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Archive 2014 · What is the best camera bag?

  
 
k14process
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · What is the best camera bag?


I am an avid collector of camera bags. I can never seem to find the right one for the job though. From Pelican cases to Billingham satchels, I have tried them all. I do think craftsmanship is important, so I try to stick with products that are made in their respective countries and known for fine workmanship. Please share what you like to use!


Feb 16, 2014 at 09:16 AM
k14process
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · What is the best camera bag?


My current set-up is a custom bag I made myself in a friend's factory. All black, ballistic nylon with stowable backpack straps. The bag is big but does not scream camera bag at all. When I travel on a plane I tend to use a Pelican roller just so I know everything is safe. I rarely check-in gear.


Feb 16, 2014 at 09:19 AM
sjms
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · What is the best camera bag?


the "best" is relative by so many variables. so there is no one "best" by any one measure. what's "best" for you may not be necessarily "best" for me.

you should post what you have made so we can get an idea of what you think is in the neighborhood in your mind.



Feb 16, 2014 at 09:50 AM
Two23
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · What is the best camera bag?


sjms wrote:
the "best" is relative by so many variables. so there is no one "best" by any one measure. what's "best" for you may not be necessarily "best" for me.

you should post what you have made so we can get an idea of what you think is in the neighborhood in your mind.


+1

For my Leica kit, a very small LowePro bag seems "best." For hiking, my LowePro belt pouch system seems best. For kayaking, my dry bag approach seems best. For air travel, my Osprey Stratos 35L seems best. For my Chamonix 4x5, my padded Sponge Bob lunch box seems best.


Kent in SD



Feb 16, 2014 at 09:54 AM
k14process
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · What is the best camera bag?


Thank you for the great responses. I kind of threw my question and thoughts out into the void of FM and didn't expect to hear back.

I totally agree that what is best for me may not be best for anyone else. I should have been more specific with my question.

Two23 that's cool how you have a bag for every occassion. I used several different kinds of padded lunchboxes when I was in art school to carry my field 4x5 and holders. I stuck with plain colors though lol.



Feb 16, 2014 at 10:07 AM
sjms
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · What is the best camera bag?


i tend to adapt bags that aren't camera based products to use with my gear that way they a multifunctional. this tends to cut down the clutter in the basement or closet. i do have 1 dedicated shoulder bag and 2 sizes of pack based bags w/varied inserts for again multifunctional use.


Feb 16, 2014 at 10:12 AM
Luvwine
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · What is the best camera bag?


Right now, for my smaller A7r and lenses, I am using Ona bags--brixton and Bowery. Bowery is small--camera with lens plus another lens, but looks like a leather man-purse and nit like a camera bag. I never could have used something this small with my Canon SLR system. The Bowery is bigger, will hold more lenses and looks like a leather messenger bag. I prefer bags that don't scream camera bag when possible.

When hiking I have been using the Thinktank belt pouch system--it is flexible and grows or shrinks depending on the amount of gear I take with me....



Feb 16, 2014 at 10:33 AM
k14process
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · What is the best camera bag?


Luvwine, thanks for sharing. I will look into the Ona system today.

And I have yet to try an actual Thinktank bag, I will take a look a the belt pouch system as well.



Feb 16, 2014 at 11:01 AM
JakeB17
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · What is the best camera bag?


I have different bags for different occasions as well. When working out of my car, or on set, I use a Lowepro X300 roller. When rolling isn't an option, such as when hiking in rough terrain, I use a Tamrac expedition 7 backpack.

I also have a smaller rolling bag from calumet in case the X300 is too large, like on a small aircraft. I haven't had any issues with the X300 as a carry-on for domestic flights though.



Feb 16, 2014 at 11:13 AM
jeverton
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · What is the best camera bag?


I personally find the Tenba Discovery Large Shouder Bag a good choice for use in the field. Of course you can go wrong with Think Tank


Feb 16, 2014 at 11:40 AM
EB-1
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · What is the best camera bag?


I have well over a dozen bags and backpacks, usually purchased for a particular set of equipment. I have bags from Lowepro, Tamrac, Tenba, ThinkTank, Kinesis, Vertex, etc. I'm not a fan of the fancy bags like Billingham or bags made from natural products. (I had a Domke canvas bag that developed mold and fungus.)

EBH



Feb 17, 2014 at 03:37 PM
msalvetti
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · What is the best camera bag?


