Camera bags, backpacks: what do you use? I recently bought a Nikon 200-500 lens and have no good way of carrying it around. I would appreciate learning how others have solved this...

KGOldWolf

I recently bought a Nikon 200-500 lens and have no good way of carrying it around. I would appreciate learning how others have solved this issue. I would prefer to take my camera and lenses with me. Do you have a single solution, (like a backpack) or carry multiple bags?

I'm fairly new to this and have: Nikon D5500, 18-55, 55-200, 200-500 (7 lbs!) and a 40 micro.

Suggestions appreciated.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

KGOldWolf wrote:

I recently bought a Nikon 200-500 lens and have no good way of carrying it around. I would appreciate learning how others have solved this issue. I would prefer to take my camera and lenses with me. Do you have a single solution, (like a backpack) or carry multiple bags?

I'm fairly new to this and have: Nikon D5500, 18-55, 55-200, 200-500 (7 lbs!) and a 40 micro.

Suggestions appreciated.

Camera bags are like tripods. They seem to accumulate. I use several styles and sizes of bags, depending what I have to carry. Next week, I'll bring a backpack and large bag to Cape Cod. I like Lowepro, but there are lots of quality carriers out there. Look at the inside dimensions and then measure your equipment, allowing for inside padding. Make sure there is enough Velcro inside to put the dividers where you want them. Outside pockets and compartments are a must. I don't want to open the whole bag to get out one small item.

Another consideration is a vest of some kind. I got a ScotteVest which looks good and has lots of pockets - all concealed. I also have a traditional photographer's vest. I've settled on "5.11 Tactical" shirts and pants. They are comfortable, tough, and loaded with pockets. Amazon has a good assortment. The shirt sizes tend to run large.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-349254-1.html#5868432
--Bob

KGOldWolf wrote:

I recently bought a Nikon 200-500 lens and have no good way of carrying it around. I would appreciate learning how others have solved this issue. I would prefer to take my camera and lenses with me. Do you have a single solution, (like a backpack) or carry multiple bags?

I'm fairly new to this and have: Nikon D5500, 18-55, 55-200, 200-500 (7 lbs!) and a 40 micro.

Suggestions appreciated.

clickety

KGOldWolf wrote:

I recently bought a Nikon 200-500 lens and have no good way of carrying it around. I would appreciate learning how others have solved this issue. I would prefer to take my camera and lenses with me. Do you have a single solution, (like a backpack) or carry multiple bags?

I'm fairly new to this and have: Nikon D5500, 18-55, 55-200, 200-500 (7 lbs!) and a 40 micro.

Suggestions appreciated.

I'm can't imagine a "single" solution for my needs (still hoping). However, for my 100-400 lens I found a Lowepro 'holster'that was deep enough for the lens plus extender plus camera all mounted. It has a comfortable, adjustable padded strap that is plenty long. I keep the lens and extender in it. On days I'm using the lens I simply mount the body and am good to go otherwise it offers safe mobile storage for the lens. Now regarding the rest of the stuff???!

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

Think Tank, Manfrotto, Lowpro all offer backpacks that will hold all the equipment you listed.

For the Nikon 200-500 stand alone bag, I bought an Ape Lens Bag:

Ape Case ACPROLC18 Professional Large Lens Case, Black/Yellow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009KY5YYO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_CWFOINAB1X5O2

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

KGOldWolf wrote:

I recently bought a Nikon 200-500 lens and have no good way of carrying it around. I would appreciate learning how others have solved this issue. I would prefer to take my camera and lenses with me. Do you have a single solution, (like a backpack) or carry multiple bags?

I'm fairly new to this and have: Nikon D5500, 18-55, 55-200, 200-500 (7 lbs!) and a 40 micro.

Suggestions appreciated.

I have a "Messenger" style bag, I don't carry a lot of gear with me. One camera and one or two lenses. I base my choices on where and what I'll be shooting.

erinjay64

I use different bags for different systems. Once upon a time, I tried Domkes, Lowepros, etc, but found them all deficient in one way, or another. These days, I use only Billingham bags. They offer a wide variety of bags, and backpacks, for pretty much anything you care to carry. I put my Nikon D3300 system into a Billingham Hadley Large bag. My Nikon D500 system goes into a Billingham F1.4 bag. I put my Nikon 1 S1 system into a Billingham Hadley Digital bag. You can find Hadley bags for everything from a small Point & Shoot digital camera to a large 8X10 inch film camera system. Billinghams are expensive, but are well built, and do last. They are worth the cost. Go to Billingham online, and check the internal, and external, dimensions of various bags. Check out the F1.4, the 550, and a few others. You should find something to suit your needs.

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

KGOldWolf wrote:

I recently bought a Nikon 200-500 lens and have no good way of carrying it around. I would appreciate learning how others have solved this issue. I would prefer to take my camera and lenses with me. Do you have a single solution, (like a backpack) or carry multiple bags?

I'm fairly new to this and have: Nikon D5500, 18-55, 55-200, 200-500 (7 lbs!) and a 40 micro.

Suggestions appreciated.

Check out the LowePro Flipside 500AW (all weather). I have my Alpha 850, 50, 180 macro, 28-75, 70-200, 150-600, & flash packed in it. The Flipside series opens from the back side. It's supposed to stop anyone from trying to steal your gear while you're carrying it on your back. B&H sells it for $189.00.

CO

The Lowepro Magnum series shoulder bags are very strong. They have a one-piece molded bottom that can take a lot of weight. I have the Magnum 200 model. I took out the dividers and put my Nikon D7000 with attached 80-400mm lens in the bottom. It's a fairly large bag. The Lowepro Magnum 400 and 650 models are even larger.

If you want a separate holder for the lens hood, check out the Porta Brace LC-C5 Cinema Lens holder. It has a rear handle/belt loop and zippered lid with clear window.

ctsteps5

I have a camera backpack, walmart 39.00. I use that when I am walking about carries two cameras and all my lenses and stuff, good deal. But I find it cumbersome for everyday. Found a small single camera bag with a few zippered pockets. I use it to carry my daily camera around, never leave home with out it. Sadly, found it at salvation army, but If you search the web you will find one. I bet is was a purse.

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

There are a number of YouTube videos on how to make any bag into a camera bag. Here is an example.

https://youtu.be/4zNbJJTA-AY

Basil Loc: New Mexico

FWIW this is the bag I love. This review shows everything I stop in the bag and several features I really like.

http://youtu.be/sFW_ouhU8mk

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

1 bag, Thinktank Streetwalker Pro.

Al Freeedman

All my gear fits into a Billingham bag (except a tripod) Billingham is made in England, a bit expensive, but the best bag you could buy.
I think available at B&H maybe used at KEH.

Captain Al

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

simple answer, there isn't one I use many different types of bags depending on the circumstances