DSLR/Laptop Bag recommendations

gryffinwings · Nov 2, 2014

I need some recommendations for a Camera/Laptop bag. I have a Nikon D7100, currently using a 14" Sony laptop, but will need the space to accommodate my future upgrade to a 15" MacBook Pro Retina. I'd like to try and keep cost down. The biggest lens I intend to have will be a 70-300mm. Still working with only the kit lens. Prefer messenger or backpack style. Prefer to have a bag where I can be mobile.

Overread · Nov 2, 2014

Messenger or backpack is an important choice:

Backpacks - these offer you the greatest weight carrying ability. You can load them up and carry quite a lot; for cameras I'd favour one with padded waist straps (waist straps without padding are near useless because you can't put any meaningful pressure on them without them cutting into your belly - unless you're wearing thick clothes - so ok in winter and not in summer).
Downside is access speed; it gets dropped because you have to take it off to get inside. Some have a quick access side-pocket so you can reach around and pull out the camera with a lens attached quick, which is handy. There are also flipside bags which open backwards (the bit that faces your back opens up rather than the front of the bag) so that you can lay it on the ground and open it up - then when you put it back on the front was the part that got muddy on the ground, rather than the back section which presses to your back.

Messengerbags - almost the opposite of backpacks. You can get some that carry a lot of weight and content; but they are not anywhere near as comfortable to carry long distance. They are quicker to get into though and provide a great option if you're travelling light - or moving shorter distances or operating somewhere where you can put it down often. Quick access is its primary bonus, you can even gain access whilst standing (depends again on how much weight you've got in it - obviously a much heavier setup quickly becomes practical to put down and get into).

Tailgunner · Nov 2, 2014

ThinkTank Messager bag.

I use an ThinkTank Urban Disguise 60. This is easily the best accessory I have bought. It has more than enough room for my D800 (which is slightly larger than a D7100), 28-70mm 2.8, 18-35mm, 70-200mm 2.8 VRII, remote cable, extra cards, iPad 2, and my 13" Macbook Pro. FYI: it's a little on the heavy side when you throw in the 70-200mm VRII & iPad 2. I travel with this set up all time.I think Thinktank makes a backpack strap for this bag as well.