Hi folks. I'm on the lookout for a decent camera bag or two for my impending first DSLR purchase. I've narrowed it down to a couple of choices for what would be my main camera bag - something to take a decent amount of kit on hikes/trips etc.
Contender #1 is the Lowepro Flipside. Also for your consideration, we have the Kata 3N1.
The reason I'm drawn to these is that I like the "quick draw" theory behind sling bags, but would prefer the comfort of a two strapped back pack. Both these bags seem to offer a fair compromise between comfort and ease of access, but I have a few questions for owners of these (or indeed similar type) bags.
Firstly, just how useful is the "quick draw" feature? Is it something you use often, or is it just a gimmick? In theory I like the idea of being able to quickly take a spontaneous shot should the opportunity arise, but I just have a nagging feeling that it's one of those "cool" features that's really not needed, and is only there to appeal to n00bs like me
Secondly, from your own experience, how comfortable is your bag? How is the build quality (I've heard very good things re the Lowepro range, not so much on the Kata stuff)?
If you're an owner of the Flipside in particular, can you tell me about the quick access feature? In demo videos, they show the bag being moved from the normal upright backpack position, to being horizontal at the front of the wearer, so that he/she can easily access their equipment. It's described as being hands-free, but in other demos I've seen the wearer having to support the pack with a propped knee. So how secure is the pack in this position? Is it really hands free?
Those are the current contenders for main bag (not neccessarily in the sizes I linked too, but those are the specific ranges). However, I'd also be interested in a smaller bag for short trips into the city etc, something that could hold a camera and a lens or two. I've seen the Crumpler range obviously, but apart from a funky naming scheme and cool designs, I've no idea how practical they are. Any Crumpler owners who can give me some feedback?
Think that's about it for now. Thanks in advance guys
Contender #1 is the Lowepro Flipside. Also for your consideration, we have the Kata 3N1.
The reason I'm drawn to these is that I like the "quick draw" theory behind sling bags, but would prefer the comfort of a two strapped back pack. Both these bags seem to offer a fair compromise between comfort and ease of access, but I have a few questions for owners of these (or indeed similar type) bags.
Firstly, just how useful is the "quick draw" feature? Is it something you use often, or is it just a gimmick? In theory I like the idea of being able to quickly take a spontaneous shot should the opportunity arise, but I just have a nagging feeling that it's one of those "cool" features that's really not needed, and is only there to appeal to n00bs like me
Secondly, from your own experience, how comfortable is your bag? How is the build quality (I've heard very good things re the Lowepro range, not so much on the Kata stuff)?
If you're an owner of the Flipside in particular, can you tell me about the quick access feature? In demo videos, they show the bag being moved from the normal upright backpack position, to being horizontal at the front of the wearer, so that he/she can easily access their equipment. It's described as being hands-free, but in other demos I've seen the wearer having to support the pack with a propped knee. So how secure is the pack in this position? Is it really hands free?
Those are the current contenders for main bag (not neccessarily in the sizes I linked too, but those are the specific ranges). However, I'd also be interested in a smaller bag for short trips into the city etc, something that could hold a camera and a lens or two. I've seen the Crumpler range obviously, but apart from a funky naming scheme and cool designs, I've no idea how practical they are. Any Crumpler owners who can give me some feedback?
Think that's about it for now. Thanks in advance guys
How do you find the build quality of the Lowepro? I've heard they're built to last.