DavidM Loc: New Orleans, LA

I try to only carry the gear I think I'll need so as not to weigh me down. I really like the sling bag I purchased recently from amazon which is the MindShift Gear PhotoCross 13 Sling Bag.

NormanTheGr8 Loc: Racine, Wisconsin

Messenger style bag = Purse?

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

I have three bags. Manfrotto but can't remember the model. National Geographic smaller bag and a lowpro sling bag but I'd like to get a think tank someday large one.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

Camera bags are highly personal like a woman's hand bag, personally I usually use a backpack, in fact I have 3 varying sizes I use plus 3 lumbar pacs, different sizes form 2 lens to a whole lot, all are non-photo brands, I keep and carry equipment in OP/Tec or similar cases/padding, lots of flexibility not much expense, high quality non photo bags are not that expensive in comparison to photo brands , I also carefully consider what I'm going to use so I don t carry excess weight, Bob.

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

I tend to try to only take what I think I will need with me, camera, flash, 2 lenses, and a spare batteries for flash

I have tried backpacks but don't like them, I have a large Ape Case, but feel it is a little awkward, I have settled on a Moac messenger bag

The bag is not expensive, has no camera brand name on it to scream out to thieves, and easily holds camera with lens attached, spare lens or two, external flash and goodies needed like spare batteries, charger, filters, straps, etc.

TimD

Preparing for a recent trip and looking for a reasonably priced way to carry my camera, I settled on the case shown in the attached picture. For $25 I found it at Harbor Freight and customized the interior by removing the appropriate foam squares that came with the case. It worked very well, protected everything, including chargers, batteries, flash, ND filters, etc. For the cost especially, I'm very pleased with it.

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pappleg

Just did some research on the Think Tank belt system. Three levels of belts with lens and/or camera cases that slide around the belt for repositioning and access. Best part is access its both fast and secure and you can size the lens pouches so that even the hood is in the ready position. The top of each pouch is drawstring operated for very fast access yet the bottom of each pouch has a zippered cover that will cover the entire pouch in inclement weather. If gear is very heavy you can even add a shoulder strap or complete shoulder harness for extra support. Great modular system that you can configure to your particular needs. Likely available locally where pros shop or at B&H out of NY.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Here is a photo of the backpack of a world traveler/photographer that I know. He just got back from a 2 week trip to Kenya where he spent 12 hours every day in a truck getting fantastic photos. His main lens is a Sigma 50-500mm and he uses two Canon crop cameras. He has this bag weighed to the gram for flying purposes so that he can take it as carry-on luggage.

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MichaelL

For me it depends on where I am going and what I anticipate to see. The 200-500 mounted on a camera is carried in an apecase and I had hold the other camera or use a single camera bag. When the 200-500 is needed it comes out and the second camera goes into the ape case for storage. Anything big enough to hold the 200-500 will work.

If I need additional lenses with me, I have a nikon case that holds the camera plus two small lenses that I will carry in addition to the apecase. I really hate to carry that much weight and bulk for any extended period though.

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

Very personal and depends on what your using it for. I recently traveled overseas and took all the gear I was landing on take in to a camera store to test out several bags. Like you, I asked for suggestions, but none of those worked out. You need to physically try various bags out to see whether its works for your specific need.

Selene03

Which sling are you using?

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I do not own one but I have heard from users that the Nikon 200-500 VR is a heavy lens. Heavy and bulky I must say.
A backpack or a camera bag should do but it all depends on the particular person carrying all the weight.
I found a solution to my heavy gear traveling issues when I jumped into the mirrorless wagon.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Tenba makes some TALL (single camera with long lens attached) bags. They are not that expensive - around $40 - go to their site, and look for the MIXX series. They come two-tone: black/red, black/blue, black/gold. The MIXX series also extends to some kit bags (in the same color combinations.) The kit bags will hold two cameras on the top with medium zooms attached, and 4-5 lenses, underneath. There is a trough down the middle, in which you can lay a long lens. They are quite well built, and have dual straps on the top - one for carrying, the other for flipping onto your shoulder. The kit bags are a little more - somewhere in the $50-60 range. AMAZON may still have a few. They are in the process of being phased out, though. But, lots of places still have them. Google it!

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

I also have a collection of bags. When I go on a cruise, I use a Tinba rollaway for a Nikon D800 and D90 body, five lenses including a f2.8 24-70mm (my go to lens), a SB-700 flash, filters, extra batteries, two battery charges and accessories. It fits in the overhead on most commercial airplanes. For trips where I do need all the extras, I use a Think Tank sling bag, although in retrospect I think that the Lowepro sling bag would have been a better choice. The Think Tank holds my D800 with the f2.8 24-70mm attached, a SB-700 flash, filters, extra batteries, and Misc. small accessories. If I need an extra lens or small items, I use an Adorama Slinger lens case (I have several sizes), which I attach to the Think Tank shoulder strap. Everything fits under an airline seat. Otherwise, I use a large Bessler gadget bag that also fits under an airplane seat. I can fit my D800 and 24-70mm lens, SB-700, charger, etc. in that and carry a couple of extra lenses in Slinger cases attache to the shoulder strap. For local shoots, I use whichever bag seems sufficient for what I anticipate I will need.

I also have a large Think Tank camera holster style bag that I use occasionally. That might be a good solution for your needs. It holds the D800 with the 24-70 attached and since it has an expandable lower section, would be perfect for your long telephoto. It will either attach to your belt if you don't mind the weight pulling your pants off at the most inopportune times or you can use the shoulder strap. You can also attach Slinger cases to it for other lenses and accessories.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Just ordered this. It looks like a good way to transport gear while on a trip, easy to take in and out of a motel. Since I have a lot of gear it will only hold a minor part of it, but looks helpful so thanks for the tip.