Suggestions for photogear backpack?

R

Rik

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I'm looking to buy a backpack for my photogear and would like to see if there are suggestions from users.
The pack needs to hold 2 M bodies, 4 lenses (biggest is a Noctilux), couple of filters, say 10 rolls of film, some other small stuff. Also i would like attachments for a tripod.
And preferably available in europe....

thanks for your input !
 
Rik said:
I'm looking to buy a backpack for my photogear and would like to see if there are suggestions from users.
.......

thanks for your input !
Click to expand...


utmostly seriously speaking, this is a tragedy. No less than a side bag.

But, if you combine a backpack with a belly pouch for the lenses, you may get through.

A belly pouch for the lenses is NOT those prominent pro belly pouches to store the full contents of your refrigerator, but one designed for wallets and personal things. Within this minor size cathegory you pick a biggie enough for your lenses.

Cheers,
Ruben
 
I have the Tamrac Expedition 5. It will hold everything you need and more..
 
Do you really need a backpack for RFs? I think a well padded should bag will work better for you. Just my 2 cents.
 
Lowepro CompuDaypack is the best backpack I have seen for a small kit. It seems almost designed specifically for RF gear! The separate bottom compartment should hold most or all of the photo gear, above is a general purpose compartment with zippered pockets inside, and behind is what is meant to be a laptop compartment but I usually use it to carry books, my umbrella or extra clothes. It's no bigger than a student backpack but can hold an amazing amount of gear. I took it on a three day business trip and didn't need any other luggage.
Lowepro's Rover and CompuRover packs have the same design but on a larger scale, and have a tripod holder. I also have the CompuRover which I hall out for carrying SLR or MF gear.
 
Rik: I know what you're saying. Have at look at the rather new Lowepro Flipside, here is the 200 model: http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/LP35182/

They also have a smaller 100-model, and they are the bomb. I bought mine (both the 100 and 200-model) from B&H and they cost $50-60. They are slim and doesn't get in the way when you need to move around, and the smallest (100) has got more than enough room for a Zeiss Ikon and 4 lenses. Best of all: They are extremely well padded, but without leaving you with the feeling that you are walking around with a beach ball on your back. HIGHLY recommended.
 
I don't know why everyone hates on backpack so much. The guy doesn't like shoulder bags, its not like the cosmic photo gods will strike us all down for this blasphemy. And it certainly won't effect your personally. Myself, I couldn't survive without my big backpack. I don't have a car, and bike most places. I can fit all the gear I need be it my 4x5, 35mm, or what have you, it all fits, with my big tripod on the back.
 
I actually saw the Lowepro Slingshot series today. It looks like a nice mix between a backpack and a shoulder bag. The AW 200 seems big enough to fit my gear. I don't need to carry other stuff in the backpack. And reasonably priced as well. Any experiences with these?
 
The AW 200 was my last backpack. It is actually rather large. Try to check it out in "real life" before buying. The quality is very good, but it might be a bit over the top. I certainly know it was too big for me. Also, try searching for the different backpacks on Youtube.com, there are quite a bit of reviews out there and it helps to see them in actual usage.
 
What about one of the SlingShots?

http://products.lowepro.com/catalog/Sling-bags,4.htm

You can flip them around to your front and have access to your gear. I have the 100 and like it a lot. I used it in my last vacation with my Leica M2, 4 lenses, some films and an Olympus XA.

All the weight is on one shoulder only, though - the larger models might be too heavy when you put in too many of your rangefinders.

Michael
 
i DIDN'T READ EVERY POST. tHIS MAY HAVE BEEN COVERED ALREADY.

Go to an outdoor outfitting supply place. A store that sells real backpacks. Take all your photo gear + rain gear for you + maybe some warm clothes if you are going to be out when the weather may change + lunch. Find a backpack that will fit your body perfectly and hold all the stuff you brought with you. Next, figure out an inexpensive way to pack-pad your camera gear. Include Ziplock bags for your camera stuff in case the weather turns wet.

I have discovered that the thin foam sleeves used to insulate soda/beer cans will hold every lens I have, with hood attached. My range is 28mm to 135mm. The Noctilux may not fit. These same foam sleeves will also hold a camera body. Snug, but it goes in. Something else I've seen: one of my local camera shops has a large box of old camera bag foam diveiders. If you find a source of these, you can use them for diverders, etc.

These hold my lenses, meters & bodies...

5a34f2b5-d1ee-417b-b83e-4589b94cb463.jpg


Bottom line: camera company backpacks are too heavy, may not fit and cost too much.
 
Micro Trekker , is small but not too small. Well padded and easy to throw over on one shoulder if you want. I use mine all the time when traveling in Europe.
 
I'm not anti backpack per se, except they seem to be at odds with the whole "small is beautiful" gestalt of using rangefinders in the first place. If you're hauling around a 4x5, yeah, it makes sense. If you have an RF and a couple of lenses, pockets work just as well. That is only useful, of course, if you're not at a nudist camp! :eek:
 
Rik said:
I actually saw the Lowepro Slingshot series today. It looks like a nice mix between a backpack and a shoulder bag. The AW 200 seems big enough to fit my gear. I don't need to carry other stuff in the backpack. And reasonably priced as well. Any experiences with these?
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Rik,

I use the 200AW for my kit which consists of 2 M8 bodies (with lenses mounted) plus up to 5 additional lenses, Nikon SB-80Dx flash and off-camera cord, batteries, SD cards, small beanbag and table top tripod and other small items. I love it. It allows easy access and yet rides comfortably on your back. The only thing it doesn't have is an easy way to attach a tripod.
 
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