Every photographer needs a camera bag. The best is a product that not only protects the equipment, but is also comfortable to use. It must carry at least one camera and several lenses, as well as necessary accessories. Unfortunately, no camera bag is suitable for all situations.
Camera bags come in various shapes and sizes. The Kickstarter project will launch a new package from time to time, which is said to be the ultimate solution for portable devices. But over the years I have discovered that there is no perfect bag for all situations. What is perfect depends not only on your situation, but also on personal preference.
First of all, don't be cheap on camera bags. Remember, it will carry the expensive equipment you own. It must protect your camera and lens during transportation or travel. The material must be sufficiently strong and durable. This does not mean that a cheap bag is a bad bag. Be careful when choosing, and don't be fooled by the perfect bag that fits everything; it doesn't exist.
We use different camera bags, each of which has its own purpose.
The camera backpack is probably the most commonly used camera bag in existence, for good reason. Generally speaking, backpacks can carry a lot of weight without causing too much physical stress. A good backpack will allow you to put the maximum weight on your waist. This is why a good belt on a backpack is essential.
The remaining weight is carried on the shoulders, and the weight is evenly distributed. A good padded shoulder strap is important, just like a chest strap. This makes it possible to carry up to 15 kg of weight relatively easily without many problems. This means you can carry a lot of photography equipment for a long time.
A large backpack can hold a lot of equipment, and even spare clothes, lunch and trekking poles if necessary.
This is why almost every photographer I meet uses a camera backpack. But the backpack has a big disadvantage: you need to remove it from your back to take out the camera, or when you need to change the lens. It must be placed on the ground to be able to reach the equipment. This takes time, and most importantly, you need to have a safe place to put your backpack.
Backpacks are perfect for carrying equipment with you on long hikes. But it may not be the best choice in every situation. If you are taking pictures on the beach, it is not wise to put your backpack close to the shoreline. When standing on muddy ground, your bag will get wet and dirty. When shooting in crowded places, you must be aware of criminals who are looking for opportunities.
The famous black sand beach in Vik, Iceland. Many photographers who put down their backpacks were stunned by the sneaker wave. In these places, backpacks may not be the best choice.
In many occasions, a shoulder bag is a better choice. When you must access the bag, the bag does not have to be placed on the ground. Just open it on your shoulder and pick up the camera or lens you need.
A shoulder bag can be very convenient. For example, if you need to change the lens, you don't have to put the bag on the ground.
I find it very convenient to use a shoulder bag when on the beach or standing in a mountain stream. In crowded places, you can keep your bag close to your body. But the shoulder bag also has disadvantages. Perhaps the most important thing is the stress it can cause to your body. The weight of the bag and equipment is only on one shoulder.
On the other hand, shoulder bags are not suitable for transporting large amounts of equipment or hiking. But if you are on site, weight is not an issue. Most of the time you have a camera in your hand and there are only one or two lenses in your bag. In this way, a shoulder bag is more convenient than a backpack.
One camera, two additional lenses. Although it may seem heavy, the bag is no longer that heavy when using the camera.
There are some backpacks that can be easily accessed without placing them on the ground. In some backpacks, you can remove the arm from the shoulder strap first, and then the backpack can rotate in front of you. The rear panel will allow access to your device.
Although the system obviously works, it is usually not a very convenient way to access the device. Rotating the backpack with the belt in place is not easy, especially when wearing a winter jacket. In addition, the weight of the device puts a lot of pressure on the belt, and so does your waist. Although I tried it, I would rather put my backpack on the ground.
A backpack with a back panel entrance that can be rotated around the waist would be very convenient. But wearing thick clothes like a winter jacket is not always easy.
Another solution is to use a sling bag. Just hang the bag in front of you, and then pick up the camera or lens you need. Compared with the rotating backpack I mentioned, it works better. But to be honest, it's just an ordinary shoulder bag. When placed on your back, it still hangs on one shoulder.
I also tried the modular system. It is a good idea to put a few lens pouches on the belt, and it works well. There is no bag on your shoulder, and you can easily access the lenses that you carry with you. However, over time, the two or more lenses on your waist may become heavier because the entire weight is only placed on your waist. If you combine it with a backpack, the modular system works well. At the scene, take out the lenses you need from your backpack and store them in the lens bag.
The backpack is combined with the modular lens pouch system, and several lenses can be easily accessed without placing the backpack on the ground.
In some cases, large amounts of equipment are required on site. In these situations, a shoulder bag is not the most ideal choice, and neither is a camera backpack. For example, during weddings, I often need my lighting equipment. The two flashes, grid, softbox and cables can be easily carried on a trolley. I also installed several light stands on the trolley.
I love my trolley. It contains my lamp, camera and some lenses. If necessary, I can combine the trolley with a shoulder bag. It’s on the top of the trolley,
This way I can carry everything with me without a lot of trouble. If I want, I can also add a shoulder bag to the trolley handle. I only need to bring the equipment from my car to the venue, which is usually easy to reach. If I need to use the light in a remote or hard-to-reach location, I will carry only one light in a dedicated backpack.
Over the years, I have owned many camera bags. Currently I use a large backpack, a small backpack, a few shoulder bags and a trolley. I still have a modular system, but I don't use it often anymore.
My two backpacks. One is only used for a camera and a few lenses, the other is used for a lot of equipment and extra clothes and spare space for lunch.
I often choose a package suitable for work. If I don’t have to go hiking, I often change my lenses, and I would choose a shoulder bag. In that case, I only bring one or two extra lenses. If I go hiking, I will choose a backpack. If I need to carry a lot of equipment, I will choose a larger backpack. If I only need a camera and one or two lenses, or a flash, I will pick up a smaller backpack. When I needed a full set of flashes, I brought the trolley.
