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Reviews: Canon 200DG Camera Bag
Photographers like to collect equipment…it is a well known fact. However, all that equipment starts to present a problem when it comes to transporting it out into the field. When it is no longer feasible to carry your growing inventory of equipment in pockets, it is time for a camera bag. While my personal favorite is a photo rucksack that distributes the weight evenly on your back, there is a very large market for the shoulder bag. This type of camera bag is probably the most simple and easy to use solution out there. One such example and one of the first camera bags in my stable is the Canon 200DG.
First things first…this bag doesn’t have a problem carrying non-Canon equipment. For a year or so, it happily carried a Sony DSC-F828 camera along with filters, flash, and other accessories. However, this bag is perfect for a single SLR body with several lenses. You might have a problem fitting a long zoom lens as the bag is not that deep, and the interior layout is not the best for laying the lens on its side. As with most camera bags, the interior is adjustable with Velcro attached dividers. There are two dividers that are hinged, so to speak, that allow the camera to be placed lens down on one side of the bag. Because of that positioning, a zoom lens cannot be left attached as with other camera bags.
In addition to the main storage area, there is an envelope type pocket on the lid of the bag that is great for instruction manuals, filters, memory cards and other reasonably flat items. On each side you will find a zippered pocket with an elastic strap to help secure items such as battery chargers, and cleaning kits. There is another large zippered pocket along the front of the bag that has smaller pockets for business cards, pens, and disks/memory cards. Below this pocket there are two nylon loops which can be used to secure a small tripod or monopod.
The bag can be carried by the well padded shoulder strap, or the integrated handle on top of the lid. The lid itself is secured with two snap clips, and a couple of strips of Velcro. While this doesn’t sound all that secure, I never once had an issue with the bag coming open and spilling any equipment. The lid has an ample overhang, and the material is thick enough to provide a good deal of weather protection, but this is not rated as an all weather bag.
Field Observations…
This bag is very convenient to use in the field. When you see something that you want to photograph, you simply set it down, open the top cover and pull out your camera. It is that simple. If the ground is messy, or wet, it is OK because the bottom of the bag can be kept away from your clothing (unlike a photo rucksack design). As I mentioned, I used this bag for a good while before upgrading to a back pack. It was able to hold everything that I needed it to, while not being so big that it got in the way. The main problem, and the reason for leaving this bag, and other shoulder bags, is that my back would get extremely sore after a long hike. Fully loaded, I was probably carrying about 10 pounds in this bag…very light for most camera kits. Just think how bad off I would be if carrying my current 18-20 pounds of equipment on one shoulder.
I feel it worth mentioning here that just because I have moved to a different type of camera bag, I have not completely ditched this 200DG bag. In fact, it has had a rebirth of sorts after a year in my closet. My current kit fills up my Tamrac rucksack, while leaving out things like lens hoods, vertical battery grip, extra AA batteries and various other items. None of these things I expect to use on a regular basis, but would like to have them close by. This is where the 200DG comes in. It is now filled with all those “extras” that I might need, but probably won’t. This bag accompanies me on my treks, but will stay in my truck while I am off in the woods. Based on what I am shooting that day, I might take an item or two out of it to take with me. It is also portable enough (and light enough) that I can take the whole bag with me on a long hike without any major problems, as all the substantial weight is on my back.
Final Thoughts…
This bag is a great starter bag for an SLR user with only a couple lenses, or a prosumer user with lots of accessories like filters. Being a shoulder bag, the Canon is very user friendly and convenient to use in the field. With a moderate amount of rain protection, and a low price, this bag is the right choice for the hobbyist. However, when you start to get more and more equipment, adding to the weight, you will probably want to upgrade to a rucksack design. Just keep in mind that even if you upgrade, don’t count this bag out…you are likely to find more uses for it, just like I did.
Recommended:
Yes
Written by Greg A. Kiser
For the original review go to epinions.com
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My camera bag is similiar to this one but then I don't go on any long treks with it. Helen
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I have a similiar bag (Tamrac) I started out with but as you said, my largeer lenses would not fit. I've done what you said, I have other items in it and keep it handy.
Lisa -
I have a lowepro-MX200 and it too has side zip pockets and outside front zip pockets that hold my extras and the inside as well has a two part velcros system that you can configure to your liking which is a nice feature. The bottom also has sturdy hard plastic feet for good balance too. I like the shoulder strap which has a pad for comfort too. When I was looking for a camera bag, I being a woman, lol, looked for all the comforts and du-dads I could find. lol Thank you again for bringing this to our attention as now I feel validated for taking such a long time in the store when I purchased mine. lol
Nancy -
Do they make one with wheels? ;-)
2/27/08 7:10 PM
gina