|
|
Post by NCPhotoTrekker on Sept 25, 2009 7:00:55 GMT -5
This is always a fun topic for photographers since we look at camera bags like most women look at shoes. We can never have enough of them, and there is always one that is better for our needs. Whether you carry a compact point and shoot, or a large format view camera, this is where you can show off how you get it to where you are going. I'll get things rolling with my original Tamrac Expedition 5 which carried my gear for about a year until I added two large lenses to the list. This bag contains the following.... Canon EOS 40D with vertical grip Canon 10-22mm Canon 17-40mm Canon 24-70mm Canon 70-200mm Canon 580EXII Speedlight Filters Assorted tools and supplies. Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by NCPhotoTrekker on Sept 25, 2009 7:03:21 GMT -5
Early this year the Expedition 5 was replaced with an Expedition 7x which is a good deal larger. The change was made to fit a Canon 100-400mm and a Canon 180mm Macro lens. Its a tight fit, but everything fits perfectly. The lower exterior pockets are also Tamrac pieces, as is the medium pocket opposite the water bottle. Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by NCPhotoTrekker on Sept 25, 2009 7:06:33 GMT -5
The nice thing about this bag is that it is very deep allowing me to place things on top of the lenses that are stored laying down. I've got the flash on top of the 100-400mm and a portable photo viewer that lives on top of the Macro lens. I've added a blower since this picture which lives on top of the 70-200mm. I'm able to keep all of the lens hoods attached, or inside the bag which I could not do with the Expedition 5. There is also a full compliment of foul weather gear kept in the large front pocket. This includes two disposable ponchos, a shower cap (for the camera), and a towel to wipe things down. Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by john101477 on Sept 25, 2009 10:36:47 GMT -5
I tried out the 7x and if it had of fit around my neck I would have bought it. because I have such a large neck (19in) both strapps rubbed, which would have been painful on a long hike. other than that, for most landscape photographers, this would be a perfect bag. i may try a sling bag but I am still unsure how it would feel on a 8-12 hr hike.
I will add. If you are thinking of a backpack to carry your gear, never ever buy one that does not have a waiststrap to put disperse weight to your hips from your shoulders and upper back. Trust me on this, it is worst mistake I have made.
|
|
|
|
Post by NCPhotoTrekker on Sept 25, 2009 11:43:29 GMT -5
John makes some great points. The waist belt is a great feature and will help ease the burden of lots of weight. The larger the bag, the more advanced the belt becomes. With the 7x it has a pivot built in which allows you to bend comfortably. The main straps are heavily padded which will cause problems with large necks I suppose. It fits my frame very well and quite comfortable. Having everything distributed on my shoulders and waiste allows me to hike for miles without any major discomfort. After about 5 hours of wearing it, I do start getting a bit sore though.
|
|
|
|
Post by musicman5 on Sept 30, 2009 13:15:35 GMT -5
My Tamrac Pro 8 packed for marching band competition work:   |
|
|
|
Post by NCPhotoTrekker on Oct 3, 2009 6:50:06 GMT -5
That's actually quite a bit of kit to fit in that one bag. I guess it looks smaller than it actually is. Nice selection of equipment as well!
|
|
|
|
Post by Steve (FloppyDog) on Oct 4, 2009 8:54:19 GMT -5
Greg, I haven't checked out the Expedition series yet but it looks like they're working well for you. I'll be "in the market" by winter so I may check them out.
Pretty sweet collection of glass I might add.
|
|
|
|
Post by Steve (FloppyDog) on Oct 4, 2009 8:57:03 GMT -5
Mark, that's a good sizey bag and looks like it makes your gear easy and quick to access. Do you carry all of your gear with you?
|
|
|
|
Post by NCPhotoTrekker on Oct 4, 2009 9:34:52 GMT -5
Greg, I haven't checked out the Expedition series yet but it looks like they're working well for you. I'll be "in the market" by winter so I may check them out. Pretty sweet collection of glass I might add. I'm on my second one and am completely happy with it. The first one I sold to a coworker for 3/4 of what I paid for it after using it for a year. They are very durable. |
|
|
|
Post by john101477 on Nov 11, 2009 16:22:23 GMT -5
Lowepro Flipside 300 I bought this a while back and have been testing it out a little. It is one of 3 packs that I have tried that fits me right in the neck and gut. I took a minimalist approach with this pack and may regret it later but for simple 1/2 day hikes or a day out with the family it works great. I loaded it is with everything I could fit and could barely tell it was there. this included camera with 70-200 attached, 18-105,50mm, Sb800 flash, cords, memory cards, batteries and filters. for a little pack this really packs it in. This bag how ever will never work for an extended trip one day max. with the coming of winter I tend to do less hiking and more driving and short walks than in the summer. I will more than likely need a "long haul" pack come spring unless I can find a way to convert my regular pack to safely carry my camera and lenses as well. Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by john101477 on Nov 11, 2009 16:24:44 GMT -5
another of the Flipside. not loaded but shows the 70-200 for an idea of size Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by Steve (FloppyDog) on Nov 12, 2009 9:09:29 GMT -5
That's good you can carry your larger lens mounted. My backpack bag isn't big enough to carry mine, so I'll be looking for another soon.
|
|
|
|
Post by john101477 on Nov 12, 2009 10:48:09 GMT -5
Yeah it really is a neat bag. The design puts all of your gear right against your back so you do not feel it. the one quark in the bag, maybe because the bag is so new, is the entry point on the back side. It is a little stiff while trying to get into it. it also does not come with a weather cover, but the fabric is water resistant. I am going to buy a third party cover for itin the next few weeks so I should be golden on that front.
|
|
