D2X/s (or BIG camera) owners - some more advice please

[Don]

My D2X is a whole physical size up from my previous D70 and my Lowepro Orion Trekker backpack isn't going to hold everything any more.

Now I've an idea that what I might do is keep the Trekker and add to it a chest pack with the D2X in. That way when I'm not carrying lots of lenses I can just carry the chest pack and when I'm off out on an adventure the backpack will take most items (and lunch) and the chest pack will keep the camera handy.

So. What do you owners of chunky cameras transport your toy in? What does it cope with? How do you conveniently access your camera when you spot a shot?

All advice gratefully recieved...

[Don]

Oh...my camera is used solely on walks in the country - up mountainsides etc.

[GetCarter]

I'm probably the worst person to ask...

... cos I'm usually back by lunch.

I also tend to drive with a car full of kit, and decide before I leave the car what I'm likely to need (and leave the rest in the boot). So I have two bags... the big one with all the toys, and the one I walk with. I generally only take two lenses whilst out (plus filters etc). Tripod varies (I have a light Benbo and a monster Manfroto).

ETA - did I ever mention that I'm a lazy git?

Edited by GetCarter on Monday 21st April 15:12

[Don]

GetCarter said:

I'm probably the worst person to ask...

... cos I'm usually back by lunch.

I also tend to drive with a car full of kit, and decide before I leave the car what I'm likely to need (and leave the rest in the boot). So I have two bags... the big one with all the toys, and the one I walk with. I generally only take two lenses whilst out (plus filters etc). Tripod varies (I have a light Benbo and a monster Manfroto).

ETA - did I ever mention that I'm a lazy git?

What's the one you walk with like, Steve? I may be living a fantasy about how fit I am but the intention is to drag my body, the camera body, two or three lenses, lunch, a big bottle of water and a tin of beer up the sides of the Picos de Europa in June. (Oh and Torridon/Skye way sometime in August).

[GetCarter]

17-55/2.8G DX IF-ED AF-S (always - with the Lee grad filter) then either the 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 AF-D VR ED (If I'm keen) or the 70-300 AF ED 4-5.6

I leave the others behind (except the 1.4 50mm which is always in the bag in case I need a proper pic).

ETA - let me know when you're up, we'll meet up and have a dram!

Edited by GetCarter on Monday 21st April 16:19

[Andy M]

GetCarter said:

I also tend to drive with a car full of kit, and decide before I leave the car what I'm likely to need (and leave the rest in the boot).

And where exactly do you leave your car Steve? Ahem!

[GetCarter]

Andy M said:

GetCarter said:

I also tend to drive with a car full of kit, and decide before I leave the car what I'm likely to need (and leave the rest in the boot).

And where exactly do you leave your car Steve? Ahem!

It's a Silver Porsche 996 C2 3.6 - in the NW of England... full address supplied on request.

[Andy M]

GetCarter said:

Andy M said:

GetCarter said:

I also tend to drive with a car full of kit, and decide before I leave the car what I'm likely to need (and leave the rest in the boot).

And where exactly do you leave your car Steve? Ahem!

It's a Silver Porsche 996 C2 3.6 - in the NW of England... full address supplied on request.

It think you mean a ilver Porsche 996 C2 3.4 in the South of England don't you?!

(mines grey )

[GetCarter]

Andy M said:

GetCarter said:

Andy M said:

GetCarter said:

I also tend to drive with a car full of kit, and decide before I leave the car what I'm likely to need (and leave the rest in the boot).

And where exactly do you leave your car Steve? Ahem!

It's a Silver Porsche 996 C2 3.6 - in the NW of England... full address supplied on request.

It think you mean a ilver Porsche 996 C2 3.4 in the South of England don't you?!

(mines grey )

IIRC his is a C4... and if your's is Seal Grey, we need a better pic!

Edited by GetCarter on Monday 21st April 19:02

[Andy M]

GetCarter said:

...and if your's is Seal Grey, we need a better pic!

Any better?

[Don]

GetCarter said:

ETA - let me know when you're up, we'll meet up and have a dram!

Will do, Steve. It will be a pleasure to meet you.

[GetCarter]

Andy M said:

GetCarter said:

...and if your's is Seal Grey, we need a better pic!

Any better?

Much

[chris.mapey]

If it helps, I'm in a similar position having upgraded from D70 to D300 with grip.

I was using a Lowepro Mini Trekker, but I don't really like a backpack (anymore, now I'm doing more wedding & portrait work), so I'm looking to get a Billingham - having a look at some tomorrow.

