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Camera bag recommendations

Discussion in 'Photography' started by big.stu, Jun 16, 2015.

  1. big.stu

    big.stu Well-Known Member

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    My daughter is looking to get a decent camera bag/rucksack now that she is getting serious about her photography, so wondered if anyone had any recommendations (or even just pointers for what to avoid).

    She thinks she wants a combined camera/laptop rucksack style bag (she wants the laptop as well because she will be studying applied media at sixth form and wants to have camera(s) and laptop with her), but here is a rough idea of what she would like to be able to get in it:

    Laptop (and power supply etc).
    Digital SLR body.
    Film SLR body.
    Selection of lenses (three at least, one a largish telephoto, lenses are shared between digital/film bodies).
    Flash gun.
    GoPro and mounts.
    Misc filters/spare film/batteries/chargers.
    Provision for carrying tripod.

    Looking around there appear to be two typical layouts - ones where the bottom half is partitioned for cameras/lenses (but presumably this layout doesn't cater for laptops) and ones where you effectively lay it down to open up and the partitions go from top to bottom in the back half, with laptop in a separate pocket.

    Any suggestions/recommendations gratefully received - something decent sub £100 mark if possible :)

    Stu
     
    big.stu, Jun 16, 2015
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  2. bakabung

    bakabung Well-Known Member

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    I think you need to look for a Sherpa:)

    Tamrac make excellent rucksack bags. Bags are notoriously personal and the best way to find the "right" one is go to a retailer like Park Cameras who have a massive stock that you can inspect at close hand. Maybe too far away from you though unless you travel to London. They are having open days this weekend and the following but WEX may be nearer.

    These days, I have gone away from rucksack types and normally use a wheeled bag with pull out handle as it's far easier at airports. Takes a 15 inch Mac Pro, 2 bodies and 3 lenses plus other bits.

    For your price range, you may have to look at used ones as the bigger bags are not cheap.
     
    bakabung, Jun 17, 2015
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  3. Jontie

    Jontie New Member

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    Hi Steve,
    Have a look on Ebay for a Lowepro computatrekker. Will take a laptop up to 15". I have two, ideal for you and i think you can get them (albeit from China) around your price range.
    Cheers
    John
     
    Jontie, Jun 17, 2015
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  4. big.stu

    big.stu Well-Known Member

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    Ta - I'll check out the Tamrac stuff. Emma doesn't normally pass up an opportunity to go shopping in London, so perhaps we'll try and get to Park Cameras. I think she'll probably need a rucksack style bag, as she's intending to cycle to college.
     
    big.stu, Jun 17, 2015
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  5. big.stu

    big.stu Well-Known Member

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    Ta - I'll check those out too...
     
    big.stu, Jun 17, 2015
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  6. Duty Druid

    Duty Druid Resident of Nat Pres

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    Erm, they're not exactly 'in' London........

    But here's a link to their website - https://www.parkcameras.com/?gclid=CM2Ft5_Fl8YCFQfKtAodD48CkA like Bakabung, I use them when I need to - give them a call, they're very helpful & if they don't have an immediate answer, will phone you back when they do, & best of all, all their stuff's legit - there's too many grey marketeers out there!

    Plus it will save you the expense of a trip to The Smoke. ;)
     
    Duty Druid, Jun 17, 2015
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  7. simon

    simon Resident of Nat Pres

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    simon, Jun 17, 2015
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  8. bakabung

    bakabung Well-Known Member

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    Simon's right and the new store is just off Oxford St, a short walk from Tottenham Court Road. I still prefer the Burgess Hill store and I will be their on Saturday for their yearly open event. The London store has the same event on the 27th and both stores offer deals and free seminars on those days. Highly recommended.
     
    bakabung, Jun 17, 2015
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  9. Duty Druid

    Duty Druid Resident of Nat Pres

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    Duty Druid, Jun 17, 2015
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  10. bakabung

    bakabung Well-Known Member

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    Because you can't beat a crafty feel (of the bags!) :)
     
    bakabung, Jun 17, 2015
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  11. simon

    simon Resident of Nat Pres

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    Exactly, Its not IMHO the kind of product to buy without seeing what it is actually like. (Other views are available)
     
    simon, Jun 17, 2015
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  12. Duty Druid

    Duty Druid Resident of Nat Pres

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    Not for me - the less money I give Bonkers Boris, the better - Tube fares are criminal!
     
    Duty Druid, Jun 17, 2015
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  13. big.stu

    big.stu Well-Known Member

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    Whilst I let you guys continue arguing the pros and cons of visiting vs buying online, I'll say thanks for the pointers - I can see a trip to the London store in the near future (unfortunately both of the next two Saturdays are already fully booked, so we won't be able to take advantage of the special open days).
     
    big.stu, Jun 17, 2015
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  14. big.stu

    big.stu Well-Known Member

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    Just a bump to say thank-you for the recommendations - we finally managed a trip down to Park Cameras and after some (considerable) time spent trying out various options, she is now the happy owner of a Lowepro rucksack which appears to be able to carry everything she needs. And at 120 quid it was only slightly over budget :)
     
    big.stu, Aug 20, 2015
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