@autumnseden should actually answer this. She bought one and was not happy without the quality. I actually went with buying my own handbag, buying neoprene fabric and making a carrying case that can move from bag to bag (and my fancy sewing machine was actually a stapler and glue gun.
@tori3012 thanks Victoria, they look lovely but might be a little out of my price range
@brumbe thanks Paula, thats really helpful, you are very clever making your own.. I am hideous at making things, not creative at all.
I was hoping everyone was going to say the epiphanie bags were wonderful and that i must buy one straight away.. thus justifying the purchase in my head!!
I have Clover and am very happy with it - it's sturdy, holds everything that I need (including laptop) and stylish to boot! Yes, they are pricey, but no more than a fashionable purse of the same size. The added expense comes from duties and taxes - that can really jack up the price! Any complaints I have heard had to do with the fact that the bags are made of a man-made material, not leather. I've had mine out in rainy weather and was glad that it wasn't made of leather !
From memory there have been quite a few discussions about camera bags, including a few about Epiphanie, over the last year and if I recall correctly most said positive things about them. I suggest you do a search Rebecca, I'm sure you'll be able to justify the purchase after reading them :-)
Have a look at Porteen Gear. Robyn Porteen hand makes bags to your own design (leathers, materials etc). I much preferred the look of them compared to Epiphonie. (This is what @autumnseden bought too).
Here's mine (with some sort of review) and I'm still very happy with it -
@timandelke thank you, the clover looks lovely . I think the duties and taxes are what is bothering me the most.. as they don't seem to be supplied in the UK.
@kjarn Thanks Kathy I will do a search, I am usually a few months behind everybody else!!
@lluniau thanks Elin, now you have given me something to think about...too much choice!! That looks lovely, are they just available from the US? did you have to pay import duty?.
OMG i think i like them both!!
@bec01 No I'm in Wales. There were no extra charges tax/duty etc. If you request a combination of materials/colours that isn't currently in stock (i.e. made to order) it states it takes 3 weeks to make. I was expecting to have to wait at least 5 to include shipping etc but it arrived exactly 3 weeks from the order date. It's fab. Just like a stylish handbag that also happens to hold your camera! No-one would guess there's an SLR in it unless you told them (which possibly improves safety/security risk? aswell as not looking like a nerd walking around the shops with a big black camera bag over your shoulder!)
@lluniau Haha that is the main reason I want a new bag as not to look like a geek!! Ahhh I remember looking at your penarth pier shot this morning . I grew up in penarth. I'm going to have another look at the bags now!!
Yes, it confused me a bit too. I went for the £82 version. There's a smaller version too which looks a bit squarer (but I can't find one on the website at the moment), and there's an extra large version (£112) but unless you've got loads of gear, I think that would be a bit too large (for me anyway).
@psychographer Thanks lisa, they are lovely too.. @lluniau thank you Elin.
I am liking the porteen gear stuff at the moment... I like the idea of designing my own...although the huge number of combinations might throw me! Thanks for your help everyone..x
@bec01 Good luck! That's partially what drew me to them too, but I eventually settled for a combination she'd already done up as a suggestion in the esty shop. I gathered she knew her stuff and knew what went well together!
Thanks to @brumbe@lluniau for bringing this thread to my attention. I have had quite the adventure with camera bags so I am happy to share my two cents.
1) I bought an Ephiphanie bag (Ginger in Black) and I was initially happy with it. The construction seems sturdy and the padding is convenient. That being said, I had to exchange it within 2 months due to wear showing on the bottom edges. They said that this is not typical and exchanged it for a new bag. I believe this is due to the bag being made of synthetic materials. I am not rough on my bags but I am also used to carrying good leather bags. I did not use the exchanged bag at all and turned around and sold it for under the new retail value to offset the cost of my next bag.
2) I bought a medium sized Porteen Gear bag and I LOVE it! I use it crossbody when I am out shooting for the day and it handily carries my Nikon D5000 with 60mm lens mounted (I put it in the center with the lens up), a spare lens (my 55-200 fits easily), wallet, checkbook, keys, phone and so on. The materials are extremely durable and the construction was handled with care. I have used it consistently for months and have no signs of wear other than some slight "pilling" on the tapestry top which I expect and is easily fixed. I also got a "softer" tapestry so I am sure a tigher woven one would not have the same issue.
3) I did get my favorite Coach bag back (a long story) and use it on a day to day basis when I want to scale back on how much I am carrying and to feel like I am carrying a truly "girly" bag. It is nice for work and running around town but I will switch to my Porteen Gear for photo trips and for 100% usage when the rains start since I know it will take it like a champ while my leather bag would not be as impressed.
