Bags and straps!

[yorky]

I have been very happy to us a Lowepro Slingshot 200 in the past with a 510. 14-54. 40-150. 35mm macro and 105 Sigma macro, plus a few filters etc. However, I have ditched the 510 and 14-54 and got the E3 and 12-60, which adds considerably to the weight. I was wonderering about a Kata 467. Also the strap supplied by Olympus does not really seem substantial enough to me. Could anyone advise?

[David M]

Re: Bags and straps!

You could try searching the forums. I seem to think there was a recent thread on straps and I posted in a thread on bags a couple of months ago.

[DTD]

Re: Bags and straps!

Optech seemed to be the strap of choice – I'm happy with mine.

[DTD]

Re: Bags and straps!

A couple of thoughts on bags…

Always get one bigger than you think you need. It's worth having a few different bags for different jobs.

I've got a Billingham all my Olympus stuff (just about) fits in. I've also got a Crumpler if I just want to take one camera and a lens. My Ricoh stuff goes in a Karimoor 'man bag' precisely because it doesn't look like a camera bag.

[Melaka]

Re: Bags and straps!

I have been very happy to us a Lowepro Slingshot 200 in the past with a 510. 14-54. 40-150. 35mm macro and 105 Sigma macro, plus a few filters etc. However, I have ditched the 510 and 14-54 and got the E3 and 12-60, which adds considerably to the weight. I was wonderering about a Kata 467. Also the strap supplied by Olympus does not really seem substantial enough to me. Could anyone advise?

I'd be inclined to stick with what you've got unless you need to carry all your kit around at one time. On a journalistic trip last week mine contained the E3, 12-60mm, E510, 40-150mm, FL50 and a few odds and ends. As an alternative to the E510 and 40-150mm I sometimes put in the 50-200mm and 1.4 teleconverter. It all seems to fit quite well.

[DerekW]

Re: Bags and straps!

I use the Slingshot 300 with the E3 and 50 200 and I have found it quite workable - have been carrying the stuff around Italy along with the spare batteries etc,

I use the Optech camera straps more for comfort than durability issues with the OLy straps

[HughofBardfield]

Re: Bags and straps!

I've used OpTech straps (the same ones, as a matter of fact) for at least 15 years. I don't really like neck straps though, and am looking at making something like the Y-Strap (http://figitalrevolution.com/y-strap/ ) from one of them as I think it will be a more comfortable carry, especially with a long lens.

I also agree with the multi-bag philosophy. I use a Tamrac Expedition 7 if I need to carry the lot, or edit down to a Crumpler Geekstar or Pretty Boy XXXL depending on what I'm doing.

[Pete_VN52]

Re: Bags and straps!

I bought a Kata 467 from Morris Photographic in Chipping Norton at the weekend. Not had chance to do much with it yet, but it's very well made and designed.

[yorky]

Re: Bags and straps!

I bought a Kata 467 from Morris Photographic in Chipping Norton at the weekend. Not had chance to do much with it yet, but it's very well made and designed.

Thanks everyone, I had never heard of OpTech straps but will investigate them now.

[Mrs T]

Re: Bags and straps!

I've just picked up this thread as I've been trying to find some recommendations for a neck strap. I have been using a wrist strap but I've had a problem with my wrist and I don't think it will be comfortable for me to carry on using this. I don't like cameras bouncing around on me when I'm walking so I'm looking for a comfortable and adjustable neck strap. The OpTechs look good and I like the option to make some of them into a carry handle. Does anybody have any recommendations of the best option - Classic, Pro-camera or Super Classic?

Also had a look at the Y strap which looks comfortable. Has anybody used this? Does the camera and lens get banged about by being carried to one side?

I have an E410 and will have either of these lenses attached - Oly 11-22mm, Oly 70-300mm or Leica 14-150mm (most often the Leica lens will be used).

Amanda

[HughofBardfield]

Re: Bags and straps!

I use the OpTech Pro as they have the widest pad.

Since writing the post above, I've discovered that by using the OpTech Pro plus the OpTech Grip Strap and the 3/8" Standard System Connectors, it's possible to have a strap that:

• Can be used as standard neck strap
• Used across the body, Y-strap style (but with two points of attachment to the camera - the lens hangs down, so may not be suitable for very long lenses, or those that suffer from zoom creep like my Sigma 135-400). This fits me and I'm a XXL size. The camera hangs nicely on the hip/ waistline, where it's ready for use, but less obtrusive than dangling round your neck.
• Can be used as the Grip Strap alone, with Pro strap detached
• Can be joined to create a short carry strap

The Grip Strap includes a QR connector within the neoprene handgrip. The can be undone and the Pro Strap or a System Connector strap inserted, with the camera weight being carried by the tripod mount / bottom plate of the Grip Strap. The Grip has a glove-like structure which can be clipped around the wrist with a press stud. This makes for a very secure carry. The only drawback is that it gets a bit warm in hot conditions.

If that doesn't make sense let me know and I'll post a pic.

I think the standard Y-strap is too narrow and with a heavy outfit would irritate me. One of my Flickr contacts made her own with a wide denim shoulder pad andI think that would work better, although suspending a camera from just one mount worries me slightly.

[DerekW]

Re: Bags and straps!

Another vote for Optech especially the contoured design.
Re Bags - I have a Lowepro Computrekker to get all the kit thru planes, trains etc to the destination then switch to the Lowepro Slingshot 3 which holds the E3, 12-60, 50-200, EC14 for day use - it worked well leaping in and out of Zodiac boats onto rocks for a wet landing and into the sea for a soaking landing. As well as around town use. It can be worn in front of you so that you have a better chance of seeing someone slit the bag open.

However this does require two people to be on the plane train - however the Sligshot does hold a CPAP machine very nicely. So the bag has a use during the plane train bit. With a car - you just fill up the boot.

[StephenL]

Re: Bags and straps!

The Y Strap is unusual but I find it to be incredibly comfortable. The camera with even heavy lenses such as the 50-200 sits around my left hip with the end of the lens sort of nuzzling into my left hand. The camera can be swung towards your back if you find it too close to your side. It is easy to bring it up to your eyes without snagging. Although it is quite narrow it doesn't cut into the shoulder at all, and being narrow doesn't interfere with collars or other bags' straps.

[Mrs T]

Re: Bags and straps!

Thanks HughofBardfield, DerekW and Stephen L for your replies. I think I'll have a look at the Optech next time I see them in a camera shop. I like the idea of the combination suggested to have a neck strap and Y strap.

Amanda

[ndl0071]

Re: Bags and straps!

You may also wish to consider Lowepro as a strap option, I use the Voyager series, these are shaped (or not depending on model) and are made from thick Neoprane.
You will find a review here,

http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=3274

In respect of bags well, I have always used the Lowepro Slingshot 200, if I needed more space I think I would consider the Slingshot 300.

Good luck with your choice.

Neil