Bag Dilemma

kwork · Apr 17, 2007

I want/need to get a new bag. My Tamrac Adventure 6 isn't big enough to carry my D50 with 80-200AF-S attached and it is a huge hassle to mount/unmount the lens every time I want to use it.
This lens will be my main lens for a while since baseball season has begun.
I want a backpack style bag and would like to get one that will also accomodate my 17" HP Laptop along with allowing for some expansion of my lens collection.
My current setup is
D50
50mm f/1.8
18-55 kit lens
80-200 AF-S
12-24 Tokina
SB-600
Monopod
Tripod
My next major lens purchase will likely be either 28-80 or 17-55 to cover the mid range zoom.
I would also like a bag that meets airline carry-on restrictions.

Any recommendations?
I saw a Kata HB-207 in the FS section last week and it looked awesome.
The Lowepro CompuTrekker Plus AW may be the next closest contender.
Are these backpacks overkill for a day out hiking (laptop would not be included) or at the zoo? I'll keep the tamrac for a small pack so this won't be my only bag. Down the line, I may like to get a 300 f/4 or another body so I'd like to make allowances for as much as I can.

barriosa · Apr 17, 2007

Kevin,
When I'm going to be outside all day I love using my Kata R-103 (little brother to the 207) and find it to be a very comfortable bag to wear. I also got a set of Tamrac Backpack camera straps that I connect to the shoulder straps of the R-103 so I can just let the camera hang from them. In affect It couterbalances the backpack. I don't think there is a more comfortable backpack out there. I believe the 103 can hold up to a 15" laptop. Not sure about the 207. Also if you find you need more carrying capacity Kata has a waist-bag and a torso bag that connect to the backpacks. In that setup you’ll have enormous carrying capabilities.

Whatever you decide on be sure to try it on before buying it just to make it is comfortable for your build.

TedB · Apr 17, 2007

You have a couple of great options listed above........I would also include the ThinkTank Backpacks as possible options in your search.......... I currently have the Airport Addicted and the Airport Acceleration. I use the Acceleration for day trips and really like it.

Good luck on your search.

Ted

wbeem · Apr 17, 2007

It sounds like we're in similar boats. I'd like something to carry my D200 with 70-200VR, 18-200VR, 28-70, 12-24 & MacBook Pro, and assorted accessories.

I'm probably going to end up with either a Kata or Crumpler. I know that Crumpler's bags in this size claim to meet carry-on restrictions, and I presume that a Kata in the same class would also fit.

A local photo shop has a very large Kata bag and I like the look & fit of it. I'm also happy with my Crumpler shoulder bag. Still, I'd like to see some good photos of these bags inside & out before I order one.

LowePro and Tamrac are at the bottom of my list. They seem to cheap-out on materials in some places.

barriosa · Apr 18, 2007

Bill,
The Kata R-103 looks exactly the as the R-102 except it also has room for a laptop. You can find a decent review of it here:

http://www.shuttertalk.com/articles/katar102

That site also has reviews of both of the Kata Torso packs and images with it attached to the back pack.

http://www.shuttertalk.com/articles/katat214

He also has a review of the Crumpler Sinking Barge backpack if you are considering it.

This for sale thread for the Kata 207 (sold) has some great photos of it.

https://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/showthread.php?t=108732&highlight=Kata

natelam · Apr 18, 2007

Don't rule out the new LowePro Vertex line.

http://www.adorama.com/LPV300AW.html?searchinfo=vertex&item_no=3

They are smaller than the Trekker AW's and a little more rectangular which is space efficient. You should be able to carry both the tripod and monopod if you rig a second pod holder onto it.

Chayelle · Apr 19, 2007

Kevin...
You might want to look directly at the Kata sight for pictures for the R-103:
http://www.kata-bags.com/Item.asp?pid=275&perentId=4&ProdLine=4
or the HB-207:
http://www.kata-bags.com/Item.asp?pid=273&cid=28&perentId=4&ProdLine=4

peterparker · Apr 19, 2007

wbeem said:
It sounds like we're in similar boats. I'd like something to carry my D200 with 70-200VR, 18-200VR, 28-70, 12-24 & MacBook Pro, and assorted accessories.

I have the Kata R-103, D200 with 70-200 attached, 18-70, SB600, 50 1.8, 105 micro, MacBook Pro and accessories. I can post pictures if that would help.

kwork · Apr 20, 2007

Pics are always appreciated.
I guess my big hangup is being abole to fit that laptop (17") which I doubt will fit in the 103

peterparker · Apr 20, 2007

kwork said:
Pics are always appreciated.
I guess my big hangup is being abole to fit that laptop (17") which I doubt will fit in the 103

My 15" barely fits. I'd have to guess that the 17" will not fit.

barriosa · Apr 21, 2007

Checking their website the only kata backpacks that can hold a 17 laptop and your gear are the HB207 and the BP502.