For the cost, I think Ephiphanie is over priced especially since it is not made of leather. I would recommend working with Robyn to customize your own Porteen Gear bag and use the $50 you saved to get yourself a cute camera strap while you are at it. ;)
Oh, one more thought. I like to carry my bag crossbody. The Porteen Gear bag sticks out a little but not so much that I am bumping in to things. The Epiphanie bag shape is a bit triangular so it stuck out quite a bit. I bumped into things with it and it felt off balance so I ended up not liking to carry it crossbody at all.
One more thought on the Epiphanie Bag, too... It was HUGE. Seriously. I could carry my Nikon with a lens mounted in the center, my SB 900 Speedlight on the left with my 55-200 mm lens and my wallet, checkbook, business cards and 18-55 lens on the right. With room to spare. That bag was a BEAST.
@autumnseden Thank you so much Autumn that's really helpful. Your Porteen Gear bag looks lovely...Ive just spent ages on the website looking at all the different combinations, i think its a brilliant idea.
I did have my heart set on the epiphanie, but for that price i would have expected leather, it didn't cross my mind that it wouldn't be.
Thanks again i really appreciate you taking the time to reply..
i'm going to sleep on it and have another look tomorrow
@bec01 Good luck choosing! And let us know what you pick! The Porteen bags are made of super heavy duty canvas material on the outside (think western duster jacket material), a complimentary thick fabric inside and your leather and/or fabric choices on top. The straps that run along the bag are sewn into place with heavy duty tread in two places about an inch apart and then go all the way down the bag and are sewn into the bottom. As you can see in my picture above with the thickness of the red, the foam padding is pretty serious, too.
http://365project.org/mnkristy/365/2011-01-29
I have the pink Clover and I have mixed feelings. I think it's gorgeous and roomy (holds all my camera stuff, laptop if needed and more). However, it is heavy. I brought it on our European vacation and my shoulders ached from lugging all my equipment around. It is also very large. In hindsite, I would prefer a smaller bag and probably one that I could wear as a sling or backpack. My Epiphanie typically sits on the chair at home holding all my equipment and I often don't even bring it with me since it's too big and heavy.
I've had an Epiphanie Belle for a couple of months now and love it. Belle model. I bought it specifically just because it's not a typical camera bag. I wear mine across the body and have had no problems. No real wear obvious on it although i've used it in different locations. Pricey? yes, but watch currency fluctuations. I bought mine when Aussie dollar was well above American dollar so it was cheaper than I expected.
I agree with @autumnseden that the epiphanie bags are huge. I am not good at buying anything online. They fully disclosed dimensions on the website, but I had it in my head that these bags looked like purses in the featured photos of them! I first had a Clover, and then I exchanged it for a Belle, which was smaller but still humongous. I think they are beautiful, just too big. Also, I generally don't carry all my equipment with me on any given shoot. When I decided to take advantage of the roominess and put all my stuff in at once, I regretted it within 15 minutes of carrying that heavy bag! Autumn - Is the porteen gear one more like a purse?
@jbaugh@mnkristy@lothlorien@ellen thank you all for your help. I'm glad i have a full range of opinions as it is a lot of money to spend. I am leaning towards the porteen gear one at the moment...My husband is favouring this one as well, as he usually ends up carrying the camera bag, and he said there is no way he is a carrying a red/pink epiphanie!
for me I wanted the bag and the purse in one. I saw all the other options people have mentioned on here, but I just didn't want to have to spend that kind of money and only fit my wallet and keys in there. I wanted room for everything without looking like I was carrying a diaper bag...or, well...a camera bag. I wanted incognito and fashionable.
So as @jbaugh said, I got my epiphanie and I LOVE IT. I haven't stopped carrying it since I got it! I put my 7D in there with it's lens on (any of the lenses I have fit) a flash, my long wallet, my bottle of medicine (it's a huge one, it holds 100 capsules), my keys, lots of coupons and trash receipts..gosh I should really clean it out...my watch and chest strap for working out, a bottle of liquid stevia...and then there's a whole inside pocket for things like my extra cards, lip gloss, my mascara, a couple of gift cards I haven't used yet...then there's the outside pockets which one holds a notebook for me to jot things down along with a pen and a highlighter, and the other side holds my cell phone. And there is still enough top space that when I go to Bible Study on Thursday nights I can fit my Nook, my Bible, and my Bible notebook in there and still be able to sling it over my shoulder.
And THAT was why I went for the Epiphanie: Lola. And I'm saving up my money right now to get another, the Epiphanie: Stella.
I LOVE IT. And it is totally worth the money, hands down.
(on another note for you, I am extremely rough on purses and mine is impeccable still. I shove it in my trunk, between my seat and the dash, under my 3 yr old son's feet, put it on the floor by my feet at restaurants, etc etc etc.)
so I took some pics for you of the inside. Here ya go. It's a bit Mary Poppins...It can fit it all in there, but you sure can't tell on the outside!
