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Best Camera Bag

3catsinky
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Best Camera Bag

Show me your bags! I currently have a think tank international V2, and I feel like it's too restrictive.
I shoot mostly video, so with me are two bodies, 3-4 lenses, a monitor, matte box and drone (which has it's own case)
Kinda want to cram everything into one bag. I have been thinking about that Nomatic Peter Mckinon bag, but was curious to get some other ideas.

Mar 03, 2023 at 06:34 AM

GMPhotography
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Best Camera Bag

Im a bag whore or at least I was but after many years of this there are some quality bags coming from Ona. I have a Bowery right now another fan favorite has always been Peak Design. Look at Think Tank also not to mention Domke. I will leave out the luxury bags here but I will say bags are pretty personal for many folks. Sometimes it's easier to just go in a store and look. Every time im in New York I visit B&H and reason is even though I can buy anything online just going in and looking at the bags is awesome as you can get a feel for size, quality and more important what you can fit in them. Seriously this is like picking a paint color for a room. Not easy

The good news if you stay away from the luxury bags than not so bad in price. But remember this if your a street shooter you don't want a 400 dollar bag off your shoulder than you become a target for theft.

Also what style you like. I like sling bags over shoulder bags as after all these years shoulder bags have killed my back. Trust me at 66 years old you feel the damage from shoulder bags. Backpacks are nice as well so I avoid any shoulder bag per say except little ones. Im not going to put 15 pounds on my shoulder anymore. Just get something that is comfortable and holds your gear and be careful of where you are and what fits that environment . For my whole kit I use a Peak Design messenger bag as it holds my laptop too but its more a transport bag than I break it down to smaller bags for shooting

here is a nice bag not very expensive and well made . You can get a 10 or 13 size

https://www.thinktankphoto.com/collections/sling-bags/products/photocross-13

Good luck

Mar 03, 2023 at 06:59 AM

Jim Dockery
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Best Camera Bag

I'm very picky about my packs and camera bags and have long used Lowe. I have an older version of the Flipside 500 AW II which works very well for me to carry quite a lot of gear comfortably. It also has a nice expandable pocket on the back to bring extra clothes/food/water. I often carry it birding with my Sony A7r+ 200-600mm mounted, along with another lens or two.

Like GM said it's sure nice to try the pack on to see if it fits your body and how it handles the max weight/kit you will bring. I find that it is worth the weight to have a beefier suspension system of padded waist band and good shoulder straps to carry much weight very far.

Mar 03, 2023 at 07:38 AM

AZHeaven
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Best Camera Bag

I've tried far too many bags. And I've never found one yet that is for my needs. Either they are to small or to large.
I tried Guru Gear 22l, damn thing looked like I was going sky diving! Mindshift Gear 18, 26 and 36. F-Stop Loka, Shimoda, Think Tank to name a few. I recently tried the Mindshift 36l. It was just too big and bulky. Besides, the bottom was damaged from the knot at the bottom of the plastic bag and the zipper would get caught.

They were either to large as I said or didn't fit my gear, or did fit my gear but was uncomfortable. Currently I'm using a Lowepro Flipside 300 AWII. And like GM said about carrying, it digs into my shoulders. I'm more partial to dedicated backpacks without inserts. I find inserts limiting.

My gear, as small as it is: Sony A7IV, Sony 24-105, Sony 100-400, Sigma 105 f2.8 macro and misc. accessories like battery charger, memory and battery cases, etc.

Mar 03, 2023 at 08:07 AM

Frogfish
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Best Camera Bag

Now that is one provocative title !

Many 'best bags'. I currently love these Chinese bags I'm using for around town/short trips. I'm still using the Shimoda Explore for long trips (though I don't like it that much).

My blog post on the Chinese-made DulePro bags : https://www.thedragonsfather.com/post/dulepro-camerabag-review (copy and paste this into a new tab as the infamous FM link destroyer is at work).

It's tough to find a bag that not only ticks all my boxes ... but those of everyone else too !

Mar 03, 2023 at 08:09 AM

kroyston
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Best Camera Bag

The Mindshift Photocross 13 that GM mentioned is my most used. The Mindshift Backlight 26 is what I used to transport most of my gear. The Think Tank Retrospective is what I lean to when going light and want to look less of gear head.

I was hoping to add a Photohiker, but they just took my kickstarter money. I'll probably pick up a decathalon tmp and add a cube for longer hikes.

Mar 03, 2023 at 08:39 AM

eyal
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Best Camera Bag

I use two - Shimoda Explore 30 and a Osprey Daylight 10L

The Shimoda holds an a1+70-200/2.8 and an a7r3+24-105/4 in the medium ICU. Small icu at bottom of compartment holds 35/1.8, 16-35/4, 85/1.8. Top has batteries, SD holder, rocket blower, etc. Can also put in 14" MacBook Pro in laptop area for travel.
Carries very well.

I bring the Osprey with me to use with a single body and 1-2 lenses with a makeshift divider from old bag parts to have a light/inconspicuous daypack when traveling/shooting.

