Camera bags, just like cameras and the photographers who use them, are not created equal. That means there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to finding the perfect bag. Most photographers will find that the type of bag they need varies from one shoot to the next—and may even depend upon where they’re going and what they’re shooting.
With so many bags out there to choose from, finding the one that’s perfect for your needs is daunting, to say the least. But rest easy—there are ways to find the bag that meets all your needs…
Knowing how your bag will be used, what you’ll be shooting with, and even how you’ll be transporting the bag are all factors that are important to consider before making the purchase. The right bag will make your job easier and make shooting more efficient, while the wrong bag can quickly become a frustrating hindrance. Let’s look at some of the things to consider when buying a bag.
1) Shoulder Bags
One of the first bags many photographers find themselves using is the tried-and-true shoulder bag. Many entry-level mirrorless and DSLR camera kits come packaged with simple shoulder bags that, while not pretty, are quite functional for the beginner. As you begin to develop your kit, your bag needs will change. This may come in the need for more space, better weather proofing, or simply appearance.
One of the most popular shoulder bags for those getting started with a basic camera kit is the Manfrotto Advanced III shoulder bag. The fully padded bag features a sizeable interior which can fit a mirrorless or DSLR camera with an attached kit lens and an additional full-sized lens or flash unit. An additional accessories pocket atop the bag is perfect for items like extra batteries, memory cards, and other accoutrements.
For added space, a larger messenger bag can suit your needs quite nicely. The Nomatic McKinnon Camera Messenger Bag can fit a mirrorless or DSLR camera kit with up to two lenses, a 14” laptop, and a tripod via the attachment straps found on the bottom of the bag. When you need to swap lenses are grab additional gear on the fly, a quick-latch system allows you to keep the bag closed without zipping it up.
Accessories can be stored in additional pouches, though the bag itself has three memory card pockets, two battery pockets and two 4x4” utility pockets for all the small bits and pieces in your kit. The lid of the bag is also supported, so you can use it as a temporary shelf when juggling gear in the field.
2) Holsters
Maybe it’s a soccer game, maybe it’s an afternoon safari at the zoo with your kids. All you need is a single zoom lens to get you through the shoot—that’s when a digital holster can do the job. A good holster, like the Think Tank Photo V3 Digital Holster 10, offers more features and uses than the name implies. When you think “holster,” you’re probably thinking about something strapped around your waist during the days of the wild, Wild West. But the only similarity here is that it lets you draw, aim, and shoot with ease—particularly when used with Think Tank’s Pro Speed Belt or Thin Skin Belt.
The holster is really a form-fitting case that will hug your camera and lens. (Always check for compatibility of both the camera and lens before purchasing any bag). One of the great features of this particular model is that it lets you keep the tripod plate attached to the camera, so if you need to set up a shoot for a long exposure, you won’t have to take the camera out of the case and add the tripod plate—and risk losing the shot.
Although it’s designed for people who are traveling light, it still has room for essentials—like the lens cap, batteries, etc.—and it even has a business-card holder under the top grab handle, in case you want to drum up a little business during your shoot. Of course, anyone who shoots outdoor events knows that Mother Nature can be fickle and unpredictable, so having a rain cover with you at all times is essential. That’s another great feature this bag offers—a built-in rain cover.
3) Sling Bags
Today’s photographer doesn’t necessarily need a DSLR to get great shots, but if you’ve surpassed using your smartphone as a camera, chances are you need a bag that carries your gear better than your back pocket or purse.
The great news about some of these bags is that they not only provide the perfect space for carrying your camera(s), but they also allow you to bring along some accessories and personal items—something that buyers sometimes forget about when they’re looking at bags. You also have choices in style. Do you want something sleek or are you going for the rugged look? Backpack or messenger bag style?
Peak Design's Everyday Sling Bag is a stylish way to carry a mirrorless camera and lens and even has designated space for an extra lens. Peak Design's velcro dividers let you configure the contents of your bag according to the specific content. There’s also room for an 11-inch tablet and items like your car keys and smartphone. One of the great features you’ll enjoy on this bag is that it also has a storage compartment for a jacket or sweater, which is great for those all-day events in changeable weather. There’s even a place to stash a water bottle, and it’s all tucked away inside a good-looking bag that looks like a messenger bag.
An even smaller approach to a camera storage is the Everything Sling by Moment, which packs a lot of cool features into a rather small space. This one’s designed specifically more as an everyday carry but is spacious enough to fit a point-and-shoot camera and accessories. Inside, the padded dividers can be arranged to fit your needs, and the front pocket will hold a credit card, memory card, and other small items.
Physical activity and photography can, on occasion, go hand-in-hand. Whether you’re climbing or just navigating a dense urban environment, a sleek, secure bag is essential. Photography by bike is even a growing trend. In these cases, a small sling bag may not be large enough to fit the gear we need. Larger backpacks may be too large and cumbersome or can throw off our balance for more intense activities.
A cross-body sling bag like the MindShift Gear PhotoCross Sling bag is packed with features ideal for active photographers. Its compact form factor and carry capacity make it the best of both worlds for many creatives on the go. Capable of fitting a full-frame mirrorless or DSLR camera paired with up to a 70-200mm lens, there’s no shortage of space.
