(sorry about posting this here... this forum seems to get a lot of traffic from people that 'walk around' while shooting, at least on a consistent basis)
So what do you use...
...for walking around?
...for a family session?
...for an e-session?
...wedding?
I just bought a sling backpack by Lowepro from B&H. For weddings I don't use anything except for a waist pack to put my cards/batteries in, but for walking around I think this backpack will be perfect.
forget the backpack. You can't access it without taking it off, setting it down, open it, etc. If you have an assistant the same thing applies.
I have a rolling case for weddings and most things - everything fits so I'm not leaving something critical back at the studio or having to decide an hour before I have to shoot when i've not see the venue/conditions what I might need or can leave behind. I take it all.
Now when I need to be mobile (parades, family day out) I have a canon bag that is like a reporters bag. I can access everything at all times from teh top that velcros closed but can be buckled. It has a neck strap so it can move from walking 'butt' position to accessible 'belly' position easily.
I jsut got the lowepro slingshot 300, ripped the tags off, only to discover a fatal flaw...WHY would they add a waist belt? (And how didnt I spot that : /) It completely defeats the purpose of the bag if you wear the waist belt, and it digs in to your back if you don't wear it. Looks like I'll be taking it to an alterations shop to see if it can be modified : /
EDIT: I guess I can clip the belt on and off real fast....but I still think ill be taking it to an alterations shop.
Walking Around - as letenele - Crumpler
What I put in it, left to right in 3 divides, hanging of my left sholder to give you an idea if it's suitable ...
2x580s + 2xCPE4 ---- 40D/16-85 or 70-200 F4L IS ---- Which ever lens isn't on the body + 60 F2.8 macro. STE2 or PWs (2 inside, one out or in the side pockets) under the body/lens or over lens. Another 40D around my neck with short/wide lens to suit.
In the flap and side pockets. 24 x AAs, 4 x 40D batteries, memory, Gitso rocket, a super clamp hanging of somewhere, filters + gels (2-3) and all that fiddly stuff.
Back Pack - Lowenpro CompuTrekker AW
Everything in the Crumpler including Lap Top, more lenses (maybe 4-6 depending on job/Back up), Another 40D, 2 more 580s. I'd also have another sling bag with stands if I was taking all the speedlites other wise I'd only have 2 x 580s and a clamp.
I do carry around a ton of stuff but my reckoning is that I bought all of this gear and I hate being in a situation where I'd say to myself. I wish I had my thingy-ma-bob so I could of done it better, "No Regrets"
I'm not a wedding Photographer, starting to head down that way. I've just scored a Pelican hard case (Ebay) which will be used as the main holder/back up/everything strapped to it/drag around thing with the Crumpler for running around the wedding/event. I prefer being able to slide a bag around a shoulder to use as a rest and change area. The only negative with the Crumpler is that it isn't a dustproof bag, no zip to close option, just a flap with incredibly loud velcro and plastic click latch.
Chrono1081 wrote:
I jsut got the lowepro slingshot 300, ripped the tags off, only to discover a fatal flaw...WHY would they add a waist belt? (And how didnt I spot that : /) It completely defeats the purpose of the bag if you wear the waist belt, and it digs in to your back if you don't wear it. Looks like I'll be taking it to an alterations shop to see if it can be modified : /
EDIT: I guess I can clip the belt on and off real fast....but I still think ill be taking it to an alterations shop....Show more →
I have had 2 Tamrac bags and 1 Lowepro bag, all with the pointless waist belt. I just took sisscors and cut the strap off, no problems as of today!
i think i'm wanting to dump the backpack for something like what i have in the OP. i'm wondering if there's something similar out there... just not $150. geez... for a bag. i understand some bags costing that much.
Matt Khoury wrote:
i think i'm wanting to dump the backpack for something like what i have in the OP. i'm wondering if there's something similar out there... just not $150. geez... for a bag. i understand some bags costing that much.
My rolling bag is a soft pelican - $239. Yeah, I choked at that but now that iv'e used it for over a year it's been worth every penny!
It's been all over creation - up and down steps, out in the driving rain (and nothing got wet), on a mile hike into the woods (some carried and some dragged on it's wheels). It is still perfect - in looks and performance.
Is $239 a lot for a bag? Depends I suppose. I carry around $18,000 worth of stuff in it and use it every day, so to spend a few extra dollars for the convenience and reliability is well worth it IMO/IME.
I don’t use a backpack for my weddings… I have an over the shoulder back.
BUT the backpack that I do use when I hike, walk around, etc is… the Tamrac 777. What I carry when I go out and about: Two cameras, one 50mm, 17-50mm, 28-75mm, 135-400mm lenses, binoculars, whistle, compass, media-cards, tripod, misc-items.
I tried a shootsac and for weddings special events unbeatable. It just hugs the body like no other bag. Gripes the strap is wimpy. I didnt buy it as I had some strange reaction to the bag (asthma). Great product. Anyone else use the boda
Chrono1081 wrote:
I jsut got the lowepro slingshot 300, ripped the tags off, only to discover a fatal flaw...WHY would they add a waist belt? (And how didnt I spot that : /) It completely defeats the purpose of the bag if you wear the waist belt, and it digs in to your back if you don't wear it. Looks like I'll be taking it to an alterations shop to see if it can be modified : /
EDIT: I guess I can clip the belt on and off real fast....but I still think ill be taking it to an alterations shop....Show more →
I have the lowepro slingshot 300 also. You can tuck the waist belt up under the bottom where the weather proof cover is stored and you will not even notice the waist belt anymore. Then when you have a long hike or are walking around for a long period of time with a heavy bag, you can pull the waist belt back out and it will take a lot of the load off of your shoulders.
I really love this bag. My 5D w/ 70-200 2.8.IS fits in there fine and I can swing the bag around and pull it out for a quick shot without taking the bag off.
After a couple of years of heavy use, one of the zippers on mine broke and I sent it back to Lowepro and they sent me a brand new replacement at no charge, no questions asked.
I have the ugly green canon backpack, and it sucks. Only about 1/2 of my stuff fits in there.. and the build's pretty cheap. Then again, it was only $40. I'm hoping to get a rolling case soon.
Tamrac Velocity 9x sling pack. About to sell it as it's killing my shoulder. Bought a ThinkTank Rotation360, but it's VERY small. (Need to hang the 70-200 on the belt - not sure I want to do that. We'll see.) Probably about to buy a Lowepro Rolling CompuTrekker Plus AW - see how well that compromise works.
www.namesakescreations.com - unique and personalized gift for any occasion. Perfect for weddings,showers,new baby,anniversary, Christmas and Holiday gift giving.
Looks like I'll be taking it to an alterations shop to see if it can be modified : /