Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

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Italo Campilii
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p.1 #1 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

Hi all,

I'm looking for the best traveling bag that can be both carried in your back and rolled with wheels when one needs to travel.

Specifically, here's the type of gear I'm looking to put:

Apple PowerBook 15"
Canon 30D
Canon 40D
Canon 70-200 2.8 IS
Canon 17-55 2.8 IS
Tokina 100mm 2.8 Macro
Canon 580 EX
Canon 430 EX
Batteries & 1 battery pack
1.4x & 2x extenders
Flash cards
Computer & battery chargers
Manfrotto 680 monopod or tripod

Well....it seems like quite a list...and since I have back problems I have to usually carry bags with wheels when I travel. But when doing weddings, I also like to carry some or most of the gear listed above.

Any ideas? As many of you know, it's absolutely unacceptable to travel with one laptop bag and one camera bag..;

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 08, 2007 at 08:35 PM

Martin Smolka
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p.1 #2 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

maybe a crumpler trolley?

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 08, 2007 at 08:51 PM

Beni
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p.1 #3 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

Have a look at the Think Tank bags.

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 08, 2007 at 08:52 PM

Italo Campilii
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p.1 #4 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

The trumpler trolley sounds good but couldn't find a dealer. I'm looking at Think Tank but they're so expensive!!!

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_ArprtInl.php

Brenthaven for my MacBook Pro cost me alone $180. I'm looking to spend less than that for a photo + laptop combo.

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 08, 2007 at 09:06 PM

monochrome
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p.1 #5 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

I don't think you're going to find a good bag w/ wheels for less than $180, but if you don't have to have wheels.

Lowepro CompuTrekker Plus

They do make a version of this with wheels but can't remember name.

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 08, 2007 at 09:48 PM

Italo Campilii
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p.1 #6 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

That one's very good monochrome. Well even a bit over $200 is fine, if its worth it I will definitely buy it. Do you know if lowepro makes them with wheels?

Thanks for your help.

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 08, 2007 at 09:52 PM

jdryan3
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p.1 #7 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

Italo Campilii wrote

o you know if lowepro makes them with wheels?

Yep, Here

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 09, 2007 at 03:03 AM

henryng
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p.1 #8 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/370629-REG/Lowepro_34704_Rolling_Compu_Trekker_Plus.html
$275 US from BH. This is very heavy.
Those ones with no wheels are way cheaper and lighter.

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 09, 2007 at 05:42 AM

Scott Sewell
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p.1 #9 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

"Expensive" and good "wheeled bags" go together like milk and cookies!

I've tried the not-expensive route and there is no subsitute whatsoever for a good, sturdy wheeled bag (if that's what you need).

I have--and highly recommend--the Think Tank Airport Security. I've yet to personally find someone who regrets having that bag.

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 09, 2007 at 04:33 PM

Italo Campilii
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p.1 #10 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

Scott Sewell wrote:
"Expensive" and good "wheeled bags" go together like milk and cookies!

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 09, 2007 at 04:40 PM

KFG1
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p.1 #11 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

Another vote for the Lowepro CompuTrekker Plus.

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 10, 2007 at 12:54 AM

MSC
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p.1 #12 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

KFG1 wrote:
Another vote for the Lowepro CompuTrekker Plus.

Great product.

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 10, 2007 at 01:04 AM

Italo Campilii
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p.1 #13 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

KFG1 wrote:
Another vote for the Lowepro CompuTrekker Plus.

Ok but the cons in the CompuTrekker Plus are:

1. Can't fit my 15" MacBook Pro
2. No security features like the Think Tank Aiport Security
3. Can't fit 2 DSLR's with lenses attached such as Canon 40D + 70-200 2.8IS & 17-55 2.8IS combo.
4. Weights 10lbs!!!

The pros for CompuTrekker Plus:
1. Save $100 from the Think Tank

Am I right? Or can someone please clarify? Does RItz camera sell Think Tank or Computrekker bags? I'm going to be in South FLorida so I'll have to look for a couple of photography stores. Thanks.

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 10, 2007 at 12:09 PM

Savas K
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p.1 #14 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

Italo, consider the combined value of the contents of your future bag. Then you might reconsider your budget.

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 10, 2007 at 02:07 PM

Italo Campilii
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p.1 #15 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

Savas K wrote:
Italo, consider the combined value of the contents of your future bag. Then you might reconsider your budget.

Hi Savas,

Apple PowerBook 15"
Canon 30D
Canon 40D
Canon 70-200 2.8 IS
Canon 17-55 2.8 IS
Canon 100mm 2.8 Macro
Canon 580 EX
Canon 430 EX
Batteries & 1 battery pack
1.4x & 2x extenders
A bunch of Compact Flash cards
Computer & battery chargers
Manfrotto 680 monopod or tripod

That's exactly the gear I'm carrying. To clarify my question, since someone has suggested the CompuTrekker, would a 15" laptop fit with all of this gear in the bag?

Otherwise, I don't mind spending on the Think Tank Airport Security which convinced me very much. I just need a bag for airport travelling and between-job travelling - that is, carrying gear when needed in wedding parties, churches, etc. I have a couple of bags at home but they don't do the "all-in-one" feature. Thanks.

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 10, 2007 at 03:14 PM

Savas K
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p.1 #16 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

You might have miscontrued my point. The operative word is value. The contents of the bag represents thousands of dollars worth of equipment. Try to get the best bag you can afford.

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 10, 2007 at 03:18 PM

Italo Campilii
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p.1 #17 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

Savas K wrote:
You might have miscontrued my point. The operative word is value. The contents of the bag represents thousands of dollars worth of equipment. Try to get the best bag you can afford.

