I have been on a quest for the last three hours to try to find a fashionable, functional, and affordable camera bag and have found a few-- but I figured that there's more out that there that I don't know about yet.
Let's have a general camera bag thread then!
What do you look for in a bag? What's your favorite? Things like that.
So far I've been looking for a bag that can also carry my laptop so that I can use it as a school bag too. My hope is that if I carry my camera with me everywhere, then I won't have an excuse to not take lovely 365 pictures everyday. Not to mention, then I won't miss out on any lovely shots. I've read lots of good things about Lowepro, so this is what I'm looking at:
mine finally arrived yesterday and I hate it so far....stay away from it! it is very inconvenient for a quick change of lens and you need to lay it down to even open it if you plan on taking anything out!! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009R6TA
Lowepro makes some high-quality stuff. I would recommend almost anything from them. For me personally, I love the backpack style because it's easier to carry a lot of gear. Like today when I was doing a lot of walking I had over 10 pounds of gear in my bag and it wasn't even noticeable when in my backpack. Granted, it isn't as easy to access when on the fly, but I'd rather carry more gear without the burden rather than trying to cram a few things into an easy to reach device.
@Tammy K. Allen, those are ADORABLE. The first one especially. I'm leaning towards a separate, small camera bag now.
@Jayden Pena, I read a review that did say that camera backpacks are not useful for quick shooting since you have to take it off everytime you need something. It's making me consider just getting a cute one for camera stuff only to tote around instead of trying to squash a backpack and camera together into one thing.
@Jeremy Vohwinkle, when I get more gear that definitely sounds more ideal! Right now I have three lenses I use a lot, so I don't think I quite need a backpack just yet. I think I'll look around for Lowepro's slings. Those look really smart. Maybe I'll start amassing camera bags instead of lenses. :)
I have two massive Lowepro bags for when I gotta haul my cameras to a shoot and to throw them in at home. For every day I just toss one of my DSLRs into my Coach purse.
@hmgphotos I love it!!! You realize you just gave Coach a new goal and husbands and boyfriends a new fear?
"but Honey..... its a "Coach" camera bag! Please?"
My only problem with the Lowepro bags is that if you use a battery grip, the bag is not tall enough to fit your rig without breaking it down (taking off the lens & positioning your capped camera body on its back & lens by itself). This makes it difficult to be ready on a moments notice. I currently use the Think Tank Glass Taxi http://www.thinktankphoto.com/documents/233/Glass-Taxi--Instruction-1.pdf
My husband uses one of the Think Tank Airport models (I forget exactly which), but he can carry a 300mm lens and 2 bodies along with miscellaneous items quite easily. (He shoots sports & when going into a big stadium, you want as little to carry as possible.)
I love my Glass Taxi though. It carries a lot without being overly bulky. Plus, it just looks like a ordinary backpack, so you're not flashing around Canon logos or anything like that if you're walking down the street or on a subway.
I use a Tamrac which will carry 2 bodies and 3 lenses in the bottom half and still leave me a seperate upper compartment for other essentials when I am out all day (like water). It also has a side ...quick draw...access so you can take the camera out without taking the bag off. So far so good. Fits out at 7kgs (withiout wallet and water) But...It has a laptop pouch against your back WHICH I HATE. I have seen a Lowepro with the laptop pouch on the outside...while this might make the laptop more vulnerable it simply has to be easier to carry for long periods of time.
@superdex Both of my Lowepro bags fit a Nikon pro body (built in grip) and bodies with attached grips just fine.
@jessicapena Too bad they didn't make real camera bags! I have a picture of my purse on my project, from early February. It's so awesome that it fits my D300 perfectly!
Have you thought about having one made. I know there are lots of crafty Stay at home Mums who make these kind of things. Worth checking out . Just a thought.
I also love my Lowepro backpack. We carried it around the world for 6 weeks with body, 3 lenses, hoods, separate flash, handycam, spare batteries and even the baby foldup tripod with room to spare. And it was still quite comfortable weightwise. I carried it in preference to the normal backpacks we were using as cabin bags. I wouldn't be without it
I have a Lowepro Dryzone 200 which is massive, but it holds all my gear and then some more stuff. I spent some time on a dugout canoe in PNG and the DZ200 is totally waterproof, the whole unit floats and works a treat if you capsize in the ocean. It also is solid against torrential tropical rain. And although it looks like you are carrying a sea turtle on your back, it is quite comfortable.
But when I am doing day stuff and I think the weather is okay then I use a Lowepro slingshot 300AW which again, holds all my stuff, and being a slingbag, I can use it cycling and just swing it around to do camera stuff. It is bulky and there is a Slingshot 200 which is smaller, but both are weather resistant, have pull out weather covers and have survived torrential downpours on my bike. I keep drybags in there just in case I get caught for hours in the rain.
Both hold the following: Oly E-3 body, Oly E-510 (spare) body. 70-300mm telephoto; 8mm fisheye; 14-42mm kit lens; 35mm macro + 2x converter, the E3 battery grip. spare batteries, field binoculars, water bottle, wet weather jacket, spare memory cards, compass, knife, mosquito coils and matches, drybags, sunscreen and repellent, wallet, mobile phone.
