Camera bag for SL2 + Q2M

[NightPix]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

On 4/11/2023 at 11:57 PM, kobra said:

So, a couple of things I've used.

1. Billingham bags. Not fancy, but just work and seem like they will last forever. I have used a Billingham Hadley One as a combo bag for camera and travel. It could hold all the camera gear you intend, and more, along with a laptop, tablet (if desired). 

2. I don't know if you are open to a different option, but I've started to use a MountainSmith Day lumbar pack; https://mountainsmith.com/collections/tls-lumbar-packs/products/2020-day-lumbar?variant=37843827720344 . Then, I use neoprene sleeves for the lenses, and just toss them into the bag. They also have "strapettes" which makes it more like a backpack if you carry more weight. The bag is very versatile... the weight is all on your hips, the strongest part of the body. You can easily swing the bag around without taking it off, so changing lenses is pretty easy. Also, it comes with a shoulder strap and the belt straps tuck in easily, so it can be worn as a shoulder bag for convenience. The Day pack, as above, can fit the 90-280, the SL2 with 24-70 (or 24-90), and still have room for the 16-35 and one more lens if you really want. That also leaves a dump pocket with enough room for spare batteries, memory cards, charger, etc. The "Tour" model is smaller and may be big enough for the camera and 2 medium lenses. 

3. Probably doesn't relate completely here, but for more active walks/hiking, a proper hiking backpack with an insert (or neoprene sleeves as above) is by far the most comfortable. But it does likely does not have the convenience for travel. 

The problem with many 'camera bags' is that they are not very comfortable for anything other than short walks. A shoulder (or sling) bag puts too much weight on one side of the body. "Camera backpacks" feature the ease of access, but have poor straps (especially the waist straps), and also have poor ventilation. Any amount of walking becomes uncomfortable, and hot. 

I've tried a lot of different solutions, but now the first 2 solutions above are what I've found to work best for all around carry that mixes comfort with convenience. Hope that helps! 

Brad

 

 

I actually have a Mountainsmith backpack that I use regularly when hiking or when I need to carry a lot of gear. It’s a great backpack.For my upcoming trip I’m expecting more short walks and so will be carrying less gear and for a shorter period of time. I don’t normally like shoulder bags, but in this case I’m thinking quicker access to my camera will matter more than my comfort. I’ll be carrying a bottle of Advil just in case I’m wrong. 

[kobra]

1 hour ago, NightPix said:

I actually have a Mountainsmith backpack that I use regularly when hiking or when I need to carry a lot of gear. It’s a great backpack.For my upcoming trip I’m expecting more short walks and so will be carrying less gear and for a shorter period of time. I don’t normally like shoulder bags, but in this case I’m thinking quicker access to my camera will matter more than my comfort. I’ll be carrying a bottle of Advil just in case I’m wrong. 

Ok, good. I don't have any of the Mountainsmith backpacks but was impressed with the versatility of the lumbar pack. The lumbar pack should be close to the shoulder bag in accessibility; I was actually surprised how quick and easy it is. To me, I think the key will be how far will you walk each day... while your travel gear is not a "full kit" it still is a lot more than some travel kits; the lumbar kit should reduce the Advil consumption compared to a shoulder bag - at least if you walk a lot  

But, I do like a shoulder bag for a lot of reasons especially convenience and security of front carry; I've had ONA, Think Tank, Tenba (I'm sure I'm missing a few...); the best that I've had so far is the Billingham. BTW, I did have a Tenba sling bag but I never did bond with it; it seemed less convenient than the shoulder bag with the same issue of weight only on one shoulder; which will definitely knot things up after a few hours. Personally, I'd go with a Billingham shoulder bag before a sling bag (and I did; my Billingham has years of constant use and lots of the others sit in the closet)

Let us know what you end up with! 

Brad

[KEL]

I carry similar loads (SL2S + 24-90, M11 / M11M) and tried several bags. I agree that a backpack is the best solution, at least if you want to carry it for some time. I also tried the Bevisgear backpack mentioned before. The lock mechanism is in my opinion very safe, but I found this "door" (resting on my back) rather stiff and uncomfortable, and the build quality below expectations. I finally settled on an Oberwerth Everest 15 leather backpack - it came to stay. More expensive but really comfortable, flexible and durable.

[Virob]

1 hour ago, KEL said:

I also tried the Bevisgear backpack mentioned before. The lock mechanism is in my opinion very safe, but I found this "door" (resting on my back) rather stiff and uncomfortable, and the build quality below expectations.

Thanks for the info on the Bevisgear. I will definitely pass on that one.I use an older Fstop guru that is very comfortable, and I like how you can use different sized inserts. Having to take it off every time I want to access it, is a bit of a hassle.