I've outgrown my backpack and am looking for suggestions for something that will hold two bodies(5D and 7D), a 80-400mm, 17-50,24-105, and 100mm, plus flash and associated "stuff". It needs to be small enough to carry on an airplane. Doesn't have to hold a laptop but that would prevent me having to carry another bag.
Suggestions?
Posted by David Prichard on February 12, 2012 at 3:47 PM
Posted by John Mumaw on February 12, 2012 at 4:24 PM
Seems like I've tried nearly all of 'em, and the F-Stop series is far and away the best of the bunch.
Online reviews abound, but one of the better illustrated of them (photos) are the reviews by ski photographer Dan Carr (scroll down to 'camera accessories' to see reviews of the three most popular bags).
Posted by Tom Hilton on February 12, 2012 at 9:38 PM
I have had a Think Tank Streetwalker BP for 3-4 months... I like it a lot.
It will hold all of that stuff and be well balanced.
Posted by Nick Baldwin on February 13, 2012 at 10:06 AM
I had been using Tamrac for years but my large backpack was over 10 years and showing some wear.
A pro friend suggested ThinkTank and he was right. I got the Ariport Antidote v2 and it fit my D700+70-200f/2.8 with 2.0TC, plus a D300 body and SB900 and batteries, Hoodman Loupe, a Panasonic Lumix backup P&S and many other items.
It also carries a laptop in its own padded sleeve. And the whole thing Always fit in the overhead. And if you had to put it underneath, just pull out the laptop sheath and the bag easily goes underneath and laptop can go in that seat-back with the magazines!
It has it's own rain shield and security locking mechanism too.
So I can hardily recommend it for travel.
For around the woods here, well I still take the old Tamrac.
hope this helps.
Posted by David Bostedo on February 13, 2012 at 10:58 AM
I don't have much experience with larger packs, but the ClikElite backpack I have is great. I have a smaller one, so it certainly wouldn't fit everything you're talking about, but the build and features are great. I've heard good things about ThinkTank and F-Stop as well, but haven't tried them.
Posted by John Kerr on February 13, 2012 at 2:39 PM
Tamrac.com has a great backpack selection. You can click on "all products" to see their selections in different catagories from small to large packs. Next to each backpack there's icons to show you approx what will fit in it as far as lenses and cameras. I just purchased a Cyberpack 8 by Tamrac this weekend. I have a Canon 7D, 100mm macro, 70-300mm, 18-135mm and 10-22mm lens. Extension tubes, external flash, filters, all the extra goodys we carry and still have room to grow into so I don't need to replace it in a year. With that in the pack you could still add the 5D with no problem. Hope this helps.
John Kerr
Posted by Bill Bean on February 16, 2012 at 11:53 AM
Agree with David...don't overlook ClikElite in your decision....I'm very impressed with the quality and features of my new pack....
and I swear I looked at EVERY brand out there! I bought a Kata bag and I liked it very much, but this one was so much more comfortable and just as light, so I returned the Kata.
Sharon
Posted by Peyton Hale on March 17, 2012 at 2:01 PM
Given it may take a bit to receive it, F-Stop Gear bags are by far the best in the business. I own a Satori EXP, a Tilopa BC and Loka - all for different situations, and love them all.
Posted by Scott Miller on March 26, 2012 at 2:35 AM
Love my Satori EXP from F Stop. It holds a ton, but with compression straps can fit in the overhead bin of a regional airliner. It also wears very well on the shoulders for long hikes. And best of all, getting to your gear is insanely fast, so set up and tear down times at a location are very quick. Not much else you can ask for!
I'm surprised to see no suggestions for LowePro. I have used them for over a decade. Take a look at the ProTrekker series. They are very competitive with the Tamrac backpacks.
Discussion
11 repliesSuggestions?
You may wish to have a look at Think Tank which has a variety of packs designed for aircraft.
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/default.aspx
Online reviews abound, but one of the better illustrated of them (photos) are the reviews by ski photographer Dan Carr (scroll down to 'camera accessories' to see reviews of the three most popular bags).
It will hold all of that stuff and be well balanced.
A pro friend suggested ThinkTank and he was right. I got the Ariport Antidote v2 and it fit my D700+70-200f/2.8 with 2.0TC, plus a D300 body and SB900 and batteries, Hoodman Loupe, a Panasonic Lumix backup P&S and many other items.
It also carries a laptop in its own padded sleeve. And the whole thing Always fit in the overhead. And if you had to put it underneath, just pull out the laptop sheath and the bag easily goes underneath and laptop can go in that seat-back with the magazines!
It has it's own rain shield and security locking mechanism too.
So I can hardily recommend it for travel.
For around the woods here, well I still take the old Tamrac.
hope this helps.
John Kerr
and I swear I looked at EVERY brand out there! I bought a Kata bag and I liked it very much, but this one was so much more comfortable and just as light, so I returned the Kata.
Sharon