Backpack Suggestion - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

04/30/2006 04:17:52 PM · #1

I'm placing my order with B&H tomorrow, but have a problem. I'll need a backpack to carry all my gear, but with what I'm purchasing, my system will be an awkward size and shape for standard packs. The gear:

30D
70-200 L IS
Metz 76 flash (the biggest part of this problem)

The Metz 76, as you see, uses a bracket to attack to the bottom of the camera and sits off to the side. When looking at the packs available out there, I see the camera sits at top facing down with the lens stuck between padding. With the flash system attached, I don't think this internal form will work. Does anyone know of a pack that will accomidate a system like this?

_eug

Nikon D50

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

04/30/2006 04:30:09 PM · #2

Most pack use velcro to attach the dividers which you can rearrange to suit your situation.

MikeJ

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/30/2006 07:04:57 PM · #3

Although I've bought almost everything else at B&H, when I went looking for a photo backpack, I found I could get the LowePro backpack a lot cheaper through Canada. I've bought the LowePro Photo Trekker AW and two different waist packs through Canada stores on E-bay. One of the stores was Henery's and I can't remember what the name of the other was, but it uses a shark as a logo. All were brand new and latest models and it only took about an extra day to ship them vrs. what I get from B&H. But I saved about $50 (it might have been $75 but it's been a year) on the pack alone and also saved on the waist packs.

If you decide on a LowePro for a pack, and you want to save some money, do a search on e-bay for LowePro.

Mike

zeuszen

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

04/30/2006 07:24:52 PM · #4

I have the Photo Trekker Classic, which comfortably accommodates 2 DSLR bodies, all my lenses and all sorts of accessories, manuals, an Apple iBook, rain jacket and what have you.

I decided in favour of this particular pack, as everything else I tried was either to shallow (and way too snug a fit for all the gear I carry) or to awkward and cumbersome to carry, particularly new models with oversized belts and adjustable straps in all the wrong places.

I do, however, carry a separate water-proof cover (purchased from a camping supply store) and I have also attached several straps to tie down a heavy tripod, if and when I need to.

With all backpacks, my advice is to try them out - not in the store, but in real life with weight on your back.

MikeJ

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

05/01/2006 11:03:28 AM · #5

Just as an example, here is my LowePro Photo Trekker II with some of my gear in it:

Mike

Telehubbie

Canon EOS-40D

05/01/2006 11:34:33 AM · #6

I just got the Tamrac Expedition 7 and this bag is supercomfortable and holds quite a bit. The Expedition 8 is bigger, but too tall in my opinion. It is padded nicely all around to keep everything safe. You can also buy large side pockets for these bags which would fit your flash nicely. Your flash is detachable from the bracket, isn't it?

eschelar

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

05/01/2006 11:44:20 AM · #7

I purchased the Lowepro Mini Trekker. I find it fairly deep. I think I could flip the old 30D sideways without any difficulty whatsoever. I would probably place a pad or two to support the lens near the mount if I did that. I would guess that it would have little difficulty holding the flash that way.

Metz flashes ARE quite large...

I think the Tamrac bags are a bit deeper. They are also quite a bit more expensive though...

You might like this bag as it's a bit smaller and it sounds like you don't have that much other stuff.

The other lens I often mount is the 80-200 f/2.8L, sometimes with a Kenko 2x TC... There's still even more room to go with that monstrosity...

Oh and btw, I have actually tested the built in waterproof jacket with the Lowepro in Heavy rains which are just a hair off of torrential (visibility was starting to drop below 50 feet) and there was absolutely no issue whatsoever with moisture or wetness getting through or around. The pack was on my back through stop and go traffic as well as highway speeds traffic while riding a scooter for upwards of 40 minutes to an hour each time. Good system.

I have a little less trust that the Tamrac 'weatherproof' zippers in those conditions although they might be OK.

derekhagan

Nikon D50

05/01/2006 11:46:59 AM · #8

I got a brand new Apollo Atiba Jefferson Camera Backpack on EBAY for $50 plus $16 shipping:, it normally retails at $189.99 It is modeled after the Lowepro Trekker and Tamrac Model 777 Summit Photo Backpack.

Phil

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon

05/01/2006 11:50:35 AM · #9

I bought this one off Ebay a few months ago and haven't looked back since. Similar to the Lowepro Trekker and Tamrac 777 Summit but at a fraction of the cost. Right now I have a Maxxum 7D body, 50mm lens, 70-300mm, 17-35mm, 28-100mm, Sigma flash, Mini DV camcorder, around 25 filters, batteries and other odds and ends. Great bag.

Edit: Looks like I was few minutes late :D

Ebay

Message edited by author 2006-05-01 11:56:40.

GuGi

Nikon D750

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED

05/01/2006 12:08:40 PM · #10

I found that one too a while back, alas, they will not ship to Europe.

