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..;
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?
"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.
Scott Sewell wrote:
"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.
I agree. I think the decision is made on the Think Tank Airport Security!!! There goes another $400 to the list
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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).
Thanks a million all. I love this forum, ALWAYS finding answers to my photography needs