Bag help!

[jamiebae]

I think it's time for a new bag, with a few key criteria...

• Doesn't look like a typical black nylon camera bag
• Has room for an iPad or netbook
• Fits all my kit in
• Is as small as possible given the above
• Isn't stupidly expensive!

I'm leaning towards a Lowepro Messenger 150 or Acme Made Union Photo Messenger but open to suggestions, I really like the Crumpler 5500 but it doesn't have the iPad storage that I can see. Any other suggestions?

[GlenMH]

I have a kata bumblebee DL-210 - very light and gets all my kit in + laptop etc etc

[jamiebae]

I forgot to say what 'all my kit' means: 60d, Tokina 11-16, Canon 17-40 f4L, probably to be joined by a Canon 55-250, plus the usual batteries, memory cards, remote release etc. If there was a way to attach a tripod to the bottom that would be even better still.

[GlenMH]

The kata fits a D90, 18-105, 70-300, 50mm prime, filters, spare batteries/cards/remote releases, netbook, 2 hardrives, cables and chargers for assorted phones and cameras, book,cuddly toy etc etc

Attaching a tripod isn't the best but can be done using the included straps. It also comes with a waterproof rain cover.

[sgrimshaw]

One of the Billingham 5 series?

I have 335 and 445.

The 335 should fit all your stuff, the I can fit a 15.6" Laptop in the 445 easily due mainly to its extra height.

Also the new 07 series might be worth a look.

[binliner]

If it's a shoulder bag you want then one of the Think Tank Retrospective bags would do the job (I've got the retro 30 and it will easily fit) very well thought out bags that don't look like camera bags http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/retrospecti...

[GetCarter]

binliner said:

If it's a shoulder bag you want then one of the Think Tank Retrospective bags would do the job (I've got the retro 30 and it will easily fit) very well thought out bags that don't look like camera bags http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/retrospecti...

+1

[jamiebae]

GetCarter said:

binliner said:

If it's a shoulder bag you want then one of the Think Tank Retrospective bags would do the job (I've got the retro 30 and it will easily fit) very well thought out bags that don't look like camera bags http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/retrospecti...

+1

They look great, if a bit pricey. I'm not sure where an iPad would fit though looking at the pics?

[E902717]

Another one here for the think tank retrospective, I've got the 20 and its excellent. I think I have 'the' bag after lots of searching!

[tog]

I'm a fan of Domke bags, which tend to be small for their volume. Canvas ones are particularly inconspicuous, and wear in beautifully. I have a big one (F1X) and a smaller one too (F3 Super), though probably neither of those are right for your needs. That said, the ThinkTank ones are also very nice and I am tempted to switch over sometimes!

http://www.domkebags.co.uk/en/

[GetCarter]

jamiebae said:

GetCarter said:

binliner said:

If it's a shoulder bag you want then one of the Think Tank Retrospective bags would do the job (I've got the retro 30 and it will easily fit) very well thought out bags that don't look like camera bags http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/retrospecti...

+1

They look great, if a bit pricey. I'm not sure where an iPad would fit though looking at the pics?

Many of them have specific places for an iPad. Mine has one (can't remember what my one is called).

The other (probably sad) thing I bought recently is > http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/subindex_jacket... Mine has 20 pockets! Inc one for an iPad, iPhone etc etc. Perfect if you can't be arsed with a bag.

edit to add ... check out the x ray view >> http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/Revolution-Plus...

Edited by GetCarter on Thursday 26th July 11:24

[jamiebae]

GetCarter said:

Many of them have specific places for an iPad. Mine has one (can't remember what my one is called).

The other (probably sad) thing I bought recently is > http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/subindex_jacket... Mine has 20 pockets! Inc one for an iPad, iPhone etc etc. Perfect if you can't be arsed with a bag.

edit to add ... check out the x ray view >> http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/Revolution-Plus...

Edited by GetCarter on Thursday 26th July 11:24

That is really sad! As I'm extremely skinny I think I'd probably look ridiculous wearing something like that - all the stuff in my pockets would double my size!

[binliner]

jamiebae said:

They look great, if a bit pricey. I'm not sure where an iPad would fit though looking at the pics?

The retro 7 has a special ipad pocket on the back and I think an ipad would fit in the rear pocket (inside a case) on the others but I havent got one so don't quote me on that!

[Craikeybaby]

It might be worth looking at the FStop Gear Millar series. I'm not a fan of shoulder bags for carrying camera gear for any length of time, as the weight it unevenly distributed.

[jamiebae]

Craikeybaby said:

It might be worth looking at the FStop Gear Millar series. I'm not a fan of shoulder bags for carrying camera gear for any length of time, as the weight it unevenly distributed.

These look really good, I've just emailed them to see when they'll get stock of the Bandon one in.

I did buy an ACME Made Messenger bag but it's fractionally too small for the camera with a lens attached so I'm still hunting for the right one. I love the Think Tank Retrospective bags but I still haven't managed to convince myself to spend that much on a bag yet...

[davidd]

jamiebae said:

These look really good, I've just emailed them to see when they'll get stock of the Bandon one in.

I did buy an ACME Made Messenger bag but it's fractionally too small for the camera with a lens attached so I'm still hunting for the right one. I love the Think Tank Retrospective bags but I still haven't managed to convince myself to spend that much on a bag yet...

The annoying thing about that is that they never (hardly ever) show a bag with a body and lens attached..

I have a great crumpler bag, quite old but plenty of room for all my kit inc laptop, 5d with a lens on it and a couple of other lens.. The problem is it weighs a bloody ton!

I'm using a slingshot aw at the moment just for the camera gear, it just about all fits and is very comfortable to wear all day..

[jamiebae]

davidd said:

The annoying thing about that is that they never (hardly ever) show a bag with a body and lens attached..

I have a great crumpler bag, quite old but plenty of room for all my kit inc laptop, 5d with a lens on it and a couple of other lens.. The problem is it weighs a bloody ton!

I'm using a slingshot aw at the moment just for the camera gear, it just about all fits and is very comfortable to wear all day..

This video seems to show it, and with very similar kit to what I have as well.

http://vimeo.com/42097347

[davidd]

jamiebae said:

This video seems to show it, and with very similar kit to what I have as well.

http://vimeo.com/42097347

Indeed it does, looks like a nice walk about bag. If you get one, post some pictures with your kit in please?

Thanks

D

[jamiebae]

Found a UK stockist too, £68 inc delivery so not cheap but it does look nice, and has great reviews in the US. Just need to decide on the colour, will probably go for blue I think.

I will indeed post a pic of some expensive camera gear, taken on a cheap mobile phone, if I do get one

[jamiebae]

In case anyone is thinking about one, my wife bought a Crumpler Cupcake 5500 and all my kit (60d, 17-40L, 70-200 f4.0L, Tokina 11-16) fitted in there as long as the 70-200 isn't attached to the body. I've ordered one of these....

http://fstopgear.com/en/product/millar/bandon

...and will report back when it arrives

Edited by jamiebae on Tuesday 31st July 19:37