if you just want to carry a body w/lens around, maybe an additional small lens or flash.

IMO though, you really need to combine the toploaders with the deluxe belt AND either the shoulder strap that comes with it or the lowepro shoulder harness/vest. With just the shoulder strap, it's too much weight on one shoulder if you have a heavy body and lens, and with just the belt, it doesn't feel secure enough if you have a heavy body and lens.

If you don't have the battery grip, I'd consider looking at the Toploader Zoom AW instead of the Toploader 65 AW - it'll fit the D200 a little better so long as you don't have the grip. Ironically I am looking to go in the other direction. I bought the Toploader Zoom AW for my D70s / 80-200, and it's not quite "tall" enough to comfortably fit the D200 w/battery grip.

[jberth1]

Spooky,

I have one of the Lowepro Toploaders. The features are great - enough room for body with lense attached, and accessories such as batteries / memory cards / lense cloth / ML-L3 etc.

The one thing I don't like about mine though is that the belt loop has a velcro closure, which, with age, frequently comes undone now. The Velcro makes it easy to attach and remove, but there is that trade-off. I'm not sure if the latest TopLoaders have this velcro belt loop closure, or are sewn, and require removal of your belt first.

Mind you - that's a lot of weight to carry off your belt - and possibly off to one side. Just a suggestion though - You say you're wearing a pack - have you considered a strap attached to your packs chest strap instead, with the Toploader attached to that ? It would depend on whether you're just carrying the pack as a tourist, or whether you're hiking long distances.

Cheers

Justin

[losfp]

Oh, that reminds me.. You can also wear the toploaders as a chest-pack. Mine came with a chest harness, so I assume all the current AW versions do.

[hash77]

Hey Spooky,

Could you please tell me what toploader you end up with? The Toploader Zoom looks like a huge bag compared to the 65 AW. I have the same dilemma. I am after a toploader that I can wear on my chest or infront with a daypack or rucksack when hiking without it swinging in the wind. The D200 doesn't fit into many toploaders easily. I have more modest requirements, only need to fit the 18-200mm and if possible the 50mm f1.8, extension tubes can go in the rucksack. Not too worried about belt loops. but chest straps sound like an option!

Thanks

hash