Backpack which is easy to change lens while wearing

[WuffRuff]

Hi,
I have read many threads on camera backpacks but nobody discussed about the ease of changing lens while wearing the backpack. So far, some people mentioned that the Lowepro Fastpack is quite easy to change lens while wearing. I wonder are there any other backpacks that are quite easy/ok to change lens while wearing the bag?

I am thinking of getting Kata DR 467. It looks ok for changing lens. Wonder is it safe to open the lens compartment while wearing the bag (will lens drop out?). It looks ok. Anyone with experience with this bag can share how you change lens?

Thanks.

[catchlights]

I'm not sure about which backpack able to let you change lens while wearing it...

but basically the design of backpack is too free your both hands, and put all the weight at your back and for you to move around, if you need to take anything out from your backpack, you have to dismount it, unless you are talk about day pack type.

even you wear your backpack at the front and try to change lenses, I find it is too risky, rather dismount the bag and leave it on the ground for taking things out from the bag.

it seem a little slow this way, and may miss some shots, but it would be far better than drop a lens or camera and miss all the shots.

[WuffRuff]

Originally Posted by catchlights but basically the design of backpack is too free your both hands, and put all the weight at your back and for you to move around, if you need to take anything out from your backpack, you have to dismount it, unless you are talk about day pack type. even you wear your backpack at the front and try to change lenses, I find it is too risky, rather dismount the bag and leave it on the ground for taking things out from the bag. it seem a little slow this way, and may miss some shots, but it would be far better than drop a lens or camera and miss all the shots.

Yah, I guess I am talking about day pack type...
I need a backpack bag that is easy to change lens for travelling. Sling bag is too heavy for me as all the weight is on one shoulder. I know myself... even using my sling bag, I am often lazy to change lens. If I have to dismount the bag to change lens, I think I will only change lens if I really have no choice. Besides when travelling with other pple, I may not have the time to put down the bag, then change the lens and make everyone wait for me. I need to be able to do it on the go.

[TMC]

Think Tank Rotation 360. Might be just what you are looking for.

[WuffRuff]

Originally Posted by TMC Think Tank Rotation 360. Might be just what you are looking for.

Hmm... i have looked at that from the website... from the specs, it seems to be a very big and heavy bag. But I'll check it out at the shops anyway... thanks.

[KangS]

Think this back fits what you're asking for to a 'T'.

http://www.rotation360.com/


It's the Think Tank Rotation 360. Saw it at TK before, but never asked the price about it.

[catchlights]

it is case, just get a any backpack plus a lens waist bag..

[eugene260880]

eithern can sep, backpack plus lens holder clip to the shoulder pad at the front for quik access
or just get the fastpack 250
350 i find it abit too big
i stand at 1.74 n medium built

[log1t3ch]

have u check out the lowepro flipsides?

[surge]

first of all, do consider the weight of the backpacks alone. Most are really heavy even without anything in it. once had the nature trekker and sold it for this reason. the other reason is you tend to over pack due the the available space and thinking that you can handle more load as backpack.

if you wan speed you will need some form of belt pack that you can attach at least 1 item that you forsee will change quite frequently. same a norm zoom and pack a wide zoom or tele zoom.

if not you will end up losing many photos due to the trouble of changing lens...

[WuffRuff]

Originally Posted by log1t3ch have u check out the lowepro flipsides?

I saw the video on the website... but dunno if really easy to change lens like that.
Do u use that bag? Tell me about it...

But I prefer those bag with 2 compartment... 1 for lens and 1 for personal items...
Good for travelling...

I'm still waiting to hear comments about the Kata DR 467...
How come nobody mentioned this bag?

[pandukades]

Hi! WuffRuff,
I too am looking for a simillar model of Back Pak which I intend to purchase on my next visit to Singapore... Think Tank rotation 360 seems interesting. Any info on the price and from where it could be purchased, will be appreciated.

[calebk]

Rotation 360 - $388.00

Price list taken from this page.

[Randius]

The Rotation 360 may appears to be heavy but it distributes the weight well. Thom Hogan do think highly of the backpack but also noted that the top compartment is too small for bigger lenses (70-200) and doesn't carry a tripod in a well-balanced manner.

I had seen a fellow CSer using the backpack and yes, it is easy to change lenses, provided they are stored in the beltpack or in lens pouches attached to the beltpack.

[WuffRuff]

Originally Posted by calebk Rotation 360 - $388.00 Price list taken from this page.

WOWWW!!!
That's steep! Way beyond my budget for now...

[calebk]

Originally Posted by WuffRuff WOWWW!!! That's steep! Way beyond my budget for now...

Then I'm afraid your ideal backpack doesn't exist. Most, if not all backpacks require setting it down if you want to retrieve stuff from it, even Lowepro's Rovers, Daypacks, and Crumpler's series of half-camerabag backpacks.

[anttz]

I’m currently using the Fastpack 200. IMHO, it is easy to retrieve body with lens mount for a quick shoot but it is difficult to let you change lens while wearing it. Have tried once but a bit difficult and a little risky. And I believe it is much more difficult while changing longer zoom lens.

I think easier and safer way is to use lens pouches attached to the beltpack.

[drewdam]

or uses the newswear chestvest to store n change lens on the go..with normal backpack for your other items..and useit as transpotation storage for the whole chestvest while not shooting...

[copycat]

I did that with lowepro fastpack

[night86mare]

thinktank rotation
fastpack from lowepro
flipside too

if those don't work for you, stick to shoulder or belt packs.