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M$5 April 04, 2009 07:20 PM

What is the best Notebook + Camera bag?

I don't really care about style but I do care about price. I am looking for something that can hold my computer and my DSLR (Nikon D90) + 2-3 lenses (none of them are huge lenses). I am considering both over the shoulder and backpack style bags. I really like the Booq Python Pro but it is a little out of my price range considering I just purchased the D90. Let me know what you find.
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April 05, 2009 01:12 PM
My choices are listed blow and in order. The 2 backpack bags that I would consider getting both accommodate a laptop and are especially secure. Personally, the high contrast yellow interior and tight fit of the first pack edges out the second.

The best piece of advice that I can give you is to visit a brick-and-mortar store with a large selection. You don't necessarily have to buy your bag there - take your laptop and your camera so that you can feel the real weight on your back and see how comfortable it is.

Bags in this class aren't for back-and-forth trips to school. You could have this bag for the rest of your life if you take care of it. Most pro photographers have the first bag they started with. They might use it for backup equipment, but it's usually with them somewhere.

1)
http://www.vistek.ca/store/BagsCases/239388/kata-bags-dr467-digital-rucksack.aspx

Kata Bags DR-467 Digital Rucksack

This would be my choice. Kata is well known in the professional photography game. The bright yellow interior means that you'll be able to find "bits and pieces" easily or more importantly, find a rock or other nasty that finds it's way in.

http://www.vistek.ca/prodimg/239388.jpg

2)
http://www.vistek.ca/store/BagsCases/220176/kata-bags-hb207-gdc-hiker-backpack.aspx

Kata Bags HB-207 GDC Hiker Backpack

Similar to the bag above, this one is simply larger. It's not a bad idea to buy more than what you need when you're thinking about camera bags. This way, if you add accessories (or even a packed lunch), you'll have lots of room. Even if you're not planning on buying new lenses and stuff, having a place to keep everything camera related together is handy.

http://www.vistek.ca/prodimglarge/220176.jpg

3)
http://www.vistek.ca/store/BagsCases/232543/crumpler-keystone-gun-metal.aspx

Crumpler The Keystone - Gun Metal

Crumpler makes very good bags. This bag is no exception. It's lightweight, nice looking and will hold your camera and laptop.

http://www.vistek.ca/prodimg/232543.jpg
Asker's Rating:
• Awesome answer, was able to provide supplementary information when requested and led to a bag purchase.


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Helpful: skyvan

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April 06, 2009 05:02 AM
I'm very tempted to buy the DR-476, just looking for good places to buy it now. Do you by any chance know how it differs from the LowePro computrekker? I only have one camera, and my laptop and would use the additional space for my Kindle and various electronics accessories.

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April 06, 2009 11:43 AM
Oddly I do know how they compare. I almost purchased a Lowepro computertrekker.

They're very similar. The biggest differences are the material on the outside of the bag, style and the access to your camera.

Inside of the bag, all Kata bags are bright yellow. This really is helpful in low light or busy situations. You can find a battery rolling around the bag or worse a rock that has slipped in without a problem.

Lowepro bags feel a bit "rough" to the touch and are generally a bit more square with a ton of padding in key areas. Kata bags are smooth and while they have similar padding, their sleek curves compromise a bit of protection. However, the layouts of Kata bags are thoughtful and mean that this isn't a big deal.

The biggest difference is the access to your camera. The Kata bag has a quick bottom bucket type of storage for your body. You can easily unzip it and grab your camera. The Computrekker has a large full body zip; you must unzip the entire container of the bag to retrieve your body.

Lowpro bags are carefully designed to work together. This is important if you think that your gear will expand. Lowpro tries to design bags and accessories that will work together. For example, all of their external lens cases will happily connect into the correct sized loops on the front and sides of their backpacks. Additionally, the flat bottoms of their bags lend themselves well to stacking. I carry a lowpro slingshot "backpack" but have a larger duffel style rolling bag for my full setup gear. When on the move, I can quickly and easily connect everything together securely and roll away.

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April 07, 2009 05:47 AM
I really wanted to get something that had easy access so I decidd to go with the Kata, it will be coming this week from B&H thanks for all the help, I'll have more photo questions with tips coming up soon.

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April 10, 2009 01:51 AM
Thanks again for the help Rob, I bought the Kata Digital Rucksack and it seems like the perfect size. I can't wait to take it with me to Israel...way easier than carrying my Timbuk2 bag and the Tamrac bag I have.

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Other Answers (4)

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April 04, 2009 10:42 PM
The style depends upon your preference for backpack / messenger bag / tote bag. It also depends upon if you are looking for a bag made for cameras that happens to be good for notebooks too (i.e. lots of room for extra lenses, etc.), or a notebook bag that happens to have enough room for a SLR camera with lens-on.

Fortunately there are many styles to select from for each of those categories.

I have had great luck with bags from Lowepro. They happen to have styles that will accommodate computers and cameras. Their bags are intended for cameras first, so you will find them great for carrying extra lenses, charger, flash unit, and more.

For an example, here is there CompuTrekker AW bag...
http://www.ebags.com/lowepro/computrekker_aw/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=18455#

The source link below is to the eBags on line store. They have a great selection of Lowepro bags at reasonable prices.

Good luck!
Source(s):
http://www.ebags.com/lowepro/laptop_bags/category_search/index.cfm?N=200142...


Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip yagelski for this answer
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April 05, 2009 03:20 AM
Naneu has some awesome bags for laptops + DSLR's

A nice backpack model my friend has is the Sahara 217. Seems to suit his needs when he's out shooting.
Source(s):
http://www.naneupro.com/products/s-217/


Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip thekid for this answer
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April 05, 2009 04:55 AM
After hunting for quite some time I just purchased this one from Mountain Equipment Co-op, they are Canadian but their online and mail order business is very good as well. It's sold as a laptop pack but the capacity is such that it would easily hold your DSLR and lenses and then some.

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442545303&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302699713&bmUID=1238907036241

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Unhelpful: skyvan

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April 06, 2009 03:17 AM
Capacity for lenses and being made for DSLR and lenses are two different things completely. I need something that will protect my lenses and accessories as well as my laptop.

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April 05, 2009 08:32 AM
I am a big fan of LowPro products: http://www.lowepro.com/

I like this backpack, the LowPro trekker plus aw (all weather), as it allows you to carry camera, gear, laptop and tripod.
http://www.tscamerahouse.com.au/images/lowepro_computrekker_plus_aw.jpg

Take some time to navigate the site and see what they have to offer. I would recommend to you to not buy a backpack or bag online though. See it live, get a feel for how comfortable it will be, make sure it is what you want. Nothing worse than buying something online that looks good and once you get it in the post it is a major disappointment. Also as far a budget I would recommend as well to look at the 150 dollar and up price range. You want quality, features and protection, this will cost you a bit but it is worth it. The lowpro trekker plus aw is in that 200 dollar range.

Also in the "What's your source" I have included some other links for information about buying a camera bag and other companies that you may find helpful

This video I have included is a small example of what a good backpack will look like, although he does not mention brand and model but he does give a good look at what to expect in a good bag. And he is kind of entertaining as well!

Source(s):
http://www.lowepro.com/
http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/index-frameset.html?cameraba...
http://www.tiffen.com/domke_howtobuybag.htm
http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/camera-cases/backpacks/PLS_3139crx.asp...
http://www.camerabagpro.com/camera_computer_cases
http://reviews.cnet.com/4370-6447_7-348-101.html
http://www.naneupro.com/


Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip rosshann for this answer
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