New bag/tripod suggestions

[maxairmike]

Alright, I'm looking for some last minute recommendations on a new camera bag/travel tripod. I've taken notice of some recommendations already (eyeing the Flipside 200 as I write this), but wanted to see if there's anything new that some might have experience with. In terms of the bag, the main feature I'm looking for is being able to accommodate a tripod (my current one is 23" folded), either inside it, or strapped to the exterior. I currently use a Sony shoulder bag and carry the tripod in a little Nike sling pack, so reducing that to one bag is what I'm trying to do.

With the tripod, mine is decent for a cheap SunPack, but the folded length of 23" is a little long and would like to get a smaller one if I can keep comparable stability and fully extended height. I know I'll have to give up about 10" in full extension (mine is 60"), but that doesn't really bother me too much, as I rarely raise the center, just fully extend the legs. If the fully extended leg height is at least 40" or about there, that would be great.

If I can find a great price on a bag (ideally $50 or less, the Flipside 200 is going for $65 on Amazon), I'll probably just keep my current 'pod and just grab one of those little 'pods with the legs that can wrap around stuff if it will hold my camera.

Thanks for your help and suggestions!

 

[wdwmagic]

The Flipside is a really nice bag, I'd recommend it.

On tripods, checkout Velbon and Benro.

 

[ddbowdoin]

from my perspective, its hard to find a bag that carries/accommodates a tripod AND is an accessible/useful bag. I have owned a few Lowepro's and they typically tend to be backpack styles that if you needed to snag your camera quick or grab a lens... its hard as hell to do this quickly.

This caught my eye....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nup7kul6ZTc

 

[CP_alum08]

I just went from a Flipside 200 to the 300 because i needed a little more space. I loved my 200 and I assume the 300 will be everything and more that the 200 was. You can pick up any flipside from Ebay quite a bit cheaper than any store.

I second looking at Velbon and Benro for tripods. I use a Velbon Luxi F at it's about as close to perfect as a travel tripod can get. Although they stopped making that particular model for some reason.