But the DZ200 will then hold heaps of other stuff on top of that. Both bags have been on my back for at least 11hours at a time, and both bags have been treated to the abuse dished out by Air Niugini baggage handlers!!!
I like LowePro for backpacks, and Domke for shoulder bags. The Domke J-1 is my favourite bag and super-tough, as well as not screaming "Camera bag!" every time you take it someplace. It is possibly more common amongst PJ's but I find it great for weddings and walk rounds. Easily holds 5D Mark II with grip, 70-200 f/2.8L, 24-70 f/2.8L, 85mm f/1.2 L II, two 580 EX-II speedlights, batteries, a reflector, model releases, card case, assorted filters and controllers, and even extra lenses and such if I need them (or an extra body), all the while being small enough to take as carry-on when I fly. I use the US Postal shoulder pad with it and that enables me to carry a fully loaded bag for most of the day without significant discomfort.
After I bought my DSLR, I was searching for a fashionable camera bag! Don't get me wrong, I also have my favorite backpack camera bag because I do a lot of hiking/camping too! However, I wanted something fun and out of the ordinary, so I started searching. I came across a great bag on Etsy.com! Her website is www.porteengear.com. She sells custom bags. You choose the leather, fabric, size, and strap color. I have been very please with my bag! Check her out! I love the bag I ordered and she is great to work with! http://porteengear.com/ http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.196289382.jpg
I have two bags. A small pretty everyday bag that I got on offer, apparently as the price has shot up loads. It's just the right size for camera, plus spare lens, battery, etc. along with my purse and phone. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001UBIN9S/ref=oss_product
@marubozo@chien I love the backpack. I just got one for Valentine's Day and it's like not wearing anything. When hiking or walking long distances I'm not likely switching lenses quickly so it works great for that. The shoulder ones really, really hurt after long distances!
I like a messenger bag style with strap across chest because it is easy to access while walking, helps carry the weight on your body better and can actually stay on you during quick photos.
I would try and find an insert with lens and filter pockets to put in any bag. This style should be large enough for all your needs.
I just recently bought a Lowpro Slingshot 200. The sling allows you to carry your gear on your back, but swing it around for easy access. http://products.lowepro.com/product/SlingShot-200-AW,2035,4.htm
I'm still getting used to it, and the jury is out on whether it's really easily accessible on the fly. But it does hold all three of my lens, the camera body and my flash in the main compartment and has 2 more roomy pockets for other accessories.
I can fit my D-700 D-100 an 80-200 24-120 70-300 and a lensbaby muse, plus a bunch of other little accessories. And it's not bulky... AND it's red, so it's super- cute. Crumpler bags come with tons of adjustable dividers so you can customize to the max. I've had mine for about 4 years now, and I love it.
i just purchased this yesterday
http://www.amazon.com/Tenba-638-222-Small-Messenger-Olive/dp/B00110GARA/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1298225009&sr=1-2
i currently have in it, my d3000 with the 35mm attached, 18-55mm kit lens, 55-200mm lens, my lensbaby composer with the macro lens kit for it, a couple of lens hoods, body cap, rear lens cap and my gorilla pod...there is also room for a 15" laptop....and there's still room if i ever get a flash
i haven't gone anywhere with it yet...i still have my smaller lowepro bag...i needed a bigger one bc i couldn't fit my new lens with all the others in my lowepro....however, i'm sure i'll use the lowepro still..i take my camera to work every now and again, so i'll prob just throw the camera in and perhaps just the kit lens or the lensbaby.....
i like that its's messenger bag style
i really wanted a crumpler, but wasn't sure what size i'd need, and this one was a little less expensive
I am considering the insert option because I do have a lot of purses. Currently measuring them up and looking at the various insert sizes to see what fits.
Also, you guys are cool. I love all these replies, it's really fun to read.
I really want to pick up a slightly smaller one as well that still resembles a purse so I can use it for an every day bag. My husband cringes every time I find a new bag I like haha.
I think I'm going to get the Kelly Moore B-hobo. :) I painted three doll heads today, which amounts to the price of the bag-- I'm pretty excited! The Classic bag does seem large.
thanks for posting this, I too have been looking for a cute DSLR purse as I have a backpack which is cumbersome and hard to quickly access. I've found it really helpful reading all of the comments and am now off to shop.....
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http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/651114-REG/Jill_E_Designs_769374_Small_Camera_Bag_Bone.html
but this one may be more to you liking
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/718968-REG/Jill_E_Designs_022745_Baroque_Backpack_Black_with.html
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009R6TA
@Jayden Pena, I read a review that did say that camera backpacks are not useful for quick shooting since you have to take it off everytime you need something. It's making me consider just getting a cute one for camera stuff only to tote around instead of trying to squash a backpack and camera together into one thing.
