Camera Bag and Tripod Recco’s

Larry S · Oct 2, 2019

After years of global travel and a succession of S series Cannons and I Phones, I decided to get back into a serious camera. Now I need a bag that doesn’t make me look like a dorky tourist. Last October in Spain, I bought a leather “Man Bag” because I was tired of carrying all my gear in my pockets and to sling my jacket through the strap. It worked with my S120 and my I Phone, however wont cut it as a camera bag. I also need a good packable tripod.

I welcome suggestions. Ideally the bag can function as a day bag to carry, Camera, Phone, Wallet etc. Tripod should be light, packable and not too expensive.

Many thanks!

Here is the camera...I have a lot of reading to do...

Martin_F · Oct 2, 2019

I'm using a Thinktank Backlight 26L when I'm going on trips, but that might be overkill for you.
https://www.thinktankphoto.com/collections/backlight-series/products/backlight-26l
Just check around their website and see if you can find something you like. I'm very happy with their quality.

As far as tripod, I'm using an Induro GIT404XL. Again not very packable, but they make smaller ones you might want to look into.

Oh and congrats on the camera purchase!

Larry S · Oct 2, 2019

Martin_F
I'm using a Thinktank Backlight 26L when I'm going on trips, but that might be overkill for you.
https://www.thinktankphoto.com/collections/backlight-series/products/backlight-26l
Just check around their website and see if you can find something you like. I'm very happy with their quality.

As far as tripod, I'm using an Induro GIT404XL. Again not very packable, but they make smaller ones you might want to look into.

Oh and congrats on the camera purchase!

Thanks .....Yup they have some nice stuff.

JwRosenthal · Oct 2, 2019

I have always carried Domke. I use their larger bags for DSLR kits (Nikon D4 w/ lens, 2-3 lens, 2 SB's with brackets in the pockets, tons of cards, batteries, and other stuff- cell, water bottle, etc) and their smaller ones for Leica kits. I actually carry their "laptop" bag (which I think is now their mesenger) as my daily bag without the dividers in it. They are lightweight, rugged as hell and can withstand serious torture-plus take on a great patina with age (if that's a thing for you). They are very reasonably priced, unassuming and made in the USA.

I also use their straps almost exclusively.

MCC · Oct 2, 2019

I bought a Manfrotto Tri Backpack this year. It works as a backpack with Ipad storage and camera case in one and comes in 3 sizes. I have the "M".
I think it is really versatile and you don't need to take it off your back if you want access to a lens change, you can simply slip one shoulder strap off and swing the bag in front of you. I really like this feature.

Used it on a trip to Peru and it was perfect for my needs, stored camera and a couple of lenses plus filters spare batteries etc with enough room in the top section to stuff a slightly padded waterproof. It also has a strap system to hold a tri pod on the outside of the bag although I have not used that.

sxl2004 · Oct 2, 2019

I like Timbuktu messenger backs. They have camera inserts. Looks least like a camera bag.
The insert basically transforms any messenger bag into a camera bag.
Frost river is a very different style I enjoy.

Best

Larry S · Oct 2, 2019

Thanks all !!!

michael22 · Oct 2, 2019

I use a maxpedition sitka slingpack daily. I'm not a camera guy, but it is versatile. One shoulder strap means you don't have to take it off to access the innards, & it is easier to get on & off than two straps anyway.
You could probably find a model that suits.
Maxpedition Sling Packs - MAXPEDITIONhttps://www.maxpedition.com › collections › sling-packs

watch72 · Oct 2, 2019

May I suggest looking into Crumpler for a nondescript camera bag. Easy access to the content and small enough for your OMD and some accessories. Unfortunately, a good tripod is not usually "packable". If you really want to bring along a tripod - have a look at Slik range. But I would recommend a monopod which is more portable and not too expensive. I have several Crumpler bags for my Nikon gears and I carry my Gitzo separately. If I need to travel light - I'll ditch the bag, Nikon and tripod and just pocket an M.

michael22 · Oct 3, 2019

watch72
and just pocket an M.

What's an M?

watch72 · Oct 3, 2019

michael22
What's an M?

Sorry, what I meant was the Leica M rangefinder.

S.H. · Oct 3, 2019

A light, packable, inexpensive and usable (not flimsy) tripod does not exist. I have a light carbon Gitzo with an Arca ball head that is barely packable (in a big backback) and not inexpensive, I can use a Hasselblad on it but not a big gun (a heavy long lens). It would be adequate for your gear. Any serious tripod for a long lens would be heavy by definition anyway.

