Recommend me a good Camera Bag

So, I need a new camera bag. My old one somehow got lost when I moved from my dorm to my new duplex...but my camera and lenses are all with me (I don't get it either, don't worry).

I like to hike, but only occasionally, since my university has a nice nature park.

I use an Olympus E-500 and have the two kit Zuiko lenses (14-45mm and 40-150mm) and I just recently received the 50mm macro lens. Chances are these are all I'll use for a good year or two (broke college student). I also like to carry around a spiral notebook and a pen. Tripod addition will probably happen soon, so the ability to attach a tripod bag or room for a tripod would be great.

I looked at the Lowepro Slingshot series, the 100 model looked really nice, but I'm afraid to bite the bullet on something just yet (see broke college student).

Also, due to my location, I have a very limited ability to go somewhere and try out bags, so a list of what to look for should I make the hour trip to Indianapolis is what I'm looking for.

I have the Slingshot 200 model and have been very happy with it. I have a pretty modest set of stuff, Canon 400D with a Sigma 18-200 lens and a 50mm prime along with a flash. It holds everything I need and still has room left over to cram other random things inside. I have found it quite comfortable even for whole days of walking around. There are some loops and such here and there that you could probably tie a tripod to, though I have not really tried that myself. I really like how it is easy to swing around from your back to access the camera. Pretty much everything has a nice little spot and they are quite well positioned imo. It's not for everyone or everything, but I definitely recommend it. The 100 model is a bit smaller and if you are thinking of future planning, you may want to invest in the slightly larger model. I was debating over the 100/200 when I purchased too and am glad I went for the larger one.


Also, http://www.cambags.com/ is a really good site if you want to try and get an idea of how much you can stuff inside various bags.

FuSoYa said:

I have the Slingshot 200 model and have been very happy with it. I have a pretty modest set of stuff, Canon 400D with a Sigma 18-200 lens and a 50mm prime along with a flash. It holds everything I need and still has room left over to cram other random things inside. I have found it quite comfortable even for whole days of walking around. There are some loops and such here and there that you could probably tie a tripod to, though I have not really tried that myself. I really like how it is easy to swing around from your back to access the camera. Pretty much everything has a nice little spot and they are quite well positioned imo. It's not for everyone or everything, but I definitely recommend it. The 100 model is a bit smaller and if you are thinking of future planning, you may want to invest in the slightly larger model. I was debating over the 100/200 when I purchased too and am glad I went for the larger one.


Also, http://www.cambags.com/ is a really good site if you want to try and get an idea of how much you can stuff inside various bags.

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I also reccomend the Slingshot 200, I have it and love it.

Do you want a shoulder bag or a backpack? Domke makes great stuff, doesn't look as sexy as some of the Tamrac or Lowepro stuff, but it's very functional. I'm using a J-803 and it's great, space for a body, 3 lenses, and a flash. There are 2 big pockets on the front for accessories and a place in the back that you could stick a notebook.

Question for the slingshot owners: Do you find the one shoulder design uncomfortable when wearing for longer walks (like 2 hours or so)? That would be my biggest problem is the shoulder strain if I take it on a hike.

I know a lot of hobby photographers have more than one bag, but that's not feasible for me right now, so I'm looking for a good all around one.

Back pack or sling wouldn't really matter so long as it's not going to be terribly uncomfortable after an hour or two of walking.

I am not a fan of sling bags at all. Indeed (to me anyhow) they get very uncomfortable during long walks.

My most used bag (I have quite a few) is the Lowepro Mini-Trekker. It is a smallish backpack that can carry a surprising amount of gear (including a tripod). Check it out:

hmm how about this camera bag



it keeps your beverages cool too

I have the Slingshot 100 and love it.

It's big enough for a Canon Rebel XT, 50mm f/1.8 lens, 18-55mm IS lens, 55-250mm IS lens, 430ex flash unit, and assorted stuff like charger.

I love it. It's fine on my shoulder for a few hours.

Anything by Lowepro that fits your needs will be great.

Be sure to check out http://www.cambags.com/

I made the drive to town today and went into a local camera store. The guy there said the same things as you guys and was very helpful. I decided on the Lowepro 200, he gave me a deal for it (79.99, cheaper than amazon). It's really comfortable, but I'll have to see what my final opinion is after a good walk.

That mini-trekker is hot, I may look into it if I find this one too uncomfortable. We'll see... hopefully I can afford a second bag if it turns out this way.

Crapinapale said:

Question for the slingshot owners: Do you find the one shoulder design uncomfortable when wearing for longer walks (like 2 hours or so)? That would be my biggest problem is the shoulder strain if I take it on a hike.

I know a lot of hobby photographers have more than one bag, but that's not feasible for me right now, so I'm looking for a good all around one.

Back pack or sling wouldn't really matter so long as it's not going to be terribly uncomfortable after an hour or two of walking.

Click to expand...

Well this is a bit late, but I hope the slingshot works out for you. I wore my slingshot 200 with the above gear around India for almost everyday of a two week trip where most of my time was spent on foot walking and it never caused me any trouble. Now if you have the amount of stuff PS-RagE does, then the weight on a single shoulder may get to you, but it is surprisingly stable with the extra strap on and the single shoulder has good padding to it. Good luck!