If you want a deal on the Lowepro, then I'm open to offers - my D300 / grip and the 17-55 f2.8 will all fit in OK, with space for my 70-200 sigma zoom, 10-20mm & flashgun. Also has a way of hanging a lightweight tripod off it as well - I don't do many walks in the country!

Have a look at the Lowepro range - that's what I did.

Chris

[Simpo Two]

chris.mapey said:

If it helps, I'm in a similar position having upgraded from D70 to D300 with grip.

Worst 'I've got lot sof new kit' post ever

[Goldeeno]

Ive got a lowepro slingshot... being a single strap you can swing to round onto your front unzip and take the camera out from the side... so you dont have to put the bag down, and it takes maybe 10 seconds.

Size is the only problem. There not huge, but it has got removable sections. Length wise i can get my 350D + Grip attached, with my 100-400mm attached. bit of a snug fit, but its in the main bit, along with my 18-55 and 55-200. Then in the top section keep various odd bits and 10-20mm. All easy access and close to hand.

[CVP]

I use a LowePro Mini Trekker with that kind of quantity of kit. I have tried a LowePro Slingshot 300 but once the kit gets weighty then only having the one chest strap is not that great as you always have to use the waist belt to stabilise the load and then you cannot easily swing the bag round to get other kit out.

The new LowePro vertex series looks good and well made and would give you a pocket for waterproofs / lunch etc.

Chris

[EmmaP]

I've got a LowePro Computrekker. I use the slot for laptop to store water, food and my coat when on location. It is amazing what you can cram inside it - 1DS, 400D, large and small flash units, 24-75mm, 75-200mm, light meter, spare battery pack, makeup bag, big purse, a book. It's really big and heavy and one day I fear I might fall backwards whilst walking up a big flight of stairs.

I'd find two bags a bit awkward.

I tend to shoot with camera and lens around neck whilst bag is on my back or on the floor.

Edited by EmmaP on Tuesday 22 April 15:03

[Don]

Thanks for all your posts, everyone. Helpful - even if I can't quite work out what to do, yet!

[VxDuncan]

To complicate matters further I use a lowepro orion - basically a "normal" shoulder bag with an additional rucksack that clips on the top to covert to a rucksack. using the waiststrap, you can unclip the backpack part, and swing the camera bag round on your waist to get at you kit. Means you have separte camera and kit backs, can spread the weight of the camera kit on both shoulders and waist, yet get at the kit quickly without taking it all off you bag. The slingshot concept is good for small kit, but having tried it it was a non starter for travel photography - way too easy for someone in the street to get the zips open without you knowing. The zips for the camera compartment on the orion bag are against your body when it's being worn so far more secure. That said I have uprated the strap with a wider pacsafe anti-slash one.

Kit in the bag currently stands at D80, 80-200F2.8, 17-55 F2.8, 2xTC, 10-20mm Sigma, 50mm F1.8, 50mm Macro lens, two portable storage devices and small compact for parties, plus sunglasses and MP3 player!

[Don]

VxDuncan said:

To complicate matters further I use a lowepro orion - basically a "normal" shoulder bag with an additional rucksack that clips on the top to covert to a rucksack. using the waiststrap, you can unclip the backpack part, and swing the camera bag round on your waist to get at you kit. Means you have separte camera and kit backs, can spread the weight of the camera kit on both shoulders and waist, yet get at the kit quickly without taking it all off you bag. The slingshot concept is good for small kit, but having tried it it was a non starter for travel photography - way too easy for someone in the street to get the zips open without you knowing. The zips for the camera compartment on the orion bag are against your body when it's being worn so far more secure. That said I have uprated the strap with a wider pacsafe anti-slash one.

Kit in the bag currently stands at D80, 80-200F2.8, 17-55 F2.8, 2xTC, 10-20mm Sigma, 50mm F1.8, 50mm Macro lens, two portable storage devices and small compact for parties, plus sunglasses and MP3 player!

Yep I wouldn't use my Orion trekker (Half rucksack, half camera-bag) in a city - not secure enough. I use it when walking out in the country...but I have found that the access to the camera is quite slow - so I tend to have the camera on my chest. Ideally (I think) I would have a weatherproof chest pack...and the current rucksack.

But that's two bags...

Difficult.

I have also been considering eBaying my Trekker and getting a "DryZone" one. Having been caught in Scottish downpours I now know it's a PITA needing to get the waterproof rucksack cover out...I'd much rather the pack itself was properly watertight...

£££