The empty pocket is where my phone would be if I weren't taking the photo with it ;) As you can see, still lots of room. I want to add too I get compliments DAILY on how cute my "purse" is, where did I get it. When I tell people it's a camera bag, they are shocked.
@ellen Does the Porteen Gear bag look like a bag you would buy off the rack at a department store? No. The shape is a bit "boxier" because of all of the padding and the style is unique but it also doesn't scream camera bag. If my husband had to carry it for me for some reason he would not complain but it has never been an issue since it carries so comfortably crossbody.
I ran into your same issue with the Epiphanie bag. It was SO roomy that I felt like I could and should carry all of my gear but it is too heavy and really not practical for how I shoot. When I did go on my photoshoot last month, I had my camera out the whole time so I placed my Speedlight in the center section which normally holds my camera and I was set for the day. My "extra" gear like filters, etc are in my trunk so they are available and handy if I need them but not weighing me down either. I can only recall one day where having ALL of my equipment on me at the same time would have been nice.
As for Epiphanie, I know a lot of people have them and love them. I wish the Ginger had worked out for me and Epiphanie assured me that they had not seen my issue before. I sent them pictures before sending in the bag. I believe it was a defect in manufacturing but it still unsettling for how much I spent.
I have been very very happy with my Porteen Gear bag and would like to order another in the future in browns. =) Variety is the spice of life after all. =D
@ellen@bec01 Here are some additional shots and info on my Porteen Gear bag:
Top left: Side view of bag with 18-55 lens in front for size reference.
Top right: Back of bag with 18-55 lens in front for size reference.
Bottom left: Strap details with sliding leather piece for the shoulder. Note that the strap runs down the entire side of the bag and is sewn into the bottom of the bag.
Bottom right: Detail of the strap. Sewn towards the top of the bag with heavy duty thread across twice and then sewn into the bottom of the bag. I can lift the bag from one side of the strap and have never worried about the weight separating it from the bag.
Top left: Detail of the fabric on the front flap. I chose a softer tapestry so you can see it is "fuzzier" but I am sure tighter woven will not look like this. There is nothing wrong with the bag or cover at all.
Top right: Front of the bag under the flap. Zippered pocket that goes to the bottom of the bag plus 3 slip pockets which holds my iPhone, badge for work and lip gloss.
Bottom left: The bag open with the zipper open in front as well.
Bottom right: The top view of my bag inside. There is also an interior slip pocket towards the back of the bag where I tuck gum, my extra battery, ear buds, etc.
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
http://365project.org/brumbe/theme/2011-08-28
@brumbe thanks Paula, thats really helpful, you are very clever making your own.. I am hideous at making things, not creative at all.
I was hoping everyone was going to say the epiphanie bags were wonderful and that i must buy one straight away.. thus justifying the purchase in my head!!
Here's mine (with some sort of review) and I'm still very happy with it -
http://porteengear.com/
@kjarn Thanks Kathy I will do a search, I am usually a few months behind everybody else!!
@lluniau thanks Elin, now you have given me something to think about...too much choice!! That looks lovely, are they just available from the US? did you have to pay import duty?.
OMG i think i like them both!!
Have a look here - http://www.etsy.com/shop/PorteenGear
I also bought a strap (which I also love, and matches well!) - http://www.etsy.com/listing/72276087/green-and-black-leather-and-suede-camera
http://www.etsy.com/shop/janinekingdesigns?section_id=6585125
I am liking the porteen gear stuff at the moment... I like the idea of designing my own...although the huge number of combinations might throw me! Thanks for your help everyone..x
1) I bought an Ephiphanie bag (Ginger in Black) and I was initially happy with it. The construction seems sturdy and the padding is convenient. That being said, I had to exchange it within 2 months due to wear showing on the bottom edges. They said that this is not typical and exchanged it for a new bag. I believe this is due to the bag being made of synthetic materials. I am not rough on my bags but I am also used to carrying good leather bags. I did not use the exchanged bag at all and turned around and sold it for under the new retail value to offset the cost of my next bag.
2) I bought a medium sized Porteen Gear bag and I LOVE it! I use it crossbody when I am out shooting for the day and it handily carries my Nikon D5000 with 60mm lens mounted (I put it in the center with the lens up), a spare lens (my 55-200 fits easily), wallet, checkbook, keys, phone and so on. The materials are extremely durable and the construction was handled with care. I have used it consistently for months and have no signs of wear other than some slight "pilling" on the tapestry top which I expect and is easily fixed. I also got a "softer" tapestry so I am sure a tigher woven one would not have the same issue.
3) I did get my favorite Coach bag back (a long story) and use it on a day to day basis when I want to scale back on how much I am carrying and to feel like I am carrying a truly "girly" bag. It is nice for work and running around town but I will switch to my Porteen Gear for photo trips and for 100% usage when the rains start since I know it will take it like a champ while my leather bag would not be as impressed.
