I'm after recommendations for camera bags, especially ones that do up fully and can fit in other handbag essentials such as glasses case, purse, nappies and wipes, that sort of thing. I would prefer it to be a cross body strap as I babywear on occasion (for those not in the know that means I carry my toddler on my back rather than in a pram)
Until today I have not seen the need for a camera bag. I have a bridge camera and so don't carry any lenses etc but today I have changed my mind.....
Imagine the scene, toddler and I on the beach building sandcastles, toddler dumps a bucket of sand in Mamas open handbag right on my camera! eek, time for a proper bag!
Are crumpler any good?
Thanks in advance for suggestions : )
Having just owned my "Ginger" bag by Epiphanie for one week, I can say wholeheartedly that I love it! It takes the place of a purse and separate camera bag but doesn't look like a camera bag.
I've had two crumpler bags, both smaller ones, but they are fantastic. Great quality, very functional and hard wearing. Not sure about the camera bags, but I've worn one of the crumpler messenger bags in my pre-baby days - I babywear now and think they'd be pretty good, they conform to the body well and the strap is pretty comfy.
I don't have any experience using one but I've had my eye on a Jo Totes bag for ages. http://jototes.com/handbags
If anyone's tried one I'd love to hear how you liked it.
I want something that looks like a purse but is large and safe enough for carrying my camera. I currently use a purse I got in the clearance section at Target, which I've fitted with a little padding from the fabric store. I keep meaning to do a proper job of lining it by sewing up padded inserts but I haven't gotten around to it yet. There are lots of tutorials out there for converting a regular purse to a camera bag if you're handy with a sewing machine.
I have to agree with @microart Crumpler bags really are great. They are pretty much indestructible and last years although are quite costly. Other than that Lowe Pro are good and a bit cheaper.
@araminta Go and see Sarah in Cambrian Photography, Colwyn Bay. They sell tamrac and lowepro and I have both plus Kata (you just can't have enough bags!) Tamrac are my favourite, they have a sze of bag including back packs to suit everyone and Cambrian keep a great range. Cheers Richard
@araminta I prefer a messenger bag for two reasons
First - it stays steady on your body so you can keep it on when taking photos. Sometimes I do not want to rest it somewhere on a surface not in my sight.
Second - it is soooo easy to reach in for a filter or a lens change without having to stop and rest.
In America we have a web site www.etsy.com, and you may find something hand made that will fit your needs. Mine came from there and I only wish I got the large versus the medium. Mine also just looks like a regular bag so no one would know there is over $1,000 sitting in the back seat of my car.
I have one of these which I find is really good. I can fit my DSLR, plus one other small lense, large purse, phone and keys, plus spare battery. It has plenty of pockets and has a zip as well as a flap over, so double protection from things like sand. The one I've linked to is the more expensive one at the moment, but it has links to others of the same make that are less. Best for me is that it's sturdy. It even has little plastic feet to protect the base if you do put it down. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001UBIN9S/ref=oss_product whic
Anyone know of a bag suitable for dslr & 3 lenses as well as clothing, etc. for a week long trip? IOW one section as a camera bag and the rest for everything else.
Thanks everyone I am enjoying the shopping trip with all your suggestions!
@microart Yey another BWing Mama! @brumbe Thanks I do prefer messenger for all the reasons you said, I did have a look at Etsy but there are no sellers in the UK, I don't fancy the customs charge! @peggysirk I love that too where is it from? @wormentude Oh I like them do they fully zip at the top? It doesnt show an inside shot so I will google around to have a nosey!
@lolanae I think this was the shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/xcessrize?ref=seller_info. What I liked is that it is washable, easy to carry, so many fabric choices, and it has an interior clip to keep the bag tight and then one for the flap.
@brumbe Yey bag porn! Hehe they look great, I am trying to persuade myself that it wouldn't be too hard to sew one but my sewing machine and I have fell out!
@wormentude Yes I liked the black scroll one too, I think the green one is 'my' colour though : )
@annielf - depends how much space you want for clothing, but kata have some nice ones. I have this one and really like it for day trips, but probably couldn't fit stuff for a week. You can take the camera section out so it becomes a full rucksack though. http://www.kata-bags.com/product.asp?p_Id=507&Version=Photo
I'd suggest using a normal rucksack for clothes and just having a shoulder/messenger bag for your camera so you don't have to take everything everywhere if you don't want and you don't have to take your bag off all the time to access your camera. One with a cross-body strap can be worn comfortably under a rucksack.
@wormentude Thanks. Yes I was thinking a comfortable shoulder bag for camera and then backpack for clothes. I googled the crumpler bags someone mentioned. I'm also looking at a monopod that folds up small for travel. Will also check out your link.
@araminta my mother can make quilts and the bags, but the bag we made just was not good enough so she gave in and bought one for me. We never quite figured out the best way to pad the sleeves for the inside.
@annielf Hey, I've just ordered a lowepro fastpack 350 for stuff like that. It's got a wrap around pocket for easy access to the camera without having to take it off, and the pocket at the top for clothes etc, as well as a laptop slot.
@cally Thanks, I'll need room for lots of clothes as I'll be travelling around Uganda. Thinks it's going to be big backpack and shoulder camera bag. Kata has some awesome ones! My current bag is a Lowepro but no room for anything other than camera stuff.
I ended up buying a handbag from Kohls, bought foam and fabric and made my own bag. I was able to make the foam dividers and customize it.
I don't have a picture of the inside tho.
I also have this one I bought at best buy
http://www.swissarmybackpacks1.co.cc/detail/B0029U2UAC
Tweets ahoy!
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If anyone's tried one I'd love to hear how you liked it.
I want something that looks like a purse but is large and safe enough for carrying my camera. I currently use a purse I got in the clearance section at Target, which I've fitted with a little padding from the fabric store. I keep meaning to do a proper job of lining it by sewing up padded inserts but I haven't gotten around to it yet. There are lots of tutorials out there for converting a regular purse to a camera bag if you're handy with a sewing machine.
I shall be checking out all the names people have suggested so thanks everyone and keep them coming!
First - it stays steady on your body so you can keep it on when taking photos. Sometimes I do not want to rest it somewhere on a surface not in my sight.
Second - it is soooo easy to reach in for a filter or a lens change without having to stop and rest.
In America we have a web site www.etsy.com, and you may find something hand made that will fit your needs. Mine came from there and I only wish I got the large versus the medium. Mine also just looks like a regular bag so no one would know there is over $1,000 sitting in the back seat of my car.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001UBIN9S/ref=oss_product whic
@microart Yey another BWing Mama!
@brumbe Thanks I do prefer messenger for all the reasons you said, I did have a look at Etsy but there are no sellers in the UK, I don't fancy the customs charge!
@peggysirk I love that too where is it from?
@wormentude Oh I like them do they fully zip at the top? It doesnt show an inside shot so I will google around to have a nosey!
Thanks everyone!
Thanks for the confirmation
This bag is calling me though right now even though it seems a bit too small for me. http://www.etsy.com/listing/71493268/deluxe-dslr-camera-lens-bag-case-zipper?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_query=camera+bag&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade
@wormentude Yes I liked the black scroll one too, I think the green one is 'my' colour though : )
I'd suggest using a normal rucksack for clothes and just having a shoulder/messenger bag for your camera so you don't have to take everything everywhere if you don't want and you don't have to take your bag off all the time to access your camera. One with a cross-body strap can be worn comfortably under a rucksack.
I don't have a picture of the inside tho.
I also have this one I bought at best buy
http://www.swissarmybackpacks1.co.cc/detail/B0029U2UAC