Inconspicuous camera bag?

Am I the only photographer who just wants to blend in with everybody else? I don't mind being scene using a camera, but I don't like being scene carrying around a "fancy" camera bag...if you know what I mean. Does anyone have a recommendation for a non camera bag that works well as a camera bag?

I've been shopping around for a while, and I'm just not happy with anything I see. At most it would need to hold a DSLR w/zoom, 1-2 lenses, flash, and a couple of small things like lens cloth and memory.

I appreciate any ideas you have.

Paul

get one of the camera backpacks, everyone wears backpacks, it provides excellent protection for your gear and allows you to blend in.

I have a "fanny pack" with a couple tamrac lens cases on it. In the pockets of the pack are extra batteries, memory, lens cloth, and anything not too fragile I may need (i.e. ext tubes, flash). One lens on the body, and two in the pouches. It won't hold the camera, but if your willing to sling the camera over a shoulder or something, it works really well.

If you look in the sporting goods at wal-mart, they have a good fanny pack for this, it has many pockets, and a little bit of padding between the sections. It costs like $12, and the tamrac lens cases can be picked up at your local camera store for $12-20 each.

not sure that is really inconspicuous though...lol

Similar to this:
http://www.tantronics.co.uk/acatalog...ry_System.html

Get a small gadget bag like what comes with the sigma two lens set. I can put my camera with small zoom on one side, and on the other I can put a flash or another zoom or prime. I then put this is a regular backpack that I have. If you already have a backpack this might be cheaper, because you may not have to buy anything.

Z

Quote:

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Originally Posted by payn817

I have a "fanny pack" with a couple tamrac lens cases on it. In the pockets of the pack are extra batteries, memory, lens cloth, and anything not too fragile I may need (i.e. ext tubes, flash). One lens on the body, and two in the pouches. It won't hold the camera, but if your willing to sling the camera over a shoulder or something, it works really well.

If you look in the sporting goods at wal-mart, they have a good fanny pack for this, it has many pockets, and a little bit of padding between the sections. It costs like $12, and the tamrac lens cases can be picked up at your local camera store for $12-20 each.

not sure that is really inconspicuous though...lol

Similar to this:
http://www.tantronics.co.uk/acatalog...ry_System.html

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Oh Man, you dont even want to know what a "fanny pack" means to us Aussies ROFL!!!

Hi Everyone. Thanks for all of your replies, especially Wendy. :lol: I guess I should do a little better job explaining my needs. I know this is a very subjective requirement, but I'm looking for something that's stylish, as well as functional. Something that looks nice, but is still casual and comfortable. I don't mind if I have to use padded lens cases inside whatever bag I find. I want to stay away from backpacks because they are hard to access, and because I feel like a student when I'm wearing one. That's what I currently do.

I just found this one. It looks really nice, but it's pricey. http://www.courierwareusa.com/level.itml/icOid/20

Any other ideas?

Thanks, again!

Paul

Quote:

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Originally Posted by zrfraser

Get a small gadget bag like what comes with the sigma two lens set. I can put my camera with small zoom on one side, and on the other I can put a flash or another zoom or prime. I then put this is a regular backpack that I have. If you already have a backpack this might be cheaper, because you may not have to buy anything.

Z

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I use to do the same thing when I was traveling. I would buy a slim no name camera bag and stick in a typical school backpack. The good part is I can still put other things in the backpack and the gear is protected in its own bag like a compartment.

FYI, I tried using a Northface backpack ($60'ish type) and it did poorly with my camera gear. The bag didn't expand. It was too rigid. Probably good for other things besides cameras.

I use a Lowepro Orion Trekker backpack. Best thing I ever bought. The bottom part is a padded/sectioned compartment for camera, lenses, etc. The top part can be used for a day-pack (coat, etc). It's pretty waterproof and doesn't LOOK like a camera bag. I can't recommend it highly enough - and, no, I'm not an employee of theirs! You can see it at - http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Back...rekker_II.aspx


Cheers
Mike

Quote:

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Originally Posted by photophorous

Hi Everyone. Thanks for all of your replies, especially Wendy. :lol: I guess I should do a little better job explaining my needs. I know this is a very subjective requirement, but I'm looking for something that's stylish, as well as functional. Something that looks nice, but is still casual and comfortable. I don't mind if I have to use padded lens cases inside whatever bag I find. I want to stay away from backpacks because they are hard to access, and because I feel like a student when I'm wearing one. That's what I currently do.

I just found this one. It looks really nice, but it's pricey. http://www.courierwareusa.com/level.itml/icOid/20

Any other ideas?

Thanks, again!

Paul

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Have you looked at www.crumpler.com (or .com.au?) they have camera bags which are stylish and more of a carry bag. I think it's their messenger bags that would be suitable. I have a crumpler back pack and I find it great. My only prob is getting into it when I want my camera 'right now' kinda thing. I've just searched it, it's the Bucket Bag in the Messenger bag group on http://www.crumpler.com.au

I use a Crumpler - Brian's Hot Tub
It doesn't have a recognised camera accessory name on it.
So it doesn't scream out "expensive gear inside" like LowePro, Tamrac, etc...
Though once you take the logo off other bags, they're pretty non-descript.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tink

Oh Man, you dont even want to know what a "fanny pack" means to us Aussies ROFL!!!

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LOL, I just found out. :eek: :blush2:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tink

Have you looked at www.crumpler.com (or .com.au?) they have camera bags which are stylish and more of a carry bag. I think it's their messenger bags that would be suitable. I have a crumpler back pack and I find it great. My only prob is getting into it when I want my camera 'right now' kinda thing. I've just searched it, it's the Bucket Bag in the Messenger bag group on http://www.crumpler.com.au

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That's funny. I was just waiting for their catalog to download when I came back to check this thread. I found them right before I read your post. Ha! They have an interesting website, and some very cool looking bags. This might be what I'm looking for...if I can just find the prices. :)

Thanks,
Paul

B&H carries Crumpler - like everything else under the sun... :)

Anyway, check out Domke too - they're along the same ideas but less conspicuous and canvas. I've got an F2 but that's probably not what you're looking for. Look for their satchel bags, several sizes like this one. I've also got a Tenba that's a laptop/camera bag. The one I have isn't made anymore but it's like this one. Works very well.