packing the camera bag

I just got my first DSLR (Nikon D90) and among other things I'm trying to figure out what the best way is to pack it in the new camera bag along with the extra lens, external flash, and misc. stuff. Any tutorials out there? More importantly: Are there any "Don't do this or you will destroy your lens!" warnings I need to know about when packing a camera bag?

Depends on the bag but generally no "wrong" way to pack your kit as long as it is padded and you don't abuse the bag. I pack my bags for quick access to the body and lens I am most likely to need first

Depends on the bag you have. Camera bags are made to protect, so no matter how you pack it you should be ok. There are individual padded dividers. Use those for each lens. I have a backpack camera bag. I have my 105mm macro, flash and a portable drive on one side. On the other side I have 18-135mm, 50mm, lensbaby. In the middle is 50-500mm and my camera. Everything else like cards, batteries etc.. are in smaller pockets. Tripod sits on the outside.

cwightmanphotos wrote: Depends on the bag you have. Camera bags are made to protect, so no matter how you pack it you should be ok. There are individual padded dividers. Use those for each lens. I have a backpack camera bag. I have my 105mm macro, flash and a portable drive on one side. On the other side I have 18-135mm, 50mm, lensbaby. In the middle is 50-500mm and my camera. Everything else like cards, batteries etc.. are in smaller pockets. Tripod sits on the outside.

I have the backpack set up to carry two bodies , four lenses ,a flash unit in the main compartment, cords , cards,lens cloths, in the inner pockets and tools ( leatherman,tripod wrench, and such in the outer pocket, and laptop in it's own compartment. Again the monopod or tripod goes on the outside.

Rob pix4u2 wrote: I have the backpack set up to carry two bodies , four lenses ,a flash unit in the main compartment, cords , cards,lens cloths, in the inner pockets and tools ( leatherman,tripod wrench, and such in the outer pocket, and laptop in it's own compartment. Again the monopod or tripod goes on the outside.

Rob, what kind of bag do you have? It sound pretty big. Mine also has a spot to carry a laptop, of course it's front area for a tripod, two side spots for monopod (and works great for a hiking stick too). I also have a pouch, that sits on top that I carry food and small items of clothing like extra socks. What I love the most about my bag, it carries a bladder for water. When my husband and I bought these bags (he has one too). We loaded mine, put it on my back and I fell over. lol Not kidding. It's heavy (for me anyways). 25lbs. I'm getting used to the weight, but after a couple mile hike it gets heavy. I have the Lowepro Pro trekker 300 aw. Love it, but heavy.

I'm rough with my gear, if it fits, and isn't falling out...good enough for me

cwightmanphotos wrote:

Rob pix4u2 wrote: I have the backpack set up to carry two bodies , four lenses ,a flash unit in the main compartment, cords , cards,lens cloths, in the inner pockets and tools ( leatherman,tripod wrench, and such in the outer pocket, and laptop in it's own compartment. Again the monopod or tripod goes on the outside.

Rob, what kind of bag do you have? It sound pretty big. Mine also has a spot to carry a laptop, of course it's front area for a tripod, two side spots for monopod (and works great for a hiking stick too). I also have a pouch, that sits on top that I carry food and small items of clothing like extra socks. What I love the most about my bag, it carries a bladder for water. When my husband and I bought these bags (he has one too). We loaded mine, put it on my back and I fell over. lol Not kidding. It's heavy (for me anyways). 25lbs. I'm getting used to the weight, but after a couple mile hike it gets heavy. I have the Lowepro Pro trekker 300 aw. Love it, but heavy.

It's a Lowepro AW trekker probably a 350 maybe ? My wife bought it for me to carry my gear to the hockey arena so i wouldn't be carrying two bags full of gear ( one for the camera gear one for the 300mm lens and laptop) it works great but it is heavy . I have another Lowepro front carry bag for food ,socks etc. I can wear for those occasions when i need to .
I used to carry a tamrac backpack but my system out grew it

Rob pix4u2 wrote: It's a Lowepro AW trekker probably a 350 maybe ? My wife bought it for me to carry my gear to the hockey arena so i wouldn't be carrying two bags full of gear ( one for the camera gear one for the 300mm lens and laptop) it works great but it is heavy . I have another Lowepro front carry bag for food ,socks etc. I can wear for those occasions when i need to .
I used to carry a tamrac backpack but my system out grew it

Cool, we pretty much have the same bag, just your bag is bigger.

Scotty wrote: I'm rough with my gear, if it fits, and isn't falling out...good enough for me

You and me both. My bag is a Camelbak BFM so it isnt padded at all, I just drop my gear in it.

Rules

1. Don't let an elephant sit/walk on/do a jig on your bag.
2. Don't drop an anvil on your bag (no matter how funny it'll look).
3. Sand is NOT a packing material.
4. "Chimping" does not actually involve Chimps.
5. Your mouth is not a good place to store lenses.
6. Filters are not ninja throwing stars ( :blush: )
7. When using tripods. Legs down - Head up (that's includes YOU not just the tripod)
8. Despite the name neck-straps are not for holding a moose to your car.
9. Throwing your lenses etc. into a plastic shopping bag is an environmentally friendly way to be an idiot.
10. Do not eat your camera.

that is to funny. well i hope i pack my bag the right way when i get it. i will have to find one first gigggles