PentaxForums.com - View Single Post

Ben_Edict · 11-19-2008, 06:39 AM

Originally Posted by apeman

Hi All -

I'm looking for a new camera bag/backpack that can fit my K100D Super with the DA*16-50/f2.8 attached, my DA* 50-135/f2.8, a FA 50/1.4, and my AF360FGZ flash unit, along with my 13" macbook. I'd like to hear some suggestions based on your experiences with carry-on camera/laptop combo bags.

I'd prefer to carry just one pack, and it has to be carry-on sized for WestJet in Canada. I've been looking at several bags online from Crumpler, Lowepro, etc. but most seem to be slightly larger than the dimensions allowed: 55cmX23cmX40cm / 21.5"X9"X15.5" and a second bag: 43cmX16cmX33cm/16.5"X6"X13"

I am researching exactly the same sort of bags. I am personally not a big fan of Crumpler, as those bags I have seen and held in my hands in the past had a bad bult-to-capacity ratio. The padding was way too thick and left hardly room for the equipment. The Katas are too technical for my taste. So I have left two bags for consideration, the LowePro Stealth Reporter 550 and the completely new LowePro Classified 250. Both should swallow your equipment with ease and are carry-on luggage compatible in general (though I have no idea about the special airline you mentioned).

I have tried both bags at Photokina with some some equipment (K20+battery grip, 18-50/2.8, 70-200/2.8, 50-500 Bigma). To my astonishment both bags would even swallow the Bigma, if one re-arranges the internal dividers. The Classified definitely doesn't look like a photo bag, by the way, which makes it a perhaps better choice. The Stealth Report, on the other hand, is a bit wider and easier to fit to my equipment.

Of course the Billingham 555 should also easily fit your bill, as Billingham has recently introduce an notebook insert (the G4 Computer Slip), that should
also fit the smaller 445. I can testify, that these bags (I have the older modells) are not only very big inside, but very well-made. I use the 550 now for roughly 20 years and it is still going strong, so they are well worth their money. On top, they don't cry out "expensive cameras inside" loud.

If I have to carry as much as possible, I use the Tamrac Cyberpack 8, which is the biggest Tamrac backpack, that is within carry-on regulations. It has room for a big laptop and quite some photo equipment. But when fully loaded it can far exceed the cabin luggage weight limit (usually between 6 - 8 kgs). The trick is, to look relaxed at check-in, even if you have a 17 kgs load on your back (that was the max. I could cram into the Cyberpack).

In my experience with airtravel, the security people do not measure the last centimeter, especially if you use a soft bag, which can always be a bit compressed. But this might be different in Canada and/or the US.

Ben

P.S.:Bags are a highly individual choice, so I would not give any recommendation.

11-19-2008, 06:39 AM	#9
Ben_Edict Pentaxian Location: Germany Gallery Photos: 0 Posts: 1,504	Originally Posted by apeman Hi All - I'm looking for a new camera bag/backpack that can fit my K100D Super with the DA16-50/f2.8 attached, my DA 50-135/f2.8, a FA 50/1.4, and my AF360FGZ flash unit, along with my 13" macbook. I'd like to hear some suggestions based on your experiences with carry-on camera/laptop combo bags. I'd prefer to carry just one pack, and it has to be carry-on sized for WestJet in Canada. I've been looking at several bags online from Crumpler, Lowepro, etc. but most seem to be slightly larger than the dimensions allowed: 55cmX23cmX40cm / 21.5"X9"X15.5" and a second bag: 43cmX16cmX33cm/16.5"X6"X13" I am researching exactly the same sort of bags. I am personally not a big fan of Crumpler, as those bags I have seen and held in my hands in the past had a bad bult-to-capacity ratio. The padding was way too thick and left hardly room for the equipment. The Katas are too technical for my taste. So I have left two bags for consideration, the LowePro Stealth Reporter 550 and the completely new LowePro Classified 250. Both should swallow your equipment with ease and are carry-on luggage compatible in general (though I have no idea about the special airline you mentioned). I have tried both bags at Photokina with some some equipment (K20+battery grip, 18-50/2.8, 70-200/2.8, 50-500 Bigma). To my astonishment both bags would even swallow the Bigma, if one re-arranges the internal dividers. The Classified definitely doesn't look like a photo bag, by the way, which makes it a perhaps better choice. The Stealth Report, on the other hand, is a bit wider and easier to fit to my equipment. Of course the Billingham 555 should also easily fit your bill, as Billingham has recently introduce an notebook insert (the G4 Computer Slip), that should also fit the smaller 445. I can testify, that these bags (I have the older modells) are not only very big inside, but very well-made. I use the 550 now for roughly 20 years and it is still going strong, so they are well worth their money. On top, they don't cry out "expensive cameras inside" loud. If I have to carry as much as possible, I use the Tamrac Cyberpack 8, which is the biggest Tamrac backpack, that is within carry-on regulations. It has room for a big laptop and quite some photo equipment. But when fully loaded it can far exceed the cabin luggage weight limit (usually between 6 - 8 kgs). The trick is, to look relaxed at check-in, even if you have a 17 kgs load on your back (that was the max. I could cram into the Cyberpack). In my experience with airtravel, the security people do not measure the last centimeter, especially if you use a soft bag, which can always be a bit compressed. But this might be different in Canada and/or the US. Ben P.S.:Bags are a highly individual choice, so I would not give any recommendation.