all review--We've narrowed down the pack to the best
camera bags for every DSLR photographer, whether you need a heavy-duty backpack
or a classically-styled shoulder bag.
Most
point-and-shoot cameras are now small enough to fit in your pocket or purse
without a second thought, but if you’ve wisely invested in an expensive DSLR
camera or a micro-four-thirds style, you’ll want to buy some sort of bag or
carrying case to protect your camera and keep all of your cords, SD cards, and
other accessories neatly organized. We’ve narrowed down the pack to some of our
favorites in a few categories. There are smaller bags and camera inserts
available on the market or giant professional suitcases to hold 5-6 cameras,
but we’ve given you our picks that fall somewhere in the middle and would
appeal to your average DSLR photographer. Pick up any of these selections and
we think you’ll have made a wise choice.
Classic
These bags all have a classic photographer
look to them that give a sense of heritage in place of modern fabrics and
design. They might not be the most high-tech or modern, but that’s kind of the
point. If you have a somewhat classic sense of style or a flair for retro
finds, these bags are the picks for you. We promise they’ll never go out of
style.
This classic Domke F-2
Ruggedwear Shooter’s Bag ($165) is a great versatile bag made
from coated canvas and designed to fit 1-2 DSLR camera kits as well as some
extra lenses and accessories. Two handy outside pockets and padded interior
compartments make sure that everything stays organized and in its place.
If you really want a classic camera bag to
pass on to your kids, the Billingham 335
Shoulder Bag($389) is a perfect choice. Like the classic trench coat
of camera bags, this bag will not go out of style and is crafted with quality
materials that will stand the test of time. The 335 is made to hold two DSLR
kits and three lenses, as well as various other accessories. Made from
waterproof canvas, the bag features a padded closed-cell foam interior, a
double-laminated bottom, a fully waterproof top flap, and various
pockets.
For something on the smaller side, we like the National
Geographic Africa Shoulder Bag ($178), which has the classic
photo-journalist look but was designed to carry only one DSLR kit and some
other accessories. It’s got plenty of pockets inside and uses a padded
removable insert to protect your camera.
Sporty
These bags take things to a bit more modern
place with sturdy fabrics and fun sporty designs. If you keeps things on the
minimal, casual side in your everyday life, one of these bags might suit you
and your photographic needs.
When it comes to great minimalist design, we
haven’t seen a better camera bag than the Ari Marcopoulos
bag ($200) from Incase. This sleek sling bag comes in modern
gray and features enough room to store a DSLR kit with lenses, faux-fur lined
pockets for a point-and-shoot camera and an iPad, and a removable rain
fly.
While Crumpler makes camera-specific bags in a
variety of handy sizes, we particularly like the versatile 5 Million Dollar
Home ($85), which is the right size for most DSLR
photographers, allowing room for a DSLR kit as well as several lenses. The bag
also features velcro silencers, outer accessory loops, and durable 900D Cordura
fabrication.
For women who want a simple, fun bag to
protect their cameras (or guys who aren’t afraid of color), we’re a fan of the Camera Daypack ($60)
from our friends over at the Photojojo store. The durably nylon bag (available
in purple or blue) has padded mesh lining and just enough room for one DSLR and
one lens or external flash, but has 5 other pockets for smaller
essentials.
Heavy-duty
You may still consider yourself an amateur
photographer, but if you’ve got more than one camera body and a handful of
lenses and flashes, you’re going to need a heavy-duty camera bag with some
extra room. These picks are for those of your who need more than just small
shoulder bag to haul all your gear.
It may not be winning any style awards, but
the Tamrac 5617
Ultra Pro 17 Bag ($170) has you covered when it comes to
storing and protecting all your gear, with enough room for two DSLR kits and
5-6 lenses, as well as a 15-inch laptop. The bag features a 600D Polytek
exterior, a separate back pocket for your laptop, a padded interior with a hard
plastic bottom for added shock protection, and handy outside pockets for
smaller gear.
For those who prefer a backpack to a shoulder
bag, we like the sleek design of the Timbuk2 Snoop
Camera Backpack ($149). The bag offers room for a couple camera
bodies, a handful of lenses, smaller accessories, and up to a 17-inch laptop.
The bag offers a padded laptop compartment, side entry for easy access to all
your gear, a ventilated back panel, and adjustable padded camera inserts.
If you’re an amateur photographer who has an
adventurous side, you might be in need of something like the Lowepro DryZone
200 backpack ($365), which offers plenty of storage for your
gear in a fully-waterproof package. The bag (which floats) features a
heavy-duty padded compartment inside to hold plenty of gear, waterproof TIZIP
zippers, and a tuck-away tripod holder.