[Jim]

The zip is fuct on mine so needing a new one soonish. Any recomendations for a dslr with a biggish lens on?

Tarlymuchly

[GCW]

I've had a LowePro for ages, got it cheap and it's been solid.  Older version of this I guess.
Depends how big yon lens is.

[slackline]

I started with one similar to GCW but found it a bit bulky.

Opted for one of these and find it excellent.  Holds the D50 with 18-100mm lens (quite large) fine and space in the front pocket for lens hood and 50mm prime.  Only down side was that the shoulder strap was just the cord, but swapped the padded strap from the other bag over and its very comfy to carry.

Have heard some people rave about Crumpler Bags but haven't tried one so can't comment.

[dave]

I can totally recommend a Lowepro Nova 2 AW - bood build quality, lifetime guarantee, raincover (very worth having) and loads of room without being too big - i regularly carried 2 bodies (or 1 and a flash) plus 3 lenses and a shit load of batteries/cards/film/filters. Personally I woulnd't go bigger than the Nova 2 for a shoulder bag cos when full it can be heavy, so anything bigger would be murder to carry (if you need more space get a small rucksack). The only thing i would say about the Novas is the shoulder straps are shite - they're curved to be carried on one shoulder like photojournalist, but for any duration  you want it across the opposite shoulder like a bandolier, so it will cut in like fuck - i replaced mine with any old flat strap off ebay which is great. The other thing to watch out for is make sure you get a recent model with metal end clips on the straps - not so long ago they were plastic only and when loaded up mine failed dropping the bag to the floor at magic wood - luckily it was fine but had it happened at the top of stanage or whatever i'd have trashed the gear. hence why they switched to metal ones.

I've also got an old Topload Zoom 1,  which is great for just a single body, going light etc, but i wouldn't really recommend this style of bag as your main bag unless you're a comitted 1-lens-fits-all shooter, cos you only need to buy another lens or a flash and a few filters and hey presto you've outgrown it.

[Obi-Wan is lost...]

Another vote for Lowepro. I've used/checked out several makes in the past and always go back to Lowepro. Some makes are silly prices. Some have feeble/bulky padding. I think it should be quite high density but quite thin like in most Lowepro's. Work has some Crumpler camcorder cases and compact cases. Reasonable well designed and funky colours but I still prefer Lowepro. Used to have a mini-trekker before it got nicked along with all my 35mm kit.

[Jim]

was thinking of getting the nikon system bag. anyone got one or used one?

[dave]

nikon don't make bags so it'll be another maufacturer's model rebadged - looks like it could be Crumpler? if its cheap, and you want a Crumpler, it could be a good buy. I got a lowepro rucksack on clearance for well under half price because it was a nikon branded one.

[Jim]

they used to be £35 and are going for about £20 so seems like a good buy

[Bubba]

I've got a crumpler and they're super burly. And nice colours and stuff.

[SA Chris]

And the models have good names; Warm Shower, Pyjama Pride and Opulent Rooster.

[DubDom]

i use one of these for various cameras and find it a good bag:

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Photo-Runner,1991,7.htm

[SA Chris]

Am looking for a rucksack type bag for carrying camera, 3/4 lenses, maybe flash and or tripod.

Got a crappy old shoulder bag, but way too bulky and uncomfortable to carry.

Lowepro minitrekker looks like a good choice, anyone got any alternatives?

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Mini-Trekker-AW,1965,14.htm


Also, any clues as to where photo was taken?

http://www.lowepro.com/

Probably sandstone, but looks vaguely british / grittish. Apart from blue sky.

[slackline]

Quite a few people seem to rate the Crumpler bags

Never owned/tried one so can't say if they're any good or not, but they seem a popular choice (and are less obviously camera bags).

[cofe]

Lowepro minitrekker looks like a good choice, anyone got any alternatives?

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Mini-Trekker-AW,1965,14.htm

i've got one. it's good. i can get plenty of stuff in it. never used it to carry a tripod though - i just stick that over my shoulder. might be easier with lighter tripods.

lowepro also do some newer ones which open from the back. makes sense.

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Flipside-400-AW,2116,14.htm

i like the look of the f-stop bags but it's nigh on imfuckingpossible to find info about them in UK.

[SA Chris]

Quite a few people seem to rate the Crumpler bags

Never owned/tried one so can't say if they're any good or not, but they seem a popular choice (and are less obviously camera bags).

As per your earlier post on this topic

Look pretty dear, and can't see one that will carry a tripod. Get the feeling that fashion is overruling function.

