What camera do I buy? / general gear talk

I'm looking at getting a backpack, but fear the same.
I reckon I would aim to have the camera in my hand with a wrist strap, or pick up one of the Peak Design capture clips and look like a photo nerd.

Anyone have any good suggestions?

So I've ordered a 15 litre OMM ultra, and the tenba BYOB 9 insert. It should fit nicely inside if all the dimensions provided are accurate, but also not be buried really deep.

It's got a full zip, and it's slightly angled so in my mind it'll be accessible slung over one shoulder too.

As a running bag, it should also be comfortable for hiking etc, and when not using it for camera insert it'll be a good running / weekend bag too.

None of it's arrived yet, so I'll report back....

I've got a Lowe Alpine bag that has the camera insert in the lower half with side access and normal backpack up top, with stuff pocket on the front and one side. Works pretty well for intermittent camera access.

Not a quick as a shoulder bag but way better than most backpacks.

So I always fancied a 23mm for my Fuji X-T3 but never wanted to spend the £250/300 that even the 23/2 costs used. I have however just realised that my X-E1 which has been lying in a drawer for quite some time is now seen as desirable and goes at pretty good prices, which would cover the lens expense.

Is this the right time to part ways with the X-E1?

Yes, same. It's fine and better than shoulder. My strap also has a handy Card holder on it.

Lenses keep their value better, so I think it would be a good trade, if your X-E1 is unused.

Yup, once the camera is in a backpack it doesn't come out. Have to stick in a large pocket or sling it.

This is why the Kadet is great, I just avoid overloading it most of the time and being able to swing it around to the front on public transport, in museums, etc. is much handy.

I have a Kadet, not much padding in it!
Do you have a camera cube or some kind of padded divider in it?

Nothing, normally goes in with a packable jacket and anything scratchy goes in the insert or front pocket. Soft lens bag covers any extra lenses.

Camera backpack wise, the Wandrd Prvke 21 looks great, though with a ridiculous name.

£300 with the insert can do one though haha

I guess it comes down to how much gear you want to carry, it's nice to have the choice. I'll take my shoulder bag if I'm strolling about town with just a body + prime but if it's more than one lense, it's back pack time. Plus you can fill it with chocolate. I went with the Peak Design travel because I'd already been buying the cubes to store my crap at home. Also the F-Stop Anja gets good reviews.

I just picked up a second hand F-Stop Kenti.

Got loads of nice backpack features I was looking for:

25l (not too small, not too big)
Side access panel (x 2)
Nice waist belt
Chest strap
Lots of fixing points/molle/D rings
Roll top
Lightweight
Hydration pouch slot as well as a laptop/ipad slot
Full bag access if not using as a camera bag by removing dividers

Yeah this is why I was leaning toward a sling over a backpack. It's not something I'll be carrying around all the time, and I want to be able to access the camera quickly. Ordered the Kadet and will get some padded organisers to help keep things secure.

Anyone know where the best place is to get extra camera bag dividers?
I some spare from old camera bags, but they're not the right width/height.

Best Aliexpress tripod?
I've got a Panasonic Lumix G100 and would like something that packs reasonably small for lugging around on motorbike but robust enough for scenic mountain locations (windy)...

I use one of these for most of my day to day and travel requirements:

https://www.kentfaith.co.uk/Travel-Tripods/KF09.101_lightweight-travel-tripod-compact-vlog-camera-tripod-flexible-portable-63%22-1.6m-17.64lbs-8kg-load-with-portable-monopod-for-dslr-cameras-bi234m

May be a little overkill for the Panasonic, but it's solid and a good price at 40 smackers. Haven't checked prices on aliexpress but that company defo sells on there.

a used giottos

Fan of the one you pointed me at, but reasonably small for lugging around on motorbike it is not. Very sturdy though.

Oh I'd seen this one and thought it looked decent. Might get one of these then...

I must actually have a browse on local classifieds... I hadn't considered that.

Any interest in a Sony Alpha ILCE-6000L + 16-50 mm camera? Also has a SONY 20mm F2.8 E Mount "pancake" lens. I bought it in 2021 to use for cycling trips but upgraded my phone shortly after and so don't use the camera.

this + this ?

Rather snazzy but if the request for an Aliexpress solution wasn't an indicator I'm keen for something on the sub €50 budget and even better if it's sub €30...

Actually I've just remembered there's a Hama one knocking around my parents place which is missing the QR plate... I might see if I can get a replacement and see how that does?

I wasn't sure it would work, but the McKinnon camera bag divider set is excellent and works brilliantly in other camera bags.

Not cheap, but my cannabalised camera bag inserts aren't quite the right size, and don't have velcro on 3 sides.

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