Camera bag help
 

I have a Nikon D60 DSLR with an addtional lens. When I'm at my destination the camera stays around my neck all day, but I need something secure to put the extra lens in, something I can get to easily when I need to change lenses, but I also need the bag to hold a few other non-camera essentials.It should be large enough to put the camera in if there was bad weather. I'm trying to keep down the amount and weight of things I lug around all day. I'm female, 5'2", can't handle something really big or bulky. I've looked locally, not a lot of choices in my area. I'm thinking a cross body bag might work. I've looked online and still haven't found just the right thing. Any suggestions out there?

I don't use a camera bag for my DSLR. I just stick it in my normal bag. The extra lens only goes if I feel I might need it and I am willing to deal with the weight.

I use the Save Your Back Bag by Norm Thompson and it works great for me.

I can get my camera, lens, guidebook, junke and water bottle in this thing.

http://www.normthompson.com/jump.jsp...ProductID=7117

I haven't tried the camera bag sold by

http://www.courierwareusa.com/

but I've used their other bags and like them a lot. They're reasonably waterproof, and I find them easy to carry despite my arthritic shoulders.

I just checked this bag out online, and it looks promising. I should have clarified I am looking for a bag that will hold a camera and lens, not a camera bag, per se. So, your bag just may work, plus it is on sale! Do you think it is easy to get the lens in and out? I previously had an 18-200 lens, fell on the camera and broke the lens in Spain, now have a new camera and got the 18-55 and 55-200 lenses. The 18-200 Nikon lens was $900., so I opted for two lenses and body for about $900. Hope I won't regret that choice. Thanks again for your suggestion.

I was replying to Carol A with my last post, but will check out SJJ's suggetion also. Thanks.

I have had a number of camera bags over the period of years, and different cameras, but they fit the use I was doing at the time. A fanny pack may be what you want, and make it customized with foam if you need to.

I have a Nikon D40x with the extra 200mm lens. I'm also a woman around your size (5'4"). For my last trip (to Rome) I got the LowePro Slingshot 100. It's a good bag, made specifically for a DSLR. It will hold the camera, extra lens and another small lens, shade or flash. It's nice because you can pull it around front to access it without taking the bag off. It also comes with a rain cover which stuffs up inside it when not in use (I used this a lot!).

You might look at Crumpler bags too.

Now, all that said, I have to admit that I bought a $10, generic, small messenger style bag in the men's section of my local Marshall's and I'm going to try that on my next trip (to Paris). I like my Lowepro bag, but I'm looking for something a little more "fashionable" and something to carry more in front than in back.
I DO like my Lowepro bag and will continue to use it, but probably more on "adventure" trips than "city" trips.

I'm another Lowepro fan. When traveling light (I have a number of lenses for my Nikon) I use the Nova 2 model. It has enough room for my camera, spare lens, and a speedlight.

Lowepro has a huge selection of camera bags, and you are bound to find one right for you. See http://www.lowepro.com/

Challiman,

I find the lens easy to get out of the purse I use. I generally try to "pack" the purse so the lens is on "top"

My other trick is that I put the lens in a sleeve (I think mine was actually an isulated water bottle with one of those "hiking" clips (can't think of what they are called) So for some things I just have that attached to my belt loop. (I did this in Costa Rica where I was doing animals for example)

Every year I look for a camera bag, but I never buy one. I don't want to look like I am carrying a camera bag LOL!

Thanks to all who wrote with suggestions. I am visiting in California and found a bag that I think is going to work. It is a Victorinox Flex Pack Mini backpack, approx. $65.00. It is not a camera bag, but it will fit the camera, extra lens, wallet or use the section instead of a wallet, water bottle, and even some small snacks, guidebook or maps. It can be a backpack, shoulder bag or cross body. There is a smaller one in this line that might have worked as well, didn't have the camera with me when I found it, and it could be a waist pack,cross body or backpack. The one I bought has some padding and is substantial enough to offer some protection, but not bulky or heavy. That said, I won't know til I actually try it if it is "the one." Thanks again.

I second the crumpler bags. I got one for my SLR after a friend who works for the Daily News here in nyc says it is completely comfortable after running around the city all day. Plus they don't look like camera bags which I like. Also I can fit the body and 2 lenses and a flash. It also has a little compartment for my cell or an extra memory card etc.
Oh and I'm a little under 5' so I know what you mean.
Good Luck!

Camera bags are an invitation to steal. Have you considered a travel vest or simply a fishing vest?