Hey all, I wanted to get some feedback on the best choice for a medium to large sized camera bag. The gear I need to put in it is up to two pro bodies, a speedlight, a couple of primes and a 70-200mm, but several zipper compartments for cards, accessories, etc. if it has a laptop pocket.

I'm getting really tired of reading reviews. One of the standout makers so far is Vanguard. Any recommendations on Vanguard bags or any others? I currently have a smaller Caselogic bag, and it's a great value, but it's too small for use on location now.

Thanks for your time.

I'll toss out a recommendation for ThinkTank. I use them professionally. Every pro I know uses them. They have a lifetime, no BS warranty. The entire company is made up of pro photographers, as is the board, and the design team. My smaller bag, the Airport Airstream, sounds like just the ticket for you. In that bag I keep:

2 Pro bodies
70-200
300/2.8
85/1.4
19-35
50/1.8
1.4x tele
Pocketwizards
CF/SD cards
Business cards
Charger
Cables
Rocket Blower
Spare Batteries
A few other knick-knacks
And it has a laptop sleeve.

I use this as my light bag, or my carry-on bag since it fits even on small commuter planes.

Like you I did a grueling research process, although I went all the way to the tiresome end. Probably did about 20 hours of comparing and measuring since I wanted something perfect for me that would last as long as the bag doesn't fall apart. What I ended up with is the Lowepro X-series x200 roller backback/luggage hybrid. The x200 easily fits all that stuff plus extra and is extremely well made. All of the series are rated 1.1" for the thickness of the laptop compartment, however, I can still tightly get my old 15.8x11.8x1.6" notebook in. I'd only do it if I were desperate though, cause its too tight for normal repeated use. If your laptop isn't more than 1.3" thick you shouldn't have a problem fitting one in at all after the fabric relaxes a bit with your notebook stuffed in there. I even have room for my tripod on the inside. The x200 will definitely fit in overhead if you separate the bag from the roller, but for most larger airlines it should fit either way. Some just travel with the bag separate from the shell and use the shell for clothes or whatever while keeping the pricey stuff on their back and in overhead.


http://products.lowepro.com/product/...00,2163,16.htm

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lowepro-Pro-...item4845845d0c

http://compare.ebay.com/like/3209016..._lwgsi=y&cbt=y

My photo gear is spread all around the room like an explosion happened, but if you want when I pack it back up I'll take a pic so you can get a rough idea. That, or just take the dimensions from Lowepro and you can kinda estimate what can go in. That's what I did and its working out perfectly so far since I had an idea of how stuff would fit before I even ordered. The only part of the inside walls you can't remove are the two long vertical strips. All the horizontal parts are removable velcro pieces. I put a travel tripod down the middle column and its a really nice fit if you dont want to give off a clue as to what is in the bag

Just the details I was hoping for! Thanks to you both.

I'll take a close look at both models. I have a full ThinkTank modular set, but I wasn't aware they do full size bags too...

Lowepro is always great as well. Thanks!

Originally Posted by perroneford I'll toss out a recommendation for ThinkTank. I use them professionally. Every pro I know uses them. They have a lifetime, no BS warranty. The entire company is made up of pro photographers, as is the board, and the design team. My smaller bag, the Airport Airstream, sounds like just the ticket for you. In that bag I keep: 2 Pro bodies 70-200 300/2.8 85/1.4 19-35 50/1.8 1.4x tele Pocketwizards CF/SD cards Business cards Charger Cables Rocket Blower Spare Batteries A few other knick-knacks And it has a laptop sleeve. I use this as my light bag, or my carry-on bag since it fits even on small commuter planes.

+1 on Thinktank. Quality stuff all the way around.

Thinktank was my second choice, actually. The lack of being able to convert to a backpack was the deal breaker for me, though. Lowepro is really better as a fit-all-do-all hybrid bag, that's also really easy to use. You can just unzip the zipper that goes around the outside and pop the bag right out in 10 seconds.

Originally Posted by Overfocused Thinktank was my second choice, actually. The lack of being able to convert to a backpack was the deal breaker for me, though.

Their Airport Takeoff performs this function.

I have Been using various LowPro bags for over 25+ yrs.............
I have not found another bag that protects nearly as well... ... ...
I do not care about looks or fashion, just gear protection... ... ... ...

Originally Posted by Art Scott I have Been using various LowPro bags for over 25+ yrs............. I have not found another bag that protects nearly as well... ... ... I do not care about looks or fashion, just gear protection... ... ... ...

What else have you tried in the past 10 years?

Originally Posted by perroneford Their Airport Takeoff performs this function.

Er, sorry I made a poor choice of wording. The Thinktank sprouts straps, but it doesn't actually come out of the shell itself. I liked that you could create 2 pieces of luggage out of the Lowepro in case of emergency or something. Like if an issue with size comes into play I could remove the shell, stuff my secondary clothing bag inside the shell, and then the backpack section would fit into the overhead if its a smaller airline. Or if I'm coming home with more than I brought and need another bag, lol. Never know.

Originally Posted by Overfocused Er, sorry I made a poor choice of wording. The Thinktank sprouts straps, but it doesn't actually come out of the shell itself. I liked that you could create 2 pieces of luggage out of the Lowepro in case of emergency or something. Like if an issue with size comes into play I could remove the shell, stuff my secondary clothing bag inside the shell, and then the backpack section would fit into the overhead if its a smaller airline. Or if I'm coming home with more than I brought and need another bag, lol. Never know.

Ah gotcha. I've never had that issue with my small Airport bag. I did fly one tiny commuter plane where it wouldn't fit in the overhead, but it fit EASILY under the seat. Different strokes I guess. :)