Hello! I hike 14ers (tall peaks in Colorado) with my son and have previously brought a simple Lowepro padded case on dozens of hikes. It holds my Z6ii (or D7200) with either a 28-75 or 24-200 (or DX 16-80). I don’t carry a second lens to keep the weight down, as I’d rather carry extra water than equipment.
I wonder if there is a lightweight and compact sling that would enable me to carry a body/lens and a second lens. I don’t need eleventy compartments. It does need to be padded, as my equipment frequently bangs around on rock scrambles.
Any advice? I’d like to stay at or below $100.
The photo is an unprocessed shot of a marmot on Mount Yale last summer, at 200mm.
I'm not entirely sure what exists nowadays, but I have an older Tamrac case that is essentially a soft camera case, into which the camera with lens on it slips from the top, and it has Velcro on the sides, which allow you to add lens or other little attachments on the side. I used this for quite a while. My current rig, a D7100 with the 16-80 lens and the FX version of the 70-300AFP is too snug for comfort, but similar cases might be found, and if your gear fits, this is a really handy setup. The one shown (if it shows) was very handy with a D3200, a 55-300 lens, a flash charger or other non-round object, and a few accessories, and the way it hangs allows you to open it and take the camera out without unslinging it. If you only needed the one pouch you could just take the other off. Went all over Galapagos and Antarctica and elsewhere.
I used to carry cameras on slings and straps. But now, I simply put them in my backpack. When needed, I take them out. This gives me the opportunity to think twice if the scene is really worth a picture. Unless you are actually climbing rocks, that would be my recommendation. You can also fix one of those clips on the straps of the backpack which carry the camera at the screw if you need the camera out for easy reach.
Take a look at the ThinkTank Turnstyle series. I'm on my second Turnstyle 20 which is the largest version. It comfortably holds 3 lenses (14-30, 24-70 f/2.8, 70-200 f/2.8) with my camera on my shoulder, or two lenses with the camera in the bag. There is lots of room for a rain cover, extra cards and batteries, maps, phone and anything else you need. It's a torso bag with a wide strap so it carries weight very well. For a camera and one lens, the Turnstyle 10 would probably be big enough.
More recently I've gotten the Photocross 13 from ThinkTank. It has a little move room for my Z 70-200 (which is slightly longer than the F-mount version). I prefer the pockets and feel of the Turnstyle 20, but a little more room is helpful. The Photocross 10 is worth a look.
Eric Bowles
www.bowlesimages.com
My wife bought me this on the Kickstarter and while I really like the bag, I wish it had a waist strap of some sort, like my messenger bag, to keep it on the back, if I bend over or crouch - which, depending on the terrain, can happed pretty often.
There are loops on the corners that I could probably attach something to, I've been too lazy to look, so far.
It just fits an R5 with a 100-400 lens, with a little room to spare. There are a few internal pockets and some external tie down loops (that I keep thinking would be good for a monopod.).
One nice feature is an elastic cord inside the "lid", with a hook on the opposite side. I like this, because, when I pull the camera out, I drop the lens cap inside the bag and "close" it with the elastic cord. It's not as securely closed but it's enough to keep things from falling out.
Thanks to all of you for the suggestions! I’ve hiked with my equipment in a backpack and having it loose is just a nightmare. One of the smaller TurnStyle bags might be perfect.
I use a Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L (V1), which I got on sale for $99. Depending on lens size, it'll hold a camera with lens attached, plus two additional lenses and batteries, cards, a tablet, a phone, etc. Alas, I got it on sale because V2 has come out with a price of $160. However PD also has a 6L V2 which can hold a camera with lens plus another lens. Unlike, the 10L, it can also be used as a fanny pack. It has a retail of $120. Construction on these slings are excellent. They water-resistant zippers, and the interior dividers are very flexible.
I believe Think Tank would offer you the best solution, I use several, they offer a quality product and hold up well. Unfortunately I have never seen the perfect camera bag, different bags for different situations.
I use the Peak Design Sling 3L or 6L for everyday carry type situations. If I'm taking a hiking backpack I usually just toss the 3L in there if I want to bring my camera. It easily fits the Z7ii + 24-200, which is my mainstay "just go out and shoot whatever I see" lens. It can fit the 105mm f/2.8, but it's a little tight.
The 6L comfortably holds a second lens, plus room for a strap and a spare battery pack for my phone.
Anything more these days usually means I'm bringing a dedicated photo backpack with room for more lenses.
I bought a used Peak Design 5L bag. The 5L or 6L version would fit your gear quite comfortably. I use a Z6 and the 24-120 f4. Still room for an extra battery and snack. The only thing I don't like is that there's no pocket for a water bottle. Not a dealbreaker for me since I'm an urban hiker, but if I were to walk in the forest preserves, I would also wear a belt/water holder to carry extra fluids and food,
@chicago A matter of taste, perhaps, and perhaps also of body shape and how belts pull on your garments,but I find an over-shoulder bottle holder nicer for hiking and the like than a belt one. Less clanking and bumping, and less need for attention as the heavy water bottle keeps trying to pull your pants down.