The cross-body design allows you to rotate the bag from one’s back to the front for easy access to your gear via the main compartment. Above that is a smaller zippered pocket with room for smaller accessories. When worn on the back, an additional tuck-away waist belt can be worn to keep the PhotoCross secure during intense activity. To keep things cool and comfortable, the rear surface and strap are made with a breathable 3D mesh padding, which cushions the wearer while optimizing air circulation.
4) Backpacks
If you're a travel photographer constantly on the go, or just someone who likes to bring all their photo gear with them as they traverse the globe, you're going to need a pack that can handle all your gear and the different environs you might encounter.
Backpacks are the most versatile of the bag options, as they fit the most stuff in a package that’s relatively easy to take from point A to point B. They come in a variety of different sizes and styles to match each use case.
The Nomatic McKinnon Camera Backpack is specifically designed for longer trips that require you to lots of equipment with you—we're talking camera gear, tablets, laptops, clothing, and more. This 35L pack features multiple easy-to-access compartments that allow you to separate your gear by task and quickly retrieve any piece of equipment in a flash. Multiple carrying options means toting your gear will never be uncomfortable regardless of how much equipment you’ve carrying. In addition to all of that organizational awesomeness, the McKinnon is fully padded and features a weather-resistant tarpline material and waterproof zippers to safeguard your stuff and keep all your gear dry.
When you are prone to climbing rocks, blazing trails, and hiking through areas that may include streams, mud, and other elements that put your camera’s well-being at risk, you need a bag that is up to the task. Look for something that’s waterproof and designed to go wherever you do.
The PRVKE 31L Backpack v2 from WANDRD is a great example of what to look for; it’s a backpack that can be carried either by a handle or worn as a backpack. The padded, removable dividers let you configure it to fit the needs of your shoot and can handle a mirrorless or DSLR camera with attached lens, a second lens, flash, and other accessories. It also has a removable chest clip and removable waist belt, which provide greater stability, comfort, and weight distribution when wearing it as a backpack.
For situations where climbing and steep elevation gains are the standard, a bag with sturdy waist support and attachment points for essential gear like water bottles, trekking poles, and GPS Navigators.
The MindShift Gear BackLight Backpack offers an all-in-one solution that suits both extreme conditions and casual everyday use. One of the most versatile backpacks on this list, the Backlight can easily fit one or two mirrorless or DSLR cameras and upwards of three lenses, including larger zooms. It even has a sleeve for a 13” laptop or tablet and a tuck-away tripod pocket and strap on the front of the bag.
Since it’s designed to hold so much equipment, MindShift also built in lots of comfort features like adjustable shoulder straps and a snap-closure chest strap for additional support and balance. The waist belt adds additional comfort and stability for long treks—but also can be hidden away when not in use. There are numerous compartments for cables and audio gear, and the bag even includes an has a hidden all-weather cover to protect your gear when weather conditions are working against you.
5) Rollers and Hard Cases
Airlines keep coming up with more restrictions, so getting your gear onboard with you isn’t as simple as it used to be. What you need is a rolling bag that will fit in the carry-on compartment—but still has enough room for all your gear. That’s when you need to look for bags specifically designed for this task, such as the Airport Roller Derby V2 Rolling Carry-On Camera Bag from Think Tank Photo. The interior can be configured for each use and will hold two DSLRs with attached lens, additional lenses, flashes and accessories. Two padded pockets are designed to hold a tablet and laptop. Side-rolling wheels are perfect for maneuvering down airplane aisles, there’s also room to strap on a tripod, and there are compartments to stow batteries, memory cards, a wallet, and phone.
Of course, some trips call for more equipment, and that’s when your friends at TSA will make you put the bag on the conveyor belt and trust it to arrive on the other side. In that case, you definitely want a well-padded, hard-sided solution that can take a beating. A rolling hard case, such as the 1510TP Carry-On Case with TrekPak Divider System from Pelican, is sturdy but amazingly lightweight. It’s crushproof, waterproof, and unbreakable, and has a cubed foam interior that will accommodate whatever gear you need, cradling each piece of equipment in its own compartment. It also has double-hinged latches to ensure proper closure and can also accept a TSA-approved lock, if preferred.
6) Fashion Camera Bags
Just because most bags are plain and drab, doesn’t mean we have to settle. What’s the point of rocking your signature style if you’re just going to throw what looks like a tactical pack over your shoulder. You want a bag that suits your personal style while remaining practical.
The Brixton Camera bag from ONA is made in leather and canvas options in a variety of colors like Black or Green Canvas, Antique Cognac Leather, and Root Beer-Colored Leather. The soft leather strap and grip handles make it easy to carry, while the elegant styling means your bag won’t announce that you’re carrying camera equipment inside. Speaking of, inside the bag you’ll find a removable padded insert, which when in use provides ample protection for your gear. When removed, the bags serves as a very stylish general use shoulder bag.
Make sure you give your personal needs and uses some serious consideration before making your next bag purchase. Do your research and check out the reviews before making a final decision; you want to ensure it’s something you’ll be happy with for years to come. If you’ve enjoyed reading, take a look at our other guides, articles, and reviews on the B&H Explora page!
