Bag recommendation

[Gavin]

Just got a Nikon D60 with kit lens and I'm looking for a bag... I'm probably going to get a 55-200mm VR lens soon and I'd like to keep this attached in the bag.

I'm looking at the Lowepro Slingshot range - not clear whether these would accommodate a 55-200mm lens attached though...

Any suggestions?

[Sprout Crumble]

All the Slingshots will accomodate a 55-200. The AW200 is probably the best compromise of size and capacity.

[At The Gates]

I have a crumpler Pretty Boy XL shoulder bag and that fits my D40 + 55-200VR in one side and 2 other lenses in the other. With a few filters and bits in the front pocket.

[Gizmo]

Crumplers are definitely the coolest looking, and don't scream 'expensive kit inside' too much - handy if you walk through iffy parts of town.

The lowepro slingshot is popular and seems very ergonomic in use, although a few people find the one shoulder strap not to comfy - but only if carrying a LOT of gear.

For a straight-forward backpack style, you could do a lot worse than the Kata range - something like the DR-465 (or DR-467 - which I use - if you carry a lot of gear). Very strong comfy backpacks, although lack the cool looks of the crumpler or the quick entry of the slingshot.

Mind you, I still sometimes use my 'lidl special' wedge bag if I just want to shoot light with a body+lens only. :D

[Tony Ferrino]

Gizmo, how much space is in the 467 for everyday stuff like water, food, jackets etc? I was looking at that one or a Lowepro Fastpack 350. I'm off to France over Easter and I'd like to take a bag for day trips/walks, and I'd preferably like to take it over as hand luggage. Laptop space is a nice bonus.

[Gavin]

Thanks - the Crumpler range looks good...

Weather is bad today, typical as I wanted to get out and take some shots, so I'll take a trip to the camera shop and look at bags instead...

[Gizmo]

Gizmo, how much space is in the 467 for everyday stuff like water, food, jackets etc? I was looking at that one or a Lowepro Fastpack 350. I'm off to France over Easter and I'd like to take a bag for day trips/walks, and I'd preferably like to take it over as hand luggage. Laptop space is a nice bonus.

You could stuff a light anorak in the top area I think, anything else would probably be too bulky. It would hold some sandwiches, mobile, keys, passports, book, ipod etc (not big enough for a full size magazine tho - it's about 2" short) has a zip out pocket for a water bottle (or as I use it, for bottom of my monopod).

It does me for day trips or photo walks but not for a weekend away if that makes sense.

[Tony Ferrino]

Thanks. Yep, sounds ideal actually. I'll nip into a shop to have a look in person, if I can find a stockist. Found it online for £68.99 with a free Manfrotto monopod thrown in which seems reasonable.

Do you reckon it's hand-luggage size? Ta.

[Gavin]

Went to the camera shop (Henry's), must have had close to 50 different bags in there - couldn't decide what to get, so came away empty handed. They have the 55-200mm VR lens for $250 though, so think I may go back and get it tomorrow whilst it's still on offer...

Looks like it's going to rain till Thurs this week, so no need for the bag now till next weekend - gives me more time to decide...

[Highlander]

Gizmo, how much space is in the 467 for everyday stuff like water, food, jackets etc? I was looking at that one or a Lowepro Fastpack 350. I'm off to France over Easter and I'd like to take a bag for day trips/walks, and I'd preferably like to take it over as hand luggage. Laptop space is a nice bonus.

I've got a fastpack 250, and it's a great bag. There is plenty of room in the top for stuff. I have managed to stuff my winter coat in there before, although it was a bit tight. What did you want to put in there?

[Tony Ferrino]

Just enough for 6-8 hours out and about, so sandwiches and snacks, a book, phone, raincoat (thin), bottle of water etc. The usual day trip stuff. It sounds like both the Kata and Lowepro bags will suit my needs fine, I just need to see them and pick my favourite. I am leaning towards the ones with laptop space though, just in case I need that functionality. No point taking two bags when one will suffice.

Hand luggage size? Sorry to keep asking (and sorry for thread-hijacking, Gavin! :D)!

[Highlander]

I don't really know what 'hand-luggage size' is nowadays. But it's no bigger than the usual (normal) backpacks that I used to take on planes. I'm planning to take mine onboard in about 6 weeks time, so best check it out!! I got one with laptop space for my 10" Netbook (overkill, I know, as it take a 15" laptop?), but it's also handy for putting magazines in, without rolling or folding them :)

EDIT: There's nothing like trying out a bag in the shop, but there's photos of what you can fit in the 350 here (http://www.cambags.com/canon/300d_10_20d/backpacks/lowepro_fastpack_350_frames.htm)

[Gavin]

(and sorry for thread-hijacking, Gavin! :D)!

No worries, this is all giving me food for thought about what I want out of a bag...

[chrisns]

I've got a '350 and second what's already been said. I take either a 14" laptop in the laptop compartment, or my 10" tablet pc and another paperback book in the same compartment. I've never taken it on a plane as hand luggage to Europe, but it's supposed to be suitable. Perhaps the 250 is a better bet for that.