Can anyone recommend a camera bag that might suit my needs? I want a ruck sack style that sits either over two shoulders or one. I want to carry my DSLR and a spare lens, plus a water bottle, but I would also like room for a folded lightweight rain jacket! If it has an attachment for a monopod so much the better but that's optional. Thanks!
I have the Lowepro 200 fastpack. It has plenty of room for DSLR 2-3 lenses, a top separate section for other stuff and a net thing on the side for a drink bottle. It is well padded and has a quick action side zipper access to the camera. It is not too big and doesn't look too much like a camera bag. I find it really useful. Happy hunting.
@hamble Hi, now that is a subject that will have people thinking. Must admit I have been searching for the perfect bag, not done it yet. So my solution was to create my own. Have a rucksack that I have padded with foam bought a large sheet from the market and cut it as I want it. Also allows me to use a shoulder bag that is not camera branded so no trouble re thieves eyeing the bag up re brand. Hope this helps, means you get a bit more flexibility.
I have something similar to what @spanner has (forget the brand specifics)... Has all the same features except mine doesn't have the quick access zipper - I quick access zipper is the one thing it's missing :0
I have tried so many in the store and I keep thinking and thinking because nothing feels right. What I have done in the meantime is make a bag for outings when I want it all. I use my backpack, place my lowepro that can hold three things (usually my camera with zoom on and two other lenses, but it's tight) in the bottom. I switch that bag to the "lens bag" so I can have three lenses handy. I close the bag but have it unzipped, but since it is firmly in the bottom of my backpack, it's not going anywhere. I then close the lid, place my camera with another lens on it and then open it from the backpack zipper for when I need it, then put it back on top to walk more if I don't want to hand it on my neck and just travel some walking. Last, I can put a tripod in there to the side. Oh, and I use the front pocket for my waterbottle or tissues or anything extra (snack). I have probably confused you a bunch, but I have not found any sling styles that don't hurt, and I don't like fashion over function because the bags feel heavy or they just haven't hit my fancy yet. Otherwise, I use my lowepro every day if I just want my camera and two lenses. It's just a regular bag. I do love lowepro products and they are durable. Just not that much to look at.
I've tried many bags even went so far as to make my own purse style bag. Last summer, I finally settled on a decent backpack (Swiss Gear). It was perfect when we travelled in California last summer. It doubles as my laptop bag. I like it because it doesn't scream camera or laptop. It's super roomy and because all of my camera equipment (canon 60d plus 4 lenses total) is heavy, the shoulder straps distribute the weight evenly. I think it's a lot personal preference. If you like stylish - this may not work. Try out different ones and you'll settle on one you like.
Like @padlock I am always searching for the ideal bag. I only have a small snapper but there is always the need for space for the accessories and ancillary items plus all those girly things that we need to carry! I have settled on a satchel style bag that doesn't scream "expensive!" or "camera!" (or both at the same time!)
@tara11@creampuff Thanks for the reply. I agree, its probably very sensible not to advertise the fact that you're carrying camera gear, I think converting a regular backpack is the answer!
You might want to look at diaper bags. Google "diaper bag backpack." Diaper bags don't scream "camera!" and they have a good number of padded (included bottle-shaped) compartments.
@sjoblues I used an old camera bag as a nappy bag! I agree though, a decent nappy bag will hold everything perfectly, be shower proof and not look worth stealing.
I've tried a few LowePro bags and am currently using a Slingshot 202AW. It sits nicely across the body and doesn't move around too much even when part empty. The way you can swing it around to get things out without having to take it off is a big plus.
@mats365@darylo Daryl is right -- both Junko found the original one and then I bought one. It has several pockets, central zipper area, etc. So it works quite well as a camera bag. It's not padded well so I just keep my lenses in their felt cases. What I like is it is flat, fits in my suitcase, so even if I travel with a more padded backpack, when I get to my destination, I have a lighter weight cross-shoulder strap case that works easily while walking. For hiking, I'd probably use a backpack instead, just so it wouldn't swing around.
Here's the style we both have, though in different patterns: http://www.zappos.com/lesportsac-jessi-baby-bag-black?ef_id=UOIxvAAAS63cbF@-:20140719013412:s
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I've tried a few LowePro bags and am currently using a Slingshot 202AW. It sits nicely across the body and doesn't move around too much even when part empty. The way you can swing it around to get things out without having to take it off is a big plus.
Here's the style we both have, though in different patterns: http://www.zappos.com/lesportsac-jessi-baby-bag-black?ef_id=UOIxvAAAS63cbF@-:20140719013412:s
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/products/jessops/tecno-rucksack-83193/show.html