Latest edition to the over-time-paid-for collection....

[SamuraiCatJB]

I bought a new camera bag. I debated long on getting a new one, recent overtime amounts made the decision easier.... It was the velocity 7 vs. the Velocity 9, the 9 is a bit large, but since I am, I figured it wouldn't show as much. ;)

http://www.tamrac.com/5749.htm

next: a better and more stable tripod. :cool:

[Gizmo]

SamCat, please let us know how you like this after you've had a chance to use it a while. I'll be traveling abroad late this summer and I am looking for this type of a case. Knowing you, I'm sure you did your home work before spending your hard earned money. ;) I was actually considering one of the Lowepro Trekker models. Did you look at these? I'm just curious how you made your decision. But I will definitely have to check this one out. :) Thanks for sharing!

[SamuraiCatJB]

I actually did. In my case I didn't want a full back-pack for a reason. One is access. Right now I use a cannon bag I got on sale at best buy last summer, and I pretty much fill it up (probably because the Nikon is larger than the cannon). It's a cross-shoulder harness for stability. This works real good because all I have to do is rotate it from the side to the front and I can access the bag contents.

I specifically looked at the tamrac velocity series because they were made the same way. They have the square bag like mine to wear at the side like a purse ... err... messenger bag... yeah... that's the ticket messenger bag!

So I was looking for one that could be worn cross-shoulder for safety and security, but rotate to the side like what I have. I looked at the larger ... messenger bag styles and I looked at the backbacks as an alternate... but I really didn't want to take the whole thing off just access the contents.

Certainly if you carry more, the backpack is the way to go, absolutely. But for me I decided I liked the velocity series best. I read a couple of usage reviews from owners of the velocity series on a nikon forum (google is handy to read all these other places like 1src where people just post how they felt about owning something). The owners of the Velocity 7 thought for the nikon D70 it was too tight of a fit. Although one person liked the tight fit because he "knew" nothing was shifting about. In most cases the people who liked the velocity 7 had smaller body SLR cameras, like the cannon. The nikon is just a huge body for an SLR. (hey, I admit it) The Velocity 9 was a bit loose for the nikon, but I am debating on some padded wraps for extra protection later so that shouldn't be a problem.

A couple who dropped the Velocity 7 and/or the Velocity 9 decided the full backpack was the way to go and chose either the tamrac or Lowpro models. They have similar models in each.

I am hoping the Velocity will offer much easier access over a backpack... but who knows, I may be like the others and end up selling it to go full backpack... I was just hoping to avoid that because I have to remove the backpack to access the camera and accessories.

[Gizmo]

SamCat, do you think the Velocity 9 would hold a body, 3 lenses (2 zooms and 1 prime) and a flash? That's what I planning on taking on my trip. Is there much room for other accessories like batteries, CF cards, etc...? Thanks. :)

[SamuraiCatJB]

according to the page I gave you it is designed to carry three lenses and a flash, plus all the accessories. That is why I got it. I only have two lenses right now, but when I make the transition to a better lens I want the care for it.

The Velocity 9 - Pro Sling Pack is a larger version of our popular Photo Sling Pack. It can be carried comfortably like a backpack, but can be swung around to the front to provide quick access to a pro-sized 35mm or digital SLR like a Nikon F5 and D1 or Canon’s EOS 1V and 1D with a 200mm zoom lens attached. A well-padded sling strap comfortably distributes the weight, but need not be removed to quickly access photo equipment. Outside, a large mesh pocket is ideal for carrying an energy bar or water bottle, while organizer pockets inside keep a mobile phone, PDA, or photo accessories within reach. A smooth nylon pocket inside the lid stores filters. Compatible with Tamrac’s Modular Accessory System™ components to customize this pack with Tamrac accessories.

http://www.tamrac.com/5749.htm

I will find out the rest when it arrives. It was just shipped ground, so should be here next week when I return from carlsbad for my "preview" trip. See what I can do before the workshop, and make sure I am physically able to do the tours. :)

