I am looking for a good quality backpack for my D80. I currently only have the 18-135 kit lens, but plan on purchasing at least one 50/55 prime, and probably a 70-300 lens as well.
So...what I am looking for is a sturdy, well built bag to carry these three lenses as well as plenty of space for additional accessories (flash, extra cards, tripod, etc.)
Another thing I am hoping to have is some additional space to carry non-camera related content.. I plan on using this bag when I am taking trips, and would prefer not to be carrying two bags.
I have been recommended a Burton bag as well as a few from Lowepro, but was hoping to get some specific models and why you like them.
Thanks everyone


<---still a photo n00b... but trying to get better..

(here are some pictures i took from my friends wedding last weekend)
utsflamesuiton:

 

I use a Tamrac Expedition 5 (model TA 5575) - nice size and is big enough to hold 3/4 lenses including my 70-200 2.8 IS L, which its hood reversed. As per other bags you can also change the interior to mix and match what how you like.

It has straps for my tripod and I like that it opens flat so all my kit is accessible (that may be a negative for some) and the waterproofing/padding is first rate.

As I said - it works for me

Out of interest - what does your friends hand gesture mean in the second photo?

Peter

 

I use the Lowepro Photo Trekker Classic. I use it to carry the following:

(all Nikon)
D70s with 18-70mm lens (the kit lens)
105mm f2.8 macro
70-300mm f4-5.6 zoom
50mm f1.8
lens hood for all above lenses
SB-800 Flash
Lens filters, batteries, CF cards, etc.

I still have lots of space left. I can get another body into the bag or another couple of lenses. I find it to be a very nice backpack. It's very configurable with velcro dividers, etc.


Link to it from manufacturer's site:
http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/...er_Classic.aspx


Here's a pic of me with it:

 

I use a Lowepro MiniTrekker. It just barely holds enough of my gear for a big outing. The smaller size is a good-thing bad-thing. Good because it is handier and fits more places. Bad because it does not rest against my back as well as a larger backpack would (and has no frame system).

 

So do I, and you looked at it at the Dragon Mock. You can pick it up at just about any Ritz or order it online for a cheaper price.

I keep the 20D w/ grip with a medium-sized lens attached, a big Sigma 70-200mm f2.8, the whopping Canon 550ex flash, 4 small primes, and a medium-sized wide. There is still plenty of room for filters, batteries, battery charger, more CF cards, and I still have another 3 pockets not in use

 

I use a LowePro Orion Trekker which I got as a freebie from a mag subscription. Only the bottom half is specifically for camera stuff and will take a body, 24-105 IS L & 50mm and lens hood for the 24-105. Could probably squeeze the macro in there just.

The top half is an open "normal rucksack" compartment for everything else, ie clothes, food, whatever you'd carry in a regular bag. Although I fit the 400L and flash gun in there, rocket blower, a waterproof, portable harddrive, bottle of water, snacks etc. There are a few zipped pockets around the place for things like memory cards, notepads etc but nothng too bulky. It's quite small all in all but serves the purpose of a bag for a day trip with camera very very well. Comfortable to wear with both straps too plus a waist strap.

Unfortanately it's been discontinued

The good news is there's a replacement, the Orion Trekker II (imaginatively).

http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/...Trekker_II.aspx







Crumpler bags are also worth a look. I've got a "Long Schlong" (they all have daft names ) that's brilliant for carrying and protecting equipment but doesn't really have the capacity for much else.

http://www.crumplerbags.com/Cart/index.php?catId=22

Although they appeared to have revised the entire range so I'll have a peruse to see if there's anything half and half from them. The dividers and padding are top-notch. Plus, they don't scream "expensive camera" from the outside, unlike a lot of Lowepro stuff.

There's no point me replacing mine with that new Orion Trekker, they look about the same size, just they've fiddled with it a bit. But I wouldn't mind something slightly bigger with the same ideas, ie half camera bag half rucksack, as most of my stuff comes from full days out rather than having the car to hand for non camera gear.

 

I have a Lowepro slingshot200?

 

i did see that bag, and it definitely looked really practical..(fit in the cayman just right too )


i am hoping to find a bag with a bit more storage space for other ammenities as well...... i am going on a trip to europe next year and would like to have a bag thata carries not only my camera and equipment, but also some other stuff as well...

 

That Tamrac camera bag may be just exactly what I need, thanks for the suggestion! Keep em coming!

 

Didn't know about Tamrac before this thread but the Adventure Series looks pretty good as "more than just a camera bag" if you see what I mean

http://www.tamrac.com/AdventureBacpacks.htm