Camera Bag - choosing

[Jess]

So I have thus far been carrying my camera, lenses, film, etc. around in a little cardboard box that I stapled grocery bag handles to. I should probably take a picture of it, it's horribly pathetic.

I need a camera bag. I'm wondering what I should be looking for, or what I can get in the way of suggestions.

I want to be able to walk around with this thing, it can't be too big. I'm only 5"4' @113 so I'd look just as pathetic with an oversized bag as with my little box. However, I want to carry my camera, at least 2 lenses, film, cleaning supplies, all the regular stuff. After researching, I've decided I like the 'security pocket' that many have on the body side of the bag.

I can't decide. All of the ones I like I'm very afraid will be too bulky and I won't like them when I go to use them. I'd like to give a few links and maybe someone can recommend another model that I haven't found yet? Or give me pros and cons on what I'm looking at? Thanx guys

This is my first choice so far http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3870790714&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT
My BF thinks this one is better, it's very slightly bigger, but looks a lot bulkier to me. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3870768343&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT
And then there's lowepro, this is the lowepro I like best thus far: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50504&item=3871814194&rd=1

Do you think these are going to be super bulky, or tolerable?

Edited for spelling & clarity.

 

[Shinnentai]

When I went looking for camera bags, I felt a bit unimpressed with by what I was seeing for the price. I ended up getting a mid-sized Eddie Bauer cooler pack from Target (the kind soccer moms use to carry sodas & sandwiches to their kids' games). Cost me around $14 all together, and with the exception of having to make my own inserts, was *exactly* what you'd pay upwards of $80 for in a camera shop (in some ways better). Lots of other people I know use modified hiking packs.

Caveat emptor. Every specialized hobby and industry is filled with businessmen lining up to sell you "ordinary" items remarketed at rediculous prices . I sometimes build model kits as a hobby. Lots of hobby stores sell "sprue cutters" for $16 that are just repackaged $3 wire nippers; same story, more or less.

There's nothing extraordinary about "pro camera bag" design or construction. Look around at common luggage, hiking, and cooler stuff. Odds are you'll find something perfect for a fraction of the cost.

 

[Hertz van Rental]

True - there is a big price hike with stuff labeled 'pro'. But there is 'pro' and there is 'Pro'.
Real Pro kit is expensive because it is tough, strong, durable, weather-proof and it will take punishment. It also offers superb protection for cameras. If you are carrying kit worth a lot of money it is folly to keep it in a carrier bag.
Good bags are also the best thing to store your kit in when you are not using it.

Here is a link to a serious pro bag site with specialised dedicated bags:
http://www.tvcases.co.uk/acatalog/index.html
Lowepro are not cheap but they are good pro bags:
http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Shoulder_Bags/
Tenba are good amateur bags:
http://www.tenba.com/camera.htm

This is a good site to start with though. It compares lots of bags in various price ranges:
http://www.epinions.com/bags-Travel_Accessories-All-Camera_Bags

At the end of the day you have to ask yourself 'how much is the safety of my camera's worth?' And buy the best you can afford - but something is better than nothing.

 

[Big Mike]

Do you have a good camera store near you? Take your gear down to a shop and see what size bags will hold your gear. Don't forget to allow for some room to grow. You don't have to buy from there but at least you will have a better idea of what size works and will be comfortable (& stylish) for you.

I have found some great deals on used bags. As Hertz said, Pro bags are made to last, so even used ones are usually in good shape...but may need a cleaning.

 

[Jess]

Thank you guys for your help. I had actually stumbled upon the Lowepro official site just after posting. Can I have them all? Lol. I think I'm going to get a Lowepro, but thanks for the links. I'm going to view them all and spend some more time browsing before I make my decision. Especially thanks for the epinions, I have a feeling that will be really helpful.

I think I might go to the camera shop today and look at their bags. I'm hoping they have at least one of the one's I'm considering so that I can at least see if the capacity is what I'm thinking it is. I was only going to bring my camera in, I suppose it's probably a good idea to make sure it all fits, particularly the 200mm that's really my main concern is to have that with me.

Thank you again, very much. You've been super helpful. I definitely have to take a before an after picture of my 'camera bag' so you all can laugh at the difference.

 

[Scurra]

I have a Lowepro rucksack that easily holds both my 20D and 3000v three lenses a variety of filters and cleaning gear, and it's lasting brilliantly... I'd recommend them to anyone.