I could not agree with you more. That's why I'm going to look at the Think Tank

Thanks a million all. I love this forum, ALWAYS finding answers to my photography needs

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 10, 2007 at 03:33 PM

AJ Nadershahi
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p.1 #18 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

Since you are based out of Italy, will you will be traveling extensively through Europe? If so you will need ThinkTank International, which is slightly smaller than Airport Security because it is specifically designed to fit the size limits imposed by European countries.

Other difference are that you loose the "emergency" backpack straps, and a couple of external compartments, but the bag itself is slightly stiffer. Personally I also like the cleaner look of the International.

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 10, 2007 at 05:44 PM

JoeSesto
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p.1 #19 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

I have pretty much settled on the Think Tank Airport International...primarily because of the security cable and locks. The double tube handle is a great way to stack a small bag on top just slip the back pocket/sleve over the handle, etc.

The Tamrac 5552 has a couple of neat features 1) the top opens like a suitcase along the length of the bag...the TT International top is hinged on one end...that makes the top open out over 44"...hard to work with in the trunk of a car or back seat. 2)The 5552 place the bodies with lens attached at opposite ends of the interior...looks like it would be faster to change cameras and there is no need to dismount the lenses. The TT Int'l puts both bodies without lenses at the top of the case, looks more vulnerable to damage and doesn't have the top straps that keep lens & body from shifting around in the divider channels.

The TT International looks better built but the Tamrac is more flexible though it lacks the locks and security cable.

The 2 units are almost the same size but the TT Int'l is $319 for the roller + $49 for the 15" computer case and apparently $49 to get a set of low dividers to store the computer on top of the photo gear and the low dividers. Total $417.

The 5552 is $270 and apparently comes with a detachable computer case.

If anybody has a better idea...please let me know..I've been looking for 2 weeks everyplace I can think of...but thes14 x 8 x 21 roller bags offer the best features I could find.

Joe Sesto
Nipomo, California

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 11, 2007 at 11:26 AM

AJ Nadershahi
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p.1 #20 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

Joe,

I went throught the same comparison of the Tamrac vs. Airport International (AI) before deciding on the AI.

One thing to consider is the AI has more usable internal volume than the Tamrac. I've been very happy with my decision.

Interestingly enough, I haven't been in a situation where I've felt the need to use the security cable.

Here' a tip. The compartment that holds the security cable has enough space to store a combination lock as well as the rain cover that comes with the case.

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 11, 2007 at 06:49 PM

JoeSesto
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p.1 #21 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

Thanks AJ, I'm more interested in the AI, too.

I wrote TT yesterday asking if I could order extra dividers to configure the AI the same as the Tamrac roller.

I also asked why you can't order the low divider set with the AI 15 case. Doesn't make sense to order the case with the standard height dividers...then never use them. I might be reading their order form incorrectly.

Insurance is my business...photo is a hobby. I'd rather have the cable and not need it ...than need it and not have it. Cables and locks just keep honest people ...honest. They slow down the snatch and run types. It's all insured. But it has been my experience (many decades) that carriers are more inclined to continue coverage after a significant loss if the insured has done everthing possible to protect against that loss occurring in the first place. Stuff happens...but carriers know it happens more often to those that aren't vigilant and cautious.

Does that bar across the bottom of the AI serve as a handle so you can lift the case with the top handle and the bottom handle with both hands...like a tray?

Is there anything you don't like or would change on the AI?

Cheers,

Joe Sesto

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 11, 2007 at 10:52 PM

AJ Nadershahi
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p.1 #22 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

Joe,

Yes, there is a soft grab handle in the bottom of the case which allows it to be lifted "like a tray".

I've actually used both the full height and the shorter dividers depending on my needs. For example, the full height dividers allow me to carry more gear when I do not need the laptop. If I decide that on a particular trip I do want to have the laptop with me, I switch to the lower height dividers.

I like the fact that I have both the standard height dividers as well as the shorter dividers, as I have more dividers to work with and can mix and match.

Since you're ordering the case and already know you want the lower height dividers, I'm sure they can work something out. They have been quite accommodating when I have contacted them for orders.

My complaints or observations? Personally I think they could increase interior volume even more if they used thinner padding in combination with a thin semi-rigid poly sheet that wraps around the walls of the case. This would maintain stiffness of the bag and increase interior volume. The current design uses the poly sheet in certain areas of the bag, but not the full circumference.

The only other thing that bothers me is the divider with the two cutout for camera and attached lens is not sized properly for my equipment because the cutouts are too far to the sides. I simply don't use it, but would if the openings fit my gear.

Otherwise I am quite impressed with the quality and carrying capacity of this bag.

I agree it is better to have the cable and not need it. Actually now that I think about it, I have used the cable on two different occasions.

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 12, 2007 at 07:47 AM

Xavier Rival
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p.1 #23 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

One point about the LP CompuTrekker: mine definetely holds my macbook pro. It is the regular version (no plus).

Other than that, I have been stunned at all the Think Tank bags I saw, and would likely consider very closely what they have to offer...

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 12, 2007 at 08:36 AM

jchin
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p.1 #24 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

I have the Lowepro CompuTrekker AW and find it too big for my casual daily use. I just ordered the Tamrac 5618 and hopes it would be more usable for my daily purposes. (NOTE: I am not a professional photographer, just a semi-pro weekend photographer; so daily means going to and from work with some of my camera gear).

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 12, 2007 at 05:10 PM

AJ Nadershahi
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p.1 #25 · Best bag for Laptop + Camera gear

Seems maybe someone at ThinkTank is reading these threads...

Just got an e-mail notice from them that purchasing and AI roller between Nov 1 to Jan 1 will get you free AI low divider set.

www.thinktankphoto.com/couponai

Edited on Nov 14, 2007 at 10:23 PM

Nov 14, 2007 at 08:54 PM


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