After all the recomendations, I've decided to purchase the CompuTrekker by Lowepro. But I've decided to send it back for an exchange for another backpack. The Computrekker is simply too big. Does anyone know of another backpack that doesn't look to funky but still is not big enough to make me look like a turtle? Thank you!
Edited by marcus_yam on Mar 22, 2004 at 10:35 PM GMT
Edited by marcus_yam on Mar 22, 2004 at 11:11 PM GMT
I recently got the Lowepro Stealth AW II (link to the LowePro site) to carry my laptop and camera gear. It's big, comfortable and easily holds a LOT of gear. I got mine for around $170 (via Amazon), so you can hopefully find a deal for less than the $220+ most places want for this bag.
I'm not sure where Lowepro is getting that 3.5" measurement, maybe that's how flat it "can" get given it's internal structure.
The 24-70 2.8 with it's hood in the storage position fits in one of the (top/side) internal lens pockets (I can't find the hood width, but the lens is 3.3, so the hood is quite a bit wider). Basically, it's got a TON of room. In just the main section I'm currently carrying 3 wide/large lenses in the lens pockets (including a 70-200 with hood, 1.4 converter, mount ring and quick release all mounted!), a 14" screened Dell laptop in the computer sleeve plus a 10D body, 420EX and 50 1.8 in the internal pockets. I'm planning to add a 100-400 in the next few months and it'll easily fit in the second full-size section. If anyone is interested I can post a few pics of how it looks loaded (but not until this evening, I really need to get to work ).
No pics, I'm afraid, but my Stealth (Mk1) frequently gets loaded up with;
15" screen laptop and PSU
10D & D30
100-400L IS, 70-200/f4 L, 28-135 IS, 50mm/f1.8, Tokina 19-35
Canon 1.4x extender, extension tubes set
BP511 charger
Cables, filters & anything else I can fit in
portable CD player plus box of CDs and spare batteries
book - for reading on the train
lunch
It's a squeeze to get all that in but it does fit - just. A while ago it went through the scanner at Lille Eurostar terminal and they had to ask me to unlock it so they could actually look inside - I'd got it so well packed that they couldn't see everything on the scanner screen ;-)
The one thing that can't be fitted is a tripod - there are no mounts for external bags, etc. on mine and it looks like they haven't added them in the MkII.
I'm using Compu Trekker AW & pretty happy about it. The following of my gears can fit it w/o problem:
D60
70-200 L
17-40L
50
24-135
420EX
TC-80N3
Acer TravelMate 280
Few CF & a backup battery
Tripod (fit outside)
Still has room for second D60 size camera
But it is heavy with all of them fitting in!!! It is like carring a cow on my back
Alright, I'm home and took some (pretty rough, but hopefully useful) pics of the Stealth AW. Because I was using the camera, 50mm and flash they're (obviously) not in the picture so I added a box that's about twice the size of the 10D...
Everything that goes in the bag:
I did have the Stealth Mk I for a while. It is good for long-distance travel when you won't be using the camera much during the travelling time. But since it cannot store the camera body and the lens coupled together, it is rather inaccessible since you'll have to couple/de-couple the camera everytime you want to use the camera/store it into the bag.
Also, it is a rather big bag (pictures make it look smaller than it should be) - although I had never had problems carrying it onboard as a hand-held lugguge piece, it might not clear some smaller planes (like those turboprop ones where they won't allow you to hand-carry the bag - and you'll have to check it in into the luggage hold).
Weigh these in consideration before you buy then. Alternatively you can look into the Stealth 600 or 650 AW if you really want to carry your laptop together with your camera.
Thank you so much for the input. Looks like I will be trying to look for the lowepro compu trekker AW. It seems the most reasonable size and also, I would prefer a backpack since I can't lug sling bags anymore due to a bad back condition. Does anyone know where to find a good deal for the Compu Trekker AW? Thanks!
Just wanted to say thanks to jthurber for taking the time to post photos of his setup.
I haven't made a decision yet. I looked at the Stealth AW in the store. It isn't bad... but maybe a little too large. I'm trying to find someone local who has the Delsey Pro backpack, but haven't been successful yet.
Does anyone that has the CompuTrekker have any input? I am looking for something that can Store my powerbook, store my camera (10d), another body in the future probably 1d form factor, a 100-400 cannon, couple smaller lenses, my gitzo explorer tripod, and here's the kicker a change of clothes. Anyone have input? Thanks so much!
I have the LowePro COMPUTREKKER AW and really like it. It holds my 17" PB, (Although, I'm not able to close the zipper on that compartment, which I knew would happen.) I have a 1D and 4 other lenses I carry without a problem. I haven't tried their integrated tripod carrier since I use a monopod.
I brand new off of eBay for $99 + $20 for shipping. (My local camera store had it for $179.) Here's the eBay store I bought it from:
hey Patrick,
With all that stuff can you still fit maybe a change of clothes and some other over night stuff. Also is the tripod carrier pretty well designed? I've yet to see this thing in person. But it sounds like what I need. Also does your monopod attach to it? or how do you carry it? Also how does this feel over all? Does it feel like a really nice bag? or kind of a cheap high school kids bookbag? Thanks alot,
Scott
My LowePro COMPUTREKKER AW is full with camera equipment so I wouldn't be able to fit any clothes, etc in it. The tripod carrier seems well designed. It's part of the back pocket you see in the pics. It's hidden until you unfold it. The only concern I'd have with it is that the pocket might be too small for the base of some tripods to fit in. Although, now that I say this, you'd only need one of the legs inserted to get full support so I guess that wouldn't be an issue.
As for quality, I was really impressed with the overall construction. It's well made. I just put it on a scale and it weighs 31 lbs with all my gear in it. (Including the 17" PowerBook.) And although I wouldn't want to wear it for 8 hours straight it's still comfortable.
).
i've went ahead with the purchase of the Compu Trekker...!