I have one on my wish list, but it will have to wait until the holidays or my next birthday. In the interim I found a bag that looks like a purse at Best Buy, and I love it! My husband won a $50 gift card and gave it to me so I used it to purchase this bag. It’s so nice and easy to carry compared to a bulky gadget bag, plus it looks like a purse. Just thought I’d share for those of us with Epiphanie envy.
@meggageg it was hard to choose - the belle is pretty cute, but i kept coming back to the ginger. brown wasn't available, but i'm just as happy with the black and pink.
@eliserose781 i'd been looking at them since i first saw them posted on here, but would NEVER have spent that much myself. i'm not really a purse person, so spending that much on a bag is a little insane to me. BUT i don't have to feel guilty about it, because it was a gift. :)
@timandelke very nice!! is it durable? the only negative review i read said the bottom of the bag worn out quickly (every other review was raving about them.)
@amyecenb aren't they adorable? i have a very small bag that i bough with my dslr, but it doesn't have extra room and does not fit the new lens i bought. starting picking out which one you want now, because it's a hard decision!
I have Ginger in black and love it but I do have a couple of pros and cons to share:
Pros:
It does look exactly like a purse instead of a camera bag so I have never been stopped with it anywhere - even museums!
It is big enough to hold my Nikon D5000 with my macro lens mounted plus the 18-55 kit lens and my 55-200 in addition to my wallet, keys, phone, etc.
The bright interior makes it easy to to find things quickly.
Cons:
It is big. I mean really big. If you are not used to carrying a big bag, it is a bit of an adjustment. Mine weighs about 9 pounds with everything inside but my shoulder is used to it now.
I have noticed some wear marks on the bottom edges already which seems unusual to me but I know that Ephiphanie has a good return/exchange/warranty policy so I will be contacting them about it soon. I just have to time it when I will be okay to be without it while waiting for them to repair/replace my bag.
To me, the shoulder strap is not that comfortable. I am not sure if it just because I am not used to it or if it is the way the weigh is distributed but I wore it with the shoulder strap once and have not used it since.
My only one wish would be that it was made of leather instead. I carried Coach bags for years (before selling them to buy my camera and macro lens - priorities definitely change!) and I have never had trouble with leather. I suspect the edge wearing issue on the bottom is due to materials more than anything else.
i can't decide if i want the black or purple Paris Epiphanie!! I love them all!! I think the cheeky lime are cute too!! I guess that the black is more practical... but i love purple!!!
I was a bit disappointed to find that my Paris doesn't close (as in no closure on the flap and no closure over the interior) this doesn't show up on their web photos. It means that I have to use the shoulder strap to hold the whole affair closed when I'm travelling (or have lenses all over the floor of the car.)
Mobile internet won't show up prices...roughly what are we talking about? How expensive?
And in the longer term, how do they wear if they're synthetic?
I haven't had mine long enough to wear anything out, but I suspect wear issues are due to the materials used. I've had leather purses for years and they go out of style (and come back in!) before they wear out. That being said, I still love my Epiphanie bag and have even pressed my husband into carrying it for me when I'm shooting with my big lens, which weighs a ton! I bought it mainly because it doesn't scream "camera bag!" and hold DSLR with lens attached and two longer lenses along with my laptop, all while looking fabulous!
@autumnseden@swilde I had been contemplating getting one and really glad to hear your reviews.
Things I need in a bag
-Balanced shoulder strap due to a problematic hip and being able to not have to put the bag down and still have steady photos.
-Bag closure so things do not fall out our hands do not reach in.
What I thought I would be getting - LEATHER for that price, it should be leather, maybe I will just go with a coach bag that closes with a shoulder strap, and be excited about that.
i think i'm putting one of these on my christmas list this year..i bought a new bag, but it's too big to carry all the time, and i'm annoyed at carrying my purse and my smaller camera bag...it would be nice to have one that does both (however, i've been known to empty out my purse to carry my camera, but then i don't have any of my normal purse stuff)
the weight won't bother me...as it is my normal purse weighs about a ton.....
OMG I may seriously damage my bank account after accidentally tripping over this thread.
Has anyone ever seen/bought/owned a PorteenGear bag? Recommended? http://www.etsy.com/shop/PorteenGear
@brumbe I completely agree about the leather. I sold my Coach bags because they would not fit my SLR and offer proper protection (plus I got to get my macro lens) but I am currently communicating with Epiphanie about being able to return my bag. The bottom edge is starting to show wear (in less than 2 months) that promises to be a hole in the not-too-distant future.
