In our ever-changing digital world very little remains static for long, not
even something as simple as a camera bag. Not long ago bags were
straightforward things, usually big enough to hold a camera body or two and
a few lenses, sometimes protected by some padding, sometimes not.
But in modern photographic terms that was the Cretaceous Period, when digital
photo sensors and Compact Flash cards hadn’t evolved beyond the concept
stage. Now, with so many different camera kits available to consumers, bags,
out of necessity have taken the Darwinian route and evolved too.
Since many photo hobbyists will usually only carry one camera body, two to
three lenses, a flash and a few gadgets we will look at three medium sized
bags from three different makers. The bags are shoulder types or sling bags,
only because in my experience they are the easiest and quickest to work
from.
Rucksack bags are great for walking or climbing, but among busy city streets
and markets I find them slow and cumbersome. Having said that however, it is
important to find a bag that is comfortable.
So before shelling out hard earned cash on a new bag the first thing to do is
to try it out. That means bringing your equipment to the camera shop and
loading it into a variety bags. Adjust the shoulder straps, practice pulling
lenses from compartments, see how easy it is to access other gadgets and
check to see how secure your gear is from sticky fingers.
Some bags fit some people better than others, that’s why it’s important to try
a few manufacturers. Something else to keep in mind is to find the right bag
for the amount equipment you will be carrying – too big and it will soon
fill up with unnecessary items and get heavy, too small and your gear will
have to go on a diet.
One last thing to keep in mind is that it must fit in the overhead luggage
bins of airplanes. Putting expensive camera gear into the hold is risky,
even if using a hard plastic Pelican case.
The list here is by no means exhaustive. I’ve chosen the three manufacturers
and models because I have used them and found them to fit the criteria of
what I believe is a good camera bag.
Domke: Domke bags are the original working man’s camera bag. First
developed by Jim Domke more than 30 years ago they have stood the test of
time and continue to be a favourite among amateurs and pros alike. The F6B
model is a tough bag with a durable Ripstop Ballistic nylon shell, a
closed-cell foam padded interior with adjustable partitions and an all
around Gripper shoulder strap. Unlike older versions of this bag, the F6B
interior dividers can be custom built to take into account the wider size of
new lenses made for digital cameras. Especially those lens with larger
apertures. It is big enough for one body with booster and up to three
lenses, a flash and enough pocket space for memory cards and batteries.
Online price: £89.99 - www.ajpurdy.co.uk
Crumpler: Crumpler bags are cool and trendy. That’s obvious from the
first look, but can all that panache stand up to the elements. Well, yes.
These bags may break from what a camera bag should look like, but that’s a
good thing. Because they are not so obvious as other brands they blend in a
bit better, especially in a foreign environment. It may not be much, but it
could be enough for potential thieves to give it a miss. However, Crumpler
bags aren’t just for show. The Daily DA210 is a sturdy bag designed to hold
a camera kit consisting of one body and up to four lenses and gadgets. It is
built from high performance accessory fabric with a waterproof Ripstop
lining and a protective seal. The internal dividers are adjustable and fully
removable, protected pockets are big enough for all sorts of extras like
batteries, memory cards and filters.
Online price: £63.98 - www.thedigitalcamerashop.co.uk
LowePro: LowePro is the big guy in the camera bag arena. With more
models and types of bags than any other manufacturer it can be difficult to
find the one that is right. It’s important to keep in mind the amount of
gear you have and fit the bag around that. Remember a bag that is too big
will fill up with unnecessary junk and become too heavy. There is a reason
why LowePro have such a strong market presence – they build good bags. The
Stealth Reporter 300AW is an excellent bag designed for photojournalists in
mind. It is big enough to carry one camera body, up to four lenses, flash
and gadgets. It’s Ripstop exterior is tough while the fully adjustable
interior panels fully protect equipment. It comes with a built in rain hood
for wet days while the padded shoulder strap is attached with metal
hardware. What I think I like best about the Stealth Reporter series is the
zipper along the top protective flap. It allows access to your gear without
opening the bag fully. A great feature when shooting in crowded
environments.
Online price: £79.99; www.warehouseexpress.com
An alternative to the Stealth bags are LowePro’s SlingShot series of sling
bags. Carried comfortably on the back, they easily rotate to the front so
you can get to your camera gear quickly. Although I see these bags being
used more often now, I find them a bit ungainly. I like the idea, but they
are just not right for me.
Online price from: £49.99; www.warehouseexpress.com
The three bag makers we have looked at here are by no means the only
manufacturers producing good camera bags. Like any other product it’s
important to try as many makes and models as possible before buying. Just
remember the key to a comfortable camera bag is to fit your gear around the
bag.
