Camera Back Pack and Monopod

Robbug

Hello everyone. I need some help and recommendations. I just recently plunked down the cash for some new lenses and need some help with the gear to hold new stuff + old stuff and consolidate. Also I am in need of a monopod. I am camera bag/monopod challenged as this is getting to a higher level than just looking at lens specs. Here is what I have (all Canon):
17-40L, 24-70L, 18-55 kit lens, 50, 100 macro, 20D, all the "stuff" that goes with this, a 15" mac book.
The bag needs to hold all this stuff in one spot and occasionally be used as transport/day trips. I was looking at the Lowepros and they seem pretty good. Would like to be able to transport the monopod out to the field with camera.

For the monopod, I was looking at using it while I literally run around. I am in the military and take pictures of running formations and obstacle courses. This requires me to sprint ahead, set up, shoot and sprint some more. I have found running with the 24-70L not bad (used a rental last year) except when I stop and set up a shot. Have to play sniper and really pay attention to breathing etc. I figure a monopod would help immensely with this. So I need a quick, sturdy, monopod with a head that will allow some swivel and easily be quickly disconnected if need be. For these jaunts I use a camel back and only take one other lens with me so the camera bag won't be out there on my back. Camera bag may go with me when I am out and about in Seattle or cross country. Thanks for any inputs.

Rob

Art Scott

GIOTTOS P-POD ............ i have bought from/thru Cameta Camera (CametaAuctions on ebay) in Amityville Ny for a very long time......very honest and trustworthy and easy to work with..........I love my P-pod it is very vesatile as the photos show..............


I would suggest a LowePro PRO Trekker aw......I love mine orthe next one down in size that is airline approved......3yrs ago my was but as of last year it is not carry on approved........

You might also look at LowePro WaterProof bags they look very good also.


Good Luck

cmason

For Monopod, I can recommend the Manfrotto 680B with the 234RC Swivel/Tilt Head

B&H linky

Robbug

Art - thanks for the link. Interesting design. As I don't have a tripod yet that could prove to be a decent temporary situation until I rebuild reserves for a good tripod (another huge research project). How easy is it to fumble with the quick release?

cmason - thank you too for the link. Is the quick release easy to utilize?

Of course the giottos lines up nicely with my macro shooting. Arrrgh! Decisions.

Anyone else wanna toss into the fray about a camera backpack? Pros cons with lowepro? Thanks for the responses.

Edit: This is what I have in mind for compamera bag. If any of you out there have used this could you tell me what you think? Are there similar ones with similar features? computer/camera - a must (tired of having to carry 10 different bags - computer, telescope, eyepieces, camera, hiking bag, blah blah. would like to keep it all together - computer and camera that is. Tripod mount is a very nice feature.
Rob

DavidTO

I'm partial to Crumpler bags, myself. Specifically, the Karachi Outpost.

Dogdots

I love lowepro backpacks. I"ve had two and hope to get another one soon. Right now I'm using the Mini Trekker AW and growing out of it fast. It doesn't hold a laptop, but you can always go to the Vertex to get the laptop compartment. Lowepro offers so many different kinds of camera bags that you should be able to find one that suits your needs.

If it gets dirty or muddy you just let it dry and wipe it off. I bought 2 Outdoor Research (OR) bottle carriers which each holds a 32 oz. nalgene water bottle. Just attach them to the sides of the backpack with the velcro straps and I'm set to go.

Camera cases are really a personal preference...what works with one person may not work for the other. I would suggest you visit a camera store if you can and try some out. If you don't have a store to visit - maybe purchase a few and return the ones you don't like.

Good luck and let us know what you decide

Robbug

David - Nice bag but the price Wow. Nice bag...looks good but...wow that is expensive. Does what I would need it to do except I think I would need more bells and whistles.

DogDots - yes I was looking at those too. hrm.

Of course I stumbled on this particular bag. Allows for all kinds of extra possibilities atm. F-stop tilopa . Kinda would fit into my profile but hard to tell without going into a store and trying it out. Anyone have one of these?

[Deleted User]

cmason wrote:

For Monopod, I can recommend the Manfrotto 680B with the 234RC Swivel/Tilt Head

Or the Manfrotto 679B with the same 234RC head. Works well with my 50D and 100-400, really improved the keepers. I set up the 1-4 so it tips up and down, rotate the lens in the collar for landscape/portrait. Set up the camera body plate 90° to the 1-4 plate so the head does the landscape/portrait switch when using shorter lenses.

Robbug

Jim K wrote:

Or the Manfrotto 679B with the same 234RC head.