For the cost, I think Ephiphanie is over priced especially since it is not made of leather. I would recommend working with Robyn to customize your own Porteen Gear bag and use the $50 you saved to get yourself a cute camera strap while you are at it. ;)
Oh, one more thought. I like to carry my bag crossbody. The Porteen Gear bag sticks out a little but not so much that I am bumping in to things. The Epiphanie bag shape is a bit triangular so it stuck out quite a bit. I bumped into things with it and it felt off balance so I ended up not liking to carry it crossbody at all.
My Coach...not helpful for the topic at hand but it is just so darned pretty I wanted to share:
My Porteen Gear bag. Click the picture for info on my strap (a popular question!):
And the inside of my bag with a breakdown of what you can find in it:
I did have my heart set on the epiphanie, but for that price i would have expected leather, it didn't cross my mind that it wouldn't be.
Thanks again i really appreciate you taking the time to reply..
i'm going to sleep on it and have another look tomorrow
x
I have the pink Clover and I have mixed feelings. I think it's gorgeous and roomy (holds all my camera stuff, laptop if needed and more). However, it is heavy. I brought it on our European vacation and my shoulders ached from lugging all my equipment around. It is also very large. In hindsite, I would prefer a smaller bag and probably one that I could wear as a sling or backpack. My Epiphanie typically sits on the chair at home holding all my equipment and I often don't even bring it with me since it's too big and heavy.
So as @jbaugh said, I got my epiphanie and I LOVE IT. I haven't stopped carrying it since I got it! I put my 7D in there with it's lens on (any of the lenses I have fit) a flash, my long wallet, my bottle of medicine (it's a huge one, it holds 100 capsules), my keys, lots of coupons and trash receipts..gosh I should really clean it out...my watch and chest strap for working out, a bottle of liquid stevia...and then there's a whole inside pocket for things like my extra cards, lip gloss, my mascara, a couple of gift cards I haven't used yet...then there's the outside pockets which one holds a notebook for me to jot things down along with a pen and a highlighter, and the other side holds my cell phone. And there is still enough top space that when I go to Bible Study on Thursday nights I can fit my Nook, my Bible, and my Bible notebook in there and still be able to sling it over my shoulder.
And THAT was why I went for the Epiphanie: Lola. And I'm saving up my money right now to get another, the Epiphanie: Stella.
I LOVE IT. And it is totally worth the money, hands down.
(on another note for you, I am extremely rough on purses and mine is impeccable still. I shove it in my trunk, between my seat and the dash, under my 3 yr old son's feet, put it on the floor by my feet at restaurants, etc etc etc.)
The empty pocket is where my phone would be if I weren't taking the photo with it ;) As you can see, still lots of room. I want to add too I get compliments DAILY on how cute my "purse" is, where did I get it. When I tell people it's a camera bag, they are shocked.
I ran into your same issue with the Epiphanie bag. It was SO roomy that I felt like I could and should carry all of my gear but it is too heavy and really not practical for how I shoot. When I did go on my photoshoot last month, I had my camera out the whole time so I placed my Speedlight in the center section which normally holds my camera and I was set for the day. My "extra" gear like filters, etc are in my trunk so they are available and handy if I need them but not weighing me down either. I can only recall one day where having ALL of my equipment on me at the same time would have been nice.
As for Epiphanie, I know a lot of people have them and love them. I wish the Ginger had worked out for me and Epiphanie assured me that they had not seen my issue before. I sent them pictures before sending in the bag. I believe it was a defect in manufacturing but it still unsettling for how much I spent.
I have been very very happy with my Porteen Gear bag and would like to order another in the future in browns. =) Variety is the spice of life after all. =D
Top left: Side view of bag with 18-55 lens in front for size reference.
Top right: Back of bag with 18-55 lens in front for size reference.
Bottom left: Strap details with sliding leather piece for the shoulder. Note that the strap runs down the entire side of the bag and is sewn into the bottom of the bag.
Bottom right: Detail of the strap. Sewn towards the top of the bag with heavy duty thread across twice and then sewn into the bottom of the bag. I can lift the bag from one side of the strap and have never worried about the weight separating it from the bag.
Top left: Detail of the fabric on the front flap. I chose a softer tapestry so you can see it is "fuzzier" but I am sure tighter woven will not look like this. There is nothing wrong with the bag or cover at all.
Top right: Front of the bag under the flap. Zippered pocket that goes to the bottom of the bag plus 3 slip pockets which holds my iPhone, badge for work and lip gloss.
Bottom left: The bag open with the zipper open in front as well.
Bottom right: The top view of my bag inside. There is also an interior slip pocket towards the back of the bag where I tuck gum, my extra battery, ear buds, etc.
Anything you would add about them @lluniau?