[CP.AR]

Hi all,

I'm heading to Japan for a short trip soon, during of which I will be bringing my T1i with me.

As I hate the current shoulder bag I got with the camera (came as a bundle during Best Buy Boxing Day last year), I want to get something that can be worn as a backpack, and safe enough to cushion my camera + another lens.

Seeing that Black's is currently have their Lowepro bag sale right now, I'm thinking of picking one up. My budget is sub $100 dollars.
any suggestions?

I will be bringing the following:
A External Flash
My T1i with a 17-85mm IS lens
Another Lens 28-105mm mk2


TIA

[Dangerphoto]

^ Get a flipside 300, I have one and it has been pretty good to me. Picked one off craigslist for $40.

Edit: do you need any extra room storing stuff other than your camera gear? If so the flipside would not be the best choice...There are many on craigslist that you can pick up...here is one for example:

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/pho/2245746030.html

[RevRav]

I have the Kata 3N1-22. Perfect bag for these trips.

You might want to look into the one size smaller -10, or -11 depending on your needs.
The -11 and -22 models have an extra zipper at the back for small netbooks.

[!MiKrofT]

I'm thinking of investing in a kata 3n1 as well. My 5million dollar home kills my back and shoulders when I carry them too long. Its great if I don't need to carry my gear for long periods of time.

[K-Dub]

Kata 3N1-20 chiming in here.

Love this bag, have taken it everywhere I've been. I managed to fit an eeePC in the top pouch with some random stuff.

In the main area, I have my 7D+11-16/28-75/50. + 2 more empty spots for other stuff.

[ddr]

3N1-20 here as well. no complaints whatsoever. i got the tripod holder as well.

I wouldn't go any smaller than 20 though. I guess you can see in person for yourself.

[RevRav]

Compared the 10 and 20 side to side...its really not that noticeable.
I would just get the 20 / 22 incase you want to fit more items in the future. The
11 vs. 22 does make a difference between being able to fit a notebook or not.

[ilvtofu]

Wow didn't know there were so many 3N1 here, I have one too LOL!


There might be some lowepro slingshots that interest you, but I guess you're looking for a backpack
I've personally carried what you have with my crumpler 5 million no problem

[!MiKrofT]

For me I carry a 40d, 17-50 f 2.8, 70-200f4l, flash. Gets heavy after time. Plus the weight if the 5mdh. I found 3n1-11 for 87cdn shipped on eBay.
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[CP.AR]

THanks guys I'll give them a look on the weekend..

I did some browsing on some sites and found the Lowepro Slingshots, anybody have those and can give me some feedback?

[RCubed]

I have a slingshot200. Very easy access to equipment, decent amount of space.
I would sstill be using it but my gf bought me a flipside200 and she gets angry when im seen not using it.

If you want mine, ill sell it to you for reaaaaaaallly cheap. =)
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[Dangerphoto]

^ which do you personally like better?

[RCubed]

Definitely the slingshot. The newer x02 models have a tripod holder now too.

In terms of capacity the slingshots win.
In terms of easy accessibility, the sling shots win too.
In terms of security, the flip side definitely winds.
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[moky]

i have a slingshot 200 and if you are planning on carrying it about 5-7hours a day, it's gonna get painful to that one shoulder. it is very easy to put in or take out the camera itself, but if you are going to change lenses, you're going to have to put the bag down and open the compartment.

have used the slingshot with a gripped 40d, 10-20, 50mm, 24-105 and 580ex, misc filters etc, and the weight will become very noticeable if you don't get much rest.

i'd personally get a backpack over a slingshot type just because of the comfort of using both shoulders, plus you get to carry more gear and other items, like a water bottle and some snacks :D

[RCubed]

i have a slingshot 200 and if you are planning on carrying it about 5-7hours a day, it's gonna get painful to that one shoulder. it is very easy to put in or take out the camera itself, but if you are going to change lenses, you're going to have to put the bag down and open the compartment.

have used the slingshot with a gripped 40d, 10-20, 50mm, 24-105 and 580ex, misc filters etc, and the weight will become very noticeable if you don't get much rest.

i'd personally get a backpack over a slingshot type just because of the comfort of using both shoulders, plus you get to carry more gear and other items, like a water bottle and some snacks :D

I agree with the changing lenses, but for a travel bag, i think its perfect.
You want to be able to whip out the camera quickly. ;)

[davidhtam]

i had the slingshot 200 as well.

