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Tamrac Adventure 75 questions
UT Scott
Registered Users Posts: 175 Major grins
Hey, I just got back from shooting a football game and saw that a lot of photographers were using backpacks. I was wondering if anyone has had the chance to use (or see in person) a Tamrac Adventure 75 Backpack
I need something that will hold a D50 (maybe D200 later) a 70-200 vr, 24-120 vr, 50 1.8, and some other smallish lenses. I wanted something that could hold all my gear and leave room for me to grow.
Thanks!
ps. I like the larger backpacks because to me the smaller ones (micro trekker like) look a little goofy on a bigger person. :dunno
I need something that will hold a D50 (maybe D200 later) a 70-200 vr, 24-120 vr, 50 1.8, and some other smallish lenses. I wanted something that could hold all my gear and leave room for me to grow.
Thanks!
ps. I like the larger backpacks because to me the smaller ones (micro trekker like) look a little goofy on a bigger person. :dunno
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email if interested groomsonthego@yahoo.com
Why? Backpacks truly suck when it comes to use during a shoot. To get to anything, like say a different lens, you must that the backpack off your back, put it on the ground, unzip, change lenses, put the other lens in there, etc. After doing this three times, you end up leaving it on the ground open, which works until you move. Then you have to put the pack together, put it on your back, move, then do it all again. PITA.
So as I said, I leave the backpack in the car, or on my back. I use a small Tamrac messenger bag , on my shoulder, that holds a spare lens or two and various items. This is the bag I use as I shoot, making it very simple to change lenses, park the camera for a few mins etc. YMMV.
Man, why isn't there a perfect bag? You would think someone would have designed one by now
There isn't currently, nor will there ever be a single solution bag. Some *may* come close, but won't be the end-all be-all solution we seek.
Why?
Well, how many different photographic situations will you find yourself in is the question that must be asked...
For me, let's see there's:
Wedding\event shooting
Street\city shooting
Portrait shoots
Travel
Sports photography
Casual\family events and get togethers
*Every* one of the above means a different kit-lenses, bodies, accessories, weight considerations etc. And for every one of the above occasions I carry a different bag...well almost.
I have four basic bags that I utilize when shooting:
1. Tamrac Pro System 12 for weddings and event shooting when I typically carry two bodies, five or six lenses, two flash units, backup batteries, flash bracket, tripod, etc. etc. etc. This bag isn't actually carried throughout the shoot, but is used as onsite storage that can be moved quickly from room to room or area to area.
Link here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=197950&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
2. Lowepro Specialist 85 AW-this is my primary 'field' bag for sports. It allows me to carry my Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 (unmounted), my 1D, 20D, and usually two additional lenses and batteries. I setup my 1D on a monopod with the big Sigma and put either a 200 f/2.8 or 135 f/2.0 on the 20D and leave it in the bag. The top opens away from me and gives me quick access to the second body\lens. I'll also throw a lens like my 17-35 Tamron in there for end of game jube shots and other misc shots. This bag isn't perfect, but it's close. Lowepro also makes a back-pack strap setup that works with it and you can use a waist belt if needed. I usually only use the shoulder belt though, because once I take the Sigma and 1D out of it, it is pretty light and easy to carry. It will easily handle a Canon 70-200, Canon 300mm f/4, or Simga 100-300 f/4 size lens mounted on a 1D\20D sized camera and allow quick access as well if that is a manner that would be helpful to you.
Link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=279324&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
3. Lowepro Trim Trekker (discountinued)-I recently picked this bag up used and have been carrying it for about two weeks. Great Lowepro quality in a slim shoulder bag. By changing the interior configuration I can carry my Canon 300mm f/4L on my 1D or 20D mounted, along with quite a few other lenses. The Trim Trekker is unique because it has a slide-out lens 'tray' at the base. This tray area easily can hold my 300 f/4 with Canon 1.4 tc on it. This allows the top of the bag for additional lenses, bodies etc. Currently my favorite for carrying a lot of gear. The tray would also accommodate three small primes, allowing larger lenses like the Canon 24-70L to be carried top side. It also makes a great 'cooler' for a water bottle-ha-ha.
4. Lowepro Linx 160 (discontinued)-this is a pretty unique little Lowepro bag that came and went rather quickly. The closest bag to this that is currently available is the Rezo 120 I believe. This is a very light, thin but versatile bag that I use for street shooting or small family gatherings. Room for several primes, a body, and *just barely* a 70-200 f/2.8 or f/4.0 (but NOT the IS version). It has a lot of pockets for filters, strap, lens cloth, CF cards, and the like. I really love this little bag and have carried it through NY City, Philly, the Jersey shore\boardwalk and other places where a discreet comfortable bag is a must. My typical load-out for this bag would be: 20D with a 28-135 sized lens, my 17-35 Tamron, and either my 70-200 f/2.8 Sigma, Canon 200\135 L prime, or two small primes like the 28 f/1.8 and 50 f/1.4 or 85 f/1.8.
Here is a link to the Rezo 170: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=370626&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
NOTE: The Rezo 170 is actually a bit taller than the one I have, which is a good thing. There are also other sizes in the Rezo line to consider.
That is pretty much what works for me. I haven't used a staight back-pack, but I have used the Lowepro back-pack straps on my Specialist 85 and the Trim Trekker. For what it's worth, it is MUCH easier to haul a heavy bag when it is mounted on your back than when it is slung over a shoulder. To me, the ability to carry a bag both ways is a big plus and a feature I will stick with. If you have ever had to hoof your way into an event with 14 lacrosse fields, you'll appreciate being able to get it there on your back. Once you start shooting you can sling the bag over your shoulder.
Well, hope this helps you out.
Take care and good light,
Mongrel
I think I'm going to go with the slingshot 200 and try to make my own tripod holder type thing. I really don't need it to fit a 70-200 vr because I don't own one. I do use one on a regular basis but I can always just cary it in the nikon case. I'm going to be using it for a vacation i'm going on in December so waiting for the 300 is not an option.