@lluniau They are GORGEOUS! I actually just ordered the gray feathers bag this morning! The seller, Robyn, is super nice and quick to reply to questions, etc. She said that it should fit my D5000 with my macro lens mounted plus my 18-55 and 55-200 lens and my wallet. If all of that fits, I will be thrilled! It is a bit smaller on all of the dimensions than the Epiphanie Ginger bag but if everything fits, that is not a bad thing. Ginger is massive!
If this new bag does not work, I think I will invest in a nice leather Fossil bag (they last and last and last for a fraction of the Coach cost) and make my own foam inserts/base for added protection.
@lluniau "@harley84 Lush aren't they?! Only I can't seem to find internal photos of the smallest one to compare... "
Email Robyn and ask! I am sure she will be happy to do that for you! If she does, share the pic here for others to see too. She was very quick to reply and friendly when I had questions.
@autumnseden Thanks! I've read they don't pass the egg-test though...but several reviewers have said they've easily made their own additional padding for the bottom part. A small price to pay for such BEAUTIFUL things!
@lluniau Good to know! I can't help but think a quick run to the fabric store for some shoulder pads would do the trick if I find that the bottom is not padded enough. I shared the link to the preorder because I bought the last one that was available and in stock of this design. I got lucky! I do love this design and colors so I was thrilled that she had one in stock. She said that it would ship tomorrow priority. If it is a keeper, I will share photos here!
I bought a large purse (outlet mall, whoo!) and then had an insert made for it from this Etsy seller: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Martilena
She did a really fabulous job, plus I can swap out my bags and keep the insert as long as they're similarly sized!
@lluniau Your bag may end up on my own wish list! The design is gorgeous!!! As for the straps, I looked at them (and they look equally awesome!) but I am afraid of how much my neck would sweat with the suede. I got a nice strap on Amazon for about $20 that has a velvety back which works nice.
@brumbe My sewing skills are not great but it is just lack of practice. That being said, I know my mom would be willing to help me if I buy the materials. I ordered this bag though because I love the design. If it works, great! It is a keeper! If not, I will return it and go the Fossil route!
@lluniau they are all so cute, i love that they are leather too and the price is great, far more affordable that an Epiphanie! Thanks again so much for that link!!! Can't wait to get mine!! I also looked at the one you are getting!! And the have such great approval ratings too!
@harley84 I stumbled across it following @meggageg 's link. I read several reviews - and the only (albeit rather important) downside or negative point is that it failed the egg test like I said above. But I'll get some foam, pretty material, needle and thread for that problem...easy!
The are heavy! Especially with a DSLR, 2 lenses, flash and assorted filters, purse, mobile etc. I agree that the shoulder strap isnt that comfortable. In fact, because of my back I havent used my DSLR or bag for a while. I tried it once and it was way to heavy for me :(
The other thing to remember is that if you are in the UK then you will have to pay a customs charge, which is basically 20% VAT plus a handling charge. This came to £40, making the bag about £150-£200 with the postage (& depending on the $ to £ exchange rate).
I actually thought it was leather....could have sworn the webite said they were. If not its a dam good imitation.
I might contemplate selling mine actually......
By the way, I contacted Epiphanie regarding my bag and the wear issue and they said that they have not seen this before and are going to exchange my bag for me. I am fine with that and will request a return if the issue crops up again. As for my Proteen bag, variety is the spice of life so if it works, I will be happy to keep both! =D
i like the aha bags i have all different colours get great comments and they are cheaper so can have more lol ...but i havent seen these bags in uk so cant get one anyway:(
@autumnseden@lluniau I will tell you both that I have a camera bag messenger style from another on ETSY and it really turned out nice. Mine is cloth but I love the shoulder strap and that it has pockets. Messenger bags allow you to keep them on and get the photo without a heavy bag on your shoulder throwing you out of balance.
@lluniau I have mine in the bag with the lens up. It feels more stable that way and I think it is more protected since the LCD on mine can be turned around to face in towards the camera.
I'm sorry for tagging you all, but I gathered as you took part in this thread 3 weeks ago you may like to see a Porteen Gear review after I got mine today! Obviously having only had it 12 hours I can't comment on using it properly, or on its longterm wear, but I've had a good little play with it this evening! Initial review here - http://365project.org/lluniau/365/2011-07-11
Write a Reply
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Swiss+Gear+-+DIANA+Bag+for+Digital+SLR+Cameras+-+Black/8920402.p?id=1214004487782&skuId=8920402&st=swiss%20bag&cp=1&lp=1
it came between the ginger and the green bag from cheeky lime: http://cheekylime.com/
i would have been totally thrilled either way.
http://blog.veralana.com/2010/01/05/need-a-cute-camera-bag/
Pros:
It does look exactly like a purse instead of a camera bag so I have never been stopped with it anywhere - even museums!
