Let’s Talk About Camera Bags
When it comes to camera bags I always feel like I have too many and not enough. Some I use regularly and others only occasionally. People that are not into photography or who are just getting started may not see the need for multiple bags and if you feel like you only need one that is great! More money to spend on other things. I look at camera bags as tools that help me perform my craft, just like my camera does. Sometimes you need different tools for different jobs. Luckily, camera bags come in all kinds and sizes.
How to choose
Choosing a camera bag is a very personal decision. There are so many options to choose from and if you don’t have a physical store nearby where you can check out the bag in person, it is even more difficult to determine which bag is the bag for you (am I saying, “bag” too much 😉). Below are some things to consider before buying a bag.
Considerations
How much gear do you need to carry. Much of this may depend on what type of photography you do, but you also need to consider what kind of packer you are. Are you skilled at packing just the essentials and traveling light or are you the type of person who brings everything with you because, “you might need it”. If you are like me, you fall somewhere in-between these two extremes.
Where are you going? Will you be walking around the city, taking it on a plane as a carry-on, and/or heading out into the wilderness.
Do you have physical/health issues that affect how or how much you can carry?
How much do you want to spend?
Most Common Types of bags
Backpack
This is the bag type I use most often. I have owned several over the years and currently have 3 (different sizes) that I use at least occasionally. My most recent acquisition and what I am currently using as my everyday bag is the 18L Mindshift Backlight. This bag is well padded and I can fit a couple of camera bodies, 2-3 lenses and other equipment that I might need (flash, extra batteries and memory cards, cable release, etc.). It can also hold my 13” laptop and a tablet. I like it because it is large enough to fit a good amount of gear, but also small enough that I am not tempted to bring everything, which can get very heavy. I haven’t flown with this bag yet, but it should fit nicely under most airline seats and definitely in the overhead bin. The second backpack is one I use when I do need more space, the Lowepro 26L AW450. This bag is also very well constructed and padded. If I am planning on doing any wildlife photography, I will often choose this bag because it will hold both my 70-200mm and 100-400mm lenses along with the other stuff mentioned above. The 3rd and final backpack is the smallest and currently least used because my Canon EOS R is a bit big for it. It is the Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW II. This bag is well padded and is the most comfortable. If you have a small camera and just a smaller lens or two, this bag is a great option for travel and day hikes.
Pros:
Can usually hold a lot of gear.
Weight is distributed evenly among both shoulders and if it has a waist belt, can distribute weight even better.
In addition to camera gear, many have room for other stuff like a jacket, snacks, laptop/tablet.
If you get one that opens from the back, it helps keep your gear safer while traveling.
Can strap your tripod to the outside.
Many come with a rain cover or you can purchase one to add another layer of protection to your gear.
Cons:Can get heavy if you overpack.
Swamp back (people from warmer climates will know what I’m talking about).
Depending on your setup, you may have to take the bag completely off to access gear.
If you are traveling, some tourist locations don’t allow backpacks (some museums for example).
Pricey. Quality bags are not cheap. Smaller bags will usually be over $100. Larger ones $200 - $400.
May not be a good option if you have a bad back.
Messenger/Sling
Messenger or bags that have a single strap designed to go over one shoulder or across your body seem to be more popular for photojournalists, wedding/event and street photographers. They may also be a good option for certain types of travel photography.
Pros:
Usually light weight.
Many designs these days don’t scream, “I am a camera bag with expensive gear. Please rob me”. They can be a great option if you want to blend in say, in a city.
Easy/quick access to your gear.
Their generally smaller size will help you be more selective about the gear you pack.
These are usually allowed everywhere.
Cons:
They can be really uncomfortable because the weight is not distributed evenly.
They can be pretty small and may not fit the gear you need.
These can also be expensive.
May not be a good option if you have bad shoulders or back.
Rolling case
These are less common unless you travel a lot and bring a lot of gear to your shoot. You might see these used by professional portrait/commercial photographers (think Annie Leibovitz) who are doing a location shoot and require things like lights, soft boxes, reflectors, etc. Some photographers might put their gear in these cases while traveling and also bring other bags with them to use once they get to their destination. I have one rolling case that mainly stays in my office and stores gear that I use infrequently. Occasionally I will bring it along in situations where I will be able to shoot from my car (Cades Cove Loop Rd). These cases come in soft-shell and hard varieties. Many of the hard-shell varieties have foam inserts to securely hold your gear and some are waterproof.
Pros:
Useful for air travel if you need to bring a lot of gear and want it to be well protected, especially if you can’t carry it on the plane with you.
Easy to transport on paved surfaces or places like airports.
Roomy. These will usually hold a good deal of gear.
Customizable. You can get completely customizable foam inserts for many of these cases.
Durable. They can take a beating.
Can be used to store gear when not in use.
Cons:
Expensive, especially the hard-shell waterproof variety
Take up a lot of room when not in use.
Heavy if you can’t roll and have to lift.
Limited use once in the field.
I have used all of the bag types listed above and if I had to choose just one to keep, it would definitely be a backpack. It is the most versatile of the bags for most genres of photography and is the most comfortable in my opinion. If you are in the market for a new bag, I hope you find this information helpful. Please find links to the bags I have used (marked with an *) or considered purchasing below. Maybe one of them will be right for you.
Thanks for reading!
Backpacks:
MindShift Backlight Photo Daypack 18 L *
MindShift Gear Backlight 26L Backpack
Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW II *
Slings:
Crumpler Doozie Photo Sling Camera Bag *
Rolling Case:
Pelican 1510 Case With Padded Dividers
Accessory Pouches:
Lowepro GearUp Camera Box for Mirrorless Camera and Lenses, Medium *
Think Tank Photo Cable Management *
Think Tank Photo DSLR Battery Holder 4 *
Disclaimer: As a member of the Amazon affiliate program I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases made using the above links. There is no cost to you and I am not sponsored by any of the above brands.