p.1 #1 · Bag question for Nikon shooters with a similar kit:
Hey guys! I'm looking for a decent bag that will hold the following items, and I was wondering what everyone else is using...
My kit to fit:
-15" Macbook pro
-SB-900 flash
-D90 body
-17-55mm f/2.8
-70-200mm f/2.8
-12-24mm f/4
-Assorted miscellaneous small stuff (power cable for the laptop, camera charger, AA batteries, Nikon lithium batteries, flash gels, a paper pad and some pens)
I have a good backpack case already that will accommodate everything EXCEPT the laptop with plenty of room to spare (Kata 3n1-30), and I already have an over-the-shoulder bag that will accommodate everything for run 'n' gun fast access (Domke F-2), but I need a fairly compact over-the-shoulder bag with room for my laptop for air travel and discreet storage/transportation of my gear.
I've been looking at the Lowepro Classified 250, and I really like the layout/style of that bag, but I was wondering if anyone's had experience with the similar ThinkTank Urban Disguise 50, Tamrac PhotoMessenger 9, or any other "messenger bag" style laptop + big gear cases (i.e. ones that don't scream, "HEY DUDE, I'M CARRYING BIG GLASS!")? Any other suggested bags that I should check out? Have any horror stories about a bag falling apart, or resoundingly successful bags that just plain work? Please help!
p.1 #2 · Bag question for Nikon shooters with a similar kit:
I have enough lowepros and think tanks as well as others. I would definitely choose a think tank before a lowepro. The urban disguise series ( i have the pro 70) is my recommendation. Some models have a laptop case. Check them out, they are really good.
p.1 #3 · Bag question for Nikon shooters with a similar kit:
I have the UD50 and you can get a ridiculous amount of stuff in it. I use it as my everyday computer/work bag but when I want, I put the dividers in and carry my photogear.
p.1 #6 · Bag question for Nikon shooters with a similar kit:
I have two bags. A Crumpler 7 million dollar home for lightweight work where I will use only one body and carry two lenses and a flash. When I need to carry a second body, more lenses and the laptop also, I use a LowePro Computrekker Aw.
p.1 #7 · Bag question for Nikon shooters with a similar kit:
I have the UD50 and LOVE it. I loved it so much I got a UD30 for day trips. The UD50 should be able to handle all of that without a problem, and it's (smaller) size makes it very easy to carry. TT's are a little more expensive, but they're worth it (the UD30 was almost twice the $ of the Kata bag I had been using, but it's so much easier to get into that I think it's well worth it).
p.1 #8 · Bag question for Nikon shooters with a similar kit:
Thinktank Urban Disguise series is definitely worth checking out. If you happen to be heading to Europe, Crumpler has a great range of laptop/camera messenger bags not available in the US -- the New Delhi series.
p.1 #9 · Bag question for Nikon shooters with a similar kit:
Thanks for all of the input guys! To those who asked about whether I've considered backpack designs, I definitely need a fast-access over-the-shoulder bag.
I've been looking at the UD50 a lot more, and that bag looks pretty snazzy with a good fit for everything! I also checked out a bag over at Timbuk2 to price it up, and style-wize, that one wins, hands down... but I don't know if it can handle all of my gear, and I'd have to buy extra inserts to pad my gear, so it's not as cost-effective. The Crumpler 7MDH looks pretty good too, but I don't think it can hold a laptop (but I might get this one anyways in addition to the laptop-capable bag; it looks GREAT for a 3 lens, 1 body, 1 flash kit).
Once again, thanks for the ideas :-) I'm checking the bags out in person later this afternoon, and I'll let you know how it all goes!
p.1 #10 · Bag question for Nikon shooters with a similar kit:
OK, so here's the update:
I tried out the ThinkTank UD50 and UD70pro, Lowepro 250 Classified AW, Tamrac PhotoMessenger 9, the Crumpler 6MDH and 7MDH, and a few off-brand courier-style bags. I ended up getting the Crumpler 7MDH.
The TT UD50 and UD70 were very nice bags and fit everything, but very boxy and rather large (not to mention relatively heavy when empty). The Tamrac was monstrously large and poorly laid out for fast access (as most of their pro bags are, in my opinion). The Crumpler 6MDH was very nice, but a bit small for my needs. The off-brand courier bags were cheaply made, and weren't very secure... I'm not putting a $4000 photo kit in one of those knock-offs!
The Crumpler 7 Million Dollar Home was a PERFECT fit for all of my gear, except for the laptop requirement. I've never seen a bag fit so much so naturally in such a small space and in a quickly-accessible way. I'm nixing the laptop requirement for now, but I think a 10" netbook will fit into the front pouch of the bag with no issues (and I'm planning on getting one of those anyway for email/web surfing on the road, so the Macbook can probably stay at home).
Thanks again for the ideas, guys! You pointed me in the right direction
EDIT: Photos to come shortly... I'll take pics so others with the same/similar gear can see how everything fits in there!
p.1 #11 · Bag question for Nikon shooters with a similar kit:
Here are some shots of the loadout (as promised) so you guys can get an idea on how it all fits (note: my D90 was being used to take these pictures. My 35mm film N65 is a stand-in)...
I don't have too many shots where you see the whole bag, but it's a comfortable size as a day-pack, and as a pack for my full kit! Here are a few shots of me with the Crumpler 7MDH on.
2 weeks of rigorous use & abuse so far, and it's holding up quite nicely! Bottom line: I highly recommend the Crumpler 7MDH bag to ANYONE with a similar kit.