[SamuraiCatJB]

It will be in on wednesday, I can answer any question then. :) (assuming I get off in time to pick it up)

[SamuraiCatJB]

okay, the camera bag is packed:
Nikon plus 17 to 70mm lens attached.
70mm to 200mm zoom lens (side pocket)
flash pack and filters/attachments (other side pocket)
Lens filter wallet
lens cleaning supplies
battery charger (for camera)
spare battery (for camera)
minor first-aid gear (I have always had a few smaller things in my pack)
hand cleaning gear
ipod
ipod photo accessory
ipod extra battery charger
spare AA and AAA batteries
battery charger for AA and AAA batteries

I can see why everyone says this is one BIG pack. It is. just my size. Some of this will get removed (like chargers) when I am out photographing, but I can keep everything together at other times. :)

[Gizmo]

WOW! That does hold a lot of stuff.

Could you tell me if it will fold flat easily? In other words, if it were empty could you flatten it to pack in a suit case?

My plan is to carry my camera on the plane in my Pelican hard case, and then use a pack for traveling around the countryside.

Thanks again. ;)

[SamuraiCatJB]

It folds flat with a bit of effort. The interior has your standard velcro section connectors that are all padded to the level of being pretty stiff though still bendable (just lot of firm padding). My recommendation would be to pull out the sections or attach them all to one side, then pack into your luggage. It's basically a thick canvas exterior with firm padding inside, so the more you press on it the flatter it will go.

I think most people could do with a Velocity 7, especially since you have a smaller camera. That will still hold one lens on the camera, one on the side and another lens or an external flash on the other side. I put all the chargers underneath the lens areas, the velocity 9 makes that pretty easy.

I needed one pack for all so I got the biggest. I don't have a pelican hard-case, I carry it, or pack it in the camera pack. :)

[Gizmo]

I'm going into the big city this weekend. I'm hoping the camera store there has one of these babys in stock. Thanks for all the info. :)

[SamuraiCatJB]

I'm going into the big city this weekend. I'm hoping the camera store there has one of these babys in stock. Thanks for all the info. :)
I actually wish we had a "real" camera store.... best buy just doesn't cut it.

I would love to be able to look at tripod options... I need something small, light weight, but with level and good pan/tilt points. The cheapy plastic jobs at best-buy (even teh expensive plastic job) just doesn't do it for me. I will if I have to, but I think I will recognize what I want if I can just see it standing in a window or on a shelf. Internet images don't help much, but I have been pouring through adorama and B&H selections.... just too much there. :(

[Gizmo]

I saw this thing in a catalog and found it on their website:

http://www.hammacher.com/publish/72838.asp?promo=sp_hobbies

It doesn't say what brand it is and its a bit expensive but it might have potential.

I own this monopod (http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/cache/offonce/pid/2372?livid=103|113&lsf=113&child=2) by Manfrotto. The feet are a nice feature (they fold up and slide into the bottom) but they really aren't strong enough to support a large lens. I think I paid around $90 bucks for it with no head. The one above looks like it has sturdier legs and it comes with a ball head.

Edit - I just noticed I went over the 300 post mark. :)

[SamuraiCatJB]

Now that is cool! I actually like monopods but I want a tripod for stability. the walking stick could do both.... hmmmm.... The price is not out of my range....

and darn you... you made me look and realize I am about to top the talkative 2000....

[Gizmo]

Now that is cool! I actually like monopods but I want a tripod for stability. the walking stick could do both.... hmmmm.... The price is not out of my range....
And it comes with a lifetime guarantee...hmmm... :)


and darn you... you made me look and realize I am about to top the talkative 2000....
Thats about how many you had before "The Crash", isn't it? :p :D
(what ever happened to the UDT?)

[TJ37]

Damn! You got over $2K worth of equip. in one bag.

