Do stylish camera bags exist?

mark fox

I've been wrecking my brain for the last two days, (several weeks ago too), for my aim in purchasing a camera bag that fits my needs.

So here goes,

I originally wanted to purchase a backpack, (NOT a messenger bag), as it just appealed to me more, and I felt that it would be more comfy in the long run, over a messenger style bag. Then I started looking at messenger bags, in particular the crumplers, but they didn't appeal to me too much. Although I like the billingham bags, at this point in time, I can not afford such an expensive bag.

I like the backpacks such as the tenmba discovery (http://www.tenba.com/products/Discovery-Large-Photo-Laptop-Daypack.aspx), but for some reason, I can not imagine myself liking the way the camera equipment is stored in the front compartment like that; for safety reasons, and just for the fact that I'd prefer it to be in the main compartment.

I finally started looking into pelican cases and duffel bags, the only thing stopping me from getting one is that they aren't very 'carry' friendly. But at this point, I don't know if I will be using a bag to carry my equipment around all the time.

I ideally want something that I can take with me to shooting locations for when I'm hired.

But having a backpack would be nice for when I go on random walks with the girlfriend, or any other type of exploration shooting, for which case, a duffel or pelican wouldn't do. Although I do this stuff very rarely I suppose.

I have a Gripped 7D, 3-4 small-medium lenses, 430ex ii and obvious other accessories.

What do you guys have in mind? Opinions and recommendations are welcome!

Thanks for your time.

Pupator

All I can say is "good luck." I'm still on the hunt for the elusive perfect bag. I've probably tried no less than 20 varieties of backpacks, shoulder bags, and messenger bags. I'm still looking.

Regarding "stylish," check out TimBuk2. I have a messenger bag (non-camera) and love it. I've never tried one of their photo bags though.

Art Scott

curently I use a Lowe Pro backpack ( Pro Trekker AW) great backpack but any more I use it as storage for my gear when traveling mostly...for hiking, biking and most other times of shooting I use a Pair of Lowe Pro 75Aw's on a Military webbed Pistol belt (the 3" wide ones) with military suspenders..cameras are easily accessible at my sides and if I am doing an over night in the woods, my camping backpack easily ride over the suspenders with out giving me any trouble...stylish they are not, Lowe Pro builds their packs and bags with one real goal in mind ... to protect the bags contents ... I do not care if the bag is stylish, as long as my gear is protected and I have found a bag that is as well built as the Lowe PRo line....

davev

I have a large Tenba, what looks like a carry on suitcase to hold my stuff when I travel.
When we get to an area to hike, I use this, a Tamrac Velocity 9.
I have the older model, and from what I've heard, there is now a Velocity 10.

The pack has 2 dividers that gives you 3 areas for lenses/cameras.

I normally have a gripped Canon camera, a Canon 15-85, a Tokina 10-17, and a 100-400 mounted on the camera in the center area.
It has a waist belt that tucks inside of it, but I never use it.

It rolls around to give you easy access to your gear without taking it off.

Here's a video on U Tube from Tamrac. LINK


A shot of me with the pack on shortly after knee surgery.
For size reference, I'm around 6-2.

mark fox

Pupator wrote: »

All I can say is "good luck." I'm still on the hunt for the elusive perfect bag. I've probably tried no less than 20 varieties of backpacks, shoulder bags, and messenger bags. I'm still looking.

Regarding "stylish," check out TimBuk2. I have a messenger bag (non-camera) and love it. I've never tried one of their photo bags though.

Haha,

I'm in a hurry, but I'll definitely give them a look.

Art Scott wrote: »

curently I use a Lowe Pro backpack ( Pro Trekker AW) great backpack but any more I use it as storage for my gear when traveling mostly...for hiking, biking and most other times of shooting I use a Pair of Lowe Pro 75Aw's on a Military webbed Pistol belt (the 3" wide ones) with military suspenders..cameras are easily accessible at my sides and if I am doing an over night in the woods, my camping backpack easily ride over the suspenders with out giving me any trouble...stylish they are not, Lowe Pro builds their packs and bags with one real goal in mind ... to protect the bags contents ... I do not care if the bag is stylish, as long as my gear is protected and I have found a bag that is as well built as the Lowe PRo line....

I understand that stylish camera bags will never really be something easy to come across, and that generally speaking, the people behind creating the bags don't include "style" in the top 3 things they need, but most of the bags I've seen have this fixation on opening from the back. That doesn't seem safe to me, and I find it a little hard to understand the reasoning for it. I would much prefer if I were able to reach for my gear in the main compartment.

As for the belt, I don't think I would ever be in a situation where I would need something like that...for now that is.

Generally I will shoot "on set" for the client, so as long as my gear is all in one place, it doesn't really matter a great deal what it's in, as long as it is safe and reachable. Pelican case/duffel would do great here, but for those rare or maybe in the future not so rare occasions where it's just me, my camera and a few lenses and accessories, I'd just love to have it in a bag (that is somewhat stylish and not hugely expensive) that I can keep on my back without worry of people opening the pockets. Ever walked around Thailand, or been on a cramped train/subway? haha.

mark fox

davev wrote: »

I have a large Tenba, what looks like a carry on suitcase to hold my stuff when I travel.
When we get to an area to hike, I use this, a Tamrac Velocity 9.
I have the older model, and from what I've heard, there is now a Velocity 10.

