Naptown Gaijin

Interested in hearing opinions from people who HAVE EXPERIENCE with at least 2 of these 3 brands and can make a valid comparison. Obviously, if you have used only one, then you can't compare from personal experience.

I have a Panasonic Lumix GC-9 with the following lenses: 100-300mm f4-5.6, 12-35mm f2.8, 42.5mm f1.2, 60mm f2.8 Macro; a Godox ving flash; 5-6 filters, and assorted extra batteries, lens cloth, etc., and sometimes carrying a tripod.

Leaning towards cloth vs leather and prefer lightweight. Prefer something that doesn't scream "PHOTOGRAPHER !!!".

At age 70, I'm NOT going trekking or hiking..... hell, I'm not even walking far.

Prefer something that gives me quick access to my camera in case I spot something fleeting. (Isn't that an interesting word?) So, kinda think buckles that are hard to open or sticking zippers is too much of a pain to deal with.

Prices change and are not really important to me. QUALITY and ease of use, and comfort is important.

I will not be expanding beyond the above, and not getting a FF Canon or Nikon in the future, so don't need something overly large to "grow into".

Greatly appreciate in advance your thoughtful consideration and recommendations.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

I have had Tamrac and Lowepro bags for decades. Still use them regularly, especially the smaller Lowepro bags for a camera and one or two lenses.

But they all pale in comparison with my Billinghams. Built like tanks, not overly ostentatious, and heirloom quality canvas and leather.

Just my opinion, of course.

Andy

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

I like lowepro bags I have a few of them they hold up for many years, I believe my oldest is 30years old and sill going strong. A number of years back I purchased AW 300 Slingshot bag it’s pro bag but worth every penny it’s my most go to bag it’s got protection built into it.

Bill_de Loc: US

I have one Tamrac bag around 25 years old, a large Lowepro backpack 18 years old, and a smaller Lowepro backpack around 10 years old. The Lowepro backpacks were the largest approved as carryon at the time. While the Tamrac is still very serviceable the Lowepro are noticeably better with better padding.

Of course it is now 2018 and things could be different today.

--

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I am a Think Tank guy. You cannot beat them for quality, ease of us and comfort.

Soul Dr. Loc: Beautiful Shenandoah Valley

Vanguard, Tenba, Ruggard, Think Tank, Kata and Case Logic all make good bags.
I prefer a messenger type bag with a zipper on the top that makes it easy to get your camera and lenses out without having to take the bag off your shoulder.
It can be worn on the shoulder or cross body. Just make sure it has a good adjustable strap with a nice comfortable pad on it.
I have all the above bags, so can speak with some experience. Also have some Lowepro and some other brands of bags, sling bags and backpacks.

will

picsman Loc: Scotland

I am not sure that the make is that important but the style is. Do you prefer a backpack, a messenger bag, one shoulder sling, a photographers jacket with many pockets? I have a variety of bags and use the one that is useful for the event or trip that I am taking and the weather.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

The weight of the bag is nothing based on all the stuff you put in it. Check out the descriptions and then you will know what you will want and make your choice. It's a bag it's not hard.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I use ONLY the following product and recommend it highly. I am also 70 years young.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1392299-REG/spider_camera_holster_200_spiderpro_single_camera_system.html?sts=pi-ps

Thorburn Loc: Virginia

Have you thought about Domke, I have several and love them.

TonyD.

I have used Tamrac and Lowepro. Find all those have been sold off used. My closet is filled with Domke shoulder bags of various size. Check out some of these used on eBay. They last forever. My oldest is blue canvas bought in Chicago in 1980. Other than normal wear and tear, it’s as good today as when bought.

Interested in hearing opinions from people who HAVE EXPERIENCE with at least 2 of these 3 brands and can make a valid comparison. Obviously, if you have used only one, then you can't compare from personal experience.

I have a Panasonic Lumix GC-9 with the following lenses: 100-300mm f4-5.6, 12-35mm f2.8, 42.5mm f1.2, 60mm f2.8 Macro; a Godox ving flash; 5-6 filters, and assorted extra batteries, lens cloth, etc., and sometimes carrying a tripod.

Leaning towards cloth vs leather and prefer lightweight. Prefer something that doesn't scream "PHOTOGRAPHER !!!".

At age 70, I'm NOT going trekking or hiking..... hell, I'm not even walking far.

Prefer something that gives me quick access to my camera in case I spot something fleeting. (Isn't that an interesting word?) So, kinda think buckles that are hard to open or sticking zippers is too much of a pain to deal with.

Prices change and are not really important to me. QUALITY and ease of use, and comfort is important.

I will not be expanding beyond the above, and not getting a FF Canon or Nikon in the future, so don't need something overly large to "grow into".

Greatly appreciate in advance your thoughtful consideration and recommendations.[/quote]

d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA

I currently have about six bags and use them interchangeably, depending upon what equipment I am taking and where. They are various makes. My favorite depends on the same criterion: What camera equipment am I going to use today? I use different bags because of the volume of stuff I am lugging - always trying for the least amount I will use that day - and what I intend to shoot; the latter dictates how fast I might have to get into the bag to change lenses and such. Most of the time, my current favorite two are both Think Tanks.

hahersh Loc: Burlington, ON, Canada

Having just taken inventory, I own 18 camera bags, backpacks, cases etc. So, I speak from experience. If fast access is important, you do not want a backpack. A shoulder bag is the most accessible. I find wearing it cross-shoulder is more comfortable. Other than that, it becomes a matter of personal preference - we are all shaped differently. If you have a good camera store near you, take your equipment and try a few. If not, make sure you can return it if necessary.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I have both Tamrac and Lowepro, and both are fine as far as quality is concerned. I don't remember the specifics of making the decisions, but at the time, I wanted a certain a configuration and size, and the Tamrac and Lowepro fit the bill. I tend to buy Lowepro now, just to stick with one brand. It's the size and features that are important to me. The quality is a given.

wireloose

Since no one so far mentioned Manfrotto-I have a Tamrac and a Lowepro in the closet. I bought a Manfrotto 2 years ago for a safari and use it pretty much exclusively. Its very flexible, holds pretty much anything I would put in it , fits in all overhead bins even on commuter jets- I fly almost weekly. Top loader so I can keep my camera on top for quick access, whether the a6500 with a 30mm or 5D4 with a long zoom. And CPAP, laptop, iPad, chargers, lenses..Still looks new after heavy use. That said its big to hike with, I tend to bring a Peak messenger bag for longer walks. As someone else said its all how you load it.