Backpack/ WA lens advice

Ink84

Hi,

I'm going to Romania for a few weeks in the next few months and need to get prepped for the journey. So I have a few questions that I need help on.

I am looking for a backpack that can carry my camera equipment and has the ability to carry my tripod, but that is airplane carry-on friendly.

Currently my equipment consists of a Nikon D200, 18-70, 50mm, SB600, Sigma 70-300, possibly a Tokina 12-24 (I shall get to that) and a variety of accessories. If the backpack could also have space for some clothing or such, that would also be a bonus. What backpck would be good for this? I will also be walking around with it, so I don't want it to be too bulky.

Also, I mentioned that I'm looking at getting a Tokina 12-24 lens, but how is it compared to the more expensive Nikon 12-24? I have heard that the only real difference is that the edges on the Nikon are sharper, but is that really it.

Thanks!

knapph

Travel thoughts
What has worked well for me on several trips is to use a standard backpack that fits me well. I carry our cameras, flashes, and lenses when traveling on a plane inside Eagle Creek Protec Cubes inside the backpack. A camera body and a lens or two will fit nicely inside a cube. On our last trip we took two D300 bodies, a D200 body, two 18-55, a 70-300, a 55-200, and a SB400 and SB800 inside the cubes (this is for two people). I prefer to use a standard backpack when traveling in an attempt to not attract any more attention than necessary. I also like to have a more multipurpose pack with me than a photo pack.

The tripod goes inside my checked luggage when on the plane. The tripod is small enough to carry inside the backpack when out shooting. I do not carry the tripod onto the plane because I do not want to risk having it not get through security (a tripod does look like a club does it not?).

For lenses I would take the 18-70 and the 70-300 and forget about a wider angle lens. Instead I would shoot panos when I want a wider shot. I have a 10-20 but find I usually leave it behind when on a trip and shoot panos instead. I prefer to go as light as possible and not spend time worrying about too much equipment.

Hope this is helpful.

Knapp
www.stonecoastphotography.com

Art Scott

Pweaonally I am a Lowe Pro fan ....I suggest going to their site and looking for the largest AirLine approved bag.....this is how I bought mine when I went to the Czech Republic and I still had to gate check it at Cincinatti I belive it was as I was on a damn commuter flight.......but I made to and fro without a hitch......when I go back I will do as I have seen writ on other sites.......Bruce Schneier ON Security ....great read for this situation or any involving airline travel and cameras or any expensive gear.

Zerodog

Dakine Mission or Sequence photo backpack will be perfect. Just depends on the size of pack you want. Both have the same camera capacity. Both carry a tripod. These packs seem to be very overlooked by most Photogs for some reason. 1st off they do not look like a camera bag. They just look like a backpack. They both have a removeable camera block "as they call it" so it can be just used as a backpack if needed. As far as protection goes they are really good. The packs are designed for backcountry snowboarding/ skiing and are very padded. They also have raincovers that are built in. The camera block/ bag being inside of the backpack also gives you a double layer of protection from the elements.

Here is the Sequence



Here is the Mission


I have the mission pack now. I use it as my main bag and configure it in different ways for different trips. For motorcycle trials meets I usually bring my 17-55 2.8 mounted on a D300s, 80-200 2.8 (can also be mounted with hood extended) , sb-600, first aid kit, tool kit, and 100 oz camelback bladder.

For straight photo trips I go with 17-55, 80-200, 20mm, sb 600, 1.4 teleconverter, 105 macro, tripod, cleaning supplies, defuser, and still have room to carry magazines and books for the plane. It easily fits in the overhead too.

Ink84

Thanks for the help guys!

I have gone for the Dakine Mission Photo backpack. Luckily, the store I work at is a sporting goods store so I can buy it from them at discount. Unluckily, they do not have any in stock, so I have had to special order it which takes about two or three weeks.

Having researched it online, it seems to suit my needs a lot. I snowboard, so it's good to carry around the slopes, and it is inconspicuous, so it won't look like I'm walking around with several hundred dollars of camera equipment.

For flying, I guess I will call the airline and see if they allow tripods on as hand-luggage, if not, it will go in my suitcase.

For the wide-angle, I'm still contemplating that. As 'knapph' says, I might not actually need it... I might go for a f2.8 tele instead, I will have to think about my needs.

Thanks for the help again!