How did you rig your Lowepro Versapack 200 for Pentax gear?

[Reportage]

Bought one for day to day use when i do not need the heavy gear.

Curently fitted Pentax K20D + 50-135mm 2.8 + 17-50mm 2.8 + flash all in bottom compartment.

Both lane can fit the K20D + 50-135mm with hood reversed after using Bagman divider. To draw camera out quickly, removed the K20D vertical grip.

There is actually another divider at end of lane to adjust the depth depending on lens length for better fit.

There is enough space at end of lane to fit a flashgun vertically with adjustable angle towards the opening, this way i can also draw out the flash quickly if needed.

Have been set up for side loading. Nice to see that still got some space even when put the pentax gear inside. The top compartment is also spacious and is more then enough for most people day to day personal stuff. Even when fully loaded, its shape makes it look as though not much things inside.

Importantly, this bag has the waist and chest buckle to better support the bag. But even not using them, the bag is pretty comfortable.

 

[darrrrrrrrrr]

Can't really tell what's in the photos abt how the bag is set up and how the gear fits

 

[flowerpot]

Can't really tell what's in the photos abt how the bag is set up and how the gear fits

U dare question a Pro !!!

 

[darrrrrrrrrr]

U dare question a Pro !!!

What!!! No!!! How would I dare to do such a thing!

I just wanted the Pro to further elaborate on his sagely advice, I am looking to buy a backpack you see..

 

[oceanpriest]

Importantly, this bag has the waist and chest buckle to better support the bag. But even not using them, the bag is pretty comfortable.

This is really important if you want to climb a tree

 

[edutilos-]

I don't understand what you are talking about here.......

How to set up a bag... You just change the dividers lor.... Then you put the camera inside???

 

[edutilos-]

Can't really tell what's in the photos abt how the bag is set up and how the gear fits

I am wondering if TS is interested in showing the gear he has or....

If he is, then chum liao.... All the hidden dragon crouching tiger Pentax Dark Lords here must be laughing their heads off??? :dunno:

 

[eow]

lol....

 

[Reportage]

No problem...went to RP`s Ignite Music Festival to try it out. Using this bag was quite different from using the usual camera backpack / messenger and belt system.

Loaded it as configured for side loading.

Camera flash at the end and Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 at the other chamber.

Using an unused divider from a bagman messenger bag, created another chamber that fits a k20d with fixed DA*50-135mm f/2.8. (For me, my default lens is the 50-135mm)

I can switch lens quickly as long remember which chamber each lens will go to similar as to how i use a belt system just that using a backpack like this, unlikely people will just open a pouch and grab something which do happen at such gigs especially if the pit area damn very small. Unlike larger bags which usually they put somewhere and hope it is still there or they carry and risk it getting knocked by the over-excited audience, i can simply swing the versapack to my front for even more added security without it disturbing my aim. There they were selling canned drinks for $1 each. I had already loaded up the versapack personal storage compartment with drinks i bought much cheaper outside which lasted me till time to go. If my shoulders felt tired, all i had to do was lock the chest buckle and waist buckle which would take quite a lot of the strain off my shoulders. Good thinking there on the part of Lowepro. Below the bag was tripod holders but i fixed a jacket to it instead in case heavy rain at night or becomes freezing cold.

This was iso 6400 at 1/160 to decently freeze the movement. Hopefully things will be better with the coming upgrade.

This was daytime. Even huge-ly cropped, the details are still there.

The only problem is that this bag cannot stand on its own but i am guessing with its design, it does not really have to be put on the floor. Thank goodness for GSS, got this bag cheaper.

Tmw, will use this bag to photograph a certain large scale event.

 

[flowerpot]

I buy any bag... Take out all the inserts... Place the inserts as i like... I can also place it like you... And all my bag can stand on its own... lol...

 

[pentriot]

unless i use the same gear as the Pro...
otherwise i am happy with my thinktank's urban disguise and retrospective at my own configurations.

 

[darrrrrrrrrr]

unless i use the same gear as the Pro...
otherwise i am happy with my thinktank's urban disguise and retrospective at my own configurations.

You got better gear than some pros lah.. Maybe better photos too..

 

[pinholecam]

You got better gear than some pros lah.. Maybe better photos too..

He's got gear even pros want also hard to find.

 

[fengwei]

unless i use the same gear as the Pro...
otherwise i am happy with my thinktank's urban disguise and retrospective at my own configurations.

Your Thinktank looks more pro than a backpack Actually it's one of those very first options pros would choose to carry their cameras/lenses: Camera Bags

Pros don't use backpack... How to Spot an Amateur

Amateurs like me always carry our gear like this:

 

[cichlid]

The hot shoe in the first pic definitely look PRO ;p

 

[pentriot]

You got better gear than some pros lah.. Maybe better photos too..

He's got gear even pros want also hard to find.

really meh???:think:

 

[creampuff]

Wah, brother Fengwei now quote Ken Rockwell... :bigeyes:
Actually I think backpacks do make sense especially with long lenses and tripods, if one needs to keep their hands free or to balance the load on long treks.

Any bag can work, it all boils down to how much gear you need to carry around, the space your gear takes up and whether the features best fits your use. Of course brand preference, material and price do play a part. Side loading bags aren't new and there are many brands to choose from like the Kata 3N series. Personally I've not been a fan of Lowepro bags, but that's just me. Others may find it the best bag brand around... but we're all different.

 

[creampuff]

Bro if everybody tells you, then it must be true. :angel:

 

[darrrrrrrrrr]

I've nvr been a big fan of these side loading backpacks, the premise of the need to quick draw a camera out of the backpack is so overrated.

If the place is full of photo ops then you should already have your camera out and ready. Whipping the camera out for just one shot seems silly to me and just reminds me of a tourist with a Canon Rebel who has a lens cap keeper and a permanently reverse mounted lens hood.

but i may be wrong, given the prevalence of Slingshots, Fastpacks and the like. It's just not a feature I really value in a backpack..

 

[fengwei]

Wah, brother Fengwei now quote Ken Rockwell... :bigeyes:

Hehe, I happened to find that page, didn't notice it's from Rockwell until you said so

We've been through so many years' playing and experience, of course we know what bag or gear suit us the best, for certain occasion For what OT is carrying (one body, a couple of small lenses and a flash), I still think a shoulder bag (maybe a Lowepro Stealth Reporter?) would be a better option for fast access and pro look