Ua777222 From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 3348 posts, RR: 13 Posted (8 years 4 months 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 2786 times:
I know that there is another topic that was on the site
"What Kind Of Photo Bag Do You Use?" [http://www.airliners.net/discussions/aviation_photography/read.main/159284] but it was archived therefore making it impossible to ask further questions regarding the subject. I read through the topic and found that the Lowepro CompuTrekker AV was mentioned frequently.
I am looking for something that can hold all my gear while still be easy on the back and quite durable. I am rough with stuff but don't want to carry a pelican case around b/c they are huge and seem more like a briefcase than a camera case and I want the use of my hands.
I have the following set up;
Canon EOS Digital Rebel (300D) W/ Extra Grip
Canon EF 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USN
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM
Sigma 170-500mm f/5-6.3 APO Aspherical Autofocus
Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX DG (Given To As A Gift)
Sunpak QSX 6601 Tripod (Cheap But Works For Now)
I have found that I am lugging 2-3 different cases to get all my gear to the airport. I would ideally like to carry my laptop around, it's an Apple Powerbook 12" that would fit great in any backpack (I do so in it's case which is then placed in my backpack for school) but I just can't fit it and it's case into another backpack while still carrying the camera bag with my camera, 55mm, and 300mm while having the small case for the Sigma 15-30mm and the huge case for the Sigma 170-500mm. But if I get a case that can carry this all together while being padded it then no longer requires my laptop case and gives me a safe place to put it.
I would also like to carry my battery charger for the battery's (for trips) and the plugs and other goodies for my laptop. Can't forget all those extras (i.e. CF Cards, Even one more battery, Lens Cleaners, Filters, Card Reader, etc.) I have a scanner and a small set of bino's either for me or the board companion whom is mostly my girlfriend.
With a case like this, can I place my 300D with the 170-500mm attached and possibly the hood attached as well in the center and the rest of my gear around this main set up? Or is it too small? I looked at local camera stores and none had any of these bags on hand and would have to special order it.
I was hoping that the CompuTrekker was the answer but wasn't too sure if I should bite the bullet or wait. As you can tell I am asking for a second opinion and other suggestions. Personal experiences would be great! Lastly, does the CompuTrekker have a mount for a Tripod on the side?
Dehowie From Australia, joined Feb 2004, 1044 posts, RR: 38 Reply 1, posted (8 years 4 months 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 2742 times:
Well ihave a Lowepro mini trekker which is now bulging at the seams.
The bag is pretty comfortable to hike with and i have walked all over Tokyo and Hong Kong carrying all my gear for 8-10 hours at a time.
Good solid bag and pretty comfortable given the weight.
Here is what fits in mine.
EOS20D with grip,10-22,17-40,24-70,70-200,100-400,550EX flash,filters,6 batteries,cleaning gear plus other bits and piecs and all the hoods for the lenses.
Darren
Fergulmcc From Ireland, joined Oct 2004, 1916 posts, RR: 54 Reply 2, posted (8 years 4 months 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 2733 times:
I have a photo trekker classic and its huge but comfortable. More than enough room for my lenses which I'll be getting soon and for what you have.
You can fit the laptop down the front of the bag but there is very little protection for it, as in padding wise.
Fergul
Kaddyuk From Wallis and Futuna, joined Nov 2001, 4125 posts, RR: 28 Reply 5, posted (8 years 4 months 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 2718 times:
I use the computrecker and a great bag it is, i can carry all my gear and I have loads of room left, the elastic strapos on the back for a tripod are great and came in really handy for carrying my jacket when I didnt want to wear it. I would very much reccomend this bag and Its worth every penny
Whoever said "laughter is the best medicine" never had Gonorrhea
ChrisH From Sweden, joined Jul 2004, 1136 posts, RR: 18 Reply 6, posted (8 years 4 months 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 2716 times:
Minitrekker AW is what I use. I had the yellow waterproof Lowepro bag for a while but it was to big. The Minitrekker is excellent, large enough for most setups and fits as carryon luggage on any airline.
Ua777222 From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 3348 posts, RR: 13 Reply 9, posted (8 years 4 months 22 hours ago) and read 2662 times:
Also forgot to ask,
Computreckker Users! Is this case able to fit my Canon Digital Rebel and my Sigma 170-500 with the hood attached in the middle as seen in the Nature Trekker?
Secondly,
Does keeping your lens attached to your camera make it easer to break due to the link between the two say if you bump something or if your case is dropped?
Dehowie From Australia, joined Feb 2004, 1044 posts, RR: 38 Reply 11, posted (8 years 4 months 21 hours ago) and read 2664 times:
Nice waterproofing kit there mate i just hope you remembered to leave an air hole somewhere!!
I gather you didn't enjoy "Of mice and men" and found a better use for it
TWAMD-80 From United States of America, joined Oct 2001, 1006 posts, RR: 4 Reply 12, posted (8 years 3 months 2 weeks 2 days 16 hours ago) and read 2574 times:
Clickhappy, if I am not mistaken, I believe you visited a Barnes and Noble before you constructed your camera bag. Quite an ingenious design if I may say so.
Tim
Two A-4's, left ten o'clock level continue left turn!
Kaddyuk From Wallis and Futuna, joined Nov 2001, 4125 posts, RR: 28 Reply 13, posted (8 years 3 months 2 weeks 2 days 10 hours ago) and read 2549 times:
The computrekker should have no problems at all fitting the 300D and a 170-500 connected together. I dont take my lense and camera apart when storing them in the bag as it allows me to use my camera in a hurry if I need it and also prevents dust spots...
