rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

This topic comes up frequently. So, I'm posting this so I can reference it in my pages, when the topic comes up again. So, here's the one I've been using for the last 5 years. I carry this with me 95% of the time. If I leave my place, it is usually with me. It carries most everything I need on a daily basis.

My Nikon F is standing in for the D700 in the photos.

Pros:
Light weight
Durable
Under $40
Washable
Fits under an aeroplane seat (carry on)
Doesn't have an expensive looking label that says Expensive Camera Gear Inside.


Cons:
If you think you need a house trailer for the equipment you carry daily, this isn't it.

It's a Condor Tactical Response Bag.

Can be purchased from:
Allied Surplus in the Phoenix, AZ. area - alliedsurplus.com/
You may have to call and speak with them, as this item doesn't always appear on their site.

Or from Condor Tactical - www.condoroutdoor.com/Condor-136.aspx


Disclaimer: I neither work for nor represent either of the two companies listed in this post. I do support, through purchases, Allied Surplus, as they are a great bunch of folks with whom to do business.

--Bob

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John Howard Loc: SW Florida and Blue Ridge Mountains of NC.

Thanks bob. Would be nice to know the inside dimensions. Looks good to walk around with but would require a larger bag to travel with.

Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California

Looks very portable. Wish I could travel that light, but I wouldn't get half the photos I take with a small satchel like that.

That setup doesn't attract attention either - which it always a good idea. Thanks. I had the same kind of setup about 20 years ago. Served me well.
:thumbup: :thumbup:

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

You can just move that right up to the "Pros" section!

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Just did, thanks.
--Bob

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

For day to day, this works. If I go out for a day of photographing, I take two of these (Nikon D700 in one, Nikon F and F5 in the other), one small suitcase (Hasselblad + 4 lenses), and a large case (4x5 + lenses and film)

For client work, this and a bag with strobe stands and accessories, which is still pretty light.
--Bob

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Condor gives the dimensions as: 9 1/2" H x 13" W x 4" D

The inside has my D700 w/ 28~300, 20mm, Sekonic L-758DR, SB-800.
--Bob

LaurenT Loc: Northern California

I too use a tactical bag. I spotted it at a gun show, and immediately knew it would make a great camera bag. Mine is a Vanquest Javelin 2.0 VSlinger. It's a cross body, however can snap around your waist for hiking. What I particularly like is that I can access everything without taking it off.

TLAT Loc: N. California

Bob.......thanks for the photos. Very helpful. Frankly I'm leaning toward the Condor bag but...........its gonna be an XMAS gift from Santa (wife).

TJL

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I understand the Santa concept. Santa, in the persona of my parents, gave me the Nikon F photographed in the second photo. That camera has been a constant companion every Christmas since.
--Bob

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

In my younger days I tried several bags that were not camera bags because they were cheaper.
Today I would never even think about it.
That bag looks completely un-configurable. I'm sure it does not have movable padded dividers inside and all those amo clip looking pockets all look the same size!
Does everything on the inside have to have its own separate case for padding?
For me, I found years ago that a shoulder bag just doesn't do it.
If they are loaded down and heavy, after 8 hours your body is thrashed from having all the weight on one shoulder and there is no way to keep a shoulder bag from swinging around. Scrambling up a steep almost cliff, like you find at the ocean or climbing into a tree to get a good vantage point are pretty hard with a bag that's swinging all around.
Maybe for the most sedate type of shooting or driving up in a car and carrying to a shooting sight.
If you a very active type of shooter pretty much only a backpack will work, as a backpack can be completely imobilized and the weight supported by the entire body leaving the hands completely free for working.
A shoulder bag for me has its place, but not enough so that I ever use one even though I own 3 of them.
Sometimes when shooting something like a birthday party for family or friends I use a small shoulder bag that fits only my dslr with short zoom and one extra card.
That tactic-bag looks to me like it's designed to be taken to a location and then set down there, not for carrying around.
Setting a bag down can be a dangerous practice theft wise, not to mention that you and your gear are NOT together when you need something. Just saying!! ;-)
SS

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I would suggest that you don't consider getting one of these then.
--Bob

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

You can buy padded dividers.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Nice bag, but all those pockets wouldn't work for me. I'd forget where I put things. It's funny how the term "tactical" is getting more popular. I've been looking for good shirts and pants with lots of pockets, and I've settled on 5.11 Taclite. The pants have pockets for ammo clips. :D

Robert R Loc: Indianapolis and Naples

Also available on Amazon.com