Manfrotto, Tamrac, or Lowepro backpack/shoulder bags: which is best?
Nov 27, 2018 09:11:40 #
Naptown Gaijin wrote:
Interested in hearing opinions from people who HAV... (show quote)
The three brands you mention scream camera or other expensive item, based on what you set out as needs I'd go with a generic messenger bag,and possibly an insert to hold the camera gear, I do without the insert as much of my equipment has foam cases on it , Bob.
Nov 27, 2018 09:34:44 #
Nov 27, 2018 09:47:56 #
Nov 27, 2018 10:51:45 #
I've never owned a Manfrotto bag but I have several Tamrac and Lowepro bags. They are both quality bags. They both use fine zippers and are of good materials and of good construction. You can't go wrong with either brand. So the only thing you need to consider is how they look, and if they will accommodate all your equipment. I want to warn you that if you put all your equipment in one bag, it's going to be very heavy. 1 camera, 4 lenses, 1 flash and stuff like batteries, filters, lens cleaning stuff, memory cards, and other stuff you might put in there all weighs it down. I'm 63 and when I put this much gear in my Tamrac bag I can barely lift it. So honestly, I do have one large Tamrac bag that I can store most of my gear in and if I need to take all of it with me I can take it out and put it in my cars trunk. But I have some smaller bags that I can load differently so that I only take 1 or 2 lenses, 1 camera, 1 flash etc. so that I can carry with me just what I need for a certain shoot.
So most of the time I store the bulk of my equipment in 2 bags. One large, and one small to medium sized bag. I simply move my equipment from one to the other depending on what I might need for the days shoot.
So most of the time I store the bulk of my equipment in 2 bags. One large, and one small to medium sized bag. I simply move my equipment from one to the other depending on what I might need for the days shoot.
Naptown Gaijin wrote:
Interested in hearing opinions from people who HAV... (show quote)
Nov 27, 2018 11:00:04 #
The smallest bag that will hold the most stuff.
Years ago I bought a bag at the same time that I bought my Nikon 6006 film camera. It was a nice, handy size. Not too big, but it had two-layer compartments and I could fit a lot of gear into it, including two camera bodies. When I went digital I decided I needed a bigger bag. Surprizingly I couldn't hold that much more gear, although the gear itself was heavier.
Years ago I bought a bag at the same time that I bought my Nikon 6006 film camera. It was a nice, handy size. Not too big, but it had two-layer compartments and I could fit a lot of gear into it, including two camera bodies. When I went digital I decided I needed a bigger bag. Surprizingly I couldn't hold that much more gear, although the gear itself was heavier.
Nov 27, 2018 11:05:03 #
WOW!! 18 REPLIES IN 15 HOURS!! THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH FOR THE SUGGESTIONS, AND HOPE Y'ALL HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!!!!
Nov 27, 2018 11:16:10 #
Naptown Gaijin wrote:
Interested in hearing opinions from people who HAV... (show quote)
I have used Tarmac and Lowpro. But ONLY in situations where having a bag that looks like a camera bag is acceptable. Sorry, to me, all three brands mentioned scream camera bag. I have re-purposed bags for more low profile city exploring including an Adidas sport tote and a 45 year old leather shoulder bag. However, both ONA and Billingham make very nice bags that do not look like camera bags. If not looking like a photographer is a requirement, look at other brands.
Nov 27, 2018 11:24:39 #
Naptown Gaijin wrote:
Interested in hearing opinions from people who HAV... (show quote)
Having looked for the special bag that does everything I thought I needed, i was surprised after a relative got me a simple, cheap (around $30 usd), and smaller (only holds a camera and three lenses), present sling bag and I had to use it a couple times to show that it was not junk present.
Anyway, that was two years ago. I do lots of freelance work and it seems the cheap bag has become one of my favorites. It's not something I'd take on a plane but in the car is great.
Nov 27, 2018 12:06:48 #
juan_uy
Loc: Uruguay
dsmeltz wrote:
I have used Tarmac and Lowpro. But ONLY in situations where having a bag that looks like a camera bag is acceptable. Sorry, to me, all three brands mentioned scream camera bag. I have re-purposed bags for more low profile city exploring including an Adidas sport tote and a 45 year old leather shoulder bag. However, both ONA and Billingham make very nice bags that do not look like camera bags. If not looking like a photographer is a requirement, look at other brands.
Agree.
Although not looking like a photographer is until you see something photo-worthy, take out your camera......and at this point it doesn't make any difference the brand of the bag.
Using "normal" bags with inserts is always a good idea.
Nov 27, 2018 12:09:35 #
Genessi
Loc: SoCal
I have the G9 and use the Tenba DNA 11. Inside goes my G9 with100-400 attached on it's side along with my 60macro tucked under a 12-60mm, and 50mm 1.8 inside pocket that fits my I Pad mini also
pockets for filters, flash, batteries! ETC!! Top loading zipper to access camera with out opening entire bag. Rain cover. GREAT Bag! When not using my !00-400mm, I store it in lowepro bag
Naptown Gaijin wrote:
WOW!! 18 REPLIES IN 15 HOURS!! THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH FOR THE SUGGESTIONS, AND HOPE Y'ALL HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!!!!
pockets for filters, flash, batteries! ETC!! Top loading zipper to access camera with out opening entire bag. Rain cover. GREAT Bag! When not using my !00-400mm, I store it in lowepro bag
Nov 27, 2018 13:23:41 #
Naptown Gaijin wrote:
Interested in hearing opinions from people who HAV... (show quote)
They all make great bags, which is best? The one that suits your situation and needs the best, the maker of it has pretty much nothing to do with it!
Nov 27, 2018 13:57:08 #
I love the Lowepro slingshot bags. I have both the small and medium size. Cover works great in rain. Larger bag will handle 2 bodies and lenses - but is heavier. At 70 I appreciate the convenience and size.
Nov 27, 2018 14:12:06 #
Naptown Gaijin wrote:
Interested in hearing opinions from people who HAV... (show quote)
The main thing is too go in a well managed camera store and look at the types of bag,backpack,shoulder bags, there many types and shapes available for you and if you can bring in your equipment and give it a try. Heck who knows you might buy two bags I did this once I pickup a backpack and a day bag the bag I still use it quite regularly it holds the camera with lens and other zoom lens along a few extra thing I’ll need for day!
Nov 27, 2018 14:34:21 #
I'm very pleased with the Mountainsmith Borealis. Been overseas on rugged demanding trips. It does well on all day hikes up a mountain. The waist belt is exemplary. Shoulder straps are very comfortable. It's big though. One is cautioned to not overfill it. I used to use a Thule cameras messenger bag.... Then started having neck issues. Now it's exclusively two shoulder straps.
Nov 27, 2018 14:50:27 #
AlfredU
Loc: Mooresville, NC
PixelStan77 wrote:
I am a Think Tank guy. You cannot beat them for quality, ease of us and comfort.
I have had three LowePro bags or packs. They last well and are serviceable, but pale in comparison to anything by Think Tank or their new brand called MindShare. I have a back pack from them that has the padding I need for total comfort and it doesn't scream camera bag like my LowePro gear does. Sorry, only had one small Tamrac bag and never used it much, so I won't comment on that one. Check out Mind Share
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