Opteka CS-300B Digital SLR Full Camera System Cyber Backpack (Black)
From Opteka
The perfect combo for professional photo equipment and laptop computers just got better! Designed with location photographers and photojournalists in-mind, the Opteka CS-300B has extra room for a large professional SLR camera system and still meets all airline carry-on requirements. Carefully designed to withstand all the use and abuse you can give it, this pack's reinforced construction, shock-absorbing, dura-foam and water resistant materials provide the highest level of protection. The comfortable dual-density padded shoulder harness and sternum strap provide a comfortable fit for hours in the field. The interior is fully customizable and includes removable dura-foam dividers, two removable accessory pouches and two see-through laminated mesh pockets so you can quickly see what's stored inside. A padded rear compartment with water-resistant zipper protects your notebook (up to 15.4 screens) and provides access even while wearing the pack. Additional features include a fully enclosed rain / extreme weather cover, a front mounter tripod attachment system, and a Opteka limited lifetime warranty.
- Color: black
- Brand: Opteka
- Model: CS-300B
- Dimensions: 18.50" h x 8.50" w x 8.50" l, 5.00 pounds
Excellent quality and replaced my canon 200EG backpack
Several years ago, I had bought a canon 200EG backpack Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG for Canon EOS SLR Cameras (Black with Green Accent)from amazon for my smaller Evolt 300 Olympus system - it was definitely the way to go for packing camera systems but since then my system had outgrown the smaller canon bag and needed something larger. The Opteka has a number of things going for it and worked out well.
UPDATE 11/2009 - As a participant in the amazon vine program (vine.amazon.com) I was recently given the opportunity to review the Lowepro Magnum DV 4000 AW Shoulder Bag (Black) which is not a backpack style camera bag, but is also a very large size bag. The Lowepro is better made and has numerous ways to carry it. You might look at it as an alternative although there is nothing wrong with the notebook/camera combo backpack here. I use both of them today in regular use without any problems.
#1 (most important when air travel is involved) - it qualifies as your "personal item" by major airlines in addition to your roll on suitcase for air travel. And it does fit under the seat in front of you. Thus you can protect your valuables in this bag and carry a roll on bag for clothes etc thus avoiding the baggage claim altogether. If not going through the airport, then #1 would be the exceptional protection it offers your expensive equipment by judicious use of foam and rigid plastic.
#2 It has a hidden pocket especially for a 15.4" laptop or smaller. Since this comprises the back of the pack it is very easy to get to your computer without disturbing your camera. By not using this pocket until after the bag size measurement station you clear the maximum "personal item" size limits by several inches. What you do while waiting at the gate with a massive zipper padded pocket is your business!
#3 It has rigid plastic wraps around the doubled foam edges making it sturdy enough to survive the x-ray techs at the airport who stuff things through the machines. This prevents collapsing the backpack and crushing the contents. The plastic could be removed, but that would also remove the protection it offers.
#4 It still has the velcro divided compartments for holding camera bodies, lenses, and accessories. For me, it held a Canon E3 system w/ 2 lenses, a wolverine backup system, an olympus HV-1 flash charge system, a marantz 661 audio recorder with 2 sennheiser wireless lav mics, and finally a canon hs10 AVCHD camcorder & tabletop tripod. I didn't use the full computer capacity since I only took my MSI wind laptop (10.1") which left the laptop pocket 60% empty. You can put alot inside this - about twice the canon.
#5 All pockets and locations were heavily padded to prevent damage to the contents. If it were not for the value of the contents you might consider checking the bag.
Finally the backpack wears well with a belt clip and an expandable breast clamp to keep the weight balanced well getting on the plane.
With the charges these days for checked baggage, being able to maximize the amount of carry-on can save half the price of the backpack if you are doing an overnight stay and want to carry your a/v and computer gear with you along with a change of clothes.
Despite rough handling by TSA and Canada's version of TSA the Opteka survived well and is no worse for the wear. I'd recommend it to people traveling these days to make life easier. It's also just a great camera bag with a top handle to grab and go with.
Great Value
This is a very large camera backpack. I was able to get my Digital SLR with 2 extra lenses, large external flash attachment and a 15 inch laptop. I also added extra batteries, a charger and two lens hoods. The backpack comes with several dividers that you can arrange to custom fit your camera equipment. It is well protected from the elements with flaps over the zippers to keep out rain. This is a heavy backpack due to its size and padding, but I believe it is worth the extra weight to get the protection that I have for my camera equipment.
Mine Was Poorly Constructed
I'll keep it short and sweet. After less than a week of use, most of which time it spent sitting on the floor, the right shoulder strap tore completely off as I attempted to pick up the bag to head to the airport. I could hear the left strap slowly giving way on the trip - not comforting when it's got both your laptop and your camera gear in it. I have returned it for a refund.
Yes, it's laid out well, and can carry a lot and fits in the overhead compartment on a plane. All of which is irrelevant, since it failed at the basic task of being a backpack.