Two different shoulder bags. These are very suitable for the camera and two lenses. It is easy to enter and not heavy, but not suitable for long-distance hiking.
So, how many camera bags does a photographer need? I think most photographers need at least two packages. A backpack and a shoulder bag. you agree?
What kind of camera bag do you have? Which one do you prefer and why? Please let me know in the comments below. I look forward to your reply.
Nando Harmsen is a Dutch photographer who specializes in wedding and landscape photography. He is rooted in the age of analog photos, gained extensive knowledge about photography techniques and equipment, and shared this through his personal blog and many seminars.
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peli 1530 air is enough for me.
I tried many packages, but never found the perfect package.
The best is probably to have a caddy like a golfer. They will hand over the equipment to you as needed.
The camera backpack is too obvious and makes you look like a weirdo. The best way is to take an ordinary backpack and add an insert to protect the camera. In addition, only one extra lens can be carried at most to keep it light. But if you must carry more than one additional lens, consider cutting it in half to save space. Tripods are always a luxury, and it is best to stay at home or concealed in the privacy of a temporary studio. I always use the tripod app on my phone.
I found that the lens does not work after being cut in half.
I don't like the obvious camera bag period. This has nothing to do with looking like a weirdo. More about the target that looks like a thief.
It also depends on where you are shooting or traveling. Some places are wise, some places are irrelevant
Let's see... two backpacks, two, no three shoulder bags, (or four?) a slingshot bag, oh, I forgot the bag with the flash. And... well, there may be a problem with my camera bag...
Aside from the jokes, I have a lot of packages because it depends on the situation. Two backpacks are in normal on-site shooting. When traveling, carry a backpack with you and a shoulder bag in your checked luggage. There is also a bag I keep at home, just to store the camera and lens.
8 backpacks plus other bags, I take this to heart, maybe too much!
I thought I was the only one who encountered this problem!
You will never have too many bags, tripods, gimbals, cameras, etc.
Do you live in a camera shop? Ha ha
I am now retiring from professional work, and I mainly work for advertising and commercial clients. When I started, the standard for professionals was a large aluminum Haliburton shell, and you had to cut foam inserts for the equipment you had. Over the years, I have mainly switched to messenger bags, and I have never done many landscape paintings. When shooting company executives’ annual reports, the backpack is very meaningful, and the backpack does not look good. Fortunately, I almost always had a camera assistant to carry the bag.
These days I shoot for fun and travel more easily. I like the crossbody bag style that can be carried with the shoulder strap. I mainly carry a fairly compact mirrorless body and 2-3 lenses, so this bag works well. I have never really wanted a Pullman style bag with wheels, but I can see that it is suitable for air travel with a lot of equipment, although many airlines in other countries have much stricter requirements for carry-on, and this style The bag may end up in the cargo hold.
But in the end the bag you choose really depends on the equipment you carry and where you are going.
How many wallets does my wife need? (humor)
As a photographer, you have no right to complain!
I have too many, but still want a cautious messenger :)
I can also add that after the recent culling of trolls here, the quality of comments has improved significantly. I don't need to mention the name, but I believe everyone will agree that this is a good get rid of.
When I need a discreet cross-body bag, I use a "normal" shoulder bag in which I put padding. Then it doesn't look like a camera bag.
I browsed the Internet today and found the Manfrotto Manhattan Messenger for £38, so I snapped it up. It is good and discreet, with a dedicated camera and lens compartment... I think it’s a bargain .
Before you ask how many bags a person needs, pay attention to how many cameras, lenses, and various groceries a person needs
Fortunately, I never want to take everything... but I do know some photographers who carry everything they own with them.
I like my Tamrac Zuma 7 backpack. It is very small, can hold everything I need, is installed and ready to use.
I also have a small messenger bag to hold 1 body and 1 or 2 small lenses. Usually used for family/friend gatherings.
Like all other equipment, the answer is: do whatever you want!
Like a bicycle. five. The four in the garage and the one I plan to buy.
The package you need = the package you have 1
Your math is all wrong!
I have 25 camera bags of various sizes...I will see a bag I know is 200 dollars at an Estate Sale for 10 dollars and... I just can’t refuse it (don’t even start I’m in On a tripod...), but now my kids make me feel ashamed (in most cases) no longer buying
My large collection of tripods is due to discount stores selling last year's (or older) equipment and I live in Asia where these things are made! My famous bag series is because I have been looking for a walking bag that can comfortably carry my ever-expanding lens series, especially my Sony 200-600mm zoom lens.
Oh, I bought another one today.
I found three plus two to work for me. The rollable Tenba backpack can hold all my cameras and lenses, while the LowePro backpack can fit in the overhead luggage of a US flight. When I carry two bodies in the event, I have a messenger bag for extra lens, memory card and battery. Finally, I have two Timbuk2 crossbody bags with Snoop plug-in, just in case.
I am now retired, but even if I go back in time, I still have 3 bags, 1 Domke for cameras, 1 Billingham for lenses, and 1 lemon green canvas bag for flashes and miscellaneous items. Now I have Domke from the late 1970s. The green bag was torn open, my son is using Billingham, I am still using Domke, it still works. I use it as a pillow when performing tasks and sleeping on the ground. I watched all the young teams strutting like peacocks, holding beautiful bags and all the new cameras scrambling to find a location to photograph a tree, or? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
In any case, Domke has a bag, 2 cameras, 1 flash, 3 lenses, and sometimes too many.
Domke bags are durable. I have used it for decades. Hard stuff.
I like to use a light vest. Be cautious and hold a lot. Then I put the camera on my left shoulder and held the tripod in my right hand. I always fix the spikes at the bottom to deal with liberal socialists-well... I mean thieves.
The answer to the question in the title is obviously: "Always have one more than you already have." ;-)