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Thread: Rolling Camera Bags?

  1. #1
    ST1's Avatar
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    Rolling Camera Bags?

    I'm considering buying a rolling camera bag for my trip to Australia and New Zealand. My existing backpack (Lowe Pro Vertex 200AW) probably meets the carry on requirements of the carriers we're flying with but...it is not really flight/airport transit friendly.

    I think it would probably make the check in Police want to weigh it and try to get me to check it in, obviously I don't want to have that happen, plus I look like a Ninja Turtle when I'm wearing it .

    I have read on line reviews and product videos of roller bags and narrowed those available down to two. Both of which can convert to backpacks though in different ways.

    The bride saw one of them and said that looks good then spotted the price!! I can feel a large dose of penance coming on Rolling Camera Bags?

    So my question is has anybody here any experience of the two bags listed or any other carry bag on suggestions ?

    Lowe Pro "Pro Roller X100 LINK

    Think Tank "Airport Take off" LINK

    Thanks in anticipation

  2. #2
    Shadowman's Avatar
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    Re: Rolling Camera Bags?

    I don't think you'll have a problem on a large airliner, but check the dimensions against the smaller carrier's size requirements. Also, when the small carriers are at capacity, someone's bag usually has to get checked, a bit of lottery on who gets chosen at that point.

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    Re: Rolling Camera Bags?

    I have used a roller bag (a version of the Think Tank actually) and also use Lowepro backpacks. Both are fine.

    But: all you really need is a tough roller bag that will fit carry on requirements and buy foam padding that you cut to suit your gear. This does not shout "lots of expensive camera gear to steal" and is just as tough whilst a lot cheaper.

    The backpack conversion elements are a waste of time. The straps are just a nuisance and such a bag full of gear is too ungainly as a back pack.

    Make sure the handle extends far enough! This is a real pain if the bag is heavy and you have to stoop to drag it along. I am tall so this is a factor for me. Others are fine with anything.

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    IzzieK's Avatar
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    Re: Rolling Camera Bags?

    Have you ever been to Australia? I have both, roller bag and a backpack. My camera backpack meets the size requirement and looks small enough even though it fills up to the brim. I only bring a minimum of lenses and just a camera that I know I will use for my trip. But then I have lived in Oz for a long time before I live here so I am used to it. Worst comes to worst if TSA here says it is heavy, I can transfer some stuffs in my carry on bag which I make sure will have enough room. My needs for a carry on is to the minimal because I will be in my seat for 14+ hours anyway apart from going to the rest room...My backpack haven't been weigh here in the US. On the way in going home, the Aussie equivalent of your TSA here wanted to weigh my backpack last time I was there but she was distracted by someone, so I just walked in. Compared to the US they are very friendly over there too at immigration.

    Plan your trip. The most I bring is my 200 and 300 mm zoom lenses, two other kit lenses, macro and some filters and of course my chargers, amongst other smaller things. And I make sure have my manual with me just in case.

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    Re: Rolling Camera Bags?

    I have a Lowepro 100 Roller Bag that I virtually never use. A lot of space is taken up by the internal roller assembly and I cannot fit the amount of gear in this bag that I desire.

    Additionally, the roller bag is quite heavy. Many airlines don't worry about the weight of carry on baggage, just the dimensions. However, you may come across airlines which do weigh the carry-on bags.

    The maximum carry-on weight for the Chinese internal airlines I flew on during my trip to China was 5-kilograms while the Lowepro 100 Roller Bag weighs 5-kilograms EMPTY

    I use a Lowepro Mini Trekker AW backpack to carry my gear and I wear a photo vest. I have never been weighed for carry-on bags (my guide told me that they never weigh carry-on packs on the Chinese domestic airlines but, often weigh carry-on wheeled cases) but, if I were to go over any weight, I'd just shift some gear from the carry on bag to the vest.

    I normally carry two-7D cameras, and there lenses (12-24mm f/4 Tokina and 17-55mm f/2.8 IS + 70-200mm f/4L IS) along with one full size hotshoe flash and one 270EX (just replaced that with a 270EX ii for the slave capability). I also carry batteries and chargers for the cameras and a pair or CF card readers. I also carry CPL filters, ND filters and GND filters as well. I pack a monopod and 2-kilogram travel tripod in my check on bag. In reality, I seldom use the 12-24mm lens because the 17mm side of the f/2.8 IS lens is wide enough for most of my shots) and often leave it in my hotel room, especially of there is a safe available...

    Lately, I have been wearing my camera with the 17-55mm lens ad have snared some decent record pictures like this one of the Ataturk Istanbul Airport.
    Rolling Camera Bags?

    Very occasionally, I sit in a window seat and can snare an aerial view...
    Rolling Camera Bags?

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    Re: Rolling Camera Bags?

    We didn't have any issues this past fall on the international flight to Australia but previously when we traveled to NZ and made a couple of domestic flights the limit was 10kg and they definitely weighed our carry ons every time.

    In general, I've been going through this same decision process recently. Getting tired of lugging the backpack through airports. I looked at multiple options. Trouble with the combination roller/backpacks is that they aren't good at either one. I finally settled on sticking with my backpack and getting one of the roller frames to strap it too. Most airlines will let you gate check the roller frame like a baby seat.

    That doesn't help you with the domestic weight restrictions in Oz/NZ.