Mar 03, 2023 at 08:58 AM

PaulCStudios
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Best Camera Bag

Best bags for me are Think Tank. I own seven of their bags now but use to have ten. 90% of the use has been when I was busy with video productions. Now only use three or four of them. They have a wide range of bags. One of my new favorite is their sling bag while I am shooting, and the smaller international back pack. Both which I have with me now in the Keys.

A couple others that I use that are not Think Tank, is a Portabrace tripod bag. Holds two tripods and 4 light stands. Really tough, and is a backpack going through airports. Then of course two Storm hard rollers for lights, and grip gear.

Great thing with bags is all the options. For me as with all my gear I go for the best, it always pays off.

Mar 03, 2023 at 09:10 AM

webmstrk9
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Best Camera Bag

I joined the too many camera bag anonymous club because well, I still cant find the perfect bag

Response from the group...there is no perfect bag haha

Without knowing what lenses you have, our suggestions will vary. I have had my f-stop Anja pack since 2017 and it has seen a lot of wear and has held up from the abuse. I can go with 2 gripped sony bodies, 70-200GM, 24-70GM, 16-35GM/14-24 Sigma. A video monitor would still have room outside of the ICU in the same compartment above the ICU, batteries can be stored in the smaller outer waterproof pocket on top

If you're looking for a rolling case and will not be doing airline travel with your gear, then I'd look at the 1600 series from Pelican Case. The 1650 I use for my lighting and accessories when I was hired to shoot events, the 1615 is what I pack my wildlife gear with foam and leave body and lens attached

Mar 03, 2023 at 09:22 AM

bjhurley
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Best Camera Bag

3catsinky wrote:
Show me your bags! I currently have a think tank international V2, and I feel like it's too restrictive.

You are looking for much bigger bags than most photographers here are talking about; video gear can take up a lot of room. I have a smaller video/audio setup that I've managed to cram into a ThinkTank Airport Commuter backpack (cine camera, lenses, monitor, matte box, slate, filters, batteries, audio recorder, mic with blimp (the bulkiest item), laptop, etc.) but it was a challenge. My tripods traveled in checked luggage.

Check out Cinebags, who have a very popular backpack for videographers and television crews: https://www.cinebags.com/cb25-revolution-backpack-mb. If it needs to be legal carry-on size your choices are a lot more limited.

Edited on Mar 03, 2023 at 10:49 AM · View previous versions

Mar 03, 2023 at 10:13 AM

wordfool
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Best Camera Bag

The best bag is the one I just bought to add to my already large collection (I’m only semi-joking

Actually I was just thinking the other day how much I miss the old Think Tank aesthetic and build quality. Their bags have gone all soft now compared to the likes of the old Urban Disguise (have the UD50), Speed series waist packs (have the Speed Freak), and even the Sling-o-Matic that I just picked up off Ebay and love for my 200-600/A1. Far better than the similar sized Tenba Solstice 10 Sling that feels like a toy in comparison and I really should return. I have no recent Think Tank bags at all (Mindshift excluded), although I store my gear at home in an SKB case with Think Tank interior.

Also recently bought a Lowepro Pro Messenger 200AW off EBay — another bag long since discontinued yet IMO better than any equivalent LowePro has today.

Otherwise my flavors of the months are the Mindshift Backlight 18 for a limited amount of gear (my Shimoda X30 is gathering dust), the Gura Gear Chobe 16” for carrying gear around a location and as a laptop travel bag, a Peak 10L sling (v1… hate the v2) that I use exclusively for my 100-400, and various small messengers I use with an Apecase insert when I am traveling camera-light.

EDIT: I almost forgot I also have a Wotancraft Pilot 10L bag, which I used to love but it's fallen out of favor as others bags have entered the house.

Edited on Mar 03, 2023 at 01:20 PM · View previous versions

Mar 03, 2023 at 10:29 AM

genjy
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Best Camera Bag

I am not a street or landscape photographer, so bag weight and portability aren't that important to me. I pack gear for myself and my partner, so I have big bags.

I am into vintage Tamrac bags (the Made in Van Nuys ones with the old logo). Professional quality enough and no one wants them, so I have a couple huge ones I got used from eBay. I replaced their straps with Domke straps. They are low key stylish camera bags if retro is your thing.

I also like Domke canvas bags... I have a couple large ones and a rare-ish backpack. My colors are drab olive and black. Professional and stylish stuff imo. I added velcro to their flaps so I don't have to use the metal clips all the time.

One reason I like these big loaf-shaped bags is because I can set my gear on top of them like little work benches at shoots.

Mar 03, 2023 at 11:31 AM

johnvanr
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Best Camera Bag

There is no best bag. I tried the McKinnon bag and returned it. Bunch of hype.

I like Wotancraft bags for their quality, thoughtful design and flexibility, but some may hate their setup.

And I often find myself still grabbing the Domke bags I bought in the early 90s.

Generally, I find bag makers are lagging far behind the gear that's actually being sold right now. The inserts are often too narrow for the ever-growing lens girths.

Mar 03, 2023 at 11:44 AM

Outstanding
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Best Camera Bag

I have love and hate relationship with Peak Design bags.