I've got a bunch of bags right now, mostly LowePro.

I have an older LowePro Mini Trekker when I go to Lime Rock for auto races. Lightweight, but easy to lug my gear all over the track. I bought this bag used about 10 years ago, and it is still in great shape.

I also have a LowePro Vertex 200AW. Holds more than the Mini Trekker, better made, but very heavy. Fits under an airline seat. I haven't used this in a few years.

Mostly I use shoulder bags. I had been using a LowePro Stealth Reporter D400 AW for a few years, but got tired of the bulk. Now it is mostly used for storage, since I replaced it with a LowePro Pro Messenger 200 AW last fall.

I love this bag. Hugs my hip, holds more than the Stealth Reporter, place for an iPad, great fabric, doesn't look like a camera bag, fits under an airline seat. But it can get heavy in a hurry, and the shoulder strap is not removable so you can't replace it with a neoprene strap. Lars did a great a review of it:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1234186/0

Mark



Feb 17, 2014 at 08:32 PM
EB-1
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · What is the best camera bag?


jeverton wrote:
I personally find the Tenba Discovery Large Shouder Bag a good choice for use in the field. Of course you can go wrong with Think Tank


How did you go wrong with Think Tank?

EBH



Feb 17, 2014 at 09:01 PM
pixelrandy
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · What is the best camera bag?


Right? Oh wait, I'm biased...

Randy

--
Randy Wentzel
Product Specialist & Photographer

thinkTANK photo
1105 N. Dutton, Suite C
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
www.thinktankphoto.com
[email protected]
(866) 558-4465 Ext. 1



Feb 19, 2014 at 05:01 PM
Luvwine
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · What is the best camera bag?


What I would like to do is have a holster or two on my Thinktank belt system so I could carry a camera at the ready. Problem is that I think their holster is for larger cameras and lenses. Would like a solution that fits a mirrorless body better.


Feb 19, 2014 at 11:27 PM
Paul Mo
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · What is the best camera bag?


Think Tank Streetwalker - coming to like it despite the 'business/urban' looks, using it a lot.

Kata DR-466i - one of the best looking bags IMO.

Liking my belt system - Think Tank Pro Speed V2 and random Kata and Lowepro pouches.



Feb 19, 2014 at 11:51 PM
swoop
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · What is the best camera bag?


The Domke F-6 has been the perfect bag for me for a few years. I was a bit miffed when my first one fell apart but ended up getting another because the size and layout really is as perfect as it gets.


Feb 20, 2014 at 02:40 AM
CanadaMark
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · What is the best camera bag?


I've gone through dozens of bags, and the one I keep coming back to is the Lowepro Fastpack 250AW.

- CHEAP (under $100)
- Fits a 70-200/2.8 on a body across (the sole reason I didn't buy a Kata 3N1 20)
- Fits 2-3 other lenses & accessories
- Can be used like a slingshot bag for quick access
- Sizable top compartment for accessories or use as a day pack
- Easily fits on all planes & under seats
- Waist strap

My complaints are it has no chest strap, but I suppose sewing on your own would be quite easy. Also, it's cell phone pocket is still made for the flip phones of 10 years ago haha. And no AW cover, but it's pretty easy to throw a plastic bag in with the kit, so not a big deal there unless you will be in pouring rain non stop.

I have been through so many bags, but this cheap bag serves my needs best.

I also use a Clik Probody for hiking, with it's built in water bladder. Mostly happy with that bag.



Feb 20, 2014 at 05:07 PM
arbitrage
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · What is the best camera bag?


Gura Gear....they now have an F-stop Loka competitor (Uinta), the Kiboko and Bataflae are unbeatable unless you need to go on long hikes and then that is where the Uinta would be good or the F-stop bags.

I have the F-stop Guru which is a smaller bag and not nearly as good for hiking as their Loka, TilopiaBC or Satori ones from what I've read/researched. I have a Kiboko 30L and Bataflae 26L and both are excellent for being very light-weight when empty and storing a tonne of stuff.



Feb 21, 2014 at 02:16 PM
Mr Joe
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · What is the best camera bag?


Even though the Uinta opens like a Loka, it doesn't have an internal frame. I would imagine this rigidity difference would have a significant impact on comfort and load distribution for longer hikes.


Feb 21, 2014 at 04:43 PM
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