mbs1925 Loc: Tampa

I am having trouble with carrying tripod, camera bag with lenses. I recently went to Lettuce Park and it was difficult to carry all these items. Any suggestions to lighten the load and make it easier to carry when shooting in parks, festivals, etc???? Any suggestions are welcome. Thank you in advance. I have a Nikon D5100 with 18mm-55mm; 55mm-200mm lenses, filters sets, tripod. There has to be an easier way to switch lenses quickly than getting into my backpack after setting on bench, ground, etc.

tusketwedge Loc: Nova Scotia Canada

other than getting another camera and have different lens or get somebody to carry and watch your equipment your S.O.O.L.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

I carry a shoulder bag that opens from the top. Change lens while bag is on my shoulder. When walking around, I hang the camera on the other shoulder for balance. During the day, I use a shutter speed that does not require a tripod.
Actually, my bag carries camera with one lens attached, one extra lens, external flash, batteries, extra mem cards, a few filters. Yes, heavy.
Pat

mbs1925 Loc: Tampa

Guess I will do more research until I can exchange both lenses for 1 (18mm-300mm????) I will have to practice more to stay organized and get this down pat. Thank you.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

MBA, a big factor will always be the tripod. Is your big and heavy, or tiny and light? I have two. One is a very small travel pod that is strapped to my backpack when I'm getting to a location. Every thing is easy to carry. My pack is comfortable and feels light, in spite of its load.
When I'm shooting, I put the pod with camera over my shoulder just like everybody says to never do. It works great. When I'm done, I put everything away and just hike out. I can carry it for 16 hours, since the load is evenly distributed and not shifting like bags or slings.
Good luck. SS

Racin17 Loc: Western Pa

I am not overly qualified to answer this but, i have read on here some use a bridge camera for times when they dont want to carry all their hardware. I also know there is a " bridge gap" when it comes to the final product.

DaDiCarr Loc: Margate, FL

I'm not a pro, but I usually will have my big lens on 70 x 300 mm for birds and insects, or a 18 x 200 is also very convenient and don't have to switch, too, often.I know what you mean with the tripod, is hard to run around with it fully opened specially in the woods. As it may seem that is easy, it is not, so is a matter of been patient and stay calm you can only catch what's happening in a giving moment as long as you have everything set. I'm a newby and at times I mess up because I want to snap that perfect shot. That perfect shot takes time. And I really have to thank every one of the UHH guy and gals here for all their help.

olcoach Loc: Oregon

The gear we need is heavy. You might want to look at a vest, or jacket with lots of pockets in order to spread the load.

greg vescuso Loc: Ozark,Mo.

I carried a back pack with 2 flashes a 24-70 a 70-200 and a 150-500 also holds all my cards, batteries , charger and 2 camera bodies and I hang a tri pod off the rear strap.. That being said it weighs 33 pounds, I used to carry it on my bicycle for long distances but as I get older it has become to much weight. That being said it is still easier to carry all that weight on your back, then over your shoulder. My avatar is a older shot of me with it.

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

The guys are giving you guy advise. Here's a gal perspective. I ain't gettin' any younger and the gear is getting heavier EVERY day. This is what I want to get:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015D61A4/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

The wheels look pretty small so I don't know how rough of a terrain they will tolerate. I don't expect to be traveling any rough terrain anyway. I believe the bottom is rubberized to protect against moisture. When opened, the top stays wide open to allow access to all the contents. It is large enough that it should hold a good bit of gear.

You can also get these:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009GA6CFC/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

to put in the bag to pad your camera and lenses. And get some lens pouches for any other things you think need extra protection.

Not sure how the tripod might fit in all this.

I have a padded insert that fits in an oversize tote bag (purse) for those outings when I just take the camera and an extra lens or two.

The only reason I haven't bought these yet is that I have already spent a bunch of money trying to find the perfect answer and may have to "make do" (at least for a while) with what I have already purchased. I don't expect the guys to recommend anything like this, but I'm a senior, female, and I don't mind admitting that I just can't tote the loads I once could - and this pink bag would shout that about as loud as anything could! There are some similar rolling "tool bags" out there that are not so loud (black).

Actually, in making this post, I noticed that the price is reduced as low as I've ever seen it. I might just go back and hit that "check out" button.

If you are at all interested in something like this and would like to check out its quality and durability, Sears carries this product (and smaller "pink bags" by the same maker). If you were to get this, let me know how it works out for ya.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Don't switch lenses get a 2nd body

crimesc324 Loc: West Palm Beach, Florida

Why not get a roller case or backpack? They would be much easier to pull behind you than lugging all that gear in your arms

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

I have 4 of these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lowepro-Mini-Trekker-Camera-Backpack-Used-Shipped-from-United-States-/281134861902?pt=US_Camera_Cases_Bags&hash=item4174f18e4e#ht_58wt_1257

I use only these, they are superb

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

First decide if shooting landscape or wildlife. Then carry either the camera with wildlife lens, or camera with landscape lens attached to tripod over shoulder. Carry extra battery, memory card in pockets. Not only will you be more comfortable but your photography will improve as your only concentrating on one aspect of photography. For me it's about comfort and serenity, one camera, one lens, one subject..

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Look at Think Tanks new TurnStyle Sling Bags http://www.thinktankphoto.com/categories/sling-camera-bags/turnstyle.aspx?code=WS-542
easy to switch , just turn the bag in front of you