Photographer with Battery Grip Seeks New Camera Backpack

By Kris | Published
Aug
01
2011

I’ve been shooting with the Canon BG-E6 battery grip for my Canon 5D Mark II for about two weeks now, and beside from adjusting to the slightly hair trigger (compared to the shutter button on the body, anyway) I’d have to say I enjoy using it.

The one drawback I’ve encountered, however, is the fact that when the battery grip is attached, the camera barely – and I mean barely – fits into my trusty old Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack. I’ve had that backpack since ’06, and it has treated me very well. I have a new growing paranoia that zipper on my current backpack will pop open at the worst possible moment and then I’ll be picking up my treasured camera gear off the ground (possibly in pieces). Not something I want to experience, mind you.

The Search So Far

I have had a few different bags over the years, but I’ve grown attached to the backpack models, so that’s where I’ve been focusing my search so far. The Think Tank Photo backpacks have been drawing most of my research this weekend, and after reading and watching reviews, there seem to be a lot of people saying good things about their bags.

Think Tank Photo seems to be pretty popular with photographers for all their products, too. I just recently picked up one of their camera straps to replace the so-called “steal me” strap that came with my 5D Mark II. No complaints so far (although, it is really just a strap after all).

The Finalists

At the moment, as far as the Think Tank backpacks are concerned, I have it roughly narrowed down to the following:

Reading the reviews from customers and seeing some of the video reviews on YouTube, the Airport series seems very well thought out and applicable to extensive travel photographers. In particular are the dimensions that are carry-on approved and include pull out handles and wheels. Had I see an extensive itinerary of remote destination shoots in my future, I’d probably be leaning towards one of those.

The StreetWalker, however, is standing out to be more of my taste at the moment. The fact that it seems slightly slimmer as far as a backpack goes, while still holding quite a bit of gear, has put it in my top spot. The fact that it’s under $200 is a nice plus, too.

Other Suggestions

Ultimately, I’d like to have a new bag on my back in time for my upcoming Maui trip in 3 weeks, so there is still a little time for continued research and maybe some insight from other photographers to help influence my decision.

If you have first hand experience with any of the Think Tank bags or have your own trusty model that you won’t leave home without, please do share your thoughts.

Thanks,
– Kris

This entry was posted in Gear.

2 Comments

  1. Danny Ta August 2, 2011 at 12:17 am #

    If you do end up getting a streetwalker, let me know how it performs. I’m thinking of getting one myself for my trip to NY in Sept.

    I can’t attest to thinktank’s backpacks, but I can definitely vouch for the Urban Disguise 60 and 30.

    I used to use them extensively since I always brought my laptop to work, figured I’d bring my camera along. I don’t go too easy on my bags and they’ve held up very well.

    The quality of a thinktank bag is one thing you can definitely trust 🙂

  2. Kris August 6, 2011 at 11:00 am #

    Will do. I put in the order on Friday, so should have it next week.