Camera bag for a Canon 5D Mark II + 24-105mm lens

<p>Hello to the forum,<br>

I am a relatively new member of photo.net and am expecting soon a Canon 5D Mark II to arrive along with the lens I mention in the subject line.<br>

In preparation for this (!), I want to buy a camera bag that will host the basic stuff I will need for this camera outfit. And I am thinking:</p>

<p>The body<br>

The lens<br>

A Canon flash (that I will buy soon)<br>

Charger, spare battery<br>

CF cards</p>

<p>At least, these are the things I can think of now; if someone else thinks that I will need something more, then by all means point out to me please.<br>

So, my question is which camera bag should I go for in order to keep all those elements while out and about. Perhaps I should point out that I do not plan to go to very extreme environments (e.g. very cold/hot, very humid, with salty air, inside a volcano etc) with the sole exception of the beach (which I do go often during the summer months).<br>

If someone has experience or can assist on this matter, it would be greatly appreciated.<br>

Thanks.</p>

<p>I really like thinktank bags. I looked at many bags and so far the urban disguise 35 is by far my favorite. That being said bags are a very personal choice so I highly suggest trying some out in a store. No 1 bag does it all perfectly, but the UD 35 is the best for me.</p>

<p>Canon makes some good, and reasonably cheap bags: the Canon Gadget Bag 10EG for $65 for 2 cameras and the Canon Gadget Bag 100EG ($35) for one. The interior dividers can be moved around and they're well made bags for the money. Your local big box store may actually sell these or they can be found at B&H or Adorama.</p>

<p>I think your first decision should be a general type of bag. Do you want a traditional bag that hangs from one shoulder? A backpack? A 'sling bag' (like a backpack, but with one primary strap so you can swivel it around)? Will you use it primarily to haul things on hikes? To have at your side during shoots? Once you can specify a little more, I'm sure people will have lots of specific suggestions.</p>

<p>I wouldn't buy anything without substantial foam protection (some people do) or without adjustable dividers.</p>

<p>If you start accumulating a lot, you might end up wanting two, one that can carry the whole pile and another smaller one for times when you want to carry, say, just the camera, a spare lens, and a few other things.</p>

<p>I've tried numerous bags over the years. For me, the best has been the LowePro MicroTrekker 200.</p>

<p>In that bag I get a</p>

<ul>

<li>Canon 5D Mk II (with a 24-105 lens mounted), </li>

<li>16-35mm lens</li>

<li>70-200mm lens</li>

<li>580EX flash</li>

<li>2 ND filters</li>

<li>Blower</li>

<li>Lens Cleaner</li>

<li>Hoods for all the above lenses</li>

<li>Spare batteries</li>

<li>Compact Flash Cards</li>

<li>Remote cord for the camera</li>

</ul>

<p>It's comfortable to carry with the handle for short distances, or use as an over one shoulder bag, or as a regular backpack.</p>

<p>I've had mine now for 3 years and love it.</p>

 

<p>Depending on your specific use, walking all day in the field or a few hours, I use different size bags. I always take the same named bag that Tudor mentioned (the LowePro MicroTrekker 200) outfitted with the same lenses with the addition of the 100mm macro, 1.4X teleconverter, and my 20D in addition to my 5D camera. The flash and 500mm stays in the car until they are needed. A small bag is taken for longer hikes (I'm a small person and have to watch the weight). For hikes, you won't need to take all your gear unless your a big person and love the discomfort associated with extra weight. Your shooting style and subject matter will determine what you need to take with you. You will eventually fill any size bag (or bags) you buy but, you won't use more than one at a time.</p>

<p>I love my Domke F4AF, and use Crumpler 7 million dollars home if I bring more stuffs with me.</p>

<p>I have a few bags however, if I am walking anywhere, i'll always take my Lowepro Slingshot AW 200. <br>

I can fit a body (5D with a grip), 100-400L, 24-105, and a third lens in the main compartment, a flash with omnibounce attached in the top compartment, filters in the pocket on the front and inside the main compartments flap there is a built in card wallet and lens cloth.<br>

In bad weather, there is a rainshell tucked away underneath the bag which covers the entire bag which I landed up using last week.<br>

Good luck with your search!</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Domke bags hands down are my favorite. Small and user friendly. Enjoy whichever bag you decide on.</p>

<p>i use crumpler bags.</p>

<p>Wow! Thanks for all the answers you contributed guys, it has actually helped narrowed down my options (somewhat!).<br>

At least, in terms of brands, I now can look a bit closer to the 4 indicated here (ThinkTank, Lowepro, Domke, Crumpler). I think at this point I know what I <strong>don't</strong> like, which is the big bulky one-shoulder bag. That is definitely not my favourite shape form as I find that it gives me a back ache after a short while walking around with it.<br>

I think I am sold for the Lowepro Slingshot, and then maybe I will look into the Domke bags.<br>

Time to start browsing some more...<br>

Cheers.</p>

<p>Maybe look in to the other Lowepro bags. Such as the flipside, and the fastpack. I have a flipside that will arive tomorrow.</p>

<p>For something different (<em>read: better</em> ), try <a href="http://www.ortlieb.de/">Ortlieb </a> <strong>Aqua Cam</strong> series. I have one for over two years with no complaints. It's pretty basic + weather proof. I use the bag for city travel, beach and has taken it to Arctic (-30C) as well as Amazon (80% Humidity).</p>

As you are going to the beach, make sure you can zip your bag completely shut. Sand gets EVERYWHERE.

 

<P>

I have many Domkes; they are great but mine don't zip up as they are meant to be worked out of. I use a Lowepro Orion at the beach.