Need a new camera bag, help? 2 bodies + bunch of stuff

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#1
Hi (this is my first post by the way) :)

The bag I currently have has gotten two small for me, I'm in the need of a new bag.
I have:
two bodies (one 5-series and a 7d)
4-6 lenses
external mic
radio triggers
2 flashes
15+ filters
tablet
a flycam and a table glider
and a compact (travel sized) tripod

and I'd like all of that to fit in one bag that I can take with me on a plane as hand luggage (a tall order, I know)
if necessary, I'm willing to ditch the flycam to the cargo hold. I'd like the bag to have straps for a tripod.
I simply don't want to travel separated from my gear. Any suggestions? I don't have any good camera stores carrying large bags at a reasonable distance so I'm relying on people who have the same requirements to tell me which bags worked for them so I can check them out.
All replies appreciated!

I took some measurements, without the tablet and the filters and cables and all that stuff, my gear needs a minimum of 36 x 45 x 15cm with dividers.
 
#2
Just bought the Manfrotto pro backpack 50. It has plenty of space and can be used as carry on (at least according to Manfrotto).

However, the tripod has to be fixed outside the backpack.

I got a pretty good deal at one of the major online stores for ~ 100$ less than the regular price. However, the price went back up again.
 
Upvote 0
#3
mr_hyde said:
Just bought the Manfrotto pro backpack 50. It has plenty of space and can be used as carry on (at least according to Manfrotto).

However, the tripod has to be fixed outside the backpack.

I got a pretty good deal at one of the major online stores for ~ 100$ less than the regular price. However, the price went back up again.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your quick reply. It looks good on paper, but the lack of reviews and not knowing what really fits inside makes me want to stay away from it. What can you actually fit inside without it bursting?
Tripod will always be fixed on the outside, that's no problem :)
by the way, I forgot to mention the bigger body also has a battery grip that has to fit in as well. Backpack style would be the best in my opinion, if they only make them big enough. I should point out none of the lenses are huge telephotos, so the space required won't be insane, but they are all fast primes, so they're not small either.
 
Upvote 0
#7
flowers said:
Hi (this is my first post by the way) :)

The bag I currently have has gotten two small for me, I'm in the need of a new bag.
I have:
two bodies (one 5-series and a 7d)
4-6 lenses
external mic
radio triggers
2 flashes
15+ filters
tablet
a flycam and a table glider
and a compact (travel sized) tripod

and I'd like all of that to fit in one bag that I can take with me on a plane as hand luggage (a tall order, I know)
if necessary, I'm willing to ditch the flycam to the cargo hold. I'd like the bag to have straps for a tripod.
I simply don't want to travel separated from my gear. Any suggestions? I don't have any good camera stores carrying large bags at a reasonable distance so I'm relying on people who have the same requirements to tell me which bags worked for them so I can check them out.
All replies appreciated!
Click to expand...
Please be aware of the 7 Kg rule for carry on for almost all the airlines outside of U.S.
 
Upvote 0
#8
That's a lot of equipment to take on as hand luggage. As already mentioned, be aware of carry-on restrictions for the airline you're flying with.

If you need all that gear for work, I'd probably want to put everything in a decent flight case and put it in the hold, otherwise I'd think about whether you really need all that for your trip. I used to travel with a similar sized kit, but now I don't even take half of it.

Anyway, if you do need to take it all with you, I've managed to fit the following in a Lowepro Vertex 200 AW as hand luggage:

5D & 7D bodies
5 or 6 lenses with hoods, one of them a 70-200 f2.8
Off-flash cable and shutter release cables
Teleconverter & extension tubes
1 flash
5 77mm filters, a few step up rings, and also a UV on each lens
Small laptop
There are attachment points for tripods and modular pouches. I can't recall if I used them or if I had another bag with me to put the tripod in the hold.

