Camera Bags

[Eifion Williams]

It's quite bewildering out there in the world of Camera bags, they come in all sizes and shapes for all different uses. There are shoulder bags, backpacks and cases for all from the enthusiast to the professional.

When choosing a bag you need to decide how big it has to be for your kit at present, so my advice would be go to a dealer where you can take your kit and see if it will all fit into the bag. A bag is a very important part of your kit as it has to be able to hold all your kit and top make it easily accesable.

The next thing to consider is the level of protection it will give to your kit, you have paid good money for your gear and want to look after it so this is very important, so is the weight of the bag, check this with your kit inside. You will be carriyng the bag loaded with your kit and need to know if you will be able to cope with the weight for long periods.

You also need to decide whether you want to take your lap top around with you, as many these days have a sleeve so you can do so.

If you have lots of kit, you may decide to take two bags with you, one as a storage bag and the other to carry with you. This way if you are on holiday, you could just take the kit you need for a particular day with you and leave the rest in a secure place until needed.

A good range of bags are the KATA range, as they are light weight and offer great protection,
http://www.kata-bags.com/index.asp?UP1=OK
Please check out this link.

[Chris Noble]

I use the method of two bags when out on most shoots particularly if going to a location I haven't been before. I carry my large bag with a wide range of kit and a smaller bag into which I transfer what I believe I will need when I get to the location.

One thing to be wary off when purchasing bags is their confort particularly if taking on a long walk. I purchased a Lowepro Slingshot as it felt nice and comfortable in the shop but now I wish I had gone for a more traditional rucksack. The slingshot transfers the weight across the chest but as the day goes on you find your right shoulder being irritated by the cross strap.

[Paul Smith]

I definitely try and carry as little as possible now, a body couple of lenses and a flash gun all fit in my little kata shoulder bag and cover 90% of my shooting. When I need extra wide or extra long lenses I swap out the 70-200 for those.

Definitely recommend the Kata gear, very sturdy and well put together.

[Islandboy]

Personally I've gone for a Lowepro 202AW Slingshot bag and am very pleased with it. The main reason for my getting this particular bag was the clever side access availability of the camera and the fact I could get at my camera without having to take it off my shoulder. There are plenty of inner compartments, zipped pockets as well as a build it rain proof cover.
This bag however may not suit everyone and having read some of the reviews for 'slingshot' style bags, learned that female photographers sometimes found them uncomfortable to wear because of the 'cross chest' strap.
I however wore the bag (laden with a drink etc.) for hours on end during a recent (very hot) holiday and found it fantastic.

[markcarline]

I used the lowepro slingshot ones and found them very good but due to getting some more gear recently I found that the 200AW was a little small so I have just upgraded to a Vanguard UP-Rise 48:
http://www.vanguardgb.com/product/Vanguard%20UP-Rise%2048

Amazing bag that also has a "quick access" pocket in the side.

The idea of having a smaller "just what i need" bag is also a good one!

[Lee Iggulden]

Well I LOVE my KATA 3N130 Sling backpack.

It is comfortable, easy to use, holds a ton of stuff AND will be able to go on as hand luggage when Welshot goes to Hong Kong in November with Will Cheung. (NOBODY mention the "V" word ok!!!! )

I am not a bag person but this is so easy because I dont have to keep taking it on and off and on and off, so getting on the bus, tram, ferry in Hong Kong I will just be able to slide to to my front and sit.... ;)

[Eifion Williams]

A bag is quite a personnal thing, just because I like a particular type or style of bag doesn't mean that it will suit everyone.

My advice is, if you can go along to a dealer with your camera and kit, try it in the bag you fancy, see if it all fits and is it comfortable.

YOU have to live with it. Be fussy even though you may think its ONLY a bag, its still a valuable addition to your photogear.

Not only does it have to protect your gear YOU have to be comfortable with it, thats why there is such a range of them.