Camera kit and backpacks
 

I plan to carry my camera gear (DSLR + 3 lenses) for my trip to Europe - I carry them in a backpack specially for camera gear only.

How are the museums in Paris with backpacks? Any exceptions if they see its just camera gear?

Its the size of a regular backpack and cannot be crumpled - thanks to the lens inside.

Museums often will not admit you with backpacks. Some of them have a place for you to check backpacks, others don't. Exceptions are not made for camera gear; the policy applies to the type of garment (backpack), irrespective of contents.

Why do you need three lenses?

Why three - that;s the story with most photographers who take themselves too seriously :)

Actually, unless I plan a visit to a museum separately and then a trip back to the hotel, I will need the diff. types of lenses. Wide angle vs telezoon vs low light etc.

But looks like choosing one and doing a museum visit seperately may be the only option :(

Take your camera and a lens and check the backpack.

And be prepared for possible photography restrictions or fees.

I carry my camera equipment in a backpack now when I travel (SLR), but not only do I find it hot to wear all the time, but I also worry about museums. Most of the time when I go out, I use something smaller and take what I need for the day based on the day's plans. I fully understand about the lenses. I rarely go out with less than 3. Unless you have one of the bigger telephoto lenses, there are much smaller bags you can use pretty easily. I can get a camera body and three lenses (unless using my largest zoom) in one of the holster-style bags that I wear over my shoulder. I just started shooting a lot of digital, and cards take up a lot less space than film. However, I often will put a few rolls in my pocket if no room in the bag. I find an accessory flash the one thing I usually leave behind when going out, since I don't need it that much outside (the popup flash is good for fill), and I prefer to use the room for another lens.

I carry a bag that is more of a large purse/backpack than a true backpack and I have found most museums just tell me to take it off my back and carry it on one shoulder. I've never had to check it if I'm willing to do that. The dimensions of my bag are about 9x15x5 inches. My camera and extra lens are in soft fabric cases rather than hard sided ones so take up less space (but of course offer less protection).

kram, when you choose to do museum visits separately... where are you going to store your large and I assume expensive camera equipment safely? just a thought.

I have left expensive camera equipment in a museum storage (when photography was not allowed) and it has been safe.

Suze, an important reason why I would prefer to keep the equipment with me. But I would rather leave the lenses in the hotel room than having to hand it over in a crowded line to the museum storage.

I was thinking you might be able to check them into the hotel safe or something rather than leave them in your hotel room.

Good point. Normally, I put such valuables into my bigger box and use the combination lock. Yes, if the box gets stolen, its a much bigger problem anywayz :)

The hotel safe may be a better way out....