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OK I need recommendations on a camera bag to hold my kit in. I know the best (and only real way) is to try them out in store, but I would be interested in any recommendations others here have as well as being able to know how much this is likley to cost me
;
My kit is the following (ok half of it still has to arrive in the post - but still):
Canon 400D
Canon 70-200mm f2.8 IS
sigma 150mm macro
Canon 1.4 TC
Canon 2* TC
Sigma 1.4 TC
Sigma 2* TC
Rocket blower + general cleaning kit
MF 055XPOB tripod
MF 322 RC2 head
charger
spare battery + memory cards
As this bag is likely going to cost a good long time I would ideally like something that will also cope with additions to my kit - so I don't own any of this but I intend/hope to own it one day
Battery grip
Canon 300mm f2.8 IS (that is the big addition to the kit)
Canon 24-105 IS
Canon angle finder
MF 468 RC2 - for those times when I want a ballhead on the tripod
General use: for storing camera kit in when travelling around the place - that is on the trains and in the wilds, so waterproofing is essential. I have seen some of these slingshot bags with one strap and others with quick access pockets - and whilst the pocket would be nice, its not essential (and with the longer lenses unpractical) - as for straps - at least 2 strong ones
I have had a quick look at some bags and these two stood out as being good in size and not too heavy
link
link
One think I have been wondering though is how much space there is for extras in these bags - a sandwitch would be nice along with a bar of chocolate to eat on walks. Both of those bags can take a waterbottle pouch on the side so drink is ok - but what about food?
budget - not fixed
Why on Earth would you have 4 TCs ?
I have a Nature Trekker, which is OK, but getting on a bit now. All the LowePro AW bags have a waterproof cover you can pull put of a pocket and over the bag. However, there are more modern ones that will keep your kit dry even if you drop it in a lake.
Beware that although rucksack style bags are best for lugging lots of equipment, they're a real pain if you're going to be changing lenses a lot while carrying your kit. Fine for getting somewhere and dumping it while you work, but for mobility while working, I prefer a shoulder bag.
I'm with Big Bri, There is little point in carting, And therefore risking equipment, That you are never going to use on a single outing......!
A large bag to get most everything to a base camp, Then a smaller one for actual loactions is a more flexible arrangement...!
Then if you do fall off a cliff, You don't write everything off in one go.....
It's all a case of planning what your going to shoot, Rather than going around " Tooled Up " for the just in case shot, Then concentrate your efforts in one direction...!
Of course if your doing a run down the Amazon or the Nile delta, Then maybe you would consider carrying everything & the kitchen sink, But then you'd have to consult your Expedition crew chief...!
I agree - take what you need with you, or even what you "think" you may need.
That means that if someone nicks your car with all your kit in the back, you'll not loose it all.
I mean - how bad would that be?
.....
Hi Alex i have the Crumpler - Brians Hot Tub. It's big enough for all your kit, i've got similar lenses and 2 bodies, I have no problems with it.
You do need a good strong back though as it's a bit of a monster, but saying that once you've got it balanced it's very comfortable. It does not look like a camera bag and the only way to get to the kit is from a zip that sits against your back pad, so good if your in a crowd, chances are no thieving little sod will have your kit either.
jk
yup - was me
loss adjusters are visiting to inspect all the camera kit boxes on tuesday
yeah - no boxes the 50mm prime, the camera bag (though I've got photos of it on my back), batteries and a few other things
the main ones are there though - 550EX, 80-200, 24-105 and my satnav.
The question that you should ask yourself is whether you will ever carry all this equipment at the same time. Seems like a lot to carry. Nine times out of ten you'll end up taking your camera and one, perhaps two lenses (a wide-angle lense and a zoom lense). Always keep some space for the accessories: battery charger, plug adapters, spare battery pack, filters etc.
Personally I have travelled quite a bit with a LowePro for the past three years. Never had any problem with it. It's waterproof and provides good protection.
One last thing, beware of the size of the bag, especially if you intend to travel far. The LowePro I have perfectly fits the maximum allowed size that you can take with you onboard aircrafts. You don't want anything bigger as airline staff would ask you to check your bags in. Parting with your precious equipment is the last thing you'd want.
I'm another Crumpler rucksack fan for carrying everything + the kitchen sink (and sandwiches 
), but I usually use a smaller bag for day trips
Should also add that after over a year's heavy use, 6 months of which was as my work rucksack (because it also held my laptop) the Crumpler still looks good as new, seemingly without a mark on it (and lord knows it ought to given where all it's been dumped!)
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