WhoHooo...... Just got a backpack................

[Bonhomme Richard]

for my outfit. Now I feel really mobile. I got a Canon 200EG and it is great. Holds 2 camera's, lenses, tripod, etc, etc..... and at a great price. Only $39.
I'm so thrilled I'll post another pic.
This one was taken a few weeks ago off my deck.

[Blue_In_AK]

1. Beautiful...you're lucky to live right on the water...

Aren't backpacks great? I got one for Christmas, too ... I forget the brand, but it holds a bunch of stuff. It's so nice to be able to carry everything and still have your hands free.

[Bonhomme Richard]

2. yeah, we've always been lucky to be............

by the water. That picture was taken at the summer shore house but I also live in a lake community in CT and can view the lake in the winter. After a while you do take it for granted. My bad.
Anyway the backpack will make things a lot easier. I had a albinar bag which carried a lot of stuff but it just wasn't real good when you are out on a trail.
They are calling for snow this weekend so maybe I'll get out on the ski's and get a few shots. I'm going to concentrate on my composition. It needs improvement.

[Bonhomme Richard]

3. LOL, is there some kind of law.........................

that says you can't put a Nikon outfit in a Canon bag?

[Boo_Radley]

4. Access is difficult

What kind of a backpack?

I don't really like them. For hauling stuff somewhere, they're great, but for moving around and shooting, you can't get to your stuff. I got a Lowepro Stealth Reporter 200 because you can get in and out of it easily, and a Timbuk2 messenger bag for when I'm in an area that I don't feel comfortable advertising that I have a nice camera, also for quick, easy access.

I went to Prague with a friend who has one of those backpacks, and he loves it for getting to a shoot with, but he's buying a sling bag to use in the field. I think it depends on what you're planning to shoot, in what environment, and how.

Oh, nice sunset, by the way. Love the view from your deck.

[Samurai_Writer]

5. I just got a backpack, too!

Also a lens adapter, a wide angle lens, a telephoto lens, a set of filters and an extra battery. Here's the backpack (camera equipment is not mine). I have an Olympus C-5000, and have two tripods. I'm going to go out and use them this weekend!!!

[ConsAreLiars]

6. People might also want to consider a Photographer's vest..

Pockets layered on pockets, and everything within hand's reach at any time, if you can remember where you last put it. A bit rougher on the gear than padded cells, but I've banged my Nikon stuff around pretty vigorously, and even having a couple lenses banging around in the same pocket never hurt any of it. Domke made the one I have become accustomed to, no complaints other than that an antigravity device would be a plus, but there are other manufacturers.

[Boo_Radley]

8. That's not a bad idea.

I may have to look into that.

Any brand/model suggestions?

[ConsAreLiars]

9. Domke has long had a good rep, but you will have to search around

some review sites to see what might suit your needs. Got mine used cheap on a whim, and ended up using it in preference to a hip pack/backpack combination I had been using. On the one I have, I find the small velcro patches used to keep some pockets closed are "just right" in terms of easy opening and keeping things in place, but I'm not hanging upside down or taking photos where the noise might be a factor. A couple of zipped pockets are great for film, exposed and not, and a wide back pocket is good for maps, notebooks or even a short tripod. The vest I use extends to the upper thigh in length, but some people prefer a shorter vest.

If you have a local supplier, you might try on a few and load them up with gear and see what "feels right." Or check out fishing or hunting vests at a sports or outdoor equipment store, but those often tend to have too many smaller pockets if you have larger lenses or other bulky gear.

[Touchdown]

7. I need one of those. I got multiple bodies now.

Not me, but camera bodies.

A Nikon N60
Coolpix 8700 (not a pocket camera)
2 bounce flashes
3 lenses
and my new baby I got tonight!

[MercutioATC]

10. I love my Kata R-103 backpack.

http://www.kata-bags.com/Item.asp?pid=275&cid=28&perentId=4&ProdLine=4


(if you're in the market for body armor, Kata makes that, too)

:)

[Bonhomme Richard]

11. Haven't had a chance to use mine yet but........

I made some changes. I added foam to the top of the camera compartment as they didn't have any padding up there. Also they had a couple of straps on the bottom for the tripod but that's a useless way to do it. There is nothing more annoying than catching the tripod on branches and stuff so instead of carrying it horizontally I used the top (water bottle) side strap and one of the bottom straps, pulled to the side, to allow me to carry the tripod vertically on the side of the pack. It will work well, especially for the price.