The pack has 2 dividers that gives you 3 areas for lenses/cameras.

I normally have a gripped Canon camera, a Canon 15-85, a Tokina 10-17, and a 100-400 mounted on the camera in the center area.
It has a waist belt that tucks inside of it, but I never use it.

It rolls around to give you easy access to your gear without taking it off.

Here's a video on U Tube from Tamrac. LINK


A shot of me with the pack on shortly after knee surgery.
For size reference, I'm around 6-2.

You know, I was actually going to mention in my previous reply that maybe the answer to my prayers is that I do have two different forms of baggage. One pelican/duffel to carry EVERYTHING I will ever have/need to take with me to places I know I won't need to move around a lot with or if I'm traveling, and the second could very well be something more concise like the bag you mentioned. I've actually stayed away from the "sling" style bags because I just did not think I would like them. Several reasons, the way they look (sorry, I'm picky!, I know it is the worst reason in the world!), the fact that they generally only hold a set amount of things; no room for ipad/macbook/extras etc and that I just never imagined myself with a sling style bag, thus not allowing myself to visualize the uses they had.

Does the gripped body fit well, or is it almost forced?

I haven't seen many bags that offer the room to accommodate a gripped body.

Thanks for your input.

ZBlack

I've got the Tumbuk2 Snoop messengre bag, this is their camera version. I picked up the medium sized one as I wanted to be able to carry all my lenses and flash. It holds my D7000 with Sigma 17-50 and lens hood attached, 55-200, 10-20, sb700, the other lens goods, batteries and triggers. It has a laptop compartment as well which I haven't used for that, but I do use it for the manual and a notebook, and whatever book I'm currently reading.

I wore it to a photowalk last night in the rain and it kept everything dry, and it was pretty dang comfortable for what I thought wouldn't be after 3 hours of walking around. Didn't even have to change shoulders. The only gripe I have with it, is there's no handle on the top of the bag.

mark fox

ZBlack wrote: »

I've got the Tumbuk2 Snoop messengre bag, this is their camera version. I picked up the medium sized one as I wanted to be able to carry all my lenses and flash. It holds my D7000 with Sigma 17-50 and lens hood attached, 55-200, 10-20, sb700, the other lens goods, batteries and triggers. It has a laptop compartment as well which I haven't used for that, but I do use it for the manual and a notebook, and whatever book I'm currently reading.

I wore it to a photowalk last night in the rain and it kept everything dry, and it was pretty dang comfortable for what I thought wouldn't be after 3 hours of walking around. Didn't even have to change shoulders. The only gripe I have with it, is there's no handle on the top of the bag.

ZBlack wrote: »

I've got the Tumbuk2 Snoop messengre bag, this is their camera version. I picked up the medium sized one as I wanted to be able to carry all my lenses and flash. It holds my D7000 with Sigma 17-50 and lens hood attached, 55-200, 10-20, sb700, the other lens goods, batteries and triggers. It has a laptop compartment as well which I haven't used for that, but I do use it for the manual and a notebook, and whatever book I'm currently reading.

I wore it to a photowalk last night in the rain and it kept everything dry, and it was pretty dang comfortable for what I thought wouldn't be after 3 hours of walking around. Didn't even have to change shoulders. The only gripe I have with it, is there's no handle on the top of the bag.

The price is very appealing to me, although I still don't know whether a gripped DSLR will fit without 'forcing' it.

And to everyone else, does anyone else have qualms with camera bags that open like the one I mentioned in the first post? (http://www.tenba.com/products/Discovery-Large-Photo-Laptop-Daypack.aspx)

Art Scott

Lowe pro has some really great SLINGBAGS...similar to the one DAVEV shows above..and I have owned 3 of them and they worked great..comfy on back, slide around to front and your camera and lenses are in main compartment, my problem was it was to slow for me to get into when MC'ing to stop bike, sling bag and then subject was gone (usually antelope, Eagles, Deer etc) the top loading 75AW is much faster access, plus they started incorporating a laptop space and that is for me a total waste of space.....the LowePro Pro Trekker comes with enuff dividers to start your own camera store in the bag...my norm is body with 70-200 or 50-500 in the center pointing down with body and 18-70 coming up and padded divider between the lenses...then on the sides are quantum batts, flashes, and everything else I need..it opens like most any backpack from the front side (the side that is exposed) with dual zipper when you open the flap all your gear is right there one compartment.

Good Luck...will be curious as to your final decision. BTW..Pelican and Storm Cases cannot be beat for protection...I know they have a model that doubles as a backpack but it cannot be comfy in any way shape or form.

divamum

Define "stylish" As a gal, I think the jill-e bags are absolutely gorgeous and if I didn't already have a (much cheaper) pair of bags that I really love, I'd be saving up for one. They also do a guys' line called Jack if you're looking for something more in the leather/urban chic mode.

For unobtrusive and classic, I don't think you can beat Think Tank. If I ever need a bigger bag and/or am flying with gear, that's probably what I'd get.

