Recommend me a Camera Bag

Braeden

Braeden

Braeden

Associate
Joined
15 Feb 2003
Posts
853
Location
West Yorkshire
Well, I got back from Donington park this weekend, and found a flaw with my hama backpack - it isn't waterproof.

I found that all my camera gear was wet (although not too bad as I always store lenses inside the plastic bags they are supplied with) and the cardboard packaging on some items was pretty much destroyed.

Luckily after an overnight dryout I have tried everything and it all works fine.

Now I am looking for a top loading all weather bag that will take my 350D with battery grip and my 70-300 IS USM lens both attached. I have looked at the Lowepro Nova 5 AW and although price wise it is fine I am not convinced it will take the camera with the zoom attached.

I don't really want a backpack if at all possible, mainly for ease of access to the camera in the dry spells between hail and snow (as I struggled on Sunday with this and in the end gave up and left the camera in the backpack).

Can any of you with first hand experience recommend this or any other bag?
 
LowePro Top Loader 70 AW - £48

TLZ70_Black_left_cam_1a.jpg
 
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ooh now that looks nice

I would like to be able to take all 3 lenses (big spender eh?) that I own as well as the body so that looks more like what I'm after. Although trackside the toploader looks ideal as I wont be swapping lenses around so there is no need to have any other gear on me.
 
I've currently got a Slingshot 200, and I love it.

Sadly, I don't have much gear (D50 + 18-55mm) but I can see it will happily take another 3 lenses and accessories with ease.

It's really comfy to carry your gear in, and "swings" round simply so you have good access to your kit.
 
do you think it would take a lens that measures approx 15cm in length attached to the camera?

The main thing is that there are occasions when I dont want to change lenses to store the camera away so I need to be sure it will hold the equipment before I buy one.

There is a slingshot 100 on an auction site finishing in 40 mins as well :)
 
I'd guess my 200 would do yes.

Just taken official specs from Lowepro site, internal dimensions:

100AW
19 x 13 x 25 cm

200AW
22 x 15 x 30 cm

If you shoup around, you cna find the 200AW for under £50
 
I have the slingshot 200aw and couldn't recommend it more, it's a great bag. I originally like you didn't want a backpack but was swayed by the dark side when i saw it in a well known camera shop in NYC. You won't regret buying it. :D
 
WatervProofing the bag

I guess that as with most 'Rucksacks' these they are seldom wet proof
unless you spend a months wages on one.
A bin bag/charity sack/large tough carrier liner is probably your best bet. ;)
 
This might be a good idea if you still wish to keep the bag you have? Buy a can of waterproofing spray. It is supposed to work on coats, tents and shoes. I am going to coat my targus backpack with it. :)
 
I have the AW200 and like it a lot
it's not perfect but I get all my kit in it and it does a good job
I rotate the padded sections internally though so I can get to all my lenses
also means your 100-300 style lenses can fit in without a problem
even takes the grip on my 350D with some shuffling
 
Happydays said:
Billingham Bags,
Top quality last for years and carry lots,

Kind Regards
Click to expand...

A pro I knew a few years ago said that he tried everything alse as he didn't really want a Billingham as he thought they were too cliched but eventually gave in and bought one. They are supposed to be very good but they cost a lot.

Speaking as someone with a lot of outdoor/climbing experience, nylon bags/rucksacs will never be 100% waterproof for long so if you are out in the rain for a long time you cannot rely on them.
 
freebooter said:
A pro I knew a few years ago said that he tried everything alse as he didn't really want a Billingham as he thought they were too cliched but eventually gave in and bought one. They are supposed to be very good but they cost a lot.

Speaking as someone with a lot of outdoor/climbing experience, nylon bags/rucksacs will never be 100% waterproof for long so if you are out in the rain for a long time you cannot rely on them.
Click to expand...

I always had Lowepro before, the Dryzone200 being the last, I have to say my 550 is better, yes with the 200 you could almost expect to drop it off a building and walk away without a rattle, but an unwieldly beast it was, and screamed steal me in bright yellow,

The Billingham, slides over the shoulder with wide strap for comfort, looks the place almost anywhere, is easy to open and use, and is very hardwearing,

Yes it looks a little dated, but i do not regret buying one at all,
 
freebooter said:
nylon bags/rucksacs will never be 100% waterproof for long so if you are out in the rain for a long time you cannot rely on them.
Click to expand...
The external water proof cover that comes fitted to all LowePro AW bags will keep the bag dry in the hardest rain :)
 
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