Bag Recommendation for D90

[jstluise]

Hi everyone,

I am the proud new owner of my first dSLR :thumbsup: I got a killer deal on a D90 with the 18-105mm VR lens as well as the 70-300mm VR lens. I also picked up the Nikon semi soft case that will hold the D90 w/ the 18-105mm attached...I thought it would be good to have for times when I don't need all my gear.

I'd like to get a bag that will fit all of my gear (body, 2 lenses, and small accessories). At this time I don't need anything bigger than that. Of course I want something rugged that will protect my camera (like a bag should), but I would everything to be fully zipped shut (ie no flaps or anything where something might fall out).

I've looked at a couple brands, and picked out a couple that I think will work:

Tamrac-
http://www.tamrac.com/5562.htm - #5562 Explorer 200

M-Rock-
http://www.m-rock.com/glacier-digital-camera-bag.html - #661 Glacier Bay
http://www.m-rock.com/cascade-camcorder-camera-bag.html - #659 Cascade - Smaller than the Glacier Bay, and it might be a snug fit with the particular lenses I have (w/ little to no room for anything else...eg a flash).

I like the M-Rock bags for a few reasons: heavy duty material (600D), zippers (water resistant), various carrying options, exterior D-rings if I want to lash the bag to another pack. I just discovered M-Rock a couple days ago after being pretty set on the Tamrac, and now I am leaning toward the M-Rock. Looks like they have some sales going on too.

If you guys have any suggestions, maybe some other brands to check out, that would be great! I do a lot of hiking, snowshoeing, etc, which made me really want to get a dSLR (even though I get great shots with my P&S!)...So I might end up getting a holster type bag in the future for those trips. I won't know until I get out there and start carrying it. This first bag, however, is mainly to get get organized and get all my gear in one spot.

Thanks!

[Chris350]

Have a look at Think Tank products. They do high quality packs, waist belts, and modular belt systems. I use the Speed Freak belt. It holds a D200 (similar to the D90 in size) with short zoom attached, an 80-200 with hood plus extra stuff in the pockets. It has add on capability which I use to hold a water bottle holder Flash pouch and a lens case that holds my 300 f/4. The main bag and all add -ons have water proof covers that store in each unit. I intend to switch to a modular system this summer to better fit my needs. http://www.thinktankphoto.com/

[Franglais]

I always take ONE bag only, with enough space to hold camera, accessories and if necessary spare clothing, water bottles, food, papers (in security), telephone etc.

All the bags you mention are shoulder bags. These are fine for use in cities. I have a load of Billingham shoulder bags. My favourite is the Hadley (I have 4) which is slim, fits close against the body and yet is waterproof. My D300 fits in with lens + 2nd lens or flash (body + 2 lenses + flash for the Large). However I can't imagine taking this beautiful, leather-bound bag out on a hike.

For hiking you REALLY need your hands free and your bag comfortably installed on your back. Choose a backpack with a rain cover. Lowepro is the place to start looking. I have a Rover which is just about big enough for a day trip. I also have a Mini Trekker which is good for fairly long excursions from a car.

[pafindr]

I'm a big fan of Lowepro bags. I've had the Lowepro Off Road for a little more than ten years and it's still a great beltpack. I've worn it while trail riding and since it has a shoulder strap as well as a belt strap it's pretty secure and you hardly notice it.

Since I'm now carrying a laptop when I travel I needed something that can carry all my camera equipment plus the laptop. I just picked up the Lowepro Fastpack 350 and it has a lot of room for my D90, an 18-105mm, a 70-300mm, a 50mm prime, SB-600 Speedlight, a 17.3" laptop, cables and other accessories. In the top section of the pack I can carry a few other things like a rain coat, a small lunch, and a couple of small books for the plane ride.

[The Man from Mandrem]

I have Fastpack 250 but it's a ridiculously bulky bag and pretty heavy (2lb). I can fit a 15.4" MB Pro, D7000, 11-16/2.8 Tokina, 28-70/2.8 Tokina, Nikkor 35/1.8, 50/1.8, 105/2.5, 70-300ED, and SB600 with 1 lense on the body. It's a practical bag for travelling on planes, but I think for your limited gear or for travelling light it's serious overkill. I am considering getting a few small, lightweight neoprene lense cases and a cover for the camera and throwing the 11-16, 35, and one of the telephotos into a regular backpack or bookbag in them when I actually move around. I have bad back, so sticking with backpacks. For your needs the Lowpro Sling is probably a good choice. I have a friend with D200 who keeps 20-35 2.8, 105 DC, D200, and SB-800 in Lowpro Sling 100 (the Flash in the less padded section, the body and lenses in the padded section.