[SA Chris]

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Flipside-400-AW,2116,14.htm

Flipside looks like a good alternative, but is a bit bigger and doesn't have tripod carry function, which I would quite like to have, given some plans I have for taking pics.

Plus is the description it says it only has storage for 3 memory cards

[Tris]

Am looking for a rucksack type bag for carrying camera, 3/4 lenses, maybe flash and or tripod.

Got a crappy old shoulder bag, but way too bulky and uncomfortable to carry.

Lowepro minitrekker looks like a good choice, anyone got any alternatives?

I have got the Slingshot 200, it takes my SLR and 4 lenses. It's great as you don't have to take it off to get the camera out, you just slide it round. A big plus when climbing...

http://products.lowepro.com/product/SlingShot-200-AW,2035,4.htm

The thing I like most is the padding, my kit seems very protected to me. You need this carrying a few grands worth of kit up a mountain
I have taken in on big multi-pitch climbs in the lakes no problems!!

It cost me £30 on Amazon..

Not sure it will fit a tripod though

[dave]

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Flipside-400-AW,2116,14.htm

Flipside looks like a good alternative, but is a bit bigger and doesn't have tripod carry function, which I would quite like to have, given some plans I have for taking pics.

The tripod thing on the minitrekker is like carrying iceaxes on your rucksac axe loops. I.e. you wouldn't be seen dead doing it. It puts the tripod in the worst possible position for carrying a heavy object i.e. miles from your back, will swing around the place and probably twat you or other people in the face when you take the bag on or off, and will make it awkward chucking the bag in your car etc, and makes it less likely you'll be bothered to get the tripod out and use it. Like Cofe says, just use a seperate tripod strap or man up and carry it in hand.

An alternative to the minitrekker is the microtrekker 200. I've got both and the 200 is only marginally smaller, and a lot cheaper. You can still get in it say a DSLR with lens, medium format with lens then plus another 5 lenses/flashes, and thats without having to resort to the big outer pocket. The flipmode bags look good but i remember the smaller ones are quite long and narrow making them unsuitable for some stuff. Plus since they're newer you're less likely to find them going cheap on deals etc. Its not uncommon to find brand new minitrekkers for £50 and micro200 for £30. always worth buying new rather than second hand with lowepro cos you get lifetime guarantee.

the only downsides to these bags are the carrying systems are pretty basic, but to be honest i've not found it to be a problem, and my micro200 is often overloaded up to fuck.

[slackline]

Look pretty dear, and can't see one that will carry a tripod. Get the feeling that fashion is overruling function.

The impression I got too, hence not having purchased one.  But since others like them thought I'd repeat myself (I've not done enough of that lately  ).

[SA Chris]

Will need to rethink the tripod carrying options if that's the case, as not ideal carrying it by hand when on bike or snowboard.

[cofe]

it's even trickier if you have stuff in the front pocket of the microtrekker as the tripod (obviously) won't bend around it. it might not be too bad if it's a cheaper, lighter tripod, but then do you need to carry it in that case?

for biking i use a deuter transalp bag with a lowepro nova 2 AW inside the top bit (straps and clutter removed). this holds camera and 2-4 lenses, including heavy ones. and i've also carried flashes and the like. done some decent length rides without too much discomfort - it's a proper backpack which helps. i assume it would be fine for boarding too.

[SA Chris]

Hmm, the more I think about it, it may be a better idea to go for one of the slingshot types that is big enough to hold all the kit I need and can be used on its own, but is small enough that I can put into one of the numerous packs i have if needed, for skiing, biking etc.

Cheers for the help people.

[dave]

Will need to rethink the tripod carrying options if that's the case, as not ideal carrying it by hand when on bike or snowboard.

i've just thought, the microtrekker 200 has got 2 straps on the base for carrying extra shit, you could put a trppod across there if it was very compact (say 12-14" long) without it interfering with anything or getting on your tits.

[SA Chris]

Cool, will go into town and see if they have any so i can get an idea of suitability. I think tripod may be a bit long to sit comfortably though.

List of shops to look in;

1) Jessops

(Aberdeen shopping sucks)

[Johnny Brown]

I've had two Mini Trekkers, really rate them. Try and track down the 'classic', it has a better front pocket doesn't bother with a tripod mount (straps on base tho). Bit big for boarding and biking.

For that kind of stuff I've got a Lowe Inverse 100 which is a hybrid bum/ shoulder bag. Very good.

[cofe]

is the tripod a must? i wouldn't strap to base of a bag if biking etc. AW cover is handy if you get stranded on bike.

