Time to move on
Nikolai
Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
I mean, time to updrade my camera-hauling gear:-)
Believe it or not, I'm still using my, now probably 6-7 or even more years old, Lowepro Computrekker AV. I purchased it way back when I only had Sony "advanced" point and shoot.
Surprisignly, it can still hold my 5D2 (with a grip and an L-plate!) with 24-105 attached and 7D with 70-200 or 100-400 attached, plus a few necessities...
However, it is pretty obvious that I need more room, and, frankly, more comfort. Most of my shooting happens in an urban environment, or, at least, within a walking distance from the car (and by "walking distance" I mean "a distance a model can walk while on heels":-).
So, I'm looking for two things:
1) A bigger, better backpack in case I am on a nature hike. Something with a bright ligning, like KATAs (so I can see clearly), and something with the back loader, like Crumpler (so I don't have to turn it over after I "drop" it and expose the back surface/straps to mud and/or prickles. Naturally, something weather proof, with an extra layer if needed (I like that feature of my Computrekker AV).
2) A roller, which I can use most of the time when I travel by car. Not necessarily airport-friendly, but necessarily usage-friendly. Something I can easily lug through hotels, restaurants and other venues. Something that provides easy access to all the gear. Something I can hopefully lock and secure (with a bike cable, or a laptop cable, etc.) in the corner of the said venue and go about my shooting, knowing that the rest of the gear is safe and sound and can't be taken away without a lot of hassle and fuss.
What shall I get? What shall I *not* get?
I'm all :ear !
TIA! :thumb
Believe it or not, I'm still using my, now probably 6-7 or even more years old, Lowepro Computrekker AV. I purchased it way back when I only had Sony "advanced" point and shoot.
Surprisignly, it can still hold my 5D2 (with a grip and an L-plate!) with 24-105 attached and 7D with 70-200 or 100-400 attached, plus a few necessities...
However, it is pretty obvious that I need more room, and, frankly, more comfort. Most of my shooting happens in an urban environment, or, at least, within a walking distance from the car (and by "walking distance" I mean "a distance a model can walk while on heels":-).
So, I'm looking for two things:
1) A bigger, better backpack in case I am on a nature hike. Something with a bright ligning, like KATAs (so I can see clearly), and something with the back loader, like Crumpler (so I don't have to turn it over after I "drop" it and expose the back surface/straps to mud and/or prickles. Naturally, something weather proof, with an extra layer if needed (I like that feature of my Computrekker AV).
2) A roller, which I can use most of the time when I travel by car. Not necessarily airport-friendly, but necessarily usage-friendly. Something I can easily lug through hotels, restaurants and other venues. Something that provides easy access to all the gear. Something I can hopefully lock and secure (with a bike cable, or a laptop cable, etc.) in the corner of the said venue and go about my shooting, knowing that the rest of the gear is safe and sound and can't be taken away without a lot of hassle and fuss.
What shall I get? What shall I *not* get?
I'm all :ear !
TIA! :thumb
"May the f/stop be with you!"
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I'm not up-to-date on the backpacks, so I'll let others suggest those.
As to rollers, I don't think you can do any better than the ThinkTank Airport Security. It also has two locking cables built into the case, plus the main compartment has a built-in combo lock for securing the zipper. It has hide-away shoulder straps, if you find that you need a "back-pack" for a bit. They also will send out a free "wheel kit" if you ever wear out the wheels! Lots and lots of features, check it out...
Anyway, it gets my top vote, and also my money!
Good luck
The ThinkTank Airport looks like a good gear. I eyballed it it before, but didn't pull the plug due to its rather steep price ticket. However, if looks like a solid piece of equipment and probably is worth the $$$.
The Flipside also looks good, and I'm familiar with the brand:-) Definite contender...
FStop - good idea, I remember the earlier extensive post (I think, also by you) about various models. However, I think it's a bit too much of a versatility for me, I'm not that deep into backpacking/climbing these days.
Anybody else wants to pitch in?
The jury is still out for the backpack...
It can double as a slingshot and you can access your gear from either side depending on how you wear it. There is ample room for camera, a few lenses, filters, and other gear (700ml stainless steal water bottle + snacks for long hikes), there is also an area for a laptop, though I use it to store my rain poncho (the pack has its own rain gear too) and will use it for a hydration bladder once summer arrives. It comes with both waist and chest straps along with a tripod holder too. Its around $160, so the price wasn't bad either. I'd highly recommend it for short and long hikes!
Thank you, interesting option!
My next backpack, ( I think) will be the:
Lowepro Pro Trekker 400 AW Backpack
There are also two other sizes the 300 and the 600.
Sam
Not denying its qualities, I must say it doesn't meet my #1 requirement for a new backpack: opening from the back (straps) side
While I don't know your criteria for a backpack, I'll once again direct your attention to ThinkTank, the Rotation360 backpack. You can access some of your lenses without taking the bag off your back! Also comes with a cool camera strap system that hooks on to the shoulder straps, taking the stress off of your neck.
Here are all the videos that you could possibly want to check it out.
Thanks, Randy!
I'll check it out!
I have the creteria laid out in the OP, but here they are again, just in case:
I'm not running through the woods anymore, so I got a Temba roller case.
Works as a carry on, and will sit well in the back of the vehicle when on a trip.
I don't know if I got lucky or what, but at the time I was looking, Amazon had this case for $189.
Now it $289. Maybe I was one of the few that got because of a misprint, I don't know.
Anyways, here's the case: LINK
Good luck on the backpack.
I'm getting to the age that the last thing I want to do is carry a 40 pound backpack around through the woods.
That model can carry her shoes a lot farther than you can haul a 40 pound pack.
Basking in the shadows of yesterday's triumphs'.
Thanks, Dave!
I already pulled the plug on the thinktank roller, which allows me to locks it and leave it secured in a large venue without thinking every second if it grows a pair of legs. But it's nice to have an idea of something else in case I need a spare or my use-case changes.
The backpack is still an open question. The thing is, I don't need those fancy flip/slig capabilities. I don't change stuff on the go. I need a backpack I can drop (straps up), open (straps stays up) and have enough room inside for a couple of bodies and a few lenses. At the same time it should obviously provide enough protectiong in case the ground is muddy/wet, or if it rains (not in SoCal, I know, but I have a feeling I'll be visiting other states where it does rain)
However, I can still carry about 40-6-80 lbs of gear up a very steep mountain path, while the girls carrying only their heels are lagging behind... Those kids today have neither stamina nor will power
http://www.kata-bags.com/product.asp?p_Id=104&Version=Photo
Interesting solution, thank you!
I'm done with rollers, though (received the ThinkTank Airport Security 2.0 about an hour ago :-), so I'm only looking for a better backpack now...