Olympics Turino 2006 and which camera bag to take?

MacGYVER · Jan 15th, 2006, 10:36 PM

Hi everyone,

I am lucky enough to attend the Winter Olympics in Italy next month. Problem I'm having is, this will be my first time to a major big event of its kind.

I'm trying to decide on which camera bag to get or take with me, so it doesn't make it too obvious to everyone.

The camera I am taking along is my Nikon N65 (yes I know film camera) with just the kit lens, still debating if I will be taking the 300mm lens or not with me.

Right now I own a LowePro camera bag, but it stands out in a crowd if you know what I mean. But my question is, if I was to get a Crumpler camera bag, would it make a difference? Or should I just use a backpack and keep the camera inside that?

I am going to be around thousands of people and want to limit the amount of gear I am carrying around while at the Olympics. Obviously once I am using my camera out in the open, it won't be concealed, but it would be nice to try when not in use.

Have any of you been in such huge crowds and carried around such equipment?

I'm up for any suggestions, but a new camera

scootsandludes · Jan 15th, 2006, 11:07 PM

If you're just bringing a body and one lens (I'm assuming it's a 28-70 4.5-5.6?) , go get one of those compact bags that go for about $30, they're small, and nobody will notice it, just put some black tape on the name if you're paranoid. keep your film in a separate bag. Nice things about these bags, is you can keep them close to your chest, and keep a watchful eye on it.

I'd bring the 300, and just leave that on the body, my personal feeling is you'd probably want to see the expression on the athletes faces then the whole picture, which most people would probably just pass by.

vince

Makr · Jan 16th, 2006, 01:23 AM

Going through high school and doing a couple of days at disneyland, I found an old army surplus shoulder bag, that's perfect size for my SLR and lens. It doesn't look any special and works for exactly what i need it to do. Other then that, carry a medium sized backpack 10-20L. you won't want to be carrying alot of stuff, a lunch, some extra film, a water bottle or thermos as the case maybe. The other thing is really think if you need the 300mm lens, go to a couple of sporting events now and test out what sort of shots you want to be taking. Besides if you don't take it, it won't be out in the open and it's less exposure time for a decent piece of gear.

Have fun.

jasonwood · Jan 17th, 2006, 10:14 PM

I'd go with the Crumpler

But seriously, if you want the stealthiest photo bag ever, yet still ultra-protective, get a messenger-style bag with a Bucket insert. Unlikely anyone would guess it's a camera bag, even many people who know Crumpler.