The monopod suggestion is a good one imho.

JwRosenthal · Oct 3, 2019

S.H.
A light, packable, inexpensive and usable (not flimsy) tripod does not exist. I have a light carbon Gitzo with an Arca ball head that is barely packable (in a big backback) and not inexpensive, I can use a Hasselblad on it but not a big gun (a heavy long lens). It would be adequate for your gear. Any serious tripod for a long lens would be heavy by definition anyway.

The monopod suggestion is a good one imho.

I used a monopod for years back when I did wedding photography- had to be able to shoot and run. Was able to hand hold a Leica on the monopod in a dark church at 1 second and get razor sharp with it. As long as you don't plan to do night time exposures or architectural work with PC lenses (which you can actually hand-hold and use internal levels in daylight)- a monopod will serve about 90% of your needs.

Larry S · Oct 3, 2019

This is why I love OF. Thanks for the suggestions guys!

mayankyadav · Oct 3, 2019

Manfrotto makes really sturdy tripods. I have one and it has done well over the past 5 years.

If you want a camera bag that can carry your tripod then I think only way is to get a bag that has some straps outside in which you can tie your tripod ( I am using one Amazon basics bag that is perfect for what it does). It all will add to the weight however,as your tripod has to be sturdy and strong enough to withstand wind etc ( if tripod falls you risk breaking your camera or lens so you cant basically compromise with the tripod there)

https://www.manfrotto.com/us-en/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiM3v5JyA5QIVTr7ACh0GQAlfEAAYASAAEgKrofD_BwE

pnwyankee · Oct 3, 2019

Once you decide on your tripod or monopod, you have to decide on how you will affix your camera body to your rig?
Plates for the camera? Ball head for the tripod?
FWIW, Really Right Stuff ( RRS ) in California is a great place to start looking for these items

pnwyankee · Oct 3, 2019

Carbon Fiber is absolutely the way to go for a tripod that is both stable and ( relatively ) lightweight
Good CF tripods get very pricey, BUT, there is no reason to not look for a good used one vs buying new
Unlike cameras and lenses, a few cosmetic scratches make no difference in performance and having one that is already less than pristine makes your tripod much easier to transport without undue anxiety

JwRosenthal · Oct 3, 2019

pnwyankee
Carbon Fiber is absolutely the way to go for a tripod that is both stable and ( relatively ) lightweight
Good CF tripods get very pricey, BUT, there is no reason to not look for a good used one vs buying new
Unlike cameras and lenses, a few cosmetic scratches make no difference in performance and having one that is already less than pristine makes your tripod much easier to transport without undue anxiety

I agree with this on tripods made of aluminum (I have 4 Aluminum Gitzo's ranging the Super Studex Giant to the baby reporters), and carbon fiber by its nature will get thready over time like fiberglass. Older carbon fiber tripods that have been beaten around or scraped will start to shed fine shards of fibers into your hands and those hurt like a mother.

pnwyankee · Oct 3, 2019

JwRosenthal
I agree with this on tripods made of aluminum (I have 4 Aluminum Gitzo's ranging the Super Studex Giant to the baby reporters), and carbon fiber by its nature will get thready over time like fiberglass. Older carbon fiber tripods that have been beaten around or scraped will start to shed fine shards of fibers into your hands and those hurt like a mother.

Wow, I never had one get to that point of deterioration. Wedding photography is a bear! Good to know

JwRosenthal · Oct 3, 2019

pnwyankee
Wow, I never had one get to that point of deterioration. Wedding photography is a bear! Good to know

That’s actually from derelict architectural work and backwoods hiking. I tired the CF for a couple years and ended up going back to my aluminum tripods. I prefer a tripod heavier than my camera rig as it balances the weight better since as mentioned above, a stiff wind will pick up a camera pretty fast.
Monopod also works as a hiking stick btw, and a great weapon if your confronted by hooligans.

Camera Bag and Tripod Recco’s

Larry S

Martin_F

Larry S

JwRosenthal

MCC

sxl2004

Larry S

michael22

watch72

michael22

watch72

S.H.

JwRosenthal

Larry S

mayankyadav

pnwyankee

pnwyankee

JwRosenthal

pnwyankee

JwRosenthal

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