Buying the right camera bag = Impossible

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Archive 2009 · Buying the right camera bag = Impossible

Tobin28
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p.1 #1 · Buying the right camera bag = Impossible

I bought a great thinktank bag to store my gear and also to take with me to wedding gigs. I love thinktank and how they make a great product. The real problem is that I bought too small of bag. I use a shoot sac which is awesome for carrying on my person but for the main storage I need to move up again after adding some gear etc.

I guess because my kit is always in flux so is my bag needs. I also love camera bags. I have a great little Neo Graphic one for street shooting.

I guess the point of this thread is to give people the advice that always buy a bag that is a little bit bigger than your needs if you are someone like me who keeps adding gear. DAMN YOU NAS!!!!

Cheers,

Tobin

Nov 05, 2009 at 05:07 PM

Greg Feldman
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p.1 #2 · Buying the right camera bag = Impossible

Tobin28 wrote:
always buy a bag that is a little bit bigger than your needs

Or get some bags that are smaller, some that are just right, and some that are bigger. You don't always want to bring all your stuff with you. My little TT UD 30 holds only a 5D, two lenses, and some small crap--perfect for when I don't want to bring a 1D and eight lenses somewhere.

I've stopped selling camera bags that I "no longer use," because I always regret it.

Nov 05, 2009 at 05:18 PM

Tobin28
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p.1 #3 · Buying the right camera bag = Impossible

True Greg, maybe a selection of bags on hand is a good thing.

I really do like the idea of having all of my gear in one bag for storage. The TT bags are awesome hey?

Nov 05, 2009 at 05:27 PM

juberisk2
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p.1 #4 · Buying the right camera bag = Impossible

ditto with greg. i've stopped getting rid of my older, smaller bags for the same reason.

Nov 05, 2009 at 05:27 PM

jasoncallen
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p.1 #5 · Buying the right camera bag = Impossible

There are a few bags that I've owned (and I still own 'em) that just plain work for EVERYTHING... the others are for certain occasions only.

I have a Tamrac holster pack that has been like my shadow since I got my first SLR in the 90's... I almost always grab that bag for when I have a one camera, one (short) lens setup.

I also have a worn-in black Domke F2 that my dad has owned since the 70's or early 80's... that one is like an old pair of jeans. I know it well, there's plenty of compartments to store all of my stuff (right now, a 1 body, 1 prime, 3 zoom lens kit with a speedlight), and it takes even huge lenses like a champ (i.e. the 70-200/2.8).

Just like a vain woman with designer handbags, I have too many camera bags... but I like to think my bag addiction is more practical. lol

I've got all of the following:
Domke F2 (for photojournalism & wedding coverage... fast access, lots of storage)
old Tamrac holster (for just about everything where I'm using just my body + midrange zoom or small prime)
Kata 3n1-30 backpack (for serious hiking where I'm bringing long lenses)
Kata 3n1-20 backpack (for air travel)
Lowepro Slingshot 200AW backpack (for air travel and for compact camping/hiking kit loadout... the built in rain sleeve is handier than the Kata bags)
Homemade satchel case for discreet shooting/gear transport (in sketchy areas) with room for 4 lenses and a body with a lens mounted (made from Domke foam lens sleeves and an olive-drab Military Surplus store medical bag)
Thinktank Digital Holster 30 (for when I'm doing a 1 lens, 1 body kit with the 70-200/2.8 and my Manfrotto monopod)

...and I'm thinking about getting another bag for my laptop + full PJ kit (D90, 12-24, 17-55, 70-200, camcorder, lavalier mics) for when I do flights and/or road travel and I want to keep it all together in one spot.

Nov 05, 2009 at 05:31 PM

Greg Feldman
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p.1 #6 · Buying the right camera bag = Impossible

Tobin28 wrote:
The TT bags are awesome hey?

Yep. My usual bag-buying approach goes like this: Does TT make the kind of bag I want? If so, get that.

Nov 05, 2009 at 07:51 PM

Todd Warnke
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p.1 #7 · Buying the right camera bag = Impossible

Nov 05, 2009 at 08:58 PM

jcolwell
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p.1 #8 · Buying the right camera bag = Impossible

Bagaholics Anonymous now in session... http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/745485

Nov 05, 2009 at 09:30 PM

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