Messenger Style Camera Bag

[Chuck S.]

Anyone using a "messenger style" bag for carrying a small DSLR and a couple lenses and flash? I just succumbed to an offer too good to refuse, buying a refurbished Canon XTi (400D) from B&H. I'd like to carry it with two or at most three lenses, and a shoulder bag seems like a good option vs. either a backpack or sling bag.

My current choice is either the Tamrac Messenger 3 or Messenger 4. The 3 may be too small and the 4 may be too large; can't find them in the local Wolf/Ritz camera stores, so I may have to roll the dice and pick one for mail order.

Adding to the acronym library that already includes JOML and JOMC, I offer up JOMA (Just One More Accessory)....:o

[SharLamb]

I JUST bought the Quantaray Messenger Backpack: QR Echo. It is 10.6" L x 5.5" W x 6.3" H (camera portion) in the interior, and a total of about 16" high counting the extra pockets above the camera section.

I was at the camera shop looking for something with just one shoulder strap that would behave as a backpack so I could haul just my camera with the general use lens, plus all the stuff I normally carry in a tote on the airplane. I want to use it instead of a tote (fit under the seat in front of me). Figure I won't need anything but the camera basics when going to visit grandkids, and it is roomy for the rest of my gear when it's just DH and me on an outing. It was $70 at the store. I see it for less online, but there are no pictures of it. It is comfortable, and accomplishes my purposes...backpack-ish, but none of the struggling to get in and out, and swings around to my front very easily for great access.

One of the other messenger bags I looked at had things too "stacked." the other one didn't seem roomy enough.

So I have rushed headlong into the 1960s! This is my first backpack (other than the ones I put kids in 30+ years ago to go hiking)! My DS, who is on the cutting edge of everything is impressed! ;)

[Chuck S.]

Shar, thanks for the info. The Echo must be very new; Ritz doesn't even have a picture of it posted anywhere, as you pointed out.

I've gone ahead and ordered the Tamrac Messenger 4 online (no break on price, just availability) and will see if that fills the need. Hope you enjoy your new bag!

[RonH]

Chuck,
I have been using a Lowepro SlingShot 200 AW with All Weather Cover. I jam a lot of equipment into it (probably to much) but they also make a 100 which is small and might be an idea to look at.

My 200 has room for the following in the main body:
1-Camera body with 18-70 kit zoom
1-70-300 zoom Tele
1-12-18 wide
1-500 Tele Reflex
1-Large Strobe
1-pouch with extra batteries and chips

Tons of stuff in the outer pockets and it also has mounting points to add pouches and pockets. I have one mesh pouch that has my small binoculars in or I can swap out and put a water bottle in it. I carry way more than I need to but it is my only bag. Costco online has it for $89 + they give you some extra items.

I have considered getting a 100 for my light weight hiking bag.

Good luck.

[baycruisers]

I have a Tenba (small) messenger bag that I use for day-to-day use. I've never cared much for backpack types, personal preference. One nice feature is that you can get into the main compartment by unzipping the top; or you can unlatch the top flap if you prefer. There's a removable insert with adjustable/removable pads. I don't pack mine full: DS80; telephoto, filter holder, polarizer, odds and ends. It works for me because I try to be a minimalist, but it may be too small for some folks. It's a bit heavy but well padded and doesn't look like a camera bag to those who might care to snatch it. Haven't carried it much or in warm weather, so time will tell if it's what I want.

The larger Tenba messenger bag looks to be about 25-30% bigger. It's also hard to find, or at least it was in December when I was looking.

[CalamityJanet]

Oh Chuck, I just knew that XTi was calling out to you!;) Hope you like it!

[GaryK]

Chuck

If you are collecting cameras, I have an old Minolta SRT 201 I could sell ya for the price of .. ummm... maybe a 5D mkII.:D:D

[Chuck S.]

Chuck

If you are collecting cameras, I have an old Minolta SRT 201 I could sell ya for the price of .. ummm... maybe a 5D mkII.:D

Gary, I've been told that if one more camera enters this house, I will be exiting....:o It wasn't made clear whether my cameras would accompany me....:eek:

[riversidema]

I had a sligshot 200 and loved it. My dad had a 300 and didn't. We swapped because I carry too much junk anyway and he was having probs with his shoulder....
I like the 300 for the space but it is a bit big for a bike ride or day hike.
I also have a lowepro laptop/camera bag and it is great except for the factor of NOT being able to easily access camera equipment without removing the backpack.
Just some FYI stuff.

