Bags - Beltpack vs Shoulder bag vs Backpack

[calebk]

Something to get your blood pumping. This is from ThinkTank's "Share The Moment" section, where it showcases images of photographers using their products

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/share.php?current_cat=23
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/share.php?current_cat=24
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/share.php?current_cat=25

These links feature photos of various users of the ThinkTank modulus belt system. You can see why they love it. Accessible, hip hugging and well-made. (Thinktank should really employ me. Sadly they don't.)

 

[chanjyj]

if you are referring to the lowepro s&f belt, forget it. the thicker one is so uncomfortable, and the narrower one sags with just 1 pouch attached. and both will start slipping that you spend a lot of time pulling the straps to tighten the belt.

no leh. I just weighed my gear - 7.4 kg. But then again, it is only for a span of a few hours eg events, so I can tolerate the thick belt. the thin one abit.... *cough*

 

[chanjyj]

Aiya no matter how I managed mine, both S&F belts kept loosening themselves, which is why I have since resorted to using Think Tank's modulus belt for easy and quick access to all my stuff.

The greatest thing about the belt system is flexibility. If I don't need flash, I remove the flash with its pouch, and dump it in the bag for stowage. If I don't need a lens here or there, remove the lens pouch with the lens and stow.

It is not as uncomfortable as you might imagine. Yes it does get in the way a little, but it's definitely lower profile than having a huge shoulder bag that's sagging on one side of your body. 30% of the bag is empty on average, as the camera + 1 lens is out of the bag, so you are carrying 70% stuff, and 30% loose sagging cloth. It does get in the way, and after about an hour, especially with bigger glass, your shoulder will start to ache. Then of course, the stupid bag flap that is always an epic success when it comes to getting in the way for quick access.

have to disagree here - I have got more stares using the belt (machiam SBO) as compared to shoulder. Now I have gone back to shoulder - but carrying 7.4kg of stuff is areal pain. Argh,

 

[madmacs]

no leh. I just weighed my gear - 7.4 kg. But then again, it is only for a span of a few hours eg events, so I can tolerate the thick belt. the thin one abit.... *cough*

the difference is you cant shift the pouches around on lowepro thick belt, so if want to distribute the weight have to turn the whole belt, and the non-uniform thinkness doesnt help.

have to disagree here - I have got more stares using the belt (machiam SBO) as compared to shoulder. Now I have gone back to shoulder - but carrying 7.4kg of stuff is areal pain. Argh,

how come you so conscious about people staring? actually i found more people stare the moment you open the bag to take out the cam. whereas i sling the cam when i use the beltpack and even when i raise the cam to shoot less people bother.

 

[calebk]

have to disagree here - I have got more stares using the belt (machiam SBO) as compared to shoulder. Now I have gone back to shoulder - but carrying 7.4kg of stuff is areal pain. Argh,

Haha. Thing is I know I look a bit strange (I am not very tall. 1.74m only, and not very big sized) with all that gear hanging on my hips, but I still would take it any day, compared to a shoulder bag. It is a real pain having it on one shoulder. I know what you mean.

A 70-200 f/2.8, backup body, flash, extra batteries, 24-85, 50mm f/1.8 (doesn't way much, but when your shoulders start hurting, every ounce counts). It was CRAZY (and I think no where near 7.4kg)

 

[madmacs]

Haha. Thing is I know I look a bit strange (I am not very tall. 1.74m only, and not very big sized) with all that gear hanging on my hips, but I still would take it any day, compared to a shoulder bag. It is a real pain having it on one shoulder. I know what you mean.

A 70-200 f/2.8, backup body, flash, extra batteries, 24-85, 50mm f/1.8 (doesn't way much, but when your shoulders start hurting, every ounce counts). It was CRAZY (and I think no where near 7.4kg)

yeah...real strain on the shoulders and back even with a backpack. thats why i simply love the tt belt system.

 

[chanjyj]

yeah...real strain on the shoulders and back even with a backpack. thats why i simply love the tt belt system.

The reason I used to use the S & F system was because it was much cheaper than anyother system (can anyone recommend a cheap system that can hold 7.4kg? I am looking for a new one)

Right now shoulder bag 7.4kg, one reach location I split the load between my vest and my bad. More like 6.5kg on vest and 0.9kg on bag. I find the vest pretty comfortable too.

 

[Am3thyst]

i use my computrekker AW when i'm on a long trip with my cam and need my laptop with me for work and other stuff..

but for normal walkaround and events etc, i just my lowepro sideline shooter, pouch system which holds my D70 + 24-70 f2.8 attached, my SB600 and my 70-300 f5.6, lenspen and extra CF cards..basically everything i need..

i like the sideline shooter as it has a quick access zipper on the top which allows you to just pull your cam out without having to unzip the entire pouch..

