Choosing A Camera Bag

 

Whether you carry a DSLR and multitude of lenses or a simple compact camera, the right bag for the job is essential. It’s probably the least glamorous purchase you’re likely to make, but get it right and it takes all the stress out of photography on the move. This week we’re going to have a look at what we consider some of the best bags on the market.

When you’re out and about with your compact camera you want it to be as unobtrusive as possible, and the same goes for the bag you put it in. Many people will slip a compact into a coat pocket or a handbag they might already be carrying, but we recommend a standalone pouch because it will offer the best protection from whatever else you might have jangling about in those pockets or bags.

For less than £20 you can pick up the Lowepro apex 20 AW black, which is designed specifically for a compact camera, but also has dividers and pockets for spare batteries and memory cards. It’s not waterproof, but it does have a nifty little rain hood that comes out and wraps over the bag – perfect for travelling as light as possible!

A compact system is definitely smaller and lighter than a DSLR kit, but you still might find yourself owning several lenses that will necessitate a decent sized bag. A medium sized shoulder bag is perfect for this type of set-up, and something like the Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 30i for around £50-60 is ideal. Featuring space for a professional sized CSC body and four lenses up to 70-200mm sized, plus a dedicated tablet pocket, the Mover i30 is extremely well made and gives you a sense that you could drop it from a building and still have your gear survive.

When you spend thousands of pounds on a DSLR, lenses and accessories it’s foolish to cut corners when choosing a bag. Many people find a shoulder bag convenient because they provide easier access on the move, but we always recommend a quality rucksack to spread the weight and combat backache. At around £140 we think that the Lowepro Pro Runner Bp 450 AW II is hard to beat. It’s a bag capable of holding two pro DSLRs, up to 6 lenses, flashguns and accessories along with a 15” laptop and tablet! Lowepro bags are so well made and designed that we can’t fault them – they’ve even provided a strap to attach a tripod!

A good bag can make a day out hunting photos such a pleasure – we’re sure that it makes a difference to your final output too, so invest in a decent one and get out and make beautiful images you can print to canvas!