The Vertex 200 suited my needs just fine. Quality wise, I'd say it's on par with my ThinkTank bags, and there are plenty of pockets and dividers. The harness/straps are well padded and pretty comfy, but you will notice all that weight when you're walking to your terminal!
http://store.lowepro.com/backpacks/vertex-200-aw

ThinkTank's bigger bags will likely be as good or better than LowePro, but something like this may also be of interest:
http://store.lowepro.com/backpacks/pro-runner-x450-aw
 
Upvote 0
#9
flowers said:
Hi (this is my first post by the way) :)

The bag I currently have has gotten two small for me, I'm in the need of a new bag.
I have:
two bodies (one 5-series and a 7d)
4-6 lenses
external mic
radio triggers
2 flashes
15+ filters
tablet
a flycam and a table glider
and a compact (travel sized) tripod

and I'd like all of that to fit in one bag that I can take with me on a plane as hand luggage (a tall order, I know)
if necessary, I'm willing to ditch the flycam to the cargo hold. I'd like the bag to have straps for a tripod.
I simply don't want to travel separated from my gear. Any suggestions? I don't have any good camera stores carrying large bags at a reasonable distance so I'm relying on people who have the same requirements to tell me which bags worked for them so I can check them out.
All replies appreciated!
Click to expand...

Hi,

I just purchased the Lowepro Flipside 400AW and so far it has been great.

The main reason for purchasing this bag was the security aspect. The only way in getting into main camera compartment is via the rear zipper, which when worn, is on your body-side. I think this is a fantastic feature, as your gear is safe and you don't have to worry about someone slowly opening your bag.

I use to have a Kata 3in1 20. Although that bag had a fairly sturdy clip and zipper system, my biggest fear was being in a crowded subway and for someone to boldly unclip and rob me of my gear.

Here are the facts from the Lowepro Website:
http://store.lowepro.com/backpacks/flipside-400-aw

This high-performance, large-capacity backpack is purpose built for the outdoor pro photographer or serious enthusiast looking for extra security, body-side access and all-weather protection.

  • Contoured shoulder straps and padded waistbelt help evenly distribute weight and provide extra comfort
  • Body-side access for added security and quick access to gear while wearing
  • Adjustable and padded camera compartment for easy customization of gear
  • Front storage panel for extra accessories and small personal items
  • Built-in All Weather AW Cover™ protects gear from the elements
  • Hideaway Tripod Mount™ secures a tripod to the pack
  • Silent zipper pulls provide quiet access around film crews or wildlife
  • SlipLock™ attachment loops expand carrying capacity



In regards to having a travel with your camera gear - have you considered of purchasing two bags?
When I was last overseas, there were times when I wished I could leave my backpack a the hotel and just have a smaller bag. I have recently ended up purchasing a Pro Messenger 180AW, which is great for carrying a Pro DSLR and two lenses.

I hope this helps.
 
Upvote 0
#10
gshocked said:
flowers said:
Hi (this is my first post by the way) :)

The bag I currently have has gotten two small for me, I'm in the need of a new bag.
I have:
two bodies (one 5-series and a 7d)
4-6 lenses
external mic
radio triggers
2 flashes
15+ filters
tablet
a flycam and a table glider
and a compact (travel sized) tripod

and I'd like all of that to fit in one bag that I can take with me on a plane as hand luggage (a tall order, I know)
if necessary, I'm willing to ditch the flycam to the cargo hold. I'd like the bag to have straps for a tripod.
I simply don't want to travel separated from my gear. Any suggestions? I don't have any good camera stores carrying large bags at a reasonable distance so I'm relying on people who have the same requirements to tell me which bags worked for them so I can check them out.
All replies appreciated!
Click to expand...

Hi,

I just purchased the Lowepro Flipside 400AW and so far it has been great.

The main reason for purchasing this bag was the security aspect. The only way in getting into main camera compartment is via the rear zipper, which when worn, is on your body-side. I think this is a fantastic feature, as your gear is safe and you don't have to worry about someone slowly opening your bag.

I use to have a Kata 3in1 20. Although that bag had a fairly sturdy clip and zipper system, my biggest fear was being in a crowded subway and for someone to boldly unclip and rob me of my gear.

