Which camera bag as carry-on luggage?

[StreetShooter]

I'm going to Korea on a family holiday in December.

My present Tenba backpack, which I absolutely LOVE, is probably a bit too big to qualify (it approximates to the Lowepro Photo Trekker or Super Trekker).

I will need to carry a D30, 70-200 f2.8, 24-70 f2.8 and a couple of primes. This, plus Image Tank and rechargers. If possible, a second film body (EOS 50).

I need a recommendation on a camera bag which can carry all this, which can still fit into the size requirements for carry-on luggage (since I would hate to check-in camera equipment).

Any suggestions? Of course I will still go down to CP to physically check things out, but it will help if I could narrow down my search.

I prefer a backpack, but I'm open to a shoulder bag as well.

 

[Larry]

lowepro mini trekker? you'll be surprised how much you can squeeze into that bag... i just returned from a trip with it containing a D60 with 17-35mm (not mine, friend's one), my F100 with sigma 70-200mm + nikkor 24-85mm, teleconverters, extension tubes, and a whole load of films and accessories. also strapped on the tripod when on the move. of course it was heavy like sh*t but i'm sure it passes the check-in luggage dimensions...

 

[tomshen]

I second firefox13's suggestion. Mini-trecker is just nice for two SLR bodies + 2~4 lenses + Image tank + flash. It's about $120 from CP. Just a reminder: don't leave your batt inside the mobile batt pack after use. They will *break* the fragile batt pack very easily.

 

[Wolfgang]

Erm a Crumpler Weenie?

http://www.crumplerusa.com

 

[NitroTech]

Maybe a Lowepro Nova 5? (too small?):dunno:

I just got back from Sydney abt a week back and i carried the Nova 5 as hand luggage.

I managed to pack 2 F-80 bodies one with battery pack, a Sigma 50-500mm, Sigma 17-35mm, Sigma 105mm macro, Nikkor 50mm 1.8D, SB-24 Speedlite,10 rolls of films, 8 spare AA batteries and a GP battery Smart 1 hour charger with adapter.

Hope this helps,

Cheers!!

 

[ckiang]

Leave the 70-200 at home. Especially if you think you'll be trekking/walking a lot.

Regards
CK

 

[Simon]

DryZone™ 200 is the first soft-sided camera backpack that's completely waterproof.

The DryZone 200 holds a variety of systems and if it falls into the water (with the zipper closed, of course) this unique backpack floats -- even fully loaded.

• waterproof case with a hi-tech TIZIP™ zipper for water-tight protection
  inner zip and top clip for easy access while away from water
  
• heavy-duty camera compartment, completely customizable for a variety of systems
  
• ergonomic, fully adjustable backpack harness includes an adjustable padded waistbelt, CollarCut™ shoulder straps, lumbar support, DryFlo™ mesh-covered padding and load adjustment straps
  
• tuck-away tripod holder designed for optimum balance
  
• self-draining outer mesh pockets and generous inner mesh pockets
  
• attachment loops for optional SlipLock™ add-ons
  includes rubber handle

capacity:
large 35mm or digital pro SLR; 4 - 5 lenses (up to a 300mm f/2.8, with hood reversed), flash and accessories; or compact medium format system (like the Mamiya® 645); or small field camera system; or professional video system
size (exterior):
14.5W x 11.5D x 25H in. (37 x 29 x 63.5 cm)
size (interior):
12W x 6D x 17H in. (30.5 x 15 x 43 cm)
outer fabric (waterproof drypod):
waterproof plastic-coated nylon
outer fabric (backpack):
water-resistant 600D TXP™ and 2000D ballistic nylon

http://www.lowepro.com/pages/series/dryzone/dzone.htm

 

[StreetShooter]

Originally posted by ckiang
Leave the 70-200 at home. Especially if you think you'll be trekking/walking a lot.

Regards
CK

Hmmm, never thought of that, but I'm open to the idea, and taking the 75-300 instead.

Problem is encountering a shot that NEEDS the 70-200 and regretting not having the lens with me. Kiasu Singaporean syndrome.

 

[Larry]

Originally posted by StreetShooter
Problem is encountering a shot that NEEDS the 70-200 and regretting not having the lens with me. Kiasu Singaporean syndrome.

heh heh i know the feeling... i just HAD to lug the 70-200 with me all over, on the off chance that i needed it and i don't have it...

 

[ckiang]

Originally posted by StreetShooter


Hmmm, never thought of that, but I'm open to the idea, and taking the 75-300 instead.

Problem is encountering a shot that NEEDS the 70-200 and regretting not having the lens with me. Kiasu Singaporean syndrome.