[SA Chris]

Had a look in town - had one in Jessops and slingshot 100 in John lewis - looks a bit small, 200 might be just the job.

Am keen to get into forests next spring to get pics in the Granite City Rally, as well as a few other projects, hence need for tripod on bike - won't be any riding too techy though.

I think slingshot looks to be way to go, and I can then put it in either my snowboarding daypack or the pack I use for ski touring if i am doing any days where i can't carry tripod. Both have shedloads of straps, any of which will be fine for my tripod, which is reasonably lightweight.

[Tris]

I think slingshot looks to be way to go

You know it makes sense

You won't be disappointed... I also had the same dilemma, thought the 100 was too small, and the 300 too big.

The only possible bad thing is that it has too many little pockets - if you can't remember which one you put your memory card in, it can take a while to go through them all - about 20 in total

[David S]

Check out Think Tank for awesome bags that are built like - well - tanks

http://www.thinktankphoto.com

[slackline]

Check out Think Tank for awesome bags that are built like - well - tanks

http://www.thinktankphoto.com

Do these tanks think? 

[dave]

they should do at those prices.

[SA Chris]

What I thought. Really nice but a bit on the steep side.

[JamesD]

I've owned/own Kata, Thinktank, and Lowepro stuff, here's my two pence as a working professional:
Kata or Thinktank are the two best out there, as far as I am concerned, haven't owned thinktank stuff long enough to comment on the durability (just over a year for most of it right now), but after 3 years of professional daily use and abuse, my Kata stuff still looks in perfect condition, and I have lots of thinktank stuff that is used for weddings and event work, where it is forever getting hurled around, bumped/scuffed, having gear stuffed into and taken out of it quickly, and so far after a year of heavy use my thinktank modular belt system still looks as mint as the day I bought it (albeit a little dirty).
The one thing that I don't like about the Lowe-pro stuff, is not so much the durability of the bags, but more the durability of the padding/protection used in them, it seems to have compressed/become less effective over several years, whereas the Kata still seems as solid as the day I bought it, not forgetting that Kata offers far more innovative materials and construction with their bags regardless.
They are so far ahead of the game compared to everyone else in that respect...but then again what do you expect from guys that supply the U.S. Infantry and the M.O.D. to name but a few 

[Durbs]

Not on your budget, but lovely Kata backpack going cheap(er) on Warehouse Express:
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-kata-dr-467-dps-digital-rucksack-black/p1024035

Also have a "Naneu" (never heard of) for £20, but won't take a tripod
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-naneu-quantaray-u30-backpack-red/p1518511

Yay for January sales

[JamesD]

I wouldn't bother with the cheapy ones if it is going to get regular use/abuse, they are durable but don't offer the padding and user-comfort of the better models.
This is about as cheap as it gets for something decent that will offer really good protection for your gear and is comfortable to carry big loads with:

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-kata-r-103-gdc-rucksack/p1008673

They are so well protected, I have an older much larger version of this kind of design (BP-206 or something like that) and I have literally thrown it from about 10-15ft up onto hard concrete without worrying about my stuff, it is that good, and it is that tough, plus the semi-hard shell section works really well too.
The inside is really well laid out and space efficient....
When I used to shoot a lot of interiors I used to be able to carry 4 hotshoe flashes, 5 pocket-wizards, 3 lighting brackets, 2 light stands, a colour gel book, camera, wide-angle lens, HV lumedyne power packs x 2 with the relevant cables, and miscellaneous spare cables, along with my laptop, all in the one bag....the only thing I carried by hand was my tripod!

[dave]

I have literally thrown it from about 10-15ft up onto hard concrete

Begs the question, why?

[JamesD]

I was chucking stuff down from a Mezzanine to the guy assisting me on the day, I didn't realise he had gone off to the car to load some bits up, and I kind of dropped the bag in the same spot without looking, all the equipment inside was absolutely fine, I don't think I would have been quite so carefree if it was one of my lowe-pro bags though, they are not quite so confidence inspiring. My think tank bits aren't bags, I just have their whole modular speed-belt system (more like a selection of holsters attached to a belt), great kit but not designed to be chucked about, so doesn't need the kind of padding that Kata bags have, the build quality and materials used however, are superb.

[Paul B]

anyone got a crumpler 5 or 6 million dollar home?

[hairich]

paul there were crumplers in tk max today 10 pound got myself a nice satchel

[Paul B]

in the town center? Do they have inserts or anything?

[Paul B]

paul there were crumplers in tk max today 10 pound got myself a nice satchel

Bubbs rang up and they're now out I'm afraid.