Here are the facts from the Lowepro Website:
http://store.lowepro.com/backpacks/flipside-400-aw

This high-performance, large-capacity backpack is purpose built for the outdoor pro photographer or serious enthusiast looking for extra security, body-side access and all-weather protection.

  • Contoured shoulder straps and padded waistbelt help evenly distribute weight and provide extra comfort
  • Body-side access for added security and quick access to gear while wearing
  • Adjustable and padded camera compartment for easy customization of gear
  • Front storage panel for extra accessories and small personal items
  • Built-in All Weather AW Cover™ protects gear from the elements
  • Hideaway Tripod Mount™ secures a tripod to the pack
  • Silent zipper pulls provide quiet access around film crews or wildlife
  • SlipLock™ attachment loops expand carrying capacity



In regards to having a travel with your camera gear - have you considered of purchasing two bags?
When I was last overseas, there were times when I wished I could leave my backpack a the hotel and just have a smaller bag. I have recently ended up purchasing a Pro Messenger 180AW, which is great for carrying a Pro DSLR and two lenses.

I hope this helps.
Click to expand...
I can always buy a smaller bag later, what I can't do is make a bigger amount of gear fit in a smaller bag when I have to take everything! I already have my gear in two bags. I have to! they won't fit in one bag, especially my 15+ lenses (no, I don't need that many, I'm actually going to sell some). The reason I need one big bag is because I don't want to put any of my lenses or cameras in the cargo hold.
What you said about someone stealing your stuff, that's a good point, I worry about that too. The lowepro doesn't seem to help too much with that:
http://cambags.com/images/reviews/canon_1d/backpacks/lowepro_road_runner_450_Aw/lowepro_pro_runner_450_aw_canon_1d_hank3152_cambags_02.jpg
you can clearly open up the whole bag from the outside, even if you don't get the camera from the first slot you can get the lenses... Or your lenses just might fall to the pavement. Big help even if the thief is scared away, you'll still have to deal with the possibly broken lenses kicked around by the passers-by. A different lowepro I currently have is much better in regard, it's a lot harder to get stuff out of there (with bigger gear it's so much harder I kind of wish it wasn't!)

the 400 aw looks like it just might be big enough. I'd been looking at the vertex models, the biggest vertex also looks like it would probably be enough.
The plus side of some of the lowepros is the rain cover, I think that's also a help in keeping the thiefs away. First of all, depending on the rain cover, it can make a bag look cheap, especially from afar, and second of all it makes accessing the bag difficult because it covers all the zippers and such.
Thanks for the suggestion!
 
Upvote 0
#11
Rocky said:
flowers said:
Hi (this is my first post by the way) :)

The bag I currently have has gotten two small for me, I'm in the need of a new bag.
I have:
two bodies (one 5-series and a 7d)
4-6 lenses
external mic
radio triggers
2 flashes
15+ filters
tablet
a flycam and a table glider
and a compact (travel sized) tripod

and I'd like all of that to fit in one bag that I can take with me on a plane as hand luggage (a tall order, I know)
if necessary, I'm willing to ditch the flycam to the cargo hold. I'd like the bag to have straps for a tripod.
I simply don't want to travel separated from my gear. Any suggestions? I don't have any good camera stores carrying large bags at a reasonable distance so I'm relying on people who have the same requirements to tell me which bags worked for them so I can check them out.
All replies appreciated!
Click to expand...
Please be aware of the 7 Kg rule for carry on for almost all the airlines outside of U.S.
Click to expand...

Yeah I'm not going to be able to stay inside that, never have, but I've never gotten in trouble for it! They actually never weigh my bag! Maybe I look so inconspicuous. I don't know! But every time I fly I take 10-15kg on the plane as hand luggage and nobody's ever said anything!
 
Upvote 0
#12
moocowe said:
That's a lot of equipment to take on as hand luggage. As already mentioned, be aware of carry-on restrictions for the airline you're flying with.

