Tell me what bag to get, pretty please

[Hollie]

I have a Canon 30d and one lens (but plan to get 1 or 2 more, and probably a flash eventually, but not sure). I'd like to keep the lens attached in the bag. I know I've heard Crumpler makes good bags, but I just wanted some opinions as to what bag might be good for travel. I'd prefer a bag that will keep my hands free (ie backpack or long strap type) and has super comfy straps. Max price $150.

Thanks!

[brechasemom]

I have a DRebel XT, the kit lens, 70-300 lens, & flash. I tried several bags but the best one I found was the Crumpler 6 million dollar home. I have room for all the above plus cell phone or wallet or 1 more lens in the future plus it has smaller zip compartments for cards, batteries, etc.

It has an adjustable strap so it can be worn on shoulder or adjusted to be a messenger style bag. The best prices can be found at
http://www.photococan.com/
I got mine with shipping for about $82

Hope that helps,

[AndreaBurns]

I really LOVE my Tamrac Velocity 7 (http://www.tamrac.com/5747.htm) bag. It's hands free like a backpack, but if I want I can swing it to the front real quick for easy inside access or security reasons. Its great for carrying camera, 2 lenses and a flash.

You can get it HERE (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=248123&is=REG&addedTroughType=search).

When I carry both cameras, I need a BIG bag, and I have the Lowe Pro Nova 5.

[Lauren]

I don't like Crumplers. I find the padding too thick and I HATE the velcro - very loud to open. But they're so cute that I keep trying to get over that and have had five different ones. Anyway...

I had a Lowepro Micro Trekker 100 which was a great backpack. Held the XT and extra body (hubby's camera, about the same size as the XT body) with four lenses and flash plus accessories but is really tiny - even the woman who was checking us in when I was flying with it commented on the small size. I sold it because I personally didn't find a backpack very practical when I was on a shoot so if you want a sling version of this, a lot of people recommend the Lowepro Slingshot. With a 30D body, you might need to look at the 200 versions of either of these to accomodate the extra size of the body, I'm not sure though - best to try one out in a local store if you can.

I now have a Domke, which might be a bit out of your price range but I love it. REALLY doesn't look like a camera bag (to me, Crumplers and the like do look like camera bags but I know what I'm looking for, which is probably why) because they're canvas and very lightly padded. It literally looks almost identical to my handbag.

[stampnbug]

I LOVE Crumpler bags!

[Nettio]

I have the 5 million dollar Crumpler and I love it! I do agree about the velcro being a tad strong but I imagine there's ways you could fix that. I will say that this is the most comfortable bag I have ever owned. I walked around Tokyo/Tokyo Disneyland for 4 days in a row carrying it and I never felt tired from it at all. It really does a great job of distributing the weight.

[Hollie]

Thanks for all the input! I think I have decided it's going to be best for me to get a backpack style since I have back "issues" and the even weight on my shoulders is extremely helpful. So, I'll either look at the Tamrac or the Lowepro.

Lauren, do you remember if your Lowepro backpack had reasonable waterproofing? Just curious, since they have the AW and one other super duper waterproof model. Thanks again everyone!!!

[Lauren]

The AWs are pretty good. The fabric (from what I remember) is fairly water resistant anyway, and mine also had a flap that overlapped the zip so no water could easily get in that way. But they then have an additional rain cover which is like a little rain coat for the bag. I think they're all sewn in to the bags and tuck into a discreet pocket, so you can't ever forget to bring it. Hubby had a small AW for his camera when we went to Scotland, poured rain the entire time and his camera was absolutely fine.

[RatherBscrappin]

I LUV the crumpler bag looks - they are SO cute, but wanted something I could carry around with all my lenses & stuff (drebelXT, 50mm, 18-55mm kit lens, 28-75mm and 70-200mm lenses) and still get to easily ... which is why I went with Tamrac's 5749 Velocity 9 Pro Sling Pack Camera Bag (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=176&A=details&Q=&sku=276056&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation) - the sling packs let you swivel your bag from your back to your side leaving both your hands free ... something that was essential for me.

[triciadoll]

Question? How does the camera sit in the Tamrac and Crumpler bags? Body at top with lens hanging down and padding around or flat on bottom of bag? I know what I mean...hope it comes across right...LOL!!!

[LindsayLou]

Question? How does the camera sit in the Tamrac and Crumpler bags? Body at top with lens hanging down and padding around or flat on bottom of bag? I know what I mean...hope it comes across right...LOL!!!

Body at top with lens hanging down is how I have mine configured. I have the 6million and have 3 lenses, a flash, a 30D body, and something else in there that I can't think of off the top of my head. :lol

[AndreaBurns]

Yep, in the Velocity it is nicely protected! Here is a specs photo of the V7!

http://www.tamrac.com/images/5747la.jpg


HTH!

[Hollie]

Thanks again everyone! If I could just find a store that had the specific models so I could check 'em in person, then I think I could make a final choice (or go back to the drawing board-LOL!). I may have to just bite the bullet and order one b/c I need it no later than two weeks from now. Anyhow, thanks sooooooooo much!!!!!

[triciadoll]

THANKS! That's what I was hoping!

Body at top with lens hanging down is how I have mine configured. I have the 6million and have 3 lenses, a flash, a 30D body, and something else in there that I can't think of off the top of my head. :lol

[triciadoll]

THANKS for the pic...that what I was hoping!

Yep, in the Velocity it is nicely protected! Here is a specs photo of the V7!

http://www.tamrac.com/images/5747la.jpg


HTH!

[Pachimac]

I have a Canon 30d and one lens (but plan to get 1 or 2 more, and probably a flash eventually, but not sure). I'd like to keep the lens attached in the bag. I know I've heard Crumpler makes good bags, but I just wanted some opinions as to what bag might be good for travel. I'd prefer a bag that will keep my hands free (ie backpack or long strap type) and has super comfy straps. Max price $150.

Thanks!

I need to get a bag too so I'm reading this thread with interest!! :-)