Toronto Photography Meetup Group

I fell on the slippery slope and picked up some more lenses. Seems that when you start to buy it can be difficult to stop. So now that I am broke, I need to spend more money to carry my new stuff around.

Right now I am using a Lowepro TLZ1 that is fine for a single lens if it's small, but doesn't address my needs any more.

It is a pain for lenses with a hood on them, and not long enough for my 100-400 lens. I am considering the Thinktank Digital Holster 30 http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/digital-holster-30-shoulder-bag.aspx but it is quite expensive when you add in the belt and possible harness strap as the 100-400 does weigh quite a chunk.

I am looking for something to take with me on trips out to say the Zoo, or a walk around Toronto Island. If I aim for supporting the largest lens, then my smaller stuff should fit without a hassle.

Also. it would be nice if it helped out with a place to put a monopod.

Matt.

Honestly -- go to a camera store - and try out the bags. People will have opinions here on what will work for them - but you need to go to the store, and actually try out the bags and see what will work for your gear - bring your stuff with you.

Here's a few things to think about, since you won't notice some of them until you've been using the bag the whole day.

- slings and shoulder bags put all the weight on one shoulder. Great for working out of the bag, but the weight will wear on you
- backpacks are much better for the whole day, but it's much harder to get the gear out of the bag
- if carrying a tripod, then either backpack or shoulder bag, a sling with a tripod/monopod attached tends to be too much of a weapon - really easy to nail yourself in the head too

for reference, I have and use,
- Domke style canvas shoulder bag & Kata DB 455
- slings, LowePro Slingshot 200AW, 300AW
- backpacks, NatureTrekker II, Flipside 400AW

ps - like lenses, bags tend to multiply as well

ditto on that point!

So I loaded up my current back to the gills with everything I could think of. Packed my daughter into the truck and off to Henrys I went.

They had a few, but not any of the ones that I was looking at online. (Even though they said online they had stock). I did try a few different ones, and asked them to order in some of the ones that I was thinking of getting. On my way out I ran into Don, a photographer who works there. I asked him what her used as I know he has some of the bigger lenses that I have.

He said that he used the LP Sling 20.. I asked him that it's rather small to fit a 100-400. NO he said. Just remove all the other divider junk from inside and it will fit. Low and behold he was right. I Can leave in one divider for an extra spare lens, but the big 100-400 and say a 50mm or the 11-16 fit in the quick access area no problems. That leaves the top pouch for some snacks for a day trip and a water bottle. I am all set.

Yes, I realize that putting that weight over one shoulder will be a pain. I however don't find backpacks all that comfortable. I end up one shouldering them anyways.

I was planning on picking up a monopod and forgoing the tripod. I do have another pack for it if I want to bring that too.

Will see how it works out. Thanks for the push to get out there and stop procrastinating

Matt.

Great! Sounds like you found a winner..... I recently upgraded to a larger bag that a friend was selling. The spaces fit all of my lenses perfectly. I have 2 different backpacks which I can configure depending on what gear I go out with, plus an over the shoulder bag for my Mamiya.