Whoever said "laughter is the best medicine" never had Gonorrhea
LHRSIMON From United Kingdom, joined Apr 2002, 1342 posts, RR: 25 Reply 15, posted (8 years 3 months 2 weeks 2 days 10 hours ago) and read 2537 times:
I have a Lowpro classic trekker for major days out. It cost alot but the build quality is realy good. It should last a lifetime
Then i also have a Hama mini rucksack for when i only need a max of 3 lenses. Recomended by Tin67 (Martin Aves) and available from 7dayshop at only about £17.99. Its a great little bag but the build quality is pretty poor and nothing like the Lowpro. But for £17.99 its brilliant value and very handy as part of you kit
Simon C
Canon 1D Mk III,Canon 20D+17-40 L f4.0,70-200 L IS USM f2.8,400 L USM f5.6,135 mm L f2.0, 50 mm f1.8,1.4 x II extender
Manzoori From UK - England, joined Sep 2002, 1516 posts, RR: 37 Reply 16, posted (8 years 3 months 2 weeks 2 days 9 hours ago) and read 2525 times:
I have the LowePro Computrekker AW... bought recently and I've got to say, what a great bag!
Here's what I've crammed into mine:-
Canon EOS 10D with BG-ED3 attached
Sigma 50-500 EX
Sigma 18-50 DC
Canon 420EX
Canon charger for BP-511s
Binoculars
Mini Tripod
Uniross fast charger for flash batteries
The BIGMA is similar in length to the 170-500, but what I would advise against is having the lens hood on in shooting orientation i.e. making the lens longer. The bayonet fitting is only plastic and I wouldn't trust it to take the weight of the lens and camera combo. I have my lens hood attached but reversed.
Hope that helps. I'll see if I can take a shot of the arrangement for posting.
Cheers!
Rez
Flightlineimages DOT Com Photographer & Web Editor. RR Turbines Specialist
Chris78cpr From United Kingdom, joined Feb 2004, 2813 posts, RR: 52 Reply 17, posted (8 years 3 months 2 weeks 2 days 8 hours ago) and read 2518 times:
I currently use a minitrekker AW. It holds the following comfortably, if a little heavy.
The computrekker basically ahs the same dimensions as the mini trekker it just ahs that little bit extra on the back for the laptop! If you need to carry both laptop and camera gear in a backpack then this is the way to go.
I shall be getting the lowepro photo trekker AWII soon as i am making some additions to my kit this weekend. The photo trekker will allow me to hold an extra body, extra flash and a few extra lenses.
Cheers, Chris
5D2/7D/1D2(soon to be a 1Dx) 17-40L/24-105L/70-200F2.8L/100-400L/24F1.4LII/50F1.2L/85F1.2LII
UA777222 From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 3348 posts, RR: 13 Reply 18, posted (8 years 3 months 2 weeks 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 2501 times:
I am still planning on keeping my Sigma but this past week I decided that I would save my penny's for a 100-400LIS along with the 240EX flash. My worry is that when I travel will I have enough room to carry;
Scanner
170-500
100-400LIS
17-40 (Also hope to get)
300D+BG-E1
Filters
12" Powerbook
Chargers (For camera + powerbook)
I would hate to go on a month long trip and have to choose between lenses due to space. And I have had issues with putting the hood backwards to store b/c of the pressure to the sides and I'm afraid that it's going to crack my hood with any more pressure, hence I looked at the Nature Trekker b/c I know that my camera + lens + hood will fit.
Thanks for all the fantastic help!
Royal,
I'll have to try that out some time and I agree you must be a brave man to look like that at an airport.
Chris78cpr From United Kingdom, joined Feb 2004, 2813 posts, RR: 52 Reply 19, posted (8 years 3 months 2 weeks 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 2492 times:
UAL,
If you get the 100-400LIS then you will not use the 170-500 whatsoever! I would reccomend selling it and buying a lens to fill the void between your 40mm and 100mm. Maybe a 28-105mm or a 28-135IS. Money much better spent than having it sit in the bag unused taking up ALOT of space!
Chris
5D2/7D/1D2(soon to be a 1Dx) 17-40L/24-105L/70-200F2.8L/100-400L/24F1.4LII/50F1.2L/85F1.2LII
IL76 From Netherlands, joined Jan 2004, 2235 posts, RR: 51 Reply 20, posted (8 years 3 months 2 weeks 2 days 2 hours ago) and read 2485 times:
I have a very sturdy bag that can take all my equipment. I can even leave my 100-400 expanded at 400 in the bag AND bring lunch for 4 people!
Cheers,
Ed
UA777222 From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 3348 posts, RR: 13 Reply 21, posted (8 years 3 months 2 weeks 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 2470 times:
Does anyone know if you lose the AF on the 100-400mm? I wanted to get a 1.4x converter but was told that I would lose the AF.
Good idea about selling the 170-500mm. Any one interested?? JK. It'll be a while until I am willing to let go of my money.
UA777222 From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 3348 posts, RR: 13 Reply 23, posted (8 years 3 months 2 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 2448 times:
Airplanepics From United Kingdom, joined Jun 2003, 2725 posts, RR: 45 Reply 24, posted (8 years 3 months 2 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 2447 times:
Is that the same for a 2x Chris?
Unfortunatly - yes.
Simon Nicholls
Simon - London-Aviation.com
25 LHRSIMON: This is what i used when sorting my kit purchase. Its a compatibily chart for 2.0 & 1.4 extenders. Its on the BH website. Link as follows and click on
26 Manzoori: So anyway... as promised, this is what the Computrekker looks like with the kit in it:- Loving this bag more and more! Cheers! Rez
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