Bigger Bag Advice

I currently own 3 bags, a Lowepro TZ5 holster type bag, Pentax shoulder bag (which came with the Kx), and a Slinghshot 100.

All are excellent, however problems arise when using either of the bigger bags, when the 55-300 is mounted; it simply won't fit the Pentax bag with another lens stored in the main compartment, whilst in the Slingshot its a very tight squeeze.

Its also a very tight squeeze, if at all possible, to store the 55-300 in the Slingshot whilst not in use.

Therefore I think that I need a bigger bag

The two I've been considering are the Slingshot 202AW and the Fastpack 200. Both are similarly priced, whilst I seem to think that the camera compartment of the Slingshot is a bit bigger.

I like the easy access of the Slingshot, but am unsure of how comfortable it would be for a some hours' use (I've haven't used mine extensively enough). Perhaps the Fastpack would be more comfortable, but not so convenient to gain access to the camera? Also the camera compartment might be smaller?

I hope to upgrade to a K5 in the not too distant future, so a new bag would have to be big enough to accommodate this as well.

What are your thoughts/advice on these two, or others?

Many thanks
Adrian

I think you've already named the pro's and con's here.
Kata also have bags that looks the same but they are adaptable so you can make a Slingshot or fastpack type of bag by removing or adding a shoulder strap.

http://www.kata-bags.com/productFRM2HS.asp?p_Id=432&Version=Photo
This one should be big enough, they also have a smaller and bigger version and for all sizes they have one with and without laptop compartment.

Not saying it's better but it might also be an option.

Go to a store that have a lot of bags and simply try them all out, you will find the one you like quite fast if you can hold and feel the bag. Photo's don't tell everything and everyone is different.

Btw also try Tamrac and Crumpler, all these brands are quite different in their design and one might fit you better then another.

Have you looked at Tamrac?

Tamrac have a fine range of bags, as do Think Tank, Kata and if you want to spend more on a bag, Billigham and Domke. Camera Armor (who are owned by Lowepro nowadays I believe) also have some bags now.

In my experience Crumpler bags do not carry as much as Crumpler claim, so I'd probably give them a miss.

The best way, if at all possible, is really to go and see the bags and get a feel for them and how much they really will hold. Plus the weight of them - some are so heavy empty they would be awful to carry for long periods when full of gear too. Failing that have a look at various online shops and just see what appeals - but do make a note of the weight of the bag before deciding.

How big?

I'm looking to change my bag as well and am almost set on the Tamrac 3447 link.

I have tested it for fit and can put in:

K10D + DA*16-50 mounted
K10D + DA*50-135 mounted
2x Metz 58
4x Cactus V5
Spare batteries, cards, remote releases
Laptop
Tamron 90mm Di
and still have space for a small prime (maybe two or three if I had the Ltds).

I bought a Lowpro bag from these people http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/getthere.html The reason I mention it is they have all makes a types of bag on display in a show room. They encourage you to take your gear and try it in the bags.

Having said that there is a law which states "lenses expand to exceed the bag available"

Carry less lenses?

Thanks for all the advice and suggestions.
However in my part of the world, camera shops are a rarity (nothing much in the local Currys and PC World).

Unfortunately trying out before buying isn't an option

However I've gone back to the Slingshot, and have managed to pack the 2 Sigmas and Kx mounted with the 55-300 into the main compartment.
It would also seem that the 55-300 will als0 fit when not mounted, although I've yet to try this.

It's a fairly tight fit, and the pack is a bit bulky.
I'll have to give this setup a try, see how it feels for comfort etc.

BTW has anybody any experience of the Lowepro Versapack 200 AW, as this seems very versatile.

Regards
Adrian

Adrian

I have the versa pack. I bought it recently and have used it a few of times. Its comfortable and holds the k20 with 16 - 50 plus the 50- 135 with some space for a smaller lens.

There are pleanty of pockets for cards etc. and the top compartment is not a bad size for a light jacket/sandwich etc. You can strap on pouches for extra lenses. The lowepro waterbottle pouch actualy takes a 400ml Vango flask which I find useful. The tripod straps seem good but I have not tried them yet.

For practical videos see
link

This even shows how to adapt the insides!

At the moment I am very happy with it.SRS were the cheapest price when the forum free postage was included.

Dave

Have you been to Cambrian in Bae Colwyn,

They always have a good range of bags...

My problem is having to deal with 3 different systems and getting a bag to deal with the D3 and it's paraphenalia is a mare. Whatever I get for that isn't suitable for the Pentax gear as it will end up rattling about. My Mamiya occupies my old Jessops Centon bag I bought when I had a camera and 2 lenses - it fits in there perfectly. I now have 5 bags....

I find the Vertex 200 superb for my gripped D700, F5 and D2x together (2 with lenses mounted and one body only) with some very big lenses, but I don't find it a problem when I leave a lot of gear at home. I load at the top and it's lightweight and very comfortable.

It would be excellent for the 645D too. It only has a problem when you have a lot of small items.

I've got the Slingshot 200. There's no problem getting the K5+grip, 18-55, 50-200, Sigma 10-20 and 35/2 lenses in there, with a compartment spare for some odds and ends. Batteries, filters and stuff go in the side pocket, the 'top' curved pocket can carry a sandwich or whatever.

The problem I've got is that the single strap, although wide and padded, does tend to cause my shoulder to hurt after a couple of hours. I tend to notice it the next day...

Of course I could carry less, but on some trips I simply don't know what I might need. The camera with Sigma 10-20 attached still fits in the central well, with the lens nosed into the gap. Changing lenses is ok with the bag pulled round to the front, although getting at those in the further compartments safely isn't ideal. I don't like the idea of putting a bag down on mud or sand, so genarally I have the camera on the shoulder strap, detach lens, pull new lens out and place it in the middle compartment, switch caps, attach new lens and put the old one away. It works but is sometimes fiddly, although I'm not sure if any other bag would improve that.

Regarding comfort, the Kata mentioned above may give better shoulder pressure in dual strap mode, but then it isn't a sling bag any more...

Tamrac velocity 7
Happily takes K10 or K7 with 55 300 or 17 70 fitted, with the other lens stored at the same time.
Link http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/ProductDetails~man~Tamrac~productID~7282~categoryid~177.html

Jim

I went for a Kata 3in1-20 over the Slingshot and I'm delighted with it.
Had it a year now...it's very comfortable in sling mode and so easy to just slide round your body for access to the compartments (and a ready made surface for changing lenses!)
Plus, it takes my K5, 16-45, 18-55, 10-20, 55-300 and filters/accessories quite snugly!

Does your existing bag have any of the "Sliplock" webbing loops? If so, you can hook an extra Lowepro lens case on the side to carry the 55-300mm. I do this all the time with mine to carry lenses which are too big to fit inside the bag (like the Pentax-F 100-300mm).