In the meantime, I personally have the Versabag knock-off Crumpler which I LOVE (that link has my review when I got it, with plenty of pictures), and this smaller bag which looks like a lady's tote which I use when I want to be discreet and/or am not carrying that much (although it can easily hold my 7d, a couple of lenses and a flash if I need it to).

For location shoots, I have a Walmart rolling suitcase (originally bought as a suitcase and then seconded for camera gear) which is a perfect size and makes moving stuff around super easy. I can pack both both bags inside it as well as a lot of other bits and pieces, so if I need EVERYTHING with me, I can still keep it one place. For lighting gear, I have something very similar to this. Mine doesn't have a zipper so I can toggle down the top while still letting umbrellas and stands poke out the sides. Cheap and efficient!

ZBlack

mark fox wrote: »

The price is very appealing to me, although I still don't know whether a gripped DSLR will fit without 'forcing' it.

And to everyone else, does anyone else have qualms with camera bags that open like the one I mentioned in the first post? (http://www.tenba.com/products/Discovery-Large-Photo-Laptop-Daypack.aspx)

The insert for the Snoop is removable entirely, and the dividers inside can be adjusted. It should be able to hold a gripped camera in place of an additional item, or still carry everything if you're not against stacking some stuff. But I have not personally tried a grip on my camera as I don't have one yet.

mark fox

ZBlack wrote: »

The insert for the Snoop is removable entirely, and the dividers inside can be adjusted. It should be able to hold a gripped camera in place of an additional item, or still carry everything if you're not against stacking some stuff. But I have not personally tried a grip on my camera as I don't have one yet.

Thanks for that info!

I think I'm actually going to avoid the messenger bags because I feel that I would get so much more out of a backpack for when I go on hikes/adventures!

Divamum - Walmart bags definitely sound like the way to go!

davev

mark fox wrote: »

You know, I was actually going to mention in my previous reply that maybe the answer to my prayers is that I do have two different forms of baggage. One pelican/duffel to carry EVERYTHING I will ever have/need to take with me to places I know I won't need to move around a lot with or if I'm traveling, and the second could very well be something more concise like the bag you mentioned. I've actually stayed away from the "sling" style bags because I just did not think I would like them. Several reasons, the way they look (sorry, I'm picky!, I know it is the worst reason in the world!), the fact that they generally only hold a set amount of things; no room for ipad/macbook/extras etc and that I just never imagined myself with a sling style bag, thus not allowing myself to visualize the uses they had.

Does the gripped body fit well, or is it almost forced?

I haven't seen many bags that offer the room to accommodate a gripped body.

Thanks for your input.

My other bag is in the shape of a carry on luggage bag.

It's a Tenba Roadie Rolling Photo/Laptop Case - Large LINK

It holds lots of stuff, and is the bag that stays in the vehicle.



Place for a laptop and a small side pocket for cards.



In this shot, there is a 300 f2.8, 100-400, 24-105, 135 f2.8 soft focus, 15-85, 1.4 tc, 2x tc, Gripped 5DMKII, and many filters.



Good luck in your quest.

jheitzeb

Hey Mark. The Cosmos is a cool looking vintage leather style bag that will store your camera and accessories safely and securely. A durable cotton interior will protect the contents from shock, and there are enough compartments and dividers for all your equipment.
Source: Top 10 Stylish / Retro Photo Gear

Manfr3d

Hmmm .. Domke, Think Tank Retrospective Series, Shootsac., Jill.e. Depends on what you find stylish.

Moving Pictures

I bought an aktivpak 400 (iirc, too lazy to verify 100 per cent) and it's been awesome. Carries a messload of gear (7d, 70-200, 28-70, two flashes, radio triggers, clamps, gorlllapod, beanbag, collapsible reflector, pens, paper, spare cards, batteries, more batteries, flash stands, flash cord, other cords, snoots, gobos, diffuser, chapstick, monopod and the yet-tested camera condom.

Matthew Saville

Hehehe. Here's a secret- Eventually, you'll have as many camera bags as your S.O. has purses. Such is life! I just collected my fourth or fifth camera bag, the "One Bag" from Undfind. I've actually been testing it for them this past wedding season as a lighter weight alternative to the heavier full-size messenger bags I used before. So far I love it. It's really just for shooting though, it's not for long treks or something. It's for professional wedding and portrait photographers mostly, or just general people who care about style in regular environment, not necessarily a "backacking through the wilderness" environment. FOr that, get a backpack.

Now, I have a large rolling bag, a smaller messenger bag, the new even smaller "One" lens / laptop bag, (not at the same time) ...and of course a backpack for the longer treks and stuff...

=Matt=

Rob Douglas

I switch between my Crumpler shrinkle backpack (discontinued) and Crumpler 7 million dollar home. If I'm out exploring abandoned architecture or in the woods I'll use the backpack because it fits everything and is very comfortable to wear for long periods of time. If I'm out with the wife and kids at a park, zoo or other venue where I want to go light and easy, I'll take the 7 milloin dollar home because it's easy to wear across the shoulder with easy access without taking it off and still fits a few lenses and a flash.