Thanks Jim. I will look at that too in my upcoming shopping spree.

Rob

Art Scott

Robbug wrote:

Art - thanks for the link. Interesting design. As I don't have a tripod yet that could prove to be a decent temporary situation until I rebuild reserves for a good tripod (another huge research project). How easy is it to fumble with the quick release?

The quik release workd great.....I added a bogen/manfrotto 322rc2 handle ball head and now it is a great macro set up....the handle ball head gives me really great versitilty for macro and other shooting also.............


Of course the giottos lines up nicely with my macro shooting. Arrrgh! Decisions.

Anyone else wanna toss into the fray about a camera backpack? Pros cons with lowepro? Thanks for the responses.

Edit: This is what I have in mind for compamera bag. If any of you out there have used this could you tell me what you think? Are there similar ones with similar features? computer/camera - a must (tired of having to carry 10 different bags - computer, telescope, eyepieces, camera, hiking bag, blah blah. would like to keep it all together - computer and camera that is. Tripod mount is a very nice feature.
The one you linked to is a great backpack.....the pro trekker i mention above is quiet abit larger and will house your computer and has plenty of d-rings for atching other stuff as well as bungee type buckling small ropes for attaching gear.....it use to come with 2 large non padded cases for long lenses or other gear.............as I said I love mine......the only thing that could actully "replace" mine is a deep rolling pelican style case......
Rob

answers above

Robbug

Thanks Art. Like the reference to the macro. I think I am on the precipice of decision. No one told me there were 50 billion choices for a monopods and camera bags. Choosing lenses was MUCH easier than this mess. How do these people stay in business with all the products heheh.

I appreciate everyone giving me inputs. Now to convince the CFO that all is well with finances and finalize the purchases . I will let you those that are curious know my decisions when I have the new gear in my hands ... muwhahahaha

Rob

Photoskipper

Robbug wrote:

Hello everyone. I need some help and recommendations. I just recently plunked down the cash for some new lenses and need some help with the gear to hold new stuff + old stuff and consolidate. Also I am in need of a monopod. I am camera bag/monopod challenged as this is getting to a higher level than just looking at lens specs. Here is what I have (all Canon):
17-40L, 24-70L, 18-55 kit lens, 50, 100 macro, 20D, all the "stuff" that goes with this, a 15" mac book.
The bag needs to hold all this stuff in one spot and occasionally be used as transport/day trips. I was looking at the Lowepros and they seem pretty good. Would like to be able to transport the monopod out to the field with camera.

For the monopod, I was looking at using it while I literally run around. I am in the military and take pictures of running formations and obstacle courses. This requires me to sprint ahead, set up, shoot and sprint some more. I have found running with the 24-70L not bad (used a rental last year) except when I stop and set up a shot. Have to play sniper and really pay attention to breathing etc. I figure a monopod would help immensely with this. So I need a quick, sturdy, monopod with a head that will allow some swivel and easily be quickly disconnected if need be. For these jaunts I use a camel back and only take one other lens with me so the camera bag won't be out there on my back. Camera bag may go with me when I am out and about in Seattle or cross country. Thanks for any inputs.

Rob

I have been using the compuTrekker AW for 4 years and quit happy with it. No problem for most of my gears to go - 5D mounted with 24-105, 300D mounted with 18-200, a 70-200F2.8 IS, 17-40, 100 F2.8 macro, 580EXII flash and couple of filters and accessories (Epson 2000 HD and a telescope). Plenty of room for the Dell Latitude (should be ok for any 15" laptop).

For your gears, there are some overlapping. You may consider to leave 2 of them at home. Just a gentle reminder, the more gears we carry, the heavier the backpack then easier to get tired.

For traveling, I use the SLIK 340 AMT tripod. It is cheap (about US 100 only) comes with the head and quick release plate and rather light (1.8 Kg only) The 340 is 4 segment and 16 inch. The weight rating is 2.8 Kg with just enough for the 5D with 70-200.

Pupator

I also vote for the Lowepro backpacks. I've liked every one I've ever had (using the Slingshot 200AW right now).

If you end up wanting a Monfrotto 680B monopod - I've got one for sale in this thread.

ziggy53

Pupator wrote:

If you end up wanting a Monfrotto 680B monopod - I've got one like new in box that I'll sell for $50 shipped. It seems like a good monopod but it never gets any use around here. You'd need to buy a better head/release seperately if you wanted to go that route.

I also vote for the Lowepro backpacks. I've liked every one I've ever had (using the Slingpack 200 right now).

Please keep any further sales/purchase information in the Flea Market or as a private message.

Thanks,