[Reggie]

Here's another good bag from Kata. It's $100 more expensive though but includes a laptop case:
http://www.kata-bags.com/Item.asp?pid=275&cid=28&perentId=4&ProdLine=4

Here's a review:
http://www.rainydaymagazine.com/RDM2005/GearNGadgets/February2005/RDMGG_KataBagsFirstLook.htm

[SamuraiCatJB]

Damn! You got over $2K worth of equip. in one bag.

shhhhh.... someone'll take it! :eek:

well... it is a big bag!

[SamuraiCatJB]

Here's another good bag from Kata. It's $100 more expensive though but includes a laptop case:
http://www.kata-bags.com/Item.asp?pid=275&cid=28&perentId=4&ProdLine=4

Here's a review:
http://www.rainydaymagazine.com/RDM2005/GearNGadgets/February2005/RDMGG_KataBagsFirstLook.htm

the rangers at carlsbad were saying they have people quite often set up laptops in the corner of the visitor center and download their images from the camera between elevator runs. :)

I am trying not to be quite like that. :)

Though I am now debating on a separate photowallet from my ipod. The iPod doesn't like my new 1gig CF card, it runs out of battery at 512mb and I have to recharge it before offloading more images.... since it wasn't designed for that I have to plug the photo accessory into the power slot to upload the images, so I can't even have it plugged in during the transfer.... plus since it was before the photo ipod... I can't view them....

[Gizmo]

Here's another good bag from Kata. It's $100 more expensive though but includes a laptop case:
http://www.kata-bags.com/Item.asp?pid=275&cid=28&perentId=4&ProdLine=4
Nice bag! It's a little bigger than I'm looking for, and I don't think I would ever carry my laptop but, I started looking at some of the other Kata bags and they are very nice. The camera store I went to this week did not have the Velocity I wanted to see or Kata bags. Just some Lowepro and other Tamrac stuff. I've got plenty of time before my trip so I'll keep looking.

Hopefully SamCat will report back on how he likes his bag after he's had a chance to field test it. :)

[SamuraiCatJB]

I took it hiking today, and other than remembering not to bend over and have the pack go rolling off the back it handled well.

With the Velocity it is a single strap run cross shoulder, but can be put on chest or back. If you bend too far forward with it on your back it will fall off. Where-as a backpack will simply change weight distribution to the top (and possibly change your balance), but that is a habit thing. By rotating it to my chest I could lean to the ground to pick something up easily.

I still think the Velocity 9 was right for me. Given the size of my chest (mack truck comes to mind as a comparison), it actually fits firmly and holds as much as my previous bag, perhaps even a bit more. I am still thinking on the tripod, though I may wait on that and use what I have. My pack is large enough that I can bungie one of my existing tripods as clumsy as they are. I will make up my mind later this year on that.

The pack makes for quick and easy access to the camera, a quick tug and it rotates to the front and the camera is easy to pull and use rapidly. I never wanted a backpack that would require me removing the pack, setting it down, opening it, and then finally using the contents. If you want fast access to your camera for that surprise nature shot, or the ability to change it's location from side, to front, to back as convenient, then like me the Velocity is the way to go. But if you don't want something that rivals your kids book backpack (and beats some), then I would drop down to the velocity 7.

In fact from my link it is the Velocity 7 that is in diagram, the velocity 9 is wider and deeper (a section underneath the camera and lens section for another lens or other goodies -- where I keep the chargers).

I will be adding at least one water bottle to the backpack, though still debating on buying the modular accessory for $16 or just buying one that I can find that will tie to the side. We'll see.

I wish they had the velocity series for you to see, I have no complaints, though I still think most people would like the smaller one. Still it is great to carry everything I need. to take pictures. I am preparing to run some night tests with the alamogordo space center or the lake out by Holloman on the next full moon (clear night that is). So I will need blind access to the pack, the velocity organizes everything logically, it is easy to pull the camera and accessories.

I am very very pleased. :)