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    Re: Rolling Camera Bags?

    I agree with all the comments here - DO NOT get a roller bag.

    Most lens have internal moving parts, a bag that you will be rolling over stones, up stairs, etc, will hold the stuff steady enough but those insides are going to have a rough ride. A friend did exactly that and a pair of really expensive lens had to be taken in for repair due to the loosening of the internal parts.

    If normally a AW200 is able to meet your needs, why do you even need a roller bag?

  8. #8
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    Re: Rolling Camera Bags?

    Thanks for all of the responses, much appreciated. I will sit down and consider my options prior to splashing any cash.

    It may be true that we (that's the Royal we) in Yorkshire have deep pockets and short arms

    Thanks once again

  9. #9
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    Re: Rolling Camera Bags?

    Quote Originally Posted by Bobobird View Post
    I agree with all the comments here - DO NOT get a roller bag.

    If normally a AW200 is able to meet your needs, why do you even need a roller bag?
    Hi Bobo my reason for considering a roller was really for the convenience of a roller when in transit in the international airports. The Vertex AW200 is a great bag for use in the UK but...in crowded places (airports) it is inconvenient having to have it on your back all the time. Thanks for commenting

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    Re: Rolling Camera Bags?

    It's worth noting that, compared to a roller with the user's hands occupied elsewhere, a strapped-on backpack is considerably more difficult for a thief to stroll off with. A heavy pack will eventually ruin your spine, but in the meantime, I think backpacks trump rollers for mobility, flexibility, and security. That opinion does put me (and apparently others here) in the minority, since rollers are gaining popularity.

    On a SCUBA trip to Key West last year, I carried a checked dive gear bag which weighed 48lb. My carry-on backpack, where I'd stored my laptop, stainless backplate, brass regulators, lenses, and batteries, weighed 62lb. TSA did not check it.

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    Re: Rolling Camera Bags?

    I've made the mistake of taking too much equipment on a vacation. It was a pain to lug around items that don't get used much and ended up being a problem and a distraction during the trip. There was also the threat of having to check it in with normal luggage had someone noticed the weight. Check the airlines and DONT take anymore than the carry-on allowances. Getting caught at the gate in a foreign land with over-limit items after your bags have been checked won't be a pleasant incident. Imagine missing a connection or trying to make quick arrangements to have much of your precious gear thrown in the bottom of the plane. Or possibly on another flight.

    Determine what kind of opportunities you will run into and pack minimally for that. If you're like me and going to be taking mostly scenery shots prioritize the wider end. If there are lots distant or dangerous animals possible then go with the telephoto. You really can cut it down or spread it out with your traveling companions. If you've traveled a lot you've probably also experienced taking too many clothes in the earlier days. Same thing. Take what you can get by with and it will be a more pleasant journey. For some items, if you find omitting them a problem, purchase what you need at your destination and choose the inexpensive version as you may be leaving it behind.

    Just as an FYI, I no longer lug around the SLR and lenses on international trips as none so far have been primarily photography trips. (would be nice though) We have a great compact camera that takes excellent photos. As most are wide angle or scenery shots the settings can pretty much be left alone and any editing is minimal. Sure we miss a couple of shots but it's no big deal. We still end up with a few hundred other photos and have the memories.

    Can anyone more worldly traveled than most of us share your check-list?
    Last edited by Andrew1; 15th January 2014 at 03:25 PM.

  12. #12
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    Re: Rolling Camera Bags?

    Just an update on how I managed to get my camera kit to New Zealand and Australia. I modified one of our carry on size suitcases by adding sheet foam under the lining to pad the base of the case. With a long piece of the same foam around the inside case edge. I then created compartments within the case, using the dividers from my Vertex 200AW. Then weighing this case with my kit in it to determine which of the kit could stay within the case at the check in desk weigh in, and what I would need to wear at check in. They don't weigh passengers (yet). At check in (both outbound and inbound) the first luggage to be weighed was our carry on bags.
    I also packed in one of our checked in cases a LowePro Slingshot 302 for use in both countries, this slingshot was empty of camera kit but the space within it was used for clothes etc.
    Whilst flying local carriers within NZ (Christchurch to Queenstown) we used the small modified carry on case as normal luggage but with a 70-200 in there as well. The remainder of my camera kit was in my Slingshot and carried on but again to ensure I was within the carriers weight limit I carried (wore) the 5D3 and walkabout lens.
    Thanks once again for all of your responses and comments. We had a great trip.

  13. #13

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    Re: Rolling Camera Bags?

    Did you read my thread, I bought Lowepro, click below

    Possibly THE most important piece of camera gear, the BAG

  14. #14
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    Re: Rolling Camera Bags?

    Quote Originally Posted by JR1 View Post
    Did you read my thread, I bought Lowepro, click below

    Possibly THE most important piece of camera gear, the BAG
    I hadn't JR1, but just have, an interesting read. Like you I have various Lowepro bags that I've collected over the years, some received as freebies when purchasing camera kit, others purchased as my kit expanded.

  15. #15
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    Re: Rolling Camera Bags?

    Hi, Peter -

    Shutterbug.com should have their review of backback-style camera bags online from their May issue which arrived in my PO Box this morning if you take a look their website. I really like their thoroughness and candor in their reviews.

    v

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