C100: Walkaround side bag

BrandonT

BrandonT

Well-known member
I was curious if anyone uses a side bag/ messenger bag as an easy walkaround bag? I have my Think Tank bags, which are great. But I'm talking about for situations like:

When I'm on the sidelines of a football field and I need to swap out lenses quickly. In this situation, I wouldn't have a spot that I can just set down my Think Tank bag and it be secure.

When walking around filming in a downtown area. I don't want a heavy backpack on in this situation. But I want to be able to swap lenses and have mics available. And also want to be able to stash the camera away when possible to not attract attention if in an area with high crime rates.



I've been considering the Lowepro Event Messenger 250 Shoulder Bag. But I can't see the C100 fitting into it. Maybe if I removed the handle, and put it in separately, I might be able to squeeze it in, with it bulging the bag some. Otherwise, it looks like it would be a great bag for what I'm wanting.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/840043-REG/Lowepro_LP36416_0WW_Event_Messenger_250_For.html

Thanks!
 
Since you're shooting with your camera your camera stays in your hand until either it goes on a tripod or gets packed for the day. I can see instances where it'd be nice to be able to put it in your shoulder bag, but I don't run into those instances often. As it is, the C100 is a bit large for a shoulder bag.

I use this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/826267-REG/Lowepro_LP36406_PAM_Pro_Messenger_Bag_160.html

I like it a lot. I put two lenses, a water bottle, and some small accessories in it such as batteries, sometimes lav mics with audio recorders, lens cleaners, etc. The strap that came with it wasn't good, so I bought a separate strap and that solved the problem. I use a shoulder bag on most of my shoots, particularly run n' gun.

I think you could fit the C100 in that bag as well (with the top handle off, of course), though I've never had reason to try.
 
Good stuff. Yeah, I might have to just go with something that I can't put my camera in. I would just be doing handheld in these situations, though, and wouldn't have a tripod. And one other thing that I was considering and didn't mention is going to the bathroom at halftime at a football game. I can't walk into the bathroom with a video camera in my hand. Might walk out in handcuffs. lol. But I'm sure I can figure something out on that. Might just have to walk up to the pressbox and leave it with an associate of mine first.

Looks like your bag was discontinued. I think the one that I listed is the successor to that one.
 
I just got this bag this week. I don't think it could quite comfortably fit a C100 though... maybe.

Now, it's small. I can fit a DSLR with a medium sized lens on inside it, one small to medium lens (Nikkor Ai-S, SLR Magic, etc.) in each side pouch, and batteries, filters, and memory cards etc. in the front pouch.
It is not padded, but it is the standard tough nylon with rubberized insides for "some" water protection. Also tough zippers, some velcro parts.
The big point of this one for me is that it also mounts on your BELT, so I can REALLY go out - like into the desert or mountains and still have hands free for other things.

Oh...and did I say it cost a whopping $13,99? Yup.

http://www.banggood.com/Tactical-Waist-Pack-Military-Camping-Hiking-Sport-Bag-p-917055.html
 
If you want to just prevent dust by changing lenses inside a bag, then just carry a large trashbag in your pocket.

You can also use these kind of vests Lowepro and use lens pouches attached to it. So you won't be carrying bags.

I am actively searching for a good vest either in Khaki or camouflage but it seems the Lowerpro vest is only in black.
Cheers,
Sabyasachi
 
Eric Coughlin said:
I've peed in a public bathroom while wearing a Steadicam with a C100 on it. Quite the balancing act.
Click to expand...

Hahaha! I bet!

indiawilds said:
If you want to just prevent dust by changing lenses inside a bag, then just carry a large trashbag in your pocket.

You can also use these kind of vests Lowepro and use lens pouches attached to it. So you won't be carrying bags.

I am actively searching for a good vest either in Khaki or camouflage but it seems the Lowerpro vest is only in black.
Cheers,
Sabyasachi
Click to expand...

Cool, good tip on the trash bag. I have a Khaki vest by Columbia. Maybe check their stuff out.

DPStewart said:
I just got this bag this week. I don't think it could quite comfortably fit a C100 though... maybe.

Now, it's small. I can fit a DSLR with a medium sized lens on inside it, one small to medium lens (Nikkor Ai-S, SLR Magic, etc.) in each side pouch, and batteries, filters, and memory cards etc. in the front pouch.
It is not padded, but it is the standard tough nylon with rubberized insides for "some" water protection. Also tough zippers, some velcro parts.
The big point of this one for me is that it also mounts on your BELT, so I can REALLY go out - like into the desert or mountains and still have hands free for other things.

Oh...and did I say it cost a whopping $13,99? Yup.

http://www.banggood.com/Tactical-Waist-Pack-Military-Camping-Hiking-Sport-Bag-p-917055.html
Click to expand...

Hmm, I like this. So it can be worn like a shoulder bag, like a backpack, or on your belt?

If the measurements are right, then I think the C100 might just be able to squeeze in it. Doesn't have to comfortably fit in it. Doesn't even have to close. Just fit well enough to have it there for a few minutes at a time.

Edit: nevermind! They didn't put up units of measurement on that page. I saw that it was cm, not inches, from the Amazon listing for it. lol. I still like the bag.

