Camera Bags

[A2Z]

Hi All,

Just about to get my first DSLR and want to "try" and keep it safe. I don't have any additional kit to carry I just need something a little tough and shower proof. I was going to get the Nikon branded bag (see if I can get a deal with the camera) or are the Lowepro ones better. Up to say £40 are there any ones I should look at?

[Lobster43]

I use a Lowepro Slingshot.

Had it for about 2 years and it's great for carrying about and getting access to the camera quickly.

Very well made and comes with an attached rain cover that is hidden away when not required.

[Kwacker]

I got a Krumpler. It was a little pricey (but it was a gift) they are hand made and I think they come with either a lifetime or a thirty year warranty (in either case it will outlast me or camera technology). It looks good, in a not too much like a camera bag way. It has movable inner bits. It is water resistant and comes with a rain cover for extra protection. I know that bit works because I went to Silverstone GP and it rained and rained. The outside of the cover was wet and that was it! It even kept me a bit dry.

Kwacker

[paulmon]

Kwacker said:

I got a Krumpler. It was a little pricey (but it was a gift) they are hand made and I think they come with either a lifetime or a thirty year warranty (in either case it will outlast me or camera technology). It looks good, in a not too much like a camera bag way. It has movable inner bits. It is water resistant and comes with a rain cover for extra protection. I know that bit works because I went to Silverstone GP and it rained and rained. The outside of the cover was wet and that was it! It even kept me a bit dry.

Kwacker

This. They dont look like a camera bag which is a bonus. I have the muffin top 5500 and it fits D90 + Lens and two other lenses or whatever you want to carry.

P

[mrmr96]

Lobster43 said:

I use a Lowepro Slingshot.

Had it for about 2 years and it's great for carrying about and getting access to the camera quickly.

Very well made and comes with an attached rain cover that is hidden away when not required.

Another vote for this one. I think this pic sums up the key features well. I like how you don't have to take it off to access the camera, which comes out of the side facing upwards when you slide it round. It genuinely works well in the field.

[markmullen]

Always get a bag big enough to grow into, since getting back into photography in March 2010 I've gone through these bags;

Lowepro Nova - soon outgrew
Stingray messenger bag - got too heavy to carry comfortably
Tamrac Cyberpack 8 - good but bulky
Lowepro Stealth Reporter 400 - good but pro bodies difficult to get out of top slot
Peli 1600 Case - great for transporting loads of gear in security
Kata 467i - Use everyday, ideal for carrying kit, personal gear and a laptop
Domke Armadillo 30 - Great for carrying all kit (3 bodies, lenses, flashes etc).
Kata H16 - great for holidays, one body, one lens

Work out what kit you've got and add on 50% or 100% and then buy a bag to fit would be my advice.

[bramley]

markmullen said:

Always get a bag big enough to grow into, since getting back into photography in March 2010 I've gone through these bags;

Lowepro Nova - soon outgrew
Stingray messenger bag - got too heavy to carry comfortably
Tamrac Cyberpack 8 - good but bulky
Lowepro Stealth Reporter 400 - good but pro bodies difficult to get out of top slot
Peli 1600 Case - great for transporting loads of gear in security
Kata 467i - Use everyday, ideal for carrying kit, personal gear and a laptop
Domke Armadillo 30 - Great for carrying all kit (3 bodies, lenses, flashes etc).
Kata H16 - great for holidays, one body, one lens

Work out what kit you've got and add on 50% or 100% and then buy a bag to fit would be my advice.

This.

[Speed addicted]

Couldn't agree more with buying bigger bags than you think you need. I've gone through several and am now on a Tamrac rucksack (which is pretty much full).
If you're a bit interested in gadgets or like collecting things it's really east to end up with loads of gear!

[Zod]

I've been through lots of camera bags, but am now happy with a couple of Billingham bags, a big one (555) that can take two bodies and half a dozen lenses and a small one (f2.8) that will take a body and a couple of lenses. I can't recommend them highly enough.

[anonymous-user]

Another vote for Lowepro Slingshot.

Got it after going through a couple other bags.

It's simply a really great usable bag that's comfy and out of the way when you have it on, but slides round for easy access in a hurry.

You can run and jump over fences etc should the need arise and it stays put like a rucksack, unlike most camera bags with a shoulder strap that just fall down!

[K12beano]

Plus One on the Slingshot. I have the midsize one, 200.

Also have a Lowepro Fastpack 300 and a 445 Billingham. Bigger bags are great. But there comes a point where you end up always packing up that little bit more until you get to the "too-heavy-for-a-day-out" weight. Think carefully about what your using it for, and if you go for a back pack for trekking around, don't bother with anything bigger than will accommodate the top weight you want to carry. Otherwise Billingham style with good handles for carrying around - or something with wheels!

[robpearson]

Resurrecting this thread, I like the look of the Billingham bags, the Kata bag chooser seems to be pointing me in the £300 region, which is more than I'd like to spend. What other suggestions do people have for carrying a single D600, three lenses, speed light, and a few spare batteries and miscellaneous guff.

[markmullen]

Messenger bag? Rucksack?

If you want a messenger bag the Lowepro Classified work well, as do the Stealth Reporter for a shoulder bag, with a top opening to get gear out quicker.

[ambuletz]

If you do think about going down the Messenger Bag route, you can always buy the padded inserts and put it into any messenger bag that you like. Looks alot more casual. Loads cheaper then some camera bags that look casual but go into the hundreds in terms of price.

[Craikeybaby]

Personally I'd avoid a messenger bag for that much kit if you're planning on carrying it for any amount of time, a rucksack spreads the load better.

For body and 1 or 2 lenses I have an FStop Shibata shoulder bag which was under £100, I think they do a slightly bigger version too.

[tim-b]

Another vote for Lowepro - I've had a couple and they are well made and well designed. Some have a pull out rain cover which works really well in monsoon conditions (I can personally vouch for that!).

They might not be the coolest looking but they are great value and practical.

[IanA2]

Lowepro bags are excellent, they are well designed and constructed. Just get the one that suits you, and as others have said, leave room to grow.

If anyone knows better bags in the Lowepro price range I would be interested to hear about them.

[robpearson]

Thanks all, i'll take a look at the Lowepro range immediately

[flat-planedCrank]

I like the attachments on the Lowepro bags. I'm always getting dehydrated when walking around but obviously I dont want a bottle of water in my camera bag...

So I got one of their add-on attachments that fits a water bottle. I'd not be without it now

[rottie102]

I think I have 3 or 4 Lowepro backpacks from AW range. Really cannot fault them, especially for value for money.
But over last year or so my cameras never leave Billingham bag. I have a Hadley Pro Large. You just can't go wrong with Billingham, they are expensive but they will outlast your gear.
My usual setup is 70-200 on a 1D and 8-15 on a 5D, nothing else makes two bodies including a big one with a long lens always available in an instant. It takes me seconds to get either/move from one to another, while at the same time they are both hidden when necessary. I even managed to add to it 50mm Sigma in a case and a 15 inch Macbook plus batteries and a Canon S120, to take it as a hand luggage but admittedly - it was a bit back breaking