So I'm looking at a new backpack before I go to WDW at the end of February. I can't decide weather I want the Tamrac Expedition 4x or the 5x. Has anyone had any experience with either of these bags? It's only a twenty dollar difference but I don't know if I would need the 5x kind of room just. Any suggestions? Please and thank you.
I don't have any experience with the bag you are looking at, but the one that I am planning on getting is this one from Kata. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=656754&is=REG
What I'm really looking for is a bag that I can mount my tripod upright and centered on the back of the pack. That way the weight is centered in the middle of my back. Hopefully my local camera shop has them both so I can see them in person. I would also like to be able to put my girlfriends camera in my backpack too if she doesn't want to carry her bag. But of course I would always welcome more suggestions too.
I don't have any experience with either of those bags, but this is what I'm using, and really like it. Comfortable to wear even when I had it full up. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/531351-REG/Lowepro_LP35185_PEU_Flipside_300_Backpack_Black.html It also has the tripod holder upright and centered on the back. Works great for normal size tripods, but if yours is a bit tall and has a big head, you may want to have an extra strap to wrap around the head to the top handle to minimize flopping while walking longer distances. It's also a bit different in that the zipper is against your back, but I happen to like that feature. As for size, I'm glad I didn't buy the larger size. Sure you can carry a lot, but fill it up, and it will weigh a ton. Do you really want to carry that much weight around with you all day? Erich
The tripod part for the one I listed is a $20 attachment by it is mounted on the center of the pack. Yet another Incredible poster.
I love my Kata R102 - had it for 2 years, holds a ton of gear, excellent comfort design for long distance traveling, variable tripod mounter can be put on either side or centered on back, and practically bulletproof in design (Kata does everything from journalist pro gear to bullet proof vests and Israeli military stuff!). ; I typically use it to transport my camera plus 7 lenses, flash, cleaning kit, filters, all cables, chargers, and netbook. ; A primary selling point for me, that I had much trouble with on some other backpacks, was the ability to configure the inside compartments so I could carry my camera body with Tamron 200-500mm lens mounted (or 300mm F4). ; This is one of the few backpacks I found that allows me to do so, and to open up two compartments so I could carry both long lenses, one mounted long lens, or one smaller mounted lens and the large lens to the side...maximum versatility in moving the compartments around inside as needed. ; And if I get a full frame body or vertical grip, that will fit in the bag mounted too as the center chamber is tall enough to accomodate full frame VG bodies. It's worth a look. ; Craig here got one too, and seems to like it.
I'll second the vote on the Lowepro Flipside. The inside is totally customizable and the tripod mount is in the middle like you want. I bought the 200 and it turned out just a little small for me but like others have said, if you don't carry everything you own it will be lighter.
I've been looking at the flipsides as well, the Kata bags are awesome, just a little expensive at the moment. I want something with a bit more room than I need for future growth. I will keep researching and of course let you all. I think I'm going to a camera shop friday to check some bags out. Thanks again everyone for the advice.
http://www.tamrac.com/welcome.htm I've decided! Just ordered the Tamrac Evolution 8 backpack yesterday. I saw it in the brown and tan when I went to the camera shop the other day and it's perfect for what I need. Now I get to wait for UPS to bring it.
