Photographers...help???

[Squeaksmyalias]

Anyone out there have recommendations for camera backpacks? I'm trying to check around since they are so expensive.

I'm getting a 200-500mm lens and my currant messenger type bag is going to be way too small if I need to take all my lenses with me. I'm also thinking it might be best to get one with laptop storage too. I like bags that don't scream "Look I'm carrying expensive equipment!" so I stick with messenger bags and backpacks.

I would need to store three lenses, biggest like I said would be the 200-500mm, of course the camera body, aviation headset (it would fit in with the lenses and body I think), laptop for when I travel and what ever other junk I decide to try and shove in.

If anyone could help me out with recommendations, or thoughts on where to buy. Anything would be super helpful.

[Sonoma]

I have a Lowepro Fastpack 250. My only grip with it is it had a chemical-type smell, but it is now starting to fade. It's a nice bag, has lots of storage, and you can access the camera equipment without completely taking it off, or you can tuck the camera area zippers under another flap so no one can get in there without you knowing about it. Unfortunately, I can't use it anymore, since I bought a laptop that's just a little bit bigger than it will accomodate. When I get ready for another laptop/camera bag, I'll probably get a little bit bigger one.

Lowepro's website has a bag finder where you can put in the equipment you have, and it will recommend bags.

My friend has a Tamrac backpack, and she's been happy with it.

If you buy mail order, I recommend bhphotovideo.com

I'm able to fit my D40, 18-55, 55-200, and old 70-300 lenses, along with a flash & the charger. The backpack sections handy for my filters, manuals, and an extra laptop battery & mouse.

[sarasquirrel]

cant help you there, but DAMN 200-500mm?? i have a 75-300 thats been dropped a few times ;(

[Squeaksmyalias]

cant help you there, but DAMN 200-500mm?? i have a 75-300 thats been dropped a few times ;(

Yea, it's going to be my birthday and Christmas gift from my parents. It was supposed to come with a free really nice backpack actually but I was ignored when I pointed out a deal like that wouldn't last long. At least I can still get the lens.
It's good to have for my in the air shots and airshow photography.
I love my 70-300mm but sometimes that isn't enough, it's still going to be my primary lens.

[sarasquirrel]

Yea, it's going to be my birthday and Christmas gift from my parents. It was supposed to come with a free really nice backpack actually but I was ignored when I pointed out a deal like that wouldn't last long. At least I can still get the lens.
It's good to have for my in the air shots and airshow photography.
I love my 70-300mm but sometimes that isn't enough, it's still going to be my primary lens.

ah yes the air shots. you still havent flown over my house :P

[Squeaksmyalias]

I'm working on it.

[sarasquirrel]

I'm working on it.

let me know. haha i'll go stand outside and wave

[Squeaksmyalias]

let me know. haha i'll go stand outside and wave

The new lens means I can get a nice close shot of you too.

[sarasquirrel]

The new lens means I can get a nice close shot of you too.

i'll be sure to wear my makeup :P

[Midorikawa]

I'd have to second the Lowepro bags. The one I have looks like a normal backpack, but has all my lenses, camera, and other photography paraphernalia. Unless you SEE me take my camera out of that bag, you'd never know it was a camera bag, which comes in handy when I'm just carrying my bag and not intending any shots.

[ApolloSZ]

My laptop bag

I have this bag (well, slightly different colouring) It has a separate laptop bag (and its padded) and two compartments (one for laptop bag, one free with pockets) - And the buckles are all SOLID metal (i.e. not fake/plastic) - The joke is if someone attacks me, I'll belt them with the shoulder strap.

It should fit laptop and camera gear awesomely. Then you can keep feeding my plane pic obsessions :P

(Off topic) I have to find that missle picture I took, and show you. Who has to label which direction a missile needs to point.... Sharp end towards enemy is a fairly easy concept.

[Squeaksmyalias]

I have a lowpro messenger bag, I was thinking of sticking with them, I just wanted to make sure there wasn't a better brand out there I was missing. I adore my bag it's so cute! Sadly it's only got three spots and then the side pockets and I doubt it can carry what I will need after a while.

Midorikawa that's exactly what I'm looking for. Btw have you gotten that Tamron lens I asked you about a couple months back yet? I LOVE mine it's fantastic, I'm getting a 2nd one from the company now. That's going to be my new "Uber zoom of doom" lens, or Godzilla lens, I haven't decided what I will call it.
I name my lenses, strange I know, I just blame the knock on the head I got from falling off a horse.


ApolloSZ/big brother, your need for plane shots will be fed don't worry. I will show you the type of shots I can get with the new lens you will be very excited.

[AccountingDrone]

I'm working on it.

How much does it cost to go up in a plane? I'm feeling the urge to get airborn again and I won't be able to afford europe until next summer ... and I don't want to get frisked by the TSA any time soon ...

Though I don't care helicopter or small plane =)

[Squeaksmyalias]

How much does it cost to go up in a plane? I'm feeling the urge to get airborn again and I won't be able to afford europe until next summer ... and I don't want to get frisked by the TSA any time soon ...

Though I don't care helicopter or small plane =)

I'll PM you a link.


figure I will add this to my thread. I got featured in another photographers gallery On deviantart! My shot is a picture of a pilot infront of an F-5. A shot I took while I was with AccountingDrone and her Hubby at an airshow over the summer.
Looky! It's about the 11th one down on the left hand side.

[Midorikawa]

Btw have you gotten that Tamron lens I asked you about a couple months back yet? I LOVE mine it's fantastic, I'm getting a 2nd one from the company now.

No, sadly my finances went downhill, and we're only just now coming out of it. Made do with my old 28mm, my 50mm f/2.8, and my kit 55-200mm lenses for the wedding.