Or if not the fastest, but one that would provide reasonably fast access? I am leaning towards a slingshot, rather than a shoulder bag...I've looked at a few options... Boda seems to be a lens bag only (okay, it's not a slingshot at all, but fast access) so I don't think that would work... with the Lowepro sling shots, they aren't top loading, so access to lenses isn't quick. Tamrac Velocity 10X seems to be the best option, since when opened, lenses are immediately accessible. Any comments?
I think most of the bags you mention will still require you to dismount the bag and put it down somewhere (table, floor, etc) to access the lens compartments. That's going to slow you down more than anything. Have you considered no bag at all and going with a solid waistbelt lens carrier instead?
I guess fast is a pretty relative term, so my suggestion might not be the best... But I use the Domke J-803 when I am on the go. I can access everything while it is still on my shoulder, in a reasonably fast fashion. It doesnt hold a lot though. I usually have 1 long lens, one prime, and a SB900, plus the body.
I love my Velocity 9x. I frequently carry my D700 mounted to either the 14-24, 24-70, or 70-200 while carrying the other two lenses. If I'm shooting sports, I can replace the 14-24 with my 300 f4 (I've even had my 1.4 and 1.7 TCs). I can also bring my SB-900, 2-extra batteries, 2 sets of replacement AA-batteries for the flash and a CF card wallet. Access to gear is very fast and I find it quite comfortable and very mobile. It's really a great bag.
m_appeal wrote:
Does D700 with *grip* and 70-200 VR fit into the Velocity 9x? I know it will in the 10x.
I don't have the MB-D10 grip for the D700 yet . . . but the Velocity 9x bag has the room to accommodate it when attached to the D700. It would be snug, but I'm certain it would fit.
Chris Noyes wrote:
I don't have the MB-D10 grip for the D700 yet . . . but the Velocity 9x bag has the room to accommodate it when attached to the D700. It would be snug, but I'm certain it would fit.
I see... well, it's not a necessity. I do have a grip for now, so I'm using the D700 with one sometimes... but I was considering maybe selling it. Or I could buy the 10X. I wonder how bulky that bag is though.
I recently picked up the Kata 3N1-30 bag in hope I could carry both my D300 with the 300 f4 lens and the D700 with 7-200 lens attached. I can do it, but it's not "convenient, quick access". The Kata hasn't been out of the house yet. :-(
At the time I picked up the Kata, I don't think the Velocity 10x was available . . . if it had been, it would have certainly influenced my purchase decision.
Ah... I did look at the Kata 3n1, but as you said, it doesn't look like you can change lenses with it easily. Too bad, because the idea of it doubling as a backpack is very appealing.
I've gone through a lot of bags and what I find to to be the best are the Thinktank Photo modular components or the Domke F3X if you are carrying something like a 17-35 and a 24-70.