I you take a picture of the bag with your DSLR in it, please post it or send it to me if you don't mind! :)
 
If absolutely needed it should fit in there stripped down (likely a tight close though, heh!). I'm debating getting it for my A7s and having that bag literally be the only thing I need to bring when shooting a wedding (+ a monopod, and assuming I'm not on a slider that day, heh).
 
I got a lens belt for these types of situations. There are plenty of different sized attachments to fit anything from lens to mics. Although it's not the most fashionable item, it's super convenient and way easier than having to always deal with a full on bag on your shoulder.

I got this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Ha...UTF8&qid=1439916123&sr=8-1&keywords=lens+belt

And then I bought something like this to attach to it:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MJ3RC8E?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00
 
I believe in being able to function one handed and I have always used modular belt pouches. I assume anything I place down will be stolen, the thieves are that fast and it's happened before. By having pockets, usually from Portabrace, my belts are expandable for when it's Parka season. It also tells me when I have gained weight and need to cut down on the beers.

So you said to change lenses. On a day I know I will be going between just two here's my rig: 1 Portabrace, 1 Kata and 1 Lowe Pro. I change lenses without anything touching the ground. One pocket has the sunshade not in use. I also have a water bottle holder not pictured here. Always have a Leatherman unless TSA got it again. The belt and pouches are beat to Hell for that professional look. I also have a Cliff Bar, lens cleaning stuff, a shower cap (never leave a hotel room without taking it!), folded up call sheet, gum, (no condoms), four C47s, outlet tester, spare batt, radio mic and extra AAs, 3 prong adapter, Sharpie and pen, 1 white and 1 African American powder compact, very small mosquito juice and sunscreen tubes or hand warmers, Bandaids(!), folded cheap plastic rain poncho, small LED flashlight and other survivalist supplies. Safe place for my sunglasses in their case. Before a big documentary, rush around, mainly solo and hand held type shoot I empty all the pouches and reload properly. Some shoots you can't see the belt because I added other pouches.

So, if I have the camera on my right shoulder I can spin the belt around to get at ANYTHING instantly just using my left hand. Since everything is in its place I don't even have to look down. I can't imagine a flopping messenger bag, especially when climbing, etc. Do you want to look like you're going to a meeting or as a dashing, handsome cameraman?

When I need to carry more gear, like the 70-200, I have a typical small book bag backpack ($30?) in which I put 3" of foam rubber in the bottom and on top of the left shoulder strap I gaffer taped a big piece of foam rubber. That's the shoulder I hoist my tripod on if I have to walk a distance. So in effect I look like a wandering migrant video worker. The crowds part as I walk straight at them which they will not do with a ubiquitous messenger bag. Or maybe they're afraid of getting tripod legs in their face? But I think it's the belt.
 

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OK...Here's the $14 bag in action.

I assembled a typical bunch of stuff to go in it. 3 lenses total - all pretty good sized, filters, memory cards, batteries, etc... The old Nikon is bigger than my 6D body so I used it here to show larger body accommodation. I left the lens ON when I put it in the bag.
The main compartment was not even tight at all with this load. I can't say for sure it would hold a C100....but dang, I wouldn't be surprised at all if it could.

All of the canvas is rubber-backed, and all the clasps, zippers, and velcro are strong. There are multiple strong ways to attach this bag to your belt or to other bags. I took the long shoulder strap off for these pictures. This bag is really great quality for the price. I am assuming it was an overstock dump that has made it this inexpensive.
Heck, I might just get a couple more because why not, right? I had a Martini last night that cost more than this bag!


Cheap Bag 1.jpg
Cheap Bag 2.jpg

Oh yeah - here's the link again: http://www.banggood.com/Tactical-Waist-Pack-Military-Camping-Hiking-Sport-Bag-p-917055.html
 
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Next up will be the $23 matching backpack.

Gonna see just how much I can cram into that thing. I think I can get a couple LED lights, a laptop, possibly even a disassembled shoulder rig.

Normally I wouldn't care too much about these wearable bags since I've always used traditional "Pelican" style cases.
But I've recently had to do some shoots way out in the desert, and on some mountain hikes.
 
I needed something similar as you for a gig and I picked up a Lowepro Passport Sling III http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1032319-REG/lowepro_lp36657_passport_sling_iii_black.html

Unzipping the side to allow maximum space internally I was able to place a C100 w/ Top handle attached, and a 24-105 in the bag along with a single lens and a random battery or two. It's by far not perfect and i wouldn't call it padded or really protective. However, if you find yourself in some...unsavory territory it is an option. Also I do like it as a lens sling, I've worked gigs where I store 2-3 lenses in the bag while I'm shooting for quick lens swaps.
 
TSDavis said:
I needed something similar as you for a gig and I picked up a Lowepro Passport Sling III http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1032319-REG/lowepro_lp36657_passport_sling_iii_black.html

Unzipping the side to allow maximum space internally I was able to place a C100 w/ Top handle attached, and a 24-105 in the bag along with a single lens and a random battery or two. It's by far not perfect and i wouldn't call it padded or really protective. However, if you find yourself in some...unsavory territory it is an option. Also I do like it as a lens sling, I've worked gigs where I store 2-3 lenses in the bag while I'm shooting for quick lens swaps.
Click to expand...

got one as well. Very handy because the padded interior can be removed and folded, then both part (padded interior and bag) can be folded into a suitcase for travel.
Very handy and comfortable, but not very strong : after a year seams are already being tore apart. I'm a bit disappointed. Still using it regularly though.
 
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