londonfire Loc: NY to NC

I was about to chime in with a thumbs up for Think Tank because I have the Glass Taxi for a big zoom. I decided to check the label first and it's made in Vietnam. I wish it was made here but I can't complain about the quality, it's top notch.

nervous2 Loc: Provo, Utah

Go to Amazon and take a look at the AmazonBasics Bag for SLR/DSLR for $29.95. It is their #1 best seller in camera bags. I have one and could not be happier with the combination of price and functionality. If my budget were absolutely unlimited I might look around, but I am very happy with this one from Amazon. Good shooting and good luck.

studavis

Go to a store with what you want to carry in the pack and try it.

thefunxtr Loc: Atlanta

Hi Greenguy,

I bought the Lowepro 500 AW after a lot of research specifically for a backpack that could hold my Pentax K-50 with a Sigma 150-500 lens mounted and it works great for that. I usually also carry a Pentax 18-55mm, Sigma 50mm , and Tamron 90mm Macro when I am hiking, but be for-warned ... it holds a LOT, and with all that loaded it can get pretty darn heavy after a few miles!

Now, one thing I did which will probably make a lot of guys gasp ... there are a couple of big straps with a clasp on the bottom of this backpack for waist support. I know these are probably essential for really long hikes, but for me I usually go for shorter hikes and am stopping and taking it off several times during a hike and really found them to be cumbersome. They also make it more of a challenge to stow it away. So, after MUCH deliberation, I actually (very carefully) cut them off and have never regretted it.

Even if you don't have an especially long lens that you want to be able to transport already mounted to your camera, this thing has enough "configurability" to fit just about anything you've got and I don't think you would be disappointed with it. :)

moonhawk Loc: Land of Enchantment

Lowepro was started by a mountain climbing pair of brothers if I recall. I think one died in a climbing accident. Point is, they know about carrying weight on your back.

I have an older lowepro backpack, and for a smallish pack it has a very good suspension and a nice wide waist belt. If you really need to carry some weight, a good waist belt is essential. It carries the weight on your hips, not your shoulders.

That 500 looks very large. Be sure you need something that big. Do you carry a 500 f/4 or equivalent?

Also, look for how it carries your tripod. Good luck!!

Basil Loc: New Mexico

When I first got my 7D I bought Michael Andrew's DVD "Canon 7D Crash Course" ( a really great video that helped my get up to speed on my new 7D quickly). But I digress. I also bought his "Camera Accessories" DVD in which he discusses various camera accessories for budding young photos. The Think Tank Street Walker HD was his recommended back pack. He gave a very thorough review of the bag and I was impressed.

silver Loc: Santa Monica Ca.

I have a Crumpler C List Celebrity Medium backpack that I dont use because of an accident and I would love to see it go to a good home. The backpack is in excellent condition and quite frankly it has features that are far superior to any other backpack including an inner cover that zips over your equipment preventing any equipment from falling out of the backpack. Here is a video showing all of the information about this backpack. If your interested let me know. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClCIUr72ibQ

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

33, I think that 500 is really big!
It doesn't sound like you're gonna put a lot in it.
I have two packs that I use. One I use every day and one that I very rarely use.
What do I very rarely use? My expensive Lowpro 350! It's just too big and stiff and unwieldy.
What I do use every day and up to 16 hours a day when I travel is my cheap little Canon 200 EG backpack. I put more into it than you are but it weighs 20 lbs.
The lowpro is better and handles a good sized tripod, but I use a travel pod when I go long.
Nothing wrong with Lowpro, but I would look at a smaller one since you don't have a lot of stuff.
Take everything you are going to put into it and go to a store that has all the models and start to see what works the best.
If you can't get to a store, look at the website where they show a loaded view and get the appropriate size and not much bigger. Good luck. ;-)
SS

lsimpkins Loc: SE Pennsylvania

You don't mention the FL of the lenses you plan to carry. According to the video on the 500AW, it will accommodate a 500mm lens. Unless you carry that big a lens, I think your back and shoulders will appreciate something smaller that, when you succumb to the temptation to fill the pack, will way an awful lot. The Flipside series also requires you to remove the pack to access the camera and lenses through the side that sits against your back.

I went through a similar decision process earlier this year. I created a spreadsheet with features and specifications, then filled in the data from all the major manufacturers' websites. This helped me quickly narrow the field.

Then I tried most of the camera shops in the Philadelphia area, and found that several of the best fits, spec-wise, were not in store to try. I ended up buying three bags from B&H and sent two back. Yes, it cost me return shipping, but I would not have been happy with what I originally thought was the best choice.

I ended up with the LowePro DSLR Video Fastpack 250AW. I am very pleased with its construction and features, and it served me well during two weeks on an Alaska land and sea tour.

jimdix Loc: Kings Lynn, England

You need to be aware of the little known Photographer's Rule of FOURTHS. Not until you have purchased your fourth camera bag will you find one that nearly fits your needs. This rule of course also applies to the purchase of lenses.
It is another universal rule that no bag/pack ever designed will fulfil all of your needs.

Rockwell101

Love my Tamrac!

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

But I thought things were cheaper by the DOZEN?!?! :lol: :lol: no?
SS

Jeep for Larry Loc: Grapevine, Texas

I spent 2.5 hours at Arlington Camera with all my gear trying it out in sling bags/backpacks when I was looking for one last Father's Day. Changed my mind from what I wanted based on internet searches (thought I wanted a sling bag.) I bought the Think Tank Streetwalker Harddrive also and it was even less than both B&H and Adorama.

Raleigh Loc: Reside in Olympia WA

I have been buying and selling photo backpacks for a long time. Seveal months ago I bought a belt system (here on UH) and it is better than any back pack I have had over the years.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

I have the Lowepro Flipside 400. Just went on vacation to Hawaii with it. Perfect size for carry-on. Fits overhead bin or under seat just fine. Carried my 6D with 24-105 lens as well as my 70-300 L, 35mm L, 16-35mm L, 430 EXII flash, charger, remote, spare battery, small tablet, and various other accessories with room to spare.