Help me to choose a perfect bag for my gear

[ark8012]

Hello,

I am trying to buy a camera bag for my M2 with one lens (mounted). and possible one more lens in the future. I also want to carry my Ipad2 in the bag sometimes.

Now, I am torn between A&A acam-7100 and Think Tank restro 5.

Someone please give me an advise to choosing one of the bags and explain why?

Or any third option?

Thanks,

 

[EthanFrank]

Domke F-803 🙂

 

[wafflecakee]

i like the think tank 5

 

[mathomas]

I have a series of video bag reviews here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/mathomas1962?feature=mhee#p/c/383DC234D4BF6902

Look over to the right for the playlist of vids. I reviewed the Retro 5 a while ago.

 

[Bob Michaels]

I am convinced there is only one way to select a bag to buy. Take the gear you want to carry into a store with that bag in stock. Pack the proposed bag with your gear. Walk around the store. Take the gear out and put it back as if you were photographing. Otherwise it is like buying a dress suit on the internet.

If your store doesn't have the bag you may want in stock, explain and ask them if they will order one for you to try. Paying full retail for the bag you like is a good deal. There is no discount big enough to compensate for a bag that does not work for you.

If you live someplace that does not have a camera store and must buy mail order, buy from someplace that will allow a return.

If you still doubt me, just ask Backalley Joe how many bags he has bought looking for the right one.

 

[ark8012]

Thank you for all of advice.

Bob, True, but I could not find the A&A bag in local to try. I might be able to find the think tank 5 though.

Mike, I watched your video review. It was great. Thank you, I hope to see whether Ipad will fit in the think thank 5 or not. I checked internet reviews, some say yes some say no. so I am little confusing. If you can check it, I will be very appreciated.

Wafflecakee, could you please check for the ipad issue if you have an ipad?

Ethan, thank you for the advise, but domke is not my taste.

 

[swoop]

Domke F-6. Will carry your gear and more and not weigh you down.

 

[EthanFrank]

Ethan, thank you for the advise, but domke is not my taste.

No problem, good luck with your search! Trying the F-803 with an iPad might change your mind, though. 😉

 

[Archlich]

I use the A&A ACAM7100 bag for one M + one lens, an occasional second lens, and an iPad.

No problem with the M (as with any bag), but the iPad would be a somehow tight fit.

Still using it as my everyday bag though.

 

[back alley]

I am convinced there is only one way to select a bag to buy. Take the gear you want to carry into a store with that bag in stock. Pack the proposed bag with your gear. Walk around the store. Take the gear out and put it back as if you were photographing. Otherwise it is like buying a dress suit on the internet.

If your store doesn't have the bag you may want in stock, explain and ask them if they will order one for you to try. Paying full retail for the bag you like is a good deal. There is no discount big enough to compensate for a bag that does not work for you.

If you live someplace that does not have a camera store and must buy mail order, buy from someplace that will allow a return.

If you still doubt me, just ask Backalley Joe how many bags he has bought looking for the right one.

but surely i am a special case...:bang:

 

[ChrisN]

It doesn't matter what the question is: the answer is - Billingham Hadley Pro! 🙂

 

[infinitydreams]

ONA - The Union Street Messenger - it's gorgeous and I can't wait to get one!

 

[ark8012]

ONA - The Union Street Messenger - it's gorgeous and I can't wait to get one!

I love the bag, but...... EXPENSIVE!!😱, and might be bigger than I want. 😛

Thank you for the info.

 

[ark8012]

It doesn't matter what the question is: the answer is - Billingham Hadley Pro! 🙂

I have a Billingham 207 for my DSLR. It is really nice and I love the bag.
But now I am looking for something not like camera bag for daily use. 😀

Thank you for your suggestion, Chris.

 

[Bob Michaels]

but surely i am a special case...:bang:

Joe, you are very special. That is why we all love you so much.

I have owned 6 camera bags in my life. 2 bought back in the 70's that I wore out. 4 bought in the last 12 years that I still use. Actually I just had 2 of those 4 stolen but will be replacing them with exact duplicates. But I tried many bags in the store before I settled on the ones I use.

Now I could tell the OP which bags work for me. But that would realistically be no more meaningful to him than my shoe size.

 

[nlubis]

Restro 5 wont let you bring your Ipad with you.
My vote is for the Domke F6.

 

[Gary Briggs]

Agree with the domke, any domke !
They are the best combo of weight, strength, and accesability I have ever used.

 

[topoxforddoc]

Another vote for a Billingham

 

[al1966]

but surely i am a special case...:bang:

I think I may have the same hard time finding a decent bag, I have had in the last couple of years 2 crumplers, a Domke f803, 3 lowepros, 1 billingham, a copy of the Domke 802, a couple of no names and finally A Domke J802. I have a load of bags in the loft and sold a good few of them, though I do feel settled on the Domke and the copy for now. But I keep seeing all these wonderful bags that I really fancy 🙄 Do I need help?

 

[back alley]

I think I may have the same hard time finding a decent bag, I have had in the last couple of years 2 crumplers, a Domke f803, 3 lowepros, 1 billingham, a copy of the Domke 802, a couple of no names and finally A Domke J802. I have a load of bags in the loft and sold a good few of them, though I do feel settled on the Domke and the copy for now. But I keep seeing all these wonderful bags that I really fancy 🙄 Do I need help?

yes, you do!

too bad there is none...

i just traded a 5xb for yet another 803...this time the 803 looks really small to me...maybe because i got used to the tt retro 5 and 10 bags...
i still have a 5xc and a tamrac ralley 5 on the shelf...like new bags.

but i'm sticking with the think tanks for now!!