My most used is EDB 30L V1, I picked V1instead of V2 as I don't like grey interiors. Prefer the gold beige in V1.
Contrary to popular opinion, this is the most comfortable backpack I ever tried. I can carry it fully loaded all day and not be tired.

I also have V1 10L sling, It's as wide and deep as 13L messenger, only height is 2" less. Can pack a lot of gear in it, but more you pack more uncomfortable it becomes, kills my shoulders. So stick to 5/6L max capacity. It fits my iPad Pro 11"

I have earliest 15" PD Messenger Bag, believe it or not my MBP 2021 16" fits absolutely fine in this messenger bag. Ton's of space and straps are literally car seat belts. I am able to carry a Sony FX3 with included audio handle powering a Rode VideoMic Go II and Sony GM 100-400 attached to camera body. It's mind boggling.

I also have Manfrotto Pro Backpack 30, It's speciality is depth. It swallows old style Sigma Art lenses, I only use this bag when I need to carry everything. I can fit A7R5 with battery grip attached and 70-200 GM II attached from top quick access zipper. It's not a stylish bag as it has boxy look to it but it's a workhorse.

Mar 03, 2023 at 11:55 AM

akashyap
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Best Camera Bag

I use a Deuter Freerider 30L for longer hikes and bigger hauls, and I use a Wandrd Prvke 20L for city travel. I hate the look of photo specific bags and think my bags look and function great.

Funnily enough, I leave both bags in a hotel room or car and only grab 1-2 lenses in a smaller pack or no backpack most of the time.

Mar 03, 2023 at 12:33 PM

IndyFab
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Best Camera Bag

3catsinky wrote:
Show me your bags! I currently have a think tank international V2, and I feel like it's too restrictive.
I shoot mostly video, so with me are two bodies, 3-4 lenses, a monitor, matte box and drone (which has it's own case)
Kinda want to cram everything into one bag. I have been thinking about that Nomatic Peter Mckinon bag, but was curious to get some other ideas.

You are opening a Big Rabbit Hole. Everyone has different needs/likes.. Want a stylish bag, stick with what you are thinking about. Want comfort, stick with a hiking back pack. The most important part is to make sure your selection will accommodate your needs. There is no perfect bag out there, but find one that ticks most of the boxes.

From your description of gear a 45 liter should do the job nicely., and perhaps a little extra room when needed.
You probably could get away with a 35 liter, but as the saying goes, better to have than not. .

I use a 45liter, but have different ICU's, I can make the 45 L look like a 30-35 L with a smaller ICU and snugging it down, depending what I am doing Its called flexibility !!

Mar 03, 2023 at 12:37 PM

Picture This!
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Best Camera Bag

The best camera bag doesn't exist for my needs. I tend to carry 1-2 bodies, bunch of lenses and accessories for stills and video and its not the lightest kit.
I've tried pretty much the all the "top camera packs" fstop, shimodas, TT, PD, you name it. The price on some of these bags are utterly ridiculous. The harness system is a joke and none of them carried loads well. None of them.
So now I have three non-camera backpacks that carry way better than any of the above (its not even close) and mostly fit my need. Gregory targhee, Ortlieb Atrack (waterproof) and most recently the mystery ranch bridger. I use ICUs in these bags and organization pouches. The better camera packs are not camera packs. Comfort and functionality first.

Mar 03, 2023 at 12:48 PM

dcisive
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Best Camera Bag

Hi, my name is Lee, I'm a bagaholic.

. But pretty much ALL my bags are of the "Holster" design. I've got several Lowepro's of different sizes to accommodate both small travel configurations as well as longer larger lenses with a grip on the body of my A7RV. One exception is the rather marvelous Kinesis bag which is the only one ideal for the gripped A7RV with the 200-600G on it ready to go. I do have a Pelican case for several lenses and a body if needed but I don't use it for the most part. A Sony backpack keeps all my gear and accessories in place for the time they are needed.

Mar 03, 2023 at 12:48 PM

ke3vg
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Best Camera Bag

I have so many bags but the one I like the most is older version of Guragear Bataflae 32L , I can carry Sony 600 GM, 400 F2.8 GM, two bodies, one extra wide angle lens and bunch of accessories in one pack. It's get really heavy for long distance walk but it's doable for now. For international travel, I like Think tank International V2, to carry minimum gears I need ( 400 GM, 70-200, 24- 70, 10mm, two bodies and bunch of extra accessories.

It is vey subjective and each occasion need different pack so I have many. There is not perfect bag!

Mar 03, 2023 at 12:59 PM

KarmaKramer
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Best Camera Bag

Bags bags bags. The only thing I dont like about the Think tank Retrospectives is the tearing velcro to open and close them. Eeeeeeesh, I hate that sound. I prefer a clip over velcro. I have a Vanguard I think its called, holds 2 Sony plus 2 or 3 lenses and batteries, cards etc. I can even lay a Godox AD200 on top of it all in a pinch. Vanguard ALTA ACCESS 33x, discontinued now I think.

Edited on Mar 03, 2023 at 01:20 PM · View previous versions

Mar 03, 2023 at 01:10 PM

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