 

[rokieto]

belt system more for event photography or outdoor adventure / trekking.....would love that, but most of the time it is haversack for me...

no perfect bag for all situations. I am using an average haversack with a buckle insert from another cheap camera haversack (Urban Equip)....basically because:

need to distribute the weigh on my shoulders.
good to disguise the camera bag.
bag itself has to be light weight, some brands are quite heavy altho well-made.
current haversacks in the market is quite vulnerable to "pick-pockets", or will drop your equip if not closed properly. (accidents)
my current haversack can put water bottle & wet umbrella, even a wet jacket (externally).
some haversacks are not comfortable on the shoulders.
you have to also consider how you change lens without taking the bag off.
can put in other items, e.g. shopping while travelling, laptop slot, etc.

I like the new lowepro range of haversacks, but still do not meet all the above criterias.
Crumpler is out of my list (weight & inner-lining), bagman (I stopped using mine), urgban equip (not bad but my equipment outgrown)....bagman & urban equip are 2 budget bags i bought...
......I don't want to end up buying bags after bags, unless I found the perfect bag.....still, there is no perfect bag. (at least for me):sweat::bsmilie:

 

[slacker]

Just got myself a ThinkTank Pro Speed Belt and Speed Changer and i have to say i love them alot after using them for a day shoot. While i have did consider the Lowepro S&F belt (not the deluxe as the size it seriously too big and i was looking for a low profile one) but sadly it is not available after scouting around in numerous shop and the price quote for ordering make it a less sensible choice as the difference between it and ThinkTank's padded belt is less than $15. Another consideration that makes me get ThinkTank is the array of pouches to suit various lens and other accessories while i do not see LowePro have that much range. One example was Speed Changer from ThinkTank which i cannot find a similar product in LowePro's in the stores. Now saving up to get some lens pouches to go along with the belt system i have got.

And as for which bag prefer, i guess one will need 2 bag at least to go side by side and make things easier. One large bag (be is sling or backpack) to carry all camera and lense and a belt system to shoot with comfort as you just carry the things you need during the shoot. Now i am planning on a Crumpler's The Brazillion Dollar Home to keep all my gear (not alot at this time being but growing in time :sweat. One big bag that carry all gears (can stuff my ThinkTank belt system) with laptop which allow me to use it as sling bag when load is not too much or carry it as a backpack by switching the sling to distribute the weight when load is too heavy for slinging or use it with a trolley when the load is simlpy too much for my shoulders since it have a trolley insert at the back of the bag. That is my plan though, varies for different photographers.

And btw, i am not a pro in any way, just an bobo-shooter learning everyday.

 

[John Teoh]

I used the lowepro specialist 85. Can transform between backpack, beltpack and shoulder after adding the shoulder harness. But with the weight of my equipment, beltpack is totally unusable without the shoulder sling.

 

[Randius]

If you intend to get Think Tank bags, you may want to read the reviews by fellow CSers on Think Tank products to have an idea of how we TTP users organize our stuffs.

I was previously using Lowepro and Crumpler bags before switching to Think Tank Change Up and got infected with the TTP virus from then on.

 

[slacker]

If you intend to get Think Tank bags, you may want to read the reviews by fellow CSers on Think Tank products to have an idea of how we TTP users organize our stuffs.

I was previously using Lowepro and Crumpler bags before switching to Think Tank Change Up and got infected with the TTP virus from then on.

Tell me about it... :bsmilie:
Other than LBA, ABA (Accessories Buying Addicton - that's what i call while some prefer BBA which is Bag Buying Addiction) is the next deadly virus to get...
But still, i see TT is a valuable investment as it works as it should and price is not too high for it's functionality and quality.

 

[nightwolf75]

If you intend to get Think Tank bags, you may want to read the reviews by fellow CSers on Think Tank products to have an idea of how we TTP users organize our stuffs.

I was previously using Lowepro and Crumpler bags before switching to Think Tank Change Up and got infected with the TTP virus from then on.

TT, IMO, offers more flexibility in the belt-system compared to lowepro. but in terms of sheer number of bags and watnots, lowepro wins hands-down. not to mention lowepro's stuff is relatively cheaper than TT. in the end, it boils down to the tolerance level of ur wallet... :bsmilie:

i'm using the TT belt-system. works like a charm. can shoot the whole day event without a problem. but, i really think TT's backpacks are a little unfriendly in design compared to other brands. perhaps becos it is designed for you to get onto the airplanes with minimal fuss. for backpacks, i'm going for lowepro or tamracs.

in the end, camera bags are like handbags for photographers... u can never have too many of them.