It is big enough to hold my Nikon D5000 with my macro lens mounted plus the 18-55 kit lens and my 55-200 in addition to my wallet, keys, phone, etc.
The bright interior makes it easy to to find things quickly.
Cons:
It is big. I mean really big. If you are not used to carrying a big bag, it is a bit of an adjustment. Mine weighs about 9 pounds with everything inside but my shoulder is used to it now.
I have noticed some wear marks on the bottom edges already which seems unusual to me but I know that Ephiphanie has a good return/exchange/warranty policy so I will be contacting them about it soon. I just have to time it when I will be okay to be without it while waiting for them to repair/replace my bag.
To me, the shoulder strap is not that comfortable. I am not sure if it just because I am not used to it or if it is the way the weigh is distributed but I wore it with the shoulder strap once and have not used it since.
My only one wish would be that it was made of leather instead. I carried Coach bags for years (before selling them to buy my camera and macro lens - priorities definitely change!) and I have never had trouble with leather. I suspect the edge wearing issue on the bottom is due to materials more than anything else.
I hope this was helpful! =D
And in the longer term, how do they wear if they're synthetic?
Thanks!
Things I need in a bag
-Balanced shoulder strap due to a problematic hip and being able to not have to put the bag down and still have steady photos.
-Bag closure so things do not fall out our hands do not reach in.
What I thought I would be getting - LEATHER for that price, it should be leather, maybe I will just go with a coach bag that closes with a shoulder strap, and be excited about that.
the weight won't bother me...as it is my normal purse weighs about a ton.....
Has anyone ever seen/bought/owned a PorteenGear bag? Recommended? http://www.etsy.com/shop/PorteenGear
I just ordered this bag: http://www.etsy.com/listing/75288076/pre-order-gray-feathers-and-leather-dslr in anticipation of being able to return my Ginger bag.
@lluniau They are GORGEOUS! I actually just ordered the gray feathers bag this morning! The seller, Robyn, is super nice and quick to reply to questions, etc. She said that it should fit my D5000 with my macro lens mounted plus my 18-55 and 55-200 lens and my wallet. If all of that fits, I will be thrilled! It is a bit smaller on all of the dimensions than the Epiphanie Ginger bag but if everything fits, that is not a bad thing. Ginger is massive!
If this new bag does not work, I think I will invest in a nice leather Fossil bag (they last and last and last for a fraction of the Coach cost) and make my own foam inserts/base for added protection.
Email Robyn and ask! I am sure she will be happy to do that for you! If she does, share the pic here for others to see too. She was very quick to reply and friendly when I had questions.
I fancy this one... http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.247595942.jpg
She did a really fabulous job, plus I can swap out my bags and keep the insert as long as they're similarly sized!
The question is, do I also treat myself to - http://www.etsy.com/listing/72276087/green-and-black-leather-and-suede-camera ?!
@brumbe My sewing skills are not great but it is just lack of practice. That being said, I know my mom would be willing to help me if I buy the materials. I ordered this bag though because I love the design. If it works, great! It is a keeper! If not, I will return it and go the Fossil route!
(the Monkeys was my second choice - I love the contrast with the internal material).
Done.
Now I'm skint.
And very excited!
The are heavy! Especially with a DSLR, 2 lenses, flash and assorted filters, purse, mobile etc. I agree that the shoulder strap isnt that comfortable. In fact, because of my back I havent used my DSLR or bag for a while. I tried it once and it was way to heavy for me :(
The other thing to remember is that if you are in the UK then you will have to pay a customs charge, which is basically 20% VAT plus a handling charge. This came to £40, making the bag about £150-£200 with the postage (& depending on the $ to £ exchange rate).
I actually thought it was leather....could have sworn the webite said they were. If not its a dam good imitation.
I might contemplate selling mine actually......
Whatever Lola wants. Lola gets. or Meg in this case with a Lola.
I'm sorry for tagging you all, but I gathered as you took part in this thread 3 weeks ago you may like to see a Porteen Gear review after I got mine today! Obviously having only had it 12 hours I can't comment on using it properly, or on its longterm wear, but I've had a good little play with it this evening! Initial review here - http://365project.org/lluniau/365/2011-07-11