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Ask Slashdot: Laptop + DSLR Backpacks
I typically travel with a laptop and camera, but usually with a bag for each: a
backpack for the laptop and a lowepro top loader for the camera. I'd really prefer a single
backpack for both a 17" macbook and a DSLR with a larger 24-70mm or 70-200mm lens attached, as well as perhaps a few spare lenses and accessories. I've seen options from Case Logic (the SLRC-206), Kata (the DR-467), the Streetwalker Hard Drive, and LowePro (the CompuDay Photo 250, the CompuPrimus AW), but I'm not seeing a clear winner. I'm guessing a few of you have opinions on this subject, so share them so I don't buy a piece of garbage.
If you haven't checked out the bags from Think Tank , then you're missing out on the good stuff. They do it right, and charge accordingly. Several flavors of bags/packs well suited to the sort of mix you're talking about. Their ShapeShifter is worth some study, as are some of the Urban Disguise models. I use lots of their products in one way or another, and swear by them.
Don't disappoint your bird dog. Go to the range.
I've traveled all over the place carrying all that gear (that's actually my exact list of typical stuff) and I've used a Tamrac "Aero Speed Pack". I actually have the older version (unfortunately orange), but the newer one has a side zipper to get that camera out of there faster. I've never had to complain really. And ditching the laptop is hardly a possibility sometimes. Sometimes you just need all that stuff.
Honestly, I can't see the argument for a single bag. I travel with similar equipment and the last thing I want to do is add the weight of a laptop when I'm out photographing. The laptop stays in the hotel or car. What I do carry with the camera is a small USB drive which holds one of my three backups (in case my laptop is stolen.)
Keep in mind that the laptop requires a power adaptor and, internationally, a plug adaptor. If you're like me, you might even include a mouse and other USB cables to charge phones and MP3 players. In other words, you might as well have a dedicated bag.
For bag advice, I strongly recommend that you go to a dedicated site such as dpreview. I've received excellent advice for people there.
Regards,
Keith
Go to your favorite store that sells knapsacks for hikers and students. REI is great if you don't mind the price premium.
Bring all your gear.
Load all your gear into each and every pack they have, and put the pack on your back. Include the packs which you're sure wouldn't work.
You should be able to find something that comfortably fits everything and which doesn't scream, "Mug me! I'm carrying around thousands of dollars of easily-fencable equipment!" Instead, you're going after the "I'm a poor student lugging around waaay too many textbooks" look.
If you don't have cases for the individual items, you can get padded cloths with velcro to wrap them in; your local pro camera shop should have some. Winter socks also work great for lenses. The goal here is just something that'll keep stuff from scratching as it rubs against each other plus a very little bit of shock protection. No backpack will provide more than that, so there's no point in pretending. If that's what you really need, get a Pelican case and a custom foam insert -- and forget about carrying it on your back.
Cheers,
b&
All but God can prove this sentence true.
I've also noticed a lot of the "show me evidence" science-cultists, too. They can't argue Chiropractic's merits so they attack me.
Asking for evidence isn't an attack, it's called being rational. I think you're the one that can't argue Chiropractic's merits, no one from from Big Whatever-a cares.
I've got LowePro, Kata and Clik Elite bags and I'll probably wind up getting more.
None are perfect but they all are pretty good, depending on your needs.
LowePro: quality construction, high price, thick padding. Photo Trekker AW has water resistant zippers. Bag (not me!) survived a tumble out of a minivan on the Kalahari desert when the hatch wasn't latched properly. Only damage was a slightly decentered 50-500 OS lens, 1DIV, 5D2, Sigma 12-24 and TCs flash guns unscathed. Bag didn't flinch with 42 pounds of gear. Bag is on it's way out with plastic stiffener bits coming out after 8 years of heavy weight use. No tears or rips in the fabric and looks perfect externally though.
Kata: lighter weight, innovative design. Love their sling bag 3N1-20. Just doesn't hold enough for me. Also evaluating Bumblee-222 and front pack but probably not the one I should have tried (220). Front harness system looks less functional than the Clik Elite, but the frame ventilation system seems the most comfortable and coolest (but takes up valuable space). Padding seems adequate but choosing the lightweight series makes me question the protection.
Clik Elite: lower pricing than LowePro, less padding, slightly lighter weight. Average fit and finish. Clean and innovative design. Pro Express bag not wide enough (center row lens hood gets squeezed with lenses in the outside lanes) compared to LowePro design but guaranteed for airline compatibility. Front harness system integrates well to pack.
I'm going to look at the Tenba shootouts as well, and the newer LowePro replacement for my older Photo Trekker, the 400AW (pricey, especially in Canada).
I carry around an iPad and a 13" MacBook Air so I don't need a 17" laptop carrier.
I have a Fullframe DSLR (implying large large and heavy lenses) and a MBP 17". Fits perfectly in the FP 350. I really like the good and quick access to the camera, that can be taken out without fully removing the backpack.
Negative point is that only slim laptops fit in it. Don't expect to put anything thicker than a macbook.
I've had almost 15 kg of gear in it, and was still comfortable. Fitted nicely, MBP 17, Western Digital mybook (one 3.5 HDD format), 1 extra tele lens, 1 extra fixed focal lense (small) , flash and various accessories (power supplies, cables, etc). The bag is still compact for all that content. The compartments are well organized and optimized.
Largest drawback is that you can't nicely strap a tripod or monopod to it. I miss that a lot.
http://products.lowepro.com/product/Fastpack-350,2087,14.htm
Their backpacks are designed for this exact combo. Got my laptop, filters, lenses and body in one backpack.
Look for the "c list celebrity"
I think you're looking for something like this:
http://www.crumpler.com/us/Camera-Bags/Camera-Backpacks/C-List-Celebrity-L.html?LanguageCode=EN&SKU=CLC001-B00170
You can go smaller too, but that should carry everything you could possibly want and then some.
I have & like the Lowepro Fastpack 350, and I think it will meet your needs. There's a full sized laptop sleeve along the back. The bottom part of the compartment will hold a DSLR+lens and 4 other lenses or 2 lenses+flashes. The camera compartment can be opened from the side, so you can get your camera out without taking the backpack off. There's a side pouch that can be used to carry a tripod (be careful with the mesh) if you add a strap at the top, or you can strap it to the bottom/back. The top compartment is large enough to hold a light jacket + other random stuff (MP3 player, chargers, mouse, grad filters, cleaning gear, filters, etc). Take a look at the pictures on Amazon to get a better sense of the layout.
I visited a local photo store to check out options before ordering this one, which met my needs and was reasonably priced relative to the alternatives.
That would be a good Ask Slashdot question.
rewriting history since 2109
You know... I seem to remember a group of people taking the "martyrdom" approach when defending their point of view as well.
We, in the scientific community, call this a charade and dismiss it.
Crack doctors are laughable, a trolling crack doctor... hilarious.
When my GF suggested I see a chiropractor, the very first thing the doctor did was try to convince me he wasnt a quack. Now mind you I hadnt asked and merely was explaining my issue and he goes on and on about how its a respected field and they have more training then regular doctors. After reviewing the history of chiropractic care I am literally STUNNED that we as society allow you to practice your charade. The foundations of your practice are mired in the supernatural and have no scientific merit. You are as viable as a Phrenologist, sir
Good-bye
I'm not so sure about that..
My iPad + iPad Camera Connection Kit + Filterstorm Pro & Brushes have worked nicely for me.
If you're out hiking there is no need perfectly touch-up a photo. You can do all this when you return home on your powerful desktop or laptop. When you're out in the field you just take the photos and save them to an external storage device so you can free up space on your memory cards.