If you need all that gear for work, I'd probably want to put everything in a decent flight case and put it in the hold, otherwise I'd think about whether you really need all that for your trip. I used to travel with a similar sized kit, but now I don't even take half of it.

Anyway, if you do need to take it all with you, I've managed to fit the following in a Lowepro Vertex 200 AW as hand luggage:

5D & 7D bodies
5 or 6 lenses with hoods, one of them a 70-200 f2.8
Off-flash cable and shutter release cables
Teleconverter & extension tubes
1 flash
5 77mm filters, a few step up rings, and also a UV on each lens
Small laptop
There are attachment points for tripods and modular pouches. I can't recall if I used them or if I had another bag with me to put the tripod in the hold.

The Vertex 200 suited my needs just fine. Quality wise, I'd say it's on par with my ThinkTank bags, and there are plenty of pockets and dividers. The harness/straps are well padded and pretty comfy, but you will notice all that weight when you're walking to your terminal!
http://store.lowepro.com/backpacks/vertex-200-aw

ThinkTank's bigger bags will likely be as good or better than LowePro, but something like this may also be of interest:
http://store.lowepro.com/backpacks/pro-runner-x450-aw
Click to expand...

I'm aware of the restrictions, having successfully circumvented them so far! I think the trick is to make it look light! If it doesn't look like you're dragging your feet because it weighs so much and it fits inside the size requirements, the assumption is it also fits inside the weight requirements. Hope that helps someone :) I really hate to be separated from my gear. And I really need to take all that, no matter how much more convenient it would be not to. I think I'll take an extra bag, empty, and if I happened to get complaints, I'll take it out and make it into hold baggage, emptying the stuff from the camera bag into it until they're happy. All the bigger gear that isn't a body or a lens can go into the hold if necessary. That way I'll be prepared no matter what :)

Thanks a lot for all your suggestions/advice!
 
Upvote 0
#13
Have you looked at ThinkTank's Airport series? If I didn't already have the LowePro Vertex, I'd probably get one of these.

This is the biggest backpack. It has a rain cover and locking zippers:
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/airport-accelerator.aspx

This one's a little bit smaller, but has the benefit of being a rolling bag as well as a backpack. I'm not sure if it has a rain cover, but the zippers can be locked.
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/airport-takeoff-roller-camera-bag.aspx
 
Upvote 0
#14
moocowe said:
Have you looked at ThinkTank's Airport series? If I didn't already have the LowePro Vertex, I'd probably get one of these.

This is the biggest backpack. It has a rain cover and locking zippers:
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/airport-accelerator.aspx

This one's a little bit smaller, but has the benefit of being a rolling bag as well as a backpack. I'm not sure if it has a rain cover, but the zippers can be locked.
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/airport-takeoff-roller-camera-bag.aspx
Click to expand...
I had a look at it, but I can't help feeling it's smaller than the bigger lowepros. It definitely looks 1-2 lenses smaller! Or am I just being misled by the dividers? It has a side strap and pouch for the tripod which is a plus, but the lowepros have that as well. I'll have to take some measurements!

Edit: I took the measurements, without the tablet, filters and that other stuff, my gear (bodies, lenses, support) can be squeezed into 36 x 45 x 15cm (I took the space of the dividers into account), so those are the absolute minimum inside measurements. Base on measurements alone, the Think Tank Airport Accelerator seems to fit the bill! My stuff goes into a smaller space than I thought.
 
Upvote 0
#15
I think you're being misled by dividers and perhaps the photos using big lenses.

I was wrong about the TakeOff being "a little bit smaller", it's quite a lot smaller. According to the interior dimensions of the bags mentioned in this thread, these are the approximate volumes in litres.

Airport Accelerator = 27.3
Vertex 300 AW = 26.6
Pro Runner x450 = 23.1
Expedition 8 = 23.1
Airport TakeOff = 20.2
Manfrotto Pro 50 = 17.7
Flipside 400 AW = 17.2
 
Upvote 0
#16
This is the biggest capacity Think Tank bag with shoulder harness.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/airport-security-v2-roller-camera-bag.aspx

It is over 33 liters internal volume. But you'd be a fool to try to take it as carry on on flights outside the USA.