Trust me, 3 months ago, I lugged:

1 small Velbon tripod
1 F100 with 20/2.8, 50/1.8, 28-105/3.5-4.5, 80-200/2.8
1 Coolpix 950
1 DV Cam

up in Huang Long, China, 4000m above sea level and trekked a total of about 7km. No joke man.

Bring the lighter 75-300 and faster film (or increase your ISO) instead. Your shoulders will appreciate it.

Regards
CK

 

[tomshen]

Originally posted by ckiang
Leave the 70-200 at home. Especially if you think you'll be trekking/walking a lot.

Regards
CK

:thumbsd: Objection!:devil: 70-200 is the last lens should be left at home any time anywhere. u know Streetshooter is quite big size

 

[ckiang]

Originally posted by tomshen

:thumbsd: Objection!:devil: 70-200 is the last lens should be left at home any time anywhere. u know Streetshooter is quite big size

Dunno, never seen him before. ;p Seriously, if you have a lighter alternative, use that.

Regards
CK

 

[nuts]

ouch, thats mighty impressive, esp if the 7km of trekking includes a healthy dose of elevation gain...

well, the original qn is backpack, which I think the mini-trekker is a good bet

as for the lens, it really depends on what StreetShooter is planning; if its trekking (with his family in line), then I'm with ckiang; if its just a skiing holiday (its Korea, Dec right? ) or taking shots of your kids skiing, then mabbe the 70-200/2.8 may be useful; even then, presumably if you're skiiing, then you're doing it in good light, and with the white reflective snow surfaces, mabbe the slower 70-300 will suffice?
Just some thoughts

At the end of the day, just bring your Tenba with your equipment down to CP and test-drive the bags!

..NuTs..

Originally posted by ckiang


1 small Velbon tripod
1 F100 with 20/2.8, 50/1.8, 28-105/3.5-4.5, 80-200/2.8
1 Coolpix 950
1 DV Cam

up in Huang Long, China, 4000m above sea level and trekked a total of about 7km. No joke man.

Regards
CK

 

[kongg]

I brought my entire arsenal of lenses to Thailand with my S&F reporter 500. No prob as carry on luggage.

 

[Kit]

The Dryzone 200 is probably too big for carry-on.

I travel to and fro Melbourne and I second the Mini Trekker recommendation. That's the bag I use too. Physically, no problem, it will fit the overhead compartments. However, you've got to watch the weight. This bag is well capable of holding enough to surpass the carry on weight limit. The weight limit from Melbourne to Singapore is 7kg. The last time I came back, I packed 7kg exactly with much more room to spare. So definitely watch the weight.

I suggest you to reconsider taking the 70-200 on board.

 

[StreetShooter]

So the Mini Trekker it is. Hope CP still has stock, since I heard it's usually sold out a few days after a shipment comes in. Or does anyone have a second hand one to let go?

For the weight problem, one possible solution for me is to pack one of the heavier lenses in its lens case and "tompang" my wife's carry-on luggage. That's the good thing about Sigma lenses - they all come with nice padded lens cases.

 

[mpenza]

quoted from Lowepro's website:
"The perfect traveler, this popular lightweight backpack is sized to carry an SLR System and slide under most airline seats."

I would probably get it too if I have an SLR or DSLR but it's a bit too big for my current gear. It would be good to call before going down. Stocks seems to come at irregular times.

CP's equotes which I got on 25 July:
6) Lowepro
a) Micro Trekker 200 ( black ) @ S$91.00
b) Mini Trekker @ S$120.00
c) Nature Trekker AW @ S$230.00
d) Stealth AW backpack @ S$235.00

 

[forward]

Don't under estimate the Mini Trekker

The Lowepro Mini Trekker has been with me since the early 1990s and is
still in very good condition. Bought it when I learned that it can even carry
my field or the monorail view camera with a couple of sheet film holders
an exposure meter and Polariod back. Never regret having this baby as it is not
only durable but small enough to be a hand luggage.

After a decade the Mini Trekker is still one of the most popular backpack
and seems to be one that's setting the standard around the world.
The paddad harness, ventilation channels with an integrated tripod
holder, hidden front pockets, sliplock loops and the overlap zipper pockets
are a joy for travelling photographers. You can pack a SLR and a DSLR
with the 80-200 f/2.8 with four other smaller lenses.

To travel light a usual practice is to have a Cullmann waist pouch
with the Mini Trekker on my back. :thumbsup:


________________________________
There must be a commitment to work together within
a close bond of trust, openness and sharing and one of the
greatest power of transformation of any community is more in
the attitude than in anywhere else.

 

[jimtong]

Originally posted by Wolfgang
Erm a Crumpler Weenie?

http://www.crumplerusa.com

Any distributor in Singapore???

 

[Zoomer]

Maybe this will help :