Little King

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

05/01/2006 12:13:41 PM · #11

Originally posted by Telehubbie:

Thanks for the help all! I purchased the one mentioned here ^^^ on ebay.

AllanL

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

05/01/2006 12:32:37 PM · #12

I have the Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG and love it: //www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009R6TA/sr=8-1/qid=1146501034/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-0109971-0644873?%5Fencoding=UTF8

You can't beat the price for such a quality product.

strangeghost

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

05/01/2006 12:36:14 PM · #13

Originally posted by allan_liu:

I also have the Canon quoted here by Allan. It's an amazing value for the price. My only complaint is that all my gear is too heavy, but that's not the backpack's fault!

Telehubbie

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

05/01/2006 01:06:53 PM · #14

Originally posted by Little King:

Thanks for the help all! I purchased the one mentioned here ^^^ on ebay.

I think you'll really like it. It came highly recommended from Mr. Setzler and others a couple weeks ago in another thread. It's very comfortable with heavy loads. The straps themselves are like 1 1/2 inches thick! I had the Canon pack mentioned earlier which was nice for the price, but my gear outgrew it. The little wing pockets I find are very useful for the small items without having to open up the whole pack. Plus, it's a slick looking pack.

jent

Canon EOS-90D

05/01/2006 06:25:59 PM · #15

I don't mean to thread jack. But can anyone comment on these two backpacks:
//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=248295&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=301645&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

I know the price diffrence is intense, but I am honestly trying to decide between the two. Price is a factor but I rather not have to buy this twice. What one would you get? Any other similar backpacks?

Message edited by author 2006-05-01 18:26:08.

Telehubbie

Canon EOS-40D

05/01/2006 11:51:04 PM · #16

Originally posted by jent:

I know the price diffrence is intense, but I am honestly trying to decide between the two. Price is a factor but I rather not have to buy this twice. What one would you get? Any other similar backpacks?

I can't comment on the Lowepro, but I will say the quality is probably much better on that one than the Canon. I had the Canon, and it was a great buy, but I eventually needed bigger/stronger. BTW, if you decide on the Canon, get it at Amazon and save a few bucks. It's only $34.85 over there. But like you say, you'd rather not buy it twice. Lowepro's have a lifetime warranty so that's something to consider.

If you're looking for a regular size pack, nothing too large, check out the Tamrac Expedition 5 as well. I got the 7 version, but the 5 is about the same thing just a bit smaller. It's $20 cheaper than the Lowepro you mentioned too. Very solid construction and comfortable.

If you decide against the Canon, I'd say go to a camera store and try the Tamrac's/Lowepro's on first-hand and see for yourself what you like/don't like. Happy shopping!

eschelar

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

05/02/2006 07:15:50 AM · #17

Interesting how this one keeps on rolling. I think the OP did mention that he got the pack already a few posts back...

Looks like he got the totally sweet Tamrac Expedition 7. It's a very deep backpack with killer external padding and great features. I think he will be very happy with it.

Little King

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

05/02/2006 11:24:31 AM · #18

Originally posted by eschelar:

I also ordered teh Expedition 5 last night. The 7 looks a little long and I don't like the hip straps. If I can't remove those I was thinking about cutting them off. The 5 doesn't have them and looks like it has enough space for my new gear. I'll compare the two in person and sell the other one on ebay again.

Ampao64

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

05/02/2006 11:57:34 AM · #19

Crumpler's a good bag. check out "Floating barge"

CV66

Nikon D300

05/02/2006 12:01:59 PM · #20

You should be happy with the Expedition 5, might be a little tight for what you need but I have never had a problem with it being used as carry on for flights...enjoy.

obsidian

Nikon D80

Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II for Nikon

05/02/2006 12:59:16 PM · #21

In the spirit of ~~being a tight-wad~~ doing things my way (and not Frank's) I have elected to convert a hiking backpack to my needs. Given that I have a simple camera system (Panasonic FZ20) but complex accessories (a couple of Vivitar 283 flashguns with filters and other stuff, Cokin filters, Metz 45 CL-4, mini tripod, Gittos monopod, hefty tripod with multiple heads, AA batteries in Metz and Vivitar battery holders, lens cleaning gear, waterproof jacket, laptop, various chargers, food and drink, soft mat to kneel on, kitchen sink, etc.) I could not find anything to fit the bill.

Enter the Karrimor Ocelot 35 litre backpack

(more details here Ocelot 35 and a cheap 9mm trek sleeping mat, total cost Â£37.00 - about $65 - 70.

I am using the foam mat to line parts of the backpack and to form a kneeling part for my old knees. I will also line the two large side pockets and the top pocket too. Amazing what Velcro can do. As this is currently in the process of being built I will let folk know how it goes if there is any interest. This could be entertaining...

Carl

eschelar