For International work nothing beats this bag

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/airport-takeoff-roller-camera-bag.aspx

With an internal volume around 24 liters.

Nobody who has actually carried:-
two bodies (one 5-series and a 7d)
4-6 lenses
external mic
radio triggers
2 flashes
15+ filters
tablet
a flycam and a table glider
and a compact (travel sized) tripod
for any amount of time or distance in a backpack would do it twice. Roller bags are the answer 90% of the time and I have traveled a lot with lots of camera gear, Roller bags with shoulder harnesses are the best answer (short of somebody to carry it for you) 100% of the time, it is shocking how rarely wheels will not work, even off road, in sand blah blah, I have rolled my Think Tanks everywhere.
 
Upvote 0
#17
privatebydesign said:
This is the biggest capacity Think Tank bag with shoulder harness.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/airport-security-v2-roller-camera-bag.aspx

It is over 33 liters internal volume. But you'd be a fool to try to take it as carry on on flights outside the USA.

For International work nothing beats this bag

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/airport-takeoff-roller-camera-bag.aspx

With an internal volume around 24 liters.

Nobody who has actually carried:-
two bodies (one 5-series and a 7d)
4-6 lenses
external mic
radio triggers
2 flashes
15+ filters
tablet
a flycam and a table glider
and a compact (travel sized) tripod
for any amount of time or distance in a backpack would do it twice. Roller bags are the answer 90% of the time and I have traveled a lot with lots of camera gear, Roller bags with shoulder harnesses are the best answer (short of somebody to carry it for you) 100% of the time, it is shocking how rarely wheels will not work, even off road, in sand blah blah, I have rolled my Think Tanks everywhere.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I don't usually carry all that but now I have to! Trust me, it's not meant as a day pack, it's only so I can get all that gear on the plane and off the plane safely. Good point on the roller bag, I think I would be crazy to use a backpack without wheels, I've gotten sore muscles sometimes from a lot less gear than that! I'll go with the smaller think tank, I do want to take it as hand luggage. Thanks :)
 
Upvote 0
#18
flowers said:
privatebydesign said:
This is the biggest capacity Think Tank bag with shoulder harness.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/airport-security-v2-roller-camera-bag.aspx

It is over 33 liters internal volume. But you'd be a fool to try to take it as carry on on flights outside the USA.

For International work nothing beats this bag

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/airport-takeoff-roller-camera-bag.aspx

With an internal volume around 24 liters.

Nobody who has actually carried:-
two bodies (one 5-series and a 7d)
4-6 lenses
external mic
radio triggers
2 flashes
15+ filters
tablet
a flycam and a table glider
and a compact (travel sized) tripod
for any amount of time or distance in a backpack would do it twice. Roller bags are the answer 90% of the time and I have traveled a lot with lots of camera gear, Roller bags with shoulder harnesses are the best answer (short of somebody to carry it for you) 100% of the time, it is shocking how rarely wheels will not work, even off road, in sand blah blah, I have rolled my Think Tanks everywhere.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I don't usually carry all that but now I have to! Trust me, it's not meant as a day pack, it's only so I can get all that gear on the plane and off the plane safely. Good point on the roller bag, I think I would be crazy to use a backpack without wheels, I've gotten sore muscles sometimes from a lot less gear than that! I'll go with the smaller think tank, I do want to take it as hand luggage. Thanks :)
Click to expand...

And if you want hard sides and waterproof, http://www.pelican.com/cases_detail_storm.php?Case=iM2500
 
Upvote 0
#19
Don Haines said:
And if you want hard sides and waterproof, http://www.pelican.com/cases_detail_storm.php?Case=iM2500
Click to expand...
Thanks for the suggestion, but I rather avoid anything that looks that conspicuous when going to the airport (and when exiting the airport on the other side) :D I don't plan on banging it against hard surfaces repeatedly or dropping it in a body of water. :) I'll keep those in mind if I ever need something sturdier!
 
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