Camera Bag

[Koala]

So I've decided that my old sling is no longer going to cut it. I love the sling, but unfortunately Im going to need something bigger..... maybe someone out there can point me in the right direction.

Since I do a lot of location shoots, I plan to buy a bag which can fit the following
3 Lenses
2 camera bodies
2 flashes
Triggers.
1 Alien Bee Light


The requirements are:
small enough to carry like a backpack (Not duffle Bag)
Has wheels so I can roll it
Doesnt scream steal me.

If I cant find one, I will probably build one with these
http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/starter-...2004%3AStarter
& this
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/DSLR-SLR-Came...item3cc323afe4

[chopper]

Dont forget to leave space for the portable battery to power the AB, and a light stand to mount the AB too.
And a modifier (umbrella, softbox, etc.)

[Dimitris]

Depending on what you build, the Vagabound Mini has a case that fit's nicely into a bigger bag. Not sure how you'll fit a AB, stand and modifier in the same bag as your camera but I'd be interested in seeing what you came up with. Personally I think a two bag system is more flexible, camera + two lens in a sling bag (I shoot, d700, 50 f/1.4 and 105 f/2.8 as my carry around) and AB, modifier, stand and Mini's in another bag. Get a handcart if it's too heavy I guess.

Sorry for the rambling post.

[Koala]

Oh yeah... portable battery...... Guess its just not realistic to have a compact bag that can do it all.

[Toolz]

Kin...I was thinking the same thing. I ended up with 3 bags after upgrading and getting more stuff. If you remember at the BP event, I had a shoulder bag. It can fit 2 bodies with lenses attached, 3 - 4 lenses and/or 2 - 3 speedlights and accessories like triggers. It's got a mount for a tripod. The thing weighs a ton. I ended up getting this: http://www.tamrac.com/5612.htm

Regardless, you'll still need a 2nd bag to carry lights, stands and modifiers.

[rhommel]

I only use 1 bag to carry all my equipment (trying to fit in the bee will be unrealistic)

I think I use Lowepro but will have to check

3 Lenses
2 camera bodies
2 flashes
MISC (triggers, memory cards, batteries, chargers, etc)

then I carry the bees separately. they're usually in the trunk.

[Koala]

Okay... so here is my finished product.
I bought the cheapo bag from wallmart... looks sturdy enough.... $30
I bought styrofoam from Rona, for padding for $7
I bought 2 sets of dividers from Ikea for I believe $18
Industrial Strength Velcro for $20
Total $75 + tax....

Here is the result.....

DSC_0209 by kinhai, on Flickr

DSC_0211 by kinhai, on Flickr

DSC_0213 by kinhai, on Flickr

DSC_0212 by kinhai, on Flickr

Overall I am happy. I can roll the bag along, and i can carry it like a backpack whenever I want. The styrofoam should keep it relatively safe. If I REALLY wanted to, I could probably fit an Alien Bee in there, but I believe there would only be room for other lens.

Pros:
Cheaper than the $300+ options
I "think" styrofoam is more protection than the cushions found in camera bags......
Is a back pack with WHEELS!!!!

Cons
Questionable quality from starter
Dividers are not necessarily made for camera gear (If I really wanted to, I could make better dividers... but for 1 hrs work... not bad)

[Yankee Charles]

Check out these customizable dividers.

http://trekpak.com/products/product-category/rollipak/

Great idea for a product, but crazy expansive.

[chopper]

not bad, Kin!

HOw much does it weigh?

[Koala]

YC, those things are "Expensive"!!!...

Its pretty light...The bag itself I would say is no more than 5lbs max.
The foam, and the inserts are virtually weightless. So, its just the bag itself which I would say is well below 4lbs.
and Yes, my pictures of my bag sucks.... lol. 30sec job.