Camera bag advice

[Neal]

I'm looking for a bit of advice on buying a camera bag. I've currently got a film SLR and 2 lenses (28-80mm & 70-210mm) but will eventually get a DSLR. I want a bag that will fit the SLR, both lenses and a point-and-shoot without being overly bulky. I'm thinking a shoulder bag would be best but I'm open to suggestions and will spend up to about £30.

I haven't been to a shop so my ideas are purely based on checking out product info and reviews online but my shortlist so far from Lowepro is Nova 140 AW, Nova 160 AW, Rezo 140 AW and Rezo 160 AW .

Does anyone know if the "140" size bags will be too small for what I'm after and which model is better? Also any other suggestions?

Cheers

Neal

 

[waggles]

I don't know if Crumpler bags exist in the UK (I think they do), but they are excellent.

Stacks of room, really well built, reasonable padding, they look sexy, and relatively good value.

 

[TB]

It appears to me that the 140's will be too small for both lenses. Between those 4, I think I'd opt for the Nova 160.

Unless your more inclined towards the shoulder bags, it looks like the Fastpack 100 might fit the bill, too. Edit: Looks like prices are all over the place for the 100, some most well over your £30 limit.

I don't know if Crumpler bags exist in the UK (I think they do), but they are excellent.

There were 9 items under ~£30, none of which would hold an SLR and 2 lenses.

 

[waggles]

Fair enough.

Although, of you're getting a new camera, see what you can wheedle out of the storeperson. I wheedled out a tripod and my case with my dad, have a go yourself.

 

[Neal]

Crumpler bags do look pretty cool but they also seem quite a bit more expensive over here and I'm quite a cheap skate I'll have a look into them though and see if I can hunt down a bargain. I'm not getting a new DSLR yet and it will likely be a while before I do so just need the bag for now to carry the film SLR. Actually after using the SLR I'm surprised how much more enjoyable it is using a proper camera with a proper view finder than a digital compact. I've got my fingers crossed I haven't taken a whole roll of ruined photos as manual focus and no image stabilisation is very new to me, I'll find out soon.

I kind of thought the 140 size bags would be a bit too small especially as I will want throw a compact camera in sometimes. I was erring towards the Nova 160 as it seems a bit better spec than the Rezo and isn't much more expensive.

I've found the Fastpack 100 for £31 delivered so it's not out the price range but I'm very much undecided on getting a backpack. I'll probably be using my Camelbak if I'm out for any length of time or on a ride so would be looking for something to put fit in that although that would be quite a faff then getting at the camera. To be honest the selection just from Lowepro is a bit overwhelming so I'm not sure what would suit me best

 

[Neal]

I went for the Lowepro Nova 160 which arrived yesterday. It looks bigger than I thought it would but glad I didn't go for anything smaller as it only just fits a film SLR, extra lens and point and shoot in the main compartment. Once I eventually get a DSLR it'll be perfect for days out when I only want an extra lens and flash or 2 extra lenses. I'll no doubt get a backpack as well when I get the DSLR for longer trips.

The Nova 160 is very well made and seems pretty comfy and easy to use and access. There's plenty of pockets and the mesh pouches at either end will come in handy, the rain cover is a bit of a faff but it would probably only be needed in torrential rain. I'm also happy that is looks fairly discrete and not obviously like a specific camera bag so shouldn't stand out too much.

 

[TB]

I went for the Lowepro Nova 160 which arrived yesterday. It looks bigger than I thought it would but glad I didn't go for anything smaller

I had the same "problem" with my Fastpack.

Congrats on the new gear!

 

[boiltheocean]

Nice. I got a similar bag when I got my DSLR but now I've got a couple of film cameras and another lens it can be a real struggle to fit them all in, I'll probably get a proper backpack as I found shoulder bags annoy me when carrying them all day.

 

[Neal]

Cheers guys, it's always good getting new stuff

There's no way you'd get 2 SLR's of any kind in it so I'll definitely be getting something bigger when I get my next camera but it'll still be useful when I don't want to be the pack horse. I did consider a sling bag instead of a shoulder bag but you might as well just get a backpack if you're getting something that size. I've just been out with it and it can fly around when I'm bending down to pick my son up but putting the strap across my chest stops that and is still comfy enough. I may fix it to my chest using a couple of carabinas and the D rings of my backpack on full days out walking but then I really would look like a packhorse!

 

[Beerz]

Might as well use this topic to grab some opinions.
I'm thinking of getting a used Lowepro Slingshot 202AW, does anyone know if they're as practical and comfortable as advertised?

As far as room and compartments for all I have (and am thinking of getting in a near future) it's almost perfect, so no issues there. I'll be using it mostly for outdoor photography, but especially going to motorsport events (Estoril, Portimão and Braga circuits).

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance. 👍

 

[TB]

I'm thinking of getting a used Lowepro Slingshot 202AW, does anyone know if they're as practical and comfortable as advertised?

I was considering the Slingshot before deciding on the Fastpack because I thought the single shoulder strap wouldn't be as comfortable as the full backpack. After having used the Fastpack for the first real world test this weekend, I'm glad I went that direction. The Fastpack was on from 10am-4pm except for when I had to take it off to go on the rides with the kids. I don't foresee having the weight (which will get worse as more gear is added) on only one shoulder as being nearly as comfortable for that amount of time.

That said, if the bag is more for transport to and from and/or not worn as long, the sling might work out just fine.

 

[Speedster502]

I essentially use the same bag as TB, and I've had it on from 10am till 6pm on some motorsport events and it never gets uncomfortable plus has space for all my camera equipment and even room for a waterproof if the weather turns bad and my packed lunch! Fantastic bag can't fault it.

Plus the added feature of being able to get your camera out without taking the bag off completely means that it's nice and quick to get the camera out if something interesting is happening. I've personally not seen the Slingshot before, but I think that it depends on how much you think you will need your bag, I mean I go to motorsports on a frequent basis so I need equipment to last all day: batteries, CF cards, lenses, lens hood, polariser, UV filter, water proof, events timetable, sun cream, wallet, phone, keys and of course lunch. And it all fits in my bag. But if I were just going for a walk I perhaps wouldn't take everything so a smaller bag may be more useful. If that makes sense.

Hope this helps!

 

[Beerz]

Thanks a lot for the feedback, guys. 👍
I'll have a look at the Fastpack too, see it if suits me.