Camera bag - Weifeng any experience?

[MRSAMO]

Hi folks,

I'm due for a camera backpack bag (yes my spending spree is still going lol).

My price range is between $50-$80 and it has to fit a small notebook (11.6"). I've looked at a lot at Harvey Horman, JB HIFI etc and they're either too small, only a shoulder strap or over $120. Hard to find the middle range type bags here.

But I've found this :

http://www.weifengchina.com/pro/index_show.asp?id=1510

Capacity : 1 DSLR with Iens attached, 1 additional Iens or flash light and accessories

Inner size : 180 * 140 * 200mm

Outer size : 240 * 225 * 405mm

Fabric : Water-proof wearable canvas

Net weight : 892g

　　　　　　　

Does anyone have experience with Weifeng bags? The bag material is canvas which isn't very common so I've no idea if its going to be durable or terrain proof.

I visited a shop that had quite a few tripods made by Weifeng though they looked and felt a bit cheap.

 

[sinned79]

it looked stealth enough... but the quality wise and how well it can protect your equipments, hard to tell until u try it.

 

[Reportage]

you be looking at something like the Lowepro Fastpack 250.

2nd hand, it goes for under $90 sometimes.

The weifeng doesnt look like it has a laptop compartment.

 

[MRSAMO]

you be looking at something like the Lowepro Fastpack 250.

2nd hand, it goes for under $90 sometimes.

The weifeng doesnt look like it has a laptop compartment.

Ta mate. Sorry I posted the wrong picture, there is another weifeng bag that's very similar to this but with a notebook slot on the side.

it looked stealth enough... but the quality wise and how well it can protect your equipments, hard to tell until u try it.

It seems well padded with handy space for a lot of things not just for cameras. I was concerned with the outer material which is canvas. Apparently that's not a waterproof material and can feel quite rough.

I found a number of info supporting canvas bags, this one doesn't sound too favourable but they conduct bag tests! (http://whitemountain.com.au/backpack_construction/material_test_results.html) :

http://www.whitemountain.com.au/backpack_construction/material_faqs.html

The earliest examples of backpack fabrics used were cotton canvas waterproofed with a heavy wax coating. While these backpacks displayed excellent weatherproofing characteristics the fabrics were heavy, prone to abrasion and when stored wet would rot. Although there are very few canvas backpacks manufactured today, there are some backpacks made from technologically advanced canvas materials, which promote the combination of synthetic materials to improve the strength and water resistance of the canvas fabric. However, backpacks made from cotton canvas in general are not usually waterproof and apart from some limited brands, the only place you are likely to find backpacks made of this material is possibly the military. (Although, even the military are now replacing canvas backpacks with Polyurethane coated Cordura Nylon, Kodra Nylon, or other Nylon fabrics). Due to a lack of waterproofing and a ready ability to absorb water or moisture, especially in less expensive materials, cotton canvas is not a preferred backpack material. Its main advantage is that it is generally inexpensive and backpacks made of this material are cheaper as a result. This does not suggest there are not better canvas fabrics available, but these technologically advanced fabrics are expensive and inherently heavy.

This one sounds good:

You have a lot of options if you're looking for a camera bag as far as material is concerned. Leather is a popular choice. But if you're going to base your decision on what others have been buying, you may want to purchase a canvas camera bag.

You're probably wondering why a lot of photographers prefer this material for their bags. Well, you would know the answer if you know the benefits of using canvas. First of all, it's one of the most durable materials that you can find. It can stand forces that can easily rip apart lesser materials. This alone is reason enough why you should get a canvas camera bag. After all, you're protecting something very expensive. The last thing you would want is your camera bag ripping accidentally and your camera crashing on the ground.

A bag made of canvas is also a good investment if you're looking for short and long-term returns. It can easily stand the test of time. It's commonly used in ship sails so you know that in addition to being durable, it can also stand the rigors of time. This way, you don't have to buy a new one every few months. You can focus on buying new accessories for your camera using the savings that you'll get from not buying new bags.

A canvas camera bag can also be fashionable like leather. There are a lot of designs available so you can still be stylish and fashionable while you're enjoying the durability of the material. Here are some good examples:

1. Domke F-802 Reporter's Satchel

Satchels have always been very stylish. But you're not paying for the style alone. A satchel bag is also multi-purpose. This canvas camera bag can also be a laptop bag so you can be sure that there are enough spaces and compartments for your camera and its accessories. It has seven compartments all in all which are more than enough.

2. Leica 14855 Billingham Combination Bag

This is a bag that is designed for the Leica M Series. So if you have one, this bag is perfect for you. But even if you don't have one, you may want to at least check it out. You'll see what I mean once you see this stylish and durable bag.

3. Domke F-833 Large Photo Courier Bag

There are some photographers who don't want to advertise to the whole world that they are photographers. If you're like that, then you would need a canvas bag that doesn't look like one. This bag is perfect because it looks like a bike messenger bag that anyone would carry. But it does a great job of carrying your camera, lenses and accessories.

There are a lot of other options for you and these three are supposed to give you an idea on what you can expect from a canvas camera bag. So check out your options so you can protect your investment with a bag that's made with a very durable material.

 

[ismokeweed79]

I believe Domke also uses canvas ?

 

[Reportage]

Thing is bags with its design not made for use during wet weather. the minute you open the flap to access anything, everything becomes wet.

I believe Domke also uses canvas ?

 

[sinned79]

billingham bags also made of canvas but they are treated with chemicals to be waterproof.

 

[MRSAMO]

yeah I'm gonna bite the bullet and just get one. It may be an unknown chinese brand but it appears to be well padded inside with a couple of useful pockets and a tripod holder. Just wish the zips were lockable. A trip IN China will probably result in a few monkey hands grabbing at the side pockets.