Nobody got one of these? I hear good things but the last thing I read was they're not very water proof which is a bit of an issue in the good 'ol UK?

[Bubba]

I checked the Pistol Creeks TK-Max too and they had none either

The fabric is pretty water resistant but in a windy rainstorm I suspect mine would leak due to the design. They're not all-season pro bags but then how many of us take photos in the pissing rain anyway?

[Houdini]

Crumpler produce is fine.  Paid €160 for my laptop bag, which seems steep, yet has a 30 year warrantee (!) and I would say it could easily handle being dropped from a bike etc..

[Paul B]

good piece of mind. Ta.

[dave]

Crumpler produce is fine.  Paid €160 for my laptop bag, which seems steep, yet has a 30 year warrantee (!)

I wipe my arse with 30 year warranties. Lowepro give you a lifetime warranty.

[JamesD]

Kata
ThinkTank
Lowepro

In that order, all infinitely better than crumpler, all will give you years of good service without falling apart, and all of them will give you superior protection over crumpler or any of that other budget stuff out there.

Kata know how to make good protection....since they have a pretty interesting background

http://www.kata-bags.com/about.asp?page=12

Thinktank are a fairly new brand, but took a lot of cues from Kata and put there products through a very extensive prototyping process.

Lowepro still produce good quality stuff, but its just good quality, its not innovative ground-breaking, or amazing in anyway, they're a little bit stuck in the past with technology, Lowepro produce stuff that satisfies me, but Kata and Thinktank produce stuff that impresses me.

For instance at the last London Fashion Week I attended, half of the press snappers that previously would be using lowe-pro shoulder bags have now switched to a think-tank modular holster system, quicker, comfier, no more constant back aches all day!
and their airport range is probably the best out there, arguably better than Kata's since it doesn't quite scream "Rob me i'm a photogapher!" as much as Kata stuff might

[Bubba]

To be fair, Crumpler don't fall apart either, and they actually look nice unlike most "proper" photo bags.

It depends really on your expectations - an amateur may well want something that looks sexy, and is a nice bit of luggage to boot, whereas a "pro" will of course have different priorities.

[Johnny Brown]

You can't get a bag really suited to climbing in the UK. Either its a camera bag, and you can't fit your climbing gear in, or you just stuff a camera bag in your climbing sac.

Shame you can't get f-stop gear in the uk yet.

[cofe]

I'm still waiting for fstop too. Only gear I'd consider swapping to from lowepro

[Bubba]

Those look yummy - won't they ship to the UK direct?

[Plattsy]

They do look great. Having look around this is an online dealer who ships to the uk. Doesn't appear the bigger rucksacks are available though.

http://www.shoebuy.com/f-stop-camera-bags.htm

[JamesD]

To be fair, Crumpler don't fall apart either, and they actually look nice unlike most "proper" photo bags.

It depends really on your expectations - an amateur may well want something that looks sexy, and is a nice bit of luggage to boot, whereas a "pro" will of course have different priorities.

They don't fall apart, but they don't wear well compared to the better quality stuff (I say this from experience), sure they are better than your generic cheapy budget stuff from Jessops or whatever, and for what it is crumpler stuff is ok. I have a crumpler laptop semi hard (ooh er missus) shell case thats been alright, but the main thing for me is, I think the level of protection they offer is somewhat lacking compared to the higher quality brands.
Plus my Kata bag is supremely comfortable, amazing soft memory type foam stuff in the straps, with breathable lining, plush padded back, etc etc..
I haven't tried anything that comes close apart from other Kata bags, in terms of comfort.

As you said it depends what you want what your priorities are etc, for me its all about the function, durability, and I couldn't care less how it looks as long as its black/another generic dark colour, protects my gear, and lasts a long time.
But thats just my perspective, and opinion if you want a sexy piece of luggage then you probably don't need the tank like durability, and functions etc that I am going on about, so just ignore me and get whatever you think looks nice 

[Paul B]

I've just picked up my new "6 million dollar home". I don't know who on here stated that crumpler don't offer as much protection as lowepro but they're severely wrong. If I compare the dividing inserts for both bags Crumpler wins hands down (I'll provide photographic "science" if necessary).
The carrying strap is much more comfortable than my lowepro bag despite the bag attached to it being triple the size.
It seems to be the second generation of these bags and they seem really well designed (you can even cover over the velcro should you require no velcro noise). Plus with what I paid (slightly more than half of f*ck all) its value for money is unbeatable compared to the other options.