Are there any decent websites that sells a good range of bags, and either has good info on the size (such as will fit xxx camera + blabla lens and blah), and/or has a decent policy if you buy it and its just not the right size?

Now Ive got the 17-85mm lens my Old Jessops fastnet bag just isnt big enough. Before it would snugly hold the 400D with the kit lens on + the 70-300mm sigma I have, It even *just* held the 40D with the 50mm lens on and sigma next to it. But the 17-85mm is just a little too big.

So pappa needs a brand new bag, ideally to hold the 40D+17-85mm lens, with space for another large lens and bits and pieces, ideally with some weatherproofing! The Jessops bag can be a lens bag for the other bits and pieces.

Suggestions?

tamrac do a good range.

http://www.tamrac.com/

i have http://www.tamrac.com/777_lrg.htm just to keep everything in

maybe one of http://www.tamrac.com/g_onebody.htm is what you need

Ive got the Lowepro Slingshot 302 AW, which holds all my kit including small tripod and mono-pod and small enough to be hand luggage.

There are smaller versions as well which might suit you better e.g. 100 and 200.

Reasons I like the lowepro slingshots (302 specifically, but most are the same just different sizes)...

- They are well thought out and interior adjustable (partitions velcro in place)
- They have spaces for memory cards
- 302 has built in lens cloth
- The sling shot is a good idea, as you dont need to take it of you just spin it round and open the side pocket and pull the camera right out.
- has several well thought out compartment
- (AW) All Weather, has a hidden compartment where you can pull out a rain cover that pulls over the whole bag
- 302 has a hidden tripod pocket
- Also has waist support to take off some of the weight if you are carrying a lot of kit.
- Has two main compartments, one for camera kit, one for other kit or sandwiches

Not sure if this is the type of thing you are looking for, but I really like it as a bag so thought Id share.

The smaller ones might be better for you, but also take in to account that you will probably buy more lenses in the future!

There is also a Manfrotto backpack kit for about £100, but has space for a laptop, and has a good small tripod that comes with it and fits inside (if you need one).

Edit:

Slingshot: http://products.lowepro.com/product/SlingShot-302-AW,2193,4.htm

Lowepro (Not so good for many lenses): http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/ProductDetails~productID~8699~categoryid~213.html

I ended up popping down to a localish camera shop to see what they had. They had Lowepro "stealth" 100 and 300s. The 300 seemed too big and for the size/money I felt Id be better off getting a backpack. The 100 however I would agree, is very well thought out. There are many many compartments, the rain cover is a bonus. About the only negative comment I have on it is that they have crammed so many compartments and features into it, that it is impossible to really use them all at the same time as the fabric wont stretch enough etc.

So I ended up buying that on the provisio that I could take it back if I couldnt fit my kit in. When I got it home I was worried as it only looked slightly bigger than my current bag. However I soon found that I could still fit all the lenses and the body in (just) and can get most other things I need in all the side pockets. The only things I am keeping out are things like my T-adaptors etc which really are just used at home. The bag also came with a removable (and quite good) memory card pouch, as well as another removable bag for things like chargers and cables. The lowepro also have a lifetime warranty as well supposedly, so will repair/replace if zips and things go.

Looks like a good bag mate

It does seem a little "boxy" to me, but I guess I cant be having a tardis bag where its small on the outside despite cramming everything in. Im thinking ahead to my planned 2011 Lake District trip, but I imagine if I take the 40D up I wont be taking spare lenses so my smaller bags will do.

Thats why I like the slingshot, in mine I have:

Camera Compartment (which all fits without being crowded):

500D with 70-200mm 4L attached
Tamron 18-200
Canon 18-55mm IS
Canon 50mm 1.8
Tamron 10-24mm
Canon 2x multiplier

Hoods for the wide and telephoto
Cokin filter + holder
Canon 420EX flash

Top compartment (with plenty more room):

Filters in filter wallet
Wireless flash/shutter adapter
Giottos Rocket Air Blower
Wired shutter release and misc cables

Top Front Pocket:

4x Camera batteries

Bottom Front Pocket:

Two sets of 4x AAs for flash
Canon Charger
Lens Pen
Cloth
Rain cover for camera
and still more handy pockets

Tripos Holder:
Manfrotto monopod
Slik mini tripod, with manfrotto head


But its really not a big bag, just makes really good use of space and everything is really easy to access.

With the exception of the expensive stuff, sounds a bit like mine, but more accessible. I dont think I could ever go up a hill or for a proper walk with a backpack full of photographic equipment though, to me the rest of the kit is important, only if theres room Ill take my camera! Its going to be interesting next year, as I dont know whether I will keep the SLR in a bag whilst walking, or keep it out slung over my shoulder. I just know if its in the bag Ill want to stop every 5 mins to get it out and take some shots, and if I have it out Ill see sod all, or drop it etc!

Best website for any camera bag related info

http://www.cambags.com/

Lots of photos of lots of bags so rather handy.

Im contemplating getting a new one... fallen out of love with my Crumpler.

Funnily enough my flatmate bought a Slingshot 300 AW the other day, although now hes having second thoughts about lack of laptop space and the sling arm as oppose to two straps.

May have to nab his if he buys a replacement   -)

i fancy a slingshot, not likely to be much good with a large body and 500mm lens attached though im guessing

how long is the 500mm? Let me know and Ill measure the 302 for you, it can take a fair size

dont know yet, havent decided which one to buy yet hehe

I just got the Lowepro Fastpack 350 a few weeks ago for £55 for my new camera and for the future.

Very good camera bag for a DSLR. It dwarfs my camera atm but I plan to upgrade with extra battery grip and more lenses so it will be worth it.

And its the correct size for carry on luggage.

As much as I like the stealth bag that I got, it just seems too boxy to be practical for carrying out and about. I can foresee me ending up with a backpack of some sort for it, but again the times when I would want to use a backpack, chances are Ill be wanting to carry more important things with me instead!

The stealth does quite handily fit the body, 50mm, 17-85mm and 100mm lens though for storage purposes. I pointed out to Binary the other weekend that the rain cover is actually it bit of a let down, theres 2 slits in the top that are there for the shoulder strap to run through. If its raining enough I can foresee the rain running down the strap and through those slits. Yeah it still offers protection, but its a bit of a design flaw. For weatherproofness Id rather take the Jessops bag, as it fits inside my Osprey backpack, which has a proper raincover!