Bag Recommendations: D50 + lenses + 12" PB

[raptor96]

Hi all,

I haven't posted in a while (school, lab, etc.) but I bought a D50 recently (so happy) and while I'm enjoying it thoroughly I haven't taken that many pictures with it. In large part, the reason is because I don't have a bag to take it places /some sort of protection for it and I'm apprehensive about it being hurt.

Here's my question: I'm a student so I have a backpack and I have a messenger bag. I really like the stuff I have but I know I don't have anything padded enough to keep my camera in. I was looking for a either:

A) A bag that'll hold my D50 + 12" Powerbook w/ space for a little more (but not crucial, the extra space).

or

B) I know my dad has this cool leather type case that fits over the front of his camera and clips to the back and seems very protective. I was thinking if I could get a case for the camera and a sleeve for the PB I would use them w/ the messenger bag or my backpack.

What do you guys think? I have looked around and I like some of the STM bags but I don't know if they'll fit the things I want. Oh! One thing I forgot to mention: I like shoulder bags/messenger bags and one that could be used to hold laptop + books for class when not in use as a camera + laptop bag would be ideal. Thanks, you guys rock.

 

[raptor96]

Also wanted to add that I've looked through a lot of the forum posts but most focus on the camera bag need as opposed to a multi-purpose bag need.

I also wanted to give you guys an idea of my tastes:

I like this (in Navy):

http://www.jackspade.com/shop/product.php?productid=19618&cat=257&sku=CH8446765C800

So I guess you could say I like the bold (orange lining) but in an understated way (lining as opposed to major color). I like this bag and while it's expensive I wouldn't mind that save that a) I'll still have the problem of having to protect my camera in another way and b) I don't know if it'll fit cam + PB w/o looking 'bulgy.'

I also like the Slingshot 100 but it's way too small for what I need.

I don't like the Crumpler bags but I may have to go that way (they look 'bulgy' and they don't have smooth lines in the way I'd like).
Edit: One additional thought - I've looked around more at the Crumpler site (had to turn the sound off for work lol, that was unexpected): Anyway, I really like the Brazillion Dollar Home BUT $280 is waaay more than I (poor Uni student) can afford. Something like that + cheaper is what I want. Any suggestions?

 

[Moshiiii]

When buying bags I usually get the best I can. Protection is important.
Crumpler is my choice.

 

[jayb2000]

What about some of the padded wraps you can get?
That way you can use your existing bag(s) and be done.

Like these

 

[techster85]

The lowepro stealth reporter has some of the things that you are asking for, but...the crumpler brazillion is my next purchase, so i have to say...it's the best for what you want...

 

[Westside guy]

I've looking for this too (in my case, though, it's a D70 and a 15" MBP). Crumpler has these "bucket" inserts that fit inside their messenger bags, but at least with my bag (Dreadful Embarrassment) they report that the bucket won't allow a laptop to fit in there at the same time - I wrote and asked. Pretty disappointing.

Those "wraps" look interesting, jayb2000 - do you use them? Are they enough protection in and of themselves, especially if used with a camera with an attached lens?

 

[jayb2000]

Those "wraps" look interesting, jayb2000 - do you use them? Are they enough protection in and of themselves, especially if used with a camera with an attached lens?

I have not tested them yet. He says "20"x20" for bodies with lens attached, large lenses, large shoe mount strobes, 12"Powerbooks, etc. "

Looks like Domke makes wraps as well
I have a little old sigma bag like this

it just fits my D200 with the 18-200 lens and an SB600
Plus some batteries and cards and such.

But its a very tight fit and it does not leave room for a note pad &pen, sunglasses, gloves, etc.

I have a nice timbuk2 messenger bag so I was thinking about trying some of those wraps. Going to go to the photo store tomorrow and see how the look and feel.

Typically, I just want something to protect it until I get somewhere, and then it is always in my hand.

EDIT: I found this one, for the same price and the liner seems like an interesting idea. I have a gift certificate at amazon, so I am going to order one to try.

 

[Abstract]

and one that could be used to hold laptop + books for class when not in use as a camera + laptop bag would be ideal.[/b] Thanks, you guys rock.

And that's when it gets tricky......



I say get a Crumpler Sinking Barge (I have this one) or Customary Barge (I wish I had this one), or a Lowepro CompuRover

If all you wanted was a camera bag, then I was going to recommend the Lowepro Slingback (or was it called the Slingbag?) AW. It's supposed to be an incredible bag, and it only has 1 strap that you can wear as a semi-backpack/semi-messenger bag.

 

[Westside guy]

Typically, I just want something to protect it until I get somewhere, and then it is always in my hand.

EDIT: I found this one, for the same price and the liner seems like an interesting idea. I have a gift certificate at amazon, so I am going to order one to try.

Again, this looks like a really cool idea - I am appreciative that you pointed these out. I did not know about wraps!

My wife had a piece of scrap fabric that she cut to 20x20 for me, and I tried my D70 (with the 18-200 lens attached) in it. There is lots of room to spare. I think the 16x16 might work as well.

In an amazing bit of timing, I got an email from eBags about a sale they have going on this weekend. I decided to go for it, and ordered one each of the 20", 16", and 12" Roadwired wraps - total is $33 with free shipping. If they do the trick, I might order one of the David Honl wraps to compare. His sound superior, and long-term I want the best protection I can get for my camera at least; but the Roadwired wraps are less expensive for trying the concept out (and there are lots of comments on eBags about the wraps, with the vast majority being very positive).