@Jeremy Vohwinkle, when I get more gear that definitely sounds more ideal! Right now I have three lenses I use a lot, so I don't think I quite need a backpack just yet. I think I'll look around for Lowepro's slings. Those look really smart. Maybe I'll start amassing camera bags instead of lenses. :)
"but Honey..... its a "Coach" camera bag! Please?"
My husband uses one of the Think Tank Airport models (I forget exactly which), but he can carry a 300mm lens and 2 bodies along with miscellaneous items quite easily. (He shoots sports & when going into a big stadium, you want as little to carry as possible.)
I love my Glass Taxi though. It carries a lot without being overly bulky. Plus, it just looks like a ordinary backpack, so you're not flashing around Canon logos or anything like that if you're walking down the street or on a subway.
@jessicapena Too bad they didn't make real camera bags! I have a picture of my purse on my project, from early February. It's so awesome that it fits my D300 perfectly!
http://www.epiphaniebags.com/#/shop/
http://www.crumpler.com/AU/Camera-Bags/Camera-Backpacks.html
I love all these bag suggestions. Thanks. Those Epiphanie ones are hot!
But when I am doing day stuff and I think the weather is okay then I use a Lowepro slingshot 300AW which again, holds all my stuff, and being a slingbag, I can use it cycling and just swing it around to do camera stuff. It is bulky and there is a Slingshot 200 which is smaller, but both are weather resistant, have pull out weather covers and have survived torrential downpours on my bike. I keep drybags in there just in case I get caught for hours in the rain.
Both hold the following: Oly E-3 body, Oly E-510 (spare) body. 70-300mm telephoto; 8mm fisheye; 14-42mm kit lens; 35mm macro + 2x converter, the E3 battery grip. spare batteries, field binoculars, water bottle, wet weather jacket, spare memory cards, compass, knife, mosquito coils and matches, drybags, sunscreen and repellent, wallet, mobile phone.
But the DZ200 will then hold heaps of other stuff on top of that. Both bags have been on my back for at least 11hours at a time, and both bags have been treated to the abuse dished out by Air Niugini baggage handlers!!!
http://porteengear.com/
http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.196289382.jpg
This list helped me shop a lot! Now I'm really into this one:
http://kellymoorebag.com/womens/kelly-moore-b-hobo-bag-1.html
And I found the Jill-E that I like on Amazon for even less:
http://www.amazon.com/Jill-769374-Camera-Leather-Small/dp/B000SKT2MO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1298189309&sr=8-3
Sweet!
http://www.crumpler.com/AU/Camera-Bags/Camera-Laptop-Bags/8-Million-Dollar-Home.html?LanguageCode=EN&SKU=MDH001-B00P80
It is a scatchel style bag, which I found great when I was overseas because it was to the side of me or I could have it in front of me which made me feel more secure
It can hold so much and I will often just have what equipment I need for the day plus jacket, water, book.
I love it
I also have a rucksack that I use for travelling and days out. I was tempted by a similar lowepro one, but this was much sturdier and did exactly what I wanted it to do as it has the daysack part too, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kata-DR-465i-Backpack-Digital-Camera/dp/B002OI72UM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1298200385&sr=8-1
I would try and find an insert with lens and filter pockets to put in any bag. This style should be large enough for all your needs.
I'm still getting used to it, and the jury is out on whether it's really easily accessible on the fly. But it does hold all three of my lens, the camera body and my flash in the main compartment and has 2 more roomy pockets for other accessories.
http://www.crumpler.com/US/Camera-Bags/Camera-Bags/7-Million-Dollar-Home.html?SKU=MDH000-X00P70
I can fit my D-700 D-100 an 80-200 24-120 70-300 and a lensbaby muse, plus a bunch of other little accessories. And it's not bulky... AND it's red, so it's super- cute. Crumpler bags come with tons of adjustable dividers so you can customize to the max. I've had mine for about 4 years now, and I love it.
DSLR systems - Thinktank and Domke
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62087838/large-digital-slr-camera-bag-tote-dslr?ref=sr_gallery_4&ga_ref=auto&ga_search_query=large+dslr+camera+bags&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade
http://www.amazon.com/Tenba-638-222-Small-Messenger-Olive/dp/B00110GARA/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1298225009&sr=1-2
i currently have in it, my d3000 with the 35mm attached, 18-55mm kit lens, 55-200mm lens, my lensbaby composer with the macro lens kit for it, a couple of lens hoods, body cap, rear lens cap and my gorilla pod...there is also room for a 15" laptop....and there's still room if i ever get a flash
i haven't gone anywhere with it yet...i still have my smaller lowepro bag...i needed a bigger one bc i couldn't fit my new lens with all the others in my lowepro....however, i'm sure i'll use the lowepro still..i take my camera to work every now and again, so i'll prob just throw the camera in and perhaps just the kit lens or the lensbaby.....
i like that its's messenger bag style
i really wanted a crumpler, but wasn't sure what size i'd need, and this one was a little less expensive
Also, you guys are cool. I love all these replies, it's really fun to read.
http://kellymoorebag.com/full.html/
I really want to pick up a slightly smaller one as well that still resembles a purse so I can use it for an every day bag. My husband cringes every time I find a new bag I like haha.