[GaryK]

Chuck

I'll keep my eye on ebay for your gear??:D:D

BTW how do you like the Lumix?

I saw one a couple of weeks ago ..was very impressed. Not sure of the model but newer one.

[Inspeqtor]

Chuck

I'll keep my eye on ebay for your gear??:D:D



Chuck,

What lenses do you have for sale?? How CHEAP can I get them?? :D

Oh, I still need a flash... can I make payments? A dollar down and a dollar per week :eek:

[Chuck S.]

Chuck

BTW how do you like the Lumix?

I saw one a couple of weeks ago ..was very impressed. Not sure of the model but newer one.

Gary, I really like the Lumix LX3. It's smallish (though not shirt-pocket sized) and has a really nice wide angle range (24 mm equivalent) and fast (f/2) Leica lens. Only downside is long end of zoom is only 60 mm equivalent. It's my business travel camera now and also rides on my belt when bicycling. Definitely a learning curve with the controls after decades with Canons!

[Inspeqtor]

Chuck,

What lenses do you have for sale?? How CHEAP can I get them?? :D

Oh, I still need a flash... can I make payments? A dollar down and a dollar per week :eek:

Chuck,

I hope I did not offend you with my above comments. I was trying to be funny, but sometimes when I try to be funny it does not come across that way. I only say this because I noticed you did not make any comments about what I said.

I do apologize if I did offend.

[Chuck S.]

Charles, I laughed myself silly! If my wife decides to sell all my gear, I'm sure she'll be happy to work out an attractive financing deal for you!! :D:D

p.s Sorry for the delay in responding. I'm in the far northeast corner of Oklahoma and the electrons take a long time to reach here...

[Inspeqtor]

Charles, I laughed myself silly! If my wife decides to sell all my gear, I'm sure she'll be happy to work out an attractive financing deal for you!! :D:D

That is good to hear! Do let your wife know I will be willing to work out any ATTRACTIVE offer she is willing to make with me, so long as it is in my favor of course! :eek:


p.s Sorry for the delay in responding. I'm in the far northeast corner of Oklahoma and the electrons take a long time to reach here...No problem, I am sorry I was paranoid about the situation.

[Chuck S.]

When I returned home from Oklahoma, the USPS had delivered the new bag I ordered. It looks like it will fit the purpose for which it's intended, i.e., a relatively small, non-bulky bag for short excursions around and about.

I did a loading test, and right now it's holding my Canon XTi with 17-40 mm zoom mounted, a 28-135 mm zoom, 10-22 mm zoom, and 50 mm prime, along with a medium size flash (420EX) and a spare battery and memory card. It's pretty snug with that much on board, and the 50 mm lens is underneath one of the others so not terribly accessible. However, the bag is very light and flat and has a strap that can be used either across the body or on the shoulder.

Another good accessory! :o:D

[Inspeqtor]

Gary, I've been told that if one more camera enters this house, I will be exiting....:o It wasn't made clear whether my cameras would accompany me....

Chuck,

I guess since you did not order a CAMERA, but a Camera BAG you get to stay home? :p

When I returned home from Oklahoma, the USPS had delivered the new bag I ordered. It looks like it will fit the purpose for which it's intended, i.e., a relatively small, non-bulky bag for short excursions around and about.

I did a loading test, and right now it's holding my Canon XTi with 17-40 mm zoom mounted, a 28-135 mm zoom, 10-22 mm zoom, and 50 mm prime, along with a medium size flash (420EX) and a spare battery and memory card. It's pretty snug with that much on board, and the 50 mm lens is underneath one of the others so not terribly accessible. However, the bag is very light and flat and has a strap that can be used either across the body or on the shoulder.

Another good accessory! :o

Any chance of taking a picture of your camera bag loaded with your gear for us to see your goodies? :)

[Chuck S.]

Charles, your interpretation is correct! An accessory - especially one under $50 - is still permitted on occasion! :D

I'll see if I can conjure up a photo or two that illustrate how the bag is used.

[Inspeqtor]

Charles, your interpretation is correct! An accessory - especially one under $50 - is still permitted on occasion! :D

I figured that would be the case :D


I'll see if I can conjure up a photo or two that illustrate how the bag is used.Goodie :)