I carried a gripped 20d, 24-70L, 580ex, 70-200 f/2.8L IS, and some other misc stuff.

The weight is VERY noticable and becomes painful and uncomfortable over long periods of time.

Now, i'm using the Dakine mission backpack and carry all the same gear, sometimes more. The upside of the Dakine is that the camera block section of the backpack is removable and can be used as a separate bag, then the backpack section can hold all your other stuff!

[moky]

I agree with the changing lenses, but for a travel bag, i think its perfect.
You want to be able to whip out the camera quickly. ;)
lol true, but if you're going traveling and doing "photowalks" you'd already have the camera hanging on your neck ;)

[gilly]

NO NEED TO LOOK ANY FURTHER! THIS IS THE BEST CAMERA BAG (imo)

http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/23/engadgets-back-to-school-guide-laptop-bags/

scroll down to Kata Sensitivity V backpack

really really comfortable backpack. straps nicely on to your back. has room for my 13in macbook pro, my camera body n lens and a spot for an extra lens. many pockets too. Also, very stylish.. had many comments from other ppl of how good it looks. very high quality materials and very durable

HIGHLY RECOMMEND! even engadget likes it. only downfall.. it is not waterproof.

[ddr]

the same fact is true for the 3n1-20 about the weight on shoulders. when I had three lenses and a flash in there, i used it exclusively in backpack mode.

[aznrsx1979]

I'm using the Lowepro Versapack 200AW and it's been great for me. Used it while I've gone biking to.

http://www.bccamera.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=4382

[77civic1200]

I have the slingshot 200, and have no trouble changing lenses with it on. I loosen the strap most of the way, so when it swings to the front its at waist level, then use the open side as a secure table of sorts.

If you are just looking for a cheap temporary solution, check out costco, they have a similar bag for like $30-35 made by swiss gear? swiss something, cant remember

[aznrsx1979]

I have the slingshot 200, and have no trouble changing lenses with it on. I loosen the strap most of the way, so when it swings to the front its at waist level, then use the open side as a secure table of sorts.

If you are just looking for a cheap temporary solution, check out costco, they have a similar bag for like $30-35 made by swiss gear? swiss something, cant remember

Yeah that's roughly the price for the Swiss Gear from Costco. I use that bag quite a bit when I don't need to carry too much around.

[ilvtofu]

Does anyone have/seen the lowepro exchange messenger?
For $20 on amazon can't really beat it eh? Very clean looking simple bag, a little small for my 7D though but I'm seriously considering it since it's pretty affordable and what I've been looking for a while now, just curious as to how well it holds its shape

[!MiKrofT]

Yeah that's roughly the price for the Swiss Gear from Costco. I use that bag quite a bit when I don't need to carry too much around.
It's like 37.99 at costco. Just saw it today. It's the same as the smallest slingshot bag.

[!MiKrofT]

Does anyone have/seen the lowepro exchange messenger?
For $20 on amazon can't really beat it eh? Very clean looking simple bag, a little small for my 7D though but I'm seriously considering it since it's pretty affordable and what I've been looking for a while now, just curious as to how well it holds its shape
If I recall they have cheap padding as in on the thin side.

[Volvoman]

Costco has a flipside imitation by swiss gear. $40

[insomniac]

sorry for the thread jack,
but someone just linked me to this bag on my blog..
http://shop.thehundreds.com/p-455-paparazzi-backpack.aspx

http://shop.thehundreds.com/images/Product/medium/455.jpg
http://shop.thehundreds.com/images/product/medium/455_3_.jpg

looks pretty sick too but might be inconvenient to take camera out?
should i get it?

[CP.AR]

Well I looked at ALL you guys' suggestions... I think I will most likely be picking this badboy up
Amazon.com: Kata DR-467i Digital Rucksack (Black): Camera & Photo@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21iDQUNrwTL.@@AMEPARAM@@21iDQUNrwTL

or this guy
Amazon.com: Lowepro Fastpack 250 Backpack Digital SLR Camera Case: Electronics@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51oi5xYdF-L.@@AMEPARAM@@51oi5xYdF-L

I'm leaning towards the Lowepro Fastpack right now, since the side access feature makes it much more convenient and a bit more secure. and plus, even the package with the cheap tripod and the cleaning kit is cheaper than the kata on it's own.