I am getting totally baffled looking for a bag to carry camera with 70-300mm lens attached, 100mm macro lens and the kit lens. Lots of bags are very boxy and they stick out a mile. I want something that fits fairly snugly to my side with easy access. Looking on line is a minefield. I really don't want to make the wrong choice as lots of the bags are quite pricey.
I was having that same difficulty when looking for a messenger style bag for some of my camera gear. I finally went to a local camera shop and checked them out there and ended up buying one that turned out to be on sale at a good discount. You might need to find a local store and check them out.
I finally went for a back pack for my camera, 70-300 lens, 18-200 lens, my flash and a 18-55 lens. It also holds my batteries, memory cards and cleaning cloths. Very easy to carry and protects every thing
@chris17 -- here's my surprise response for you . . . I'm currently using a diaper bag! http://www.lesportsac.com/store/8063_M049.html It's a Lesport brand, packs completely flat for travel so you can put everything in the roller bag and avoid hauling the weight unnecessarily, and I put each lens in its little suede bag so it's protected, and then each one has a pocket inside the bag to fit into (diaper bags have LOTS of pockets). I did initially buy an insertable lens padded case but it's too bulky for me. I replaced the long strap with a shorter padded suspension strap. There are also two lined bottle holders at each end, inside the bag, and I keep things I need to reach quickly in there -- lens cleaner cloth, blower, etc.
I did also consider the Crumpler Messenger Bags . . .
There are lots of really nice bags out there but they can come with a big price tag. In the end I went to Primark and picked up a big bag from there, sure it doesn't have the inside fittings for the camera and lens but it's big enough to fit two cameras a few lens a tripod and some other bits and pieces and only cost me about £5. :D
I saw bags by Kelly Moore in a local store and like them because they don't look like camera bags, although they certainly are. I'm still deciding about what to get as well. Her website has videos where she explains her bags in detail: http://kellymoorebag.com/
I got a bag from 3 annies... They have some beautiful bags but they are very pricey..... I was quite specific with what i wanted and my bag is PINK (my fav colour) and it also has a spot for my ipad...
I use a shootsac and I really like it for my Canon t3i. It wraps around your body, keeps the lenses snug, and the shoulder strap doesn't dig into you. There are no zipper closers, so I put small stuff in a hard case that fits into a slot. It's draw back is it won't hold your camera safely with a long lens attached. You have to have your camera around you, or detach the lens into the bag. I have acquired additional equipment, and have a larger bag in the car for backups. http://www.shootsac.com/collections/lensbags/products/shootsac-lens-bag
If you want one that looks like a purse or tote bag, check out Epiphanie bags. I have a pink one that holds a full frame camera, three lenses and a laptop. They come in several sizes, styles and colours. Pricey, but worth it. When I'm travelling light, I just pad an old purse and put my camera inside.
I make handbags as a hobby (and in the long run hopefully for profit) and am currently working on my own design for a camera bag that will carry my 60D, macro, 15-85mm and prime lens. It will also need to carry my new zoom lens when I purchase it over the coming months.
Currently I use a lowpro sling - for short walks, shoots.
If I was to head bush (as I often do) I have my Flipside backpack which carries all lenses, tripod and filters and wallet and keys etc. Very comfortable to wear.
@sewsharyn Sharyn, I would be interested in your design as I have the same kit and also need a really nice bag. Let us know when you have finished your prototype !
@chris17 look on etsy.com - lots of camera bags. I have a sling back pack for longer/bigger trips but still haven't found "the" bag for just a little outing. Taken to just carrying my camera on its sling strap.
Have you looked at Crumpler bags? They come in a variety of sizes and colours. I have one for family photo shoots and I can fit in my 70-200mm f2.8, spare batteries and a set of bubble makers (for the children!). They are comfortable to wear and secure with strong velcro and click buckles. They also have a selection of padded bit inside that you can move around to make it a snug fit for kit. http://www.crumpler.eu/index.cfm?seite=photo&sprache=EN
@cazann Could be a while Caz, I have a few orders for general purpose handbags I am working on atm. Will let you know when I have it worked out though. Thanks :))
I wouldnt ever pack my camera with a big lens attached to it. There's just too much bumping around that can happen and it could put too much pressure on your mount point. I'd stick with a smaller lens attached and have the big lens packed next to it.
@sewsharyn - sounds awesome! My wifey is learning to be a handbag designer - for her next project, she's making me a brown leather satchel with orange suede inside and clasps from an italian fittings maker which will enable it to still be a quick release type system.
Sized to fit my 5D3 with a 50mm f1.4 attached, a 70-200 F2.8 and a wide angle lens as well as some space to put a flash, batteries, light meter and spare batteries / cards
I found a youtube video with a better way to arrange dividers in it, so I can have my 70-300mm, 100mm macro, and 50mm f/1.8 in the bag, and still fit in my 6D with my 24-105mm lens attached (or I can have the macro on the camera and the 24-105mm stowed seperately). And I can get to all the lenses from the side opening.
Of course, I carry EVERYTHING with me right now, so most of the time I have a sigma wide angle zoom in the section the camera would normally go in, and am just carrying the camera...
(pack also fits 2 flashes and some other accessories in the top duffle-type pocket, and my ipad fits in the "map" pocket)
I have just finished a 8km hike with my Lowepro Slingshot 300 AW. It is a bit bulky so may not suit, but it fits my E-3 with battery grip, 70-300mm, 8mm fisheye, 35mm macro with 2x converter, my GoPro, spare batteries, gorilla pod, my TG-1 a bottle of water, and it is quite comfy. Although I could prolly fit most of that into a Lowepro Slingshot 200 which my friend has and that's a little less bulky and easier to sling around your waist.
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I did also consider the Crumpler Messenger Bags . . .
http://www.shootsac.com/collections/lensbags/products/shootsac-lens-bag
@chris17
Currently I use a lowpro sling - for short walks, shoots.
If I was to head bush (as I often do) I have my Flipside backpack which carries all lenses, tripod and filters and wallet and keys etc. Very comfortable to wear.
http://www.crumpler.eu/index.cfm?seite=photo&sprache=EN
Thank you for all your ideas. It is clear from the different responses I have a lot more research to do.
That said, if you're looking for something nice, you're pretty spoilt for choice
http://www.undfind.com/one-bag-13-inch-laptop-and-camera-bag/ http://www.onabags.com/ http://kellymoorebag.com/ http://www.epiphaniebags.com/ http://www.huggerbags.co.uk/index.php/dslr-camera-bags-dslr-camera-bags-for-women-c-51_33_43?osCsid=3043ggu80j30caqm7la5fl99l2
Sized to fit my 5D3 with a 50mm f1.4 attached, a 70-200 F2.8 and a wide angle lens as well as some space to put a flash, batteries, light meter and spare batteries / cards
I found a youtube video with a better way to arrange dividers in it, so I can have my 70-300mm, 100mm macro, and 50mm f/1.8 in the bag, and still fit in my 6D with my 24-105mm lens attached (or I can have the macro on the camera and the 24-105mm stowed seperately). And I can get to all the lenses from the side opening.
Of course, I carry EVERYTHING with me right now, so most of the time I have a sigma wide angle zoom in the section the camera would normally go in, and am just carrying the camera...
(pack also fits 2 flashes and some other accessories in the top duffle-type pocket, and my ipad fits in the "map" pocket)