Camera Bags

[Keith Barlow]

Shoulder bags, Slingshots, messenger bags, pouches, etc, etc. As with all things when it comes to buying something new there are always too many choices.

My Lowepro 100AW slingshot has lasted a few years but i'ts become too small for all my gear and the other day the zip broke. I now have all my gear in a standard rucksack which is great for carting my gear from A to B but not something I want to have on my back for hours on end.

So, I can easily narrow this down, I don't want another slingshot and I don't want a rucksack. I'd like to be able to carry around my DSLR, a couple of lenses, my flash and a few other bits. Having had a look around it looks like I need a messenger style bag favoured by the "Street" togs.

If any of you currently have such a bag I'd be grateful if you could let me know what you have and what you think of it. (I had sent this question out on twitter but though the information may be useful to people on the forum).

Many thanks in advance.

[Lee Iggulden]

I love my National Geographic (it's like a messenger bag but large enough for my largish laptop)
Eif doesn't like it because he reckons it's not enough protection for a load of camera kit.

My proper camera bag which is a Kata (slingshot) is comfortable to wear.

Maybe we should have a bag testing session so we can try all sorts of bags out....

I shall pop my thinking cap on and I will get Eif to say his opinion on here tomorrow.

Me :)

[Lee Iggulden]

So a messenger bag is what you have narrowed it down to, why don't you check out Marks, or borrow mine for a week or so to test it out.

It does come with a separate bag (like a sort of cool box thing) to put a lens in.

Honest, you are welcome to try it. I'm at the Days on Thursday from 1.00pm to Friday...

Me, again :)

[Paul Smith]

Think Tank messenger bags are fab, not cheap mind but look great and have tardis like storage.

[Eifion Williams]

Sounds like I carry a bit more kit than some of you as I normally have quite a large camera bag with me. At the moment my favourite is a KATA OC-82. It looks like a suit case, has partitions on the insiidefor your kit, an outside pocket for keys, phone etc, and a section well padded for a netbook or small lap top. I really like this one as it is comfortable to carry and well padded.
If I am out at the circuit I like to use a backpack. This leaves my hands free to take photos whilst on the move.
Lee's National geagraphic bag with its padded interior and section for lap top sounds like what yiou are looking for Keith. Have yiu also had a look at the Crumpler range of bags, they are popular on the streets too.

[Keith Barlow]

Thanks all for the advice and suggestions. I ended up going for the Lowepro Nova 180 AW.

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-lowepro-nova-180-aw-shoulder-bag-black/p1028278

It's not too big and it's got enough space for all my gear plus plenty of smaller pockets for keys, mobile etc, etc. I know there are loads to choose from but I didnt want to get too bogged down. its only a bag afterall and it was functionality rather than looks that I was interested in.

I would recommend this bag to anyone who wants room for a body and 3-4 lenses.