 

[calebk]

...
in the end, camera bags are like handbags for photographers... u can never have too many of them.

You summed it up man... :bsmilie:

 

[chanjyj]

Could someone advise me on the total price it would cost my wallet to get a Think Tank equiv of a lowepro S & F system made up of the following parts?

1. Lowepro S&F Delxue Belt (to hold everything together!)
2. Lowepro Utility bag (to hold 1 SB 800, 1 SB 600 and assorted filter gels)
3. Lowepro Water Bottle Pouch (To hold 12 AA batteries, lenspen, extra SD cards, ML L3 and a few little other what nots)
4. Lowepro Lens Case (x2) (to hold 1 f/2.8 telephoto, 1 f/2.8 normal zoom)
5. Lowepro Camera Pouch (to hold a pro level body without lens, or a D80 with a lens attached)

So far for this whole system I spent only $100+. Any idea how much it will cost in thinktank dollars? *gulp* :sweat:

 

[slacker]

Pro Speed Belt will set you back a $49.
Speed Changer cost $69, which can house 4 set of 4 AA battery for flash, 1 camera battery, a card holder, 2 lens-pen, 50mm lens, cigarette holder with lighter, couple of bite-sized Mars, handphone, cleaning cloth etc etc

 

[chanjyj]

Pro Speed Belt will set you back a $49.
Speed Changer cost $69, which can house 4 set of 4 AA battery for flash, 1 camera battery, a card holder, 2 lens-pen, 50mm lens, cigarette holder with lighter, couple of bite-sized Mars, handphone, cleaning cloth etc etc

how bout pouches that can hold camera, lenses etc? wah. looks like it will go into the $300s.

 

[madmacs]

Could someone advise me on the total price it would cost my wallet to get a Think Tank equiv of a lowepro S & F system made up of the following parts?

1. Lowepro S&F Delxue Belt (to hold everything together!)
2. Lowepro Utility bag (to hold 1 SB 800, 1 SB 600 and assorted filter gels)
3. Lowepro Water Bottle Pouch (To hold 12 AA batteries, lenspen, extra SD cards, ML L3 and a few little other what nots)
4. Lowepro Lens Case (x2) (to hold 1 f/2.8 telephoto, 1 f/2.8 normal zoom)
5. Lowepro Camera Pouch (to hold a pro level body without lens, or a D80 with a lens attached)

So far for this whole system I spent only $100+. Any idea how much it will cost in thinktank dollars? *gulp* :sweat:

how bout pouches that can hold camera, lenses etc? wah. looks like it will go into the $300s.

let's see... you could go with the modulus speed set which comprises of

- speed changer - you can use this to hold a dslr w/o lens, or maybe 2 wide angle/standard/medium telephoto lenses, or 1 lens and 1 flash. there is space in the front pocket to hold batteries, lenspen, pen, notebook, etc.

- lens changer (LC) 50 for wide angle lens (17-40 f/4L, 17-35 f/2.8) with hood.

- LC30 for maybe 24-70 f/2.8L with lens hood reversed.

- LC75 popdown for 70-200 f/2.8L with hood (not sure reversed or not)

- large lens drop-in. good for quick change of lenses. can hold 17-35 f/2.8 with hood attached.

- lightning fast for flash (with omnibounce attached), with front pocket for up to 5 batteries

according to the price list this cos s$209.


of course you will need the pro speed belt which costs s$49.

will you still need the r u thirsty water bottle holder to hold your odds and ends since most of those should be able to fit in the speed changer? anyway this costs s$34.

total less than s$300


though it costs more than your current setup, i would say tt is more comfortable since you can distribute the weight by shifting pouches around. i suggest you wear your current setup with cam, lens etc and drop by tk foto to try out the tt range. nothing beats trying out the stuff for yourself.

 

[Alpc]

in the end, camera bags are like handbags for photographers... u can never have too many of them.

How true! I was just saying this to a friend of mine... I am amazed with the amount of bags I have and yet it's modest compared to some others... S&F Reporter 400 was the first bag I bought when I got my DSLR cam. Then, due to travel, I started to borrow backpacks for my travel. Computrekker - to carry lappie and cam after too many backpacks that I had to borrow from my friends. TT Belt System was next, as I found that backpack does not work when you work within an area during the travel, just to much to put everything in the backpack, then keep opening it and had to release it and place it on the floor etc. Finally, Flipside 300 was the latest acquisition and it does work quite well, I don't have to worry about security, like your zip being open when you are walking without your notice since it's like crumpler where the zip is on the inside. Because of the belt, you don't really have to take it off and lay it on the floor or anywhere else to get stuff from it...

I guess you have to take whatever that works for you... But the road towards it can be long and $$$$$!!!!