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Best Camera Bag(s)?

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Right now I am keeping everything in one bag of a rather small size. Which bag or bags do you guys use? I also do videography, so that just means I have to keep more stuff on me.
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quinnls
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It really depends on what you are doing with your photography bag. If you are a pro or semi pro who just needs to transport your gear to the job, I can't find fault with the various Lowepro, Manfrotto and Pelican solutions. However, if you are doing walk around with a bag on your back photography. Such as street photography, or just being a plain old tourist, I think such brands are a bad idea. Thieves aren't stupid. They know to look for bags that are photo-equipment specific. For this reason I stick to non-photography bags. Or bags made by companies that also make regular bags for regular Janes and Joes. Such as Chrome Industries, Manhattan Portage etc. Currently own a Manhattan Portage Focus and a Pelican uh, forgot the name bubt it's a backpack with a rigid laptop section. I use the Focus as my daily driver. The laptop and camera sections are removable and the bag can be cinched down very small. Or for gigs or weekends I can expand it to carry camera, lenses, some clothes, laptop and misc gear. The Pelican is my legit gig bag. It can fit everything and it's got super solid straps and lumbar pads.
Syrahcaz
104
Jun 20, 2018
I have been through a plethora of camera backpacks and bags over the years. You name it and I've probably tried it. For a day to day pack/camera bag I have found the Boundary Prima to be the one that takes the cake. Roll top, expandable storage, modular, amazing construction, not big but not to small, magnetic clasps, stylish, the list goes on. Every part of this pack has been thought about and designed with purpose.
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For bigger multi day packs F Stop is pretty hard to heat.
For more traditional camera bags, Ape Case has always done me right.
hyperlinked
304
Jun 16, 2018
My favorite bag is simply a padded insert with dividers that I can put into my messenger bag to convert it into a camera bag. I'll carry my d750 with a fairly heftly lens on it, a flash, and an additional lens. That's what I walk around with usually. I mostly do street shooting and events so lugging around a big backpack full of gear isn't very practical. Besides being hard to access quickly, a backpack just gets in the way too much.
If I need some additional room to carry other things when I'm walking about, I'll usually opt for a ThinkTank pouch strapped to my belt so I have a place to stash an extra lens or another flash. I'll do anything to avoid looking like I'm trying to ascend a summit when I'm walking about, but I do have one of those big Lowepro backpacks that'll fit almost my entire gear collection in it plus electronics. I usually only use that to transport my gear when traveling. Once I get to where I'm going, I pare down to just the essentials and downsize to my messenger bag and an insert.
MXRC
261
May 23, 2018
I've really liked my Manfrotto Street backpack and haven't had the need to use any other ones.
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It's compact and doesn't look... 'weird' - I've found that a lot of camera backpacks look too utilitarian. I like the slim form factor of it. I can get in trains and busses without disturbing people around me, and I can fit plenty of gear into it.
bagspacked
6
Apr 17, 2018
I like the peak design backpack. Appreciate the customization and ability to open while it remains on my back. I think it was on a drop recently
chrisx
17
Mar 28, 2018
I've been using a Lowepro Flipside 400 since 2012 and have been pleased with it. I typically bring a D750, 24-120, 70-200 f/2.8, flash, a few filters, charger, and 15" macbook pro when flying, then leave the laptop at hotel since it blocks access to the rest of the gear. The rain fly has been useful for a few trips, especially in Singapore where thunderstorms are frequent and come in quickly. My only complaints: * it sticks out a bit more than I'd like * the waist strips stick out unless you tuck them behind your lower back * no laptop pouch, so it rests on other things and blocks access
Considering an update, possibly to Peak Designs 30L Everyday Backpack after playing with a friend's pack.
Deanis
0
Mar 27, 2018
Agreed with ChimeraReunion - the Lower ProTactics are really good backpacks. Versatile internals, hardy outer with plenty of attachment points and all at a very competitive price.
350AW is the perfect size for me - DSLR + 24-70/2.8 (Attached) + 85mm/14 + 16-35/2.8 + 50mm/1.8 and some cleaning gear.
Rookie error made by me though as I have a 15" laptop - 350AW only has room for a 13" laptop. I guess that's something to keep in mind if you're carrying it around with you.
Stevem415
17
Mar 27, 2018
I use the Everyday Sling 10L by Peak Designs most of the time. It can carry my Canon 80D, extra prime lens, Rode VideoPro mic, batteries, zoom adapter, filters, a Dell XPS13 or Macbook Air 11.5" and a tripod in the outer straps. When you need to move around (trains, planes, crowds) the sling is real compact on your back and then you can swing it around and use it like a shoulder bag. This is my go-to unless I need to pack all my clothes and stuff in one backpack and then it is the Lowepro Stealth which I've used for about 10 years+
matthewpik
6
Mar 11, 2018
I use a Timbuk2 Tuck Pack Carbon. It wasn't designed for camera gear, it's just a backpack, but it works wonderfully for equipment. Since it's a backpack there are only a few pouches so you'll have to find a way to make separators if you need them. It's fully waterproof which is a huge plus when it comes to carrying gear around and it's built like a tank. It's comfortable as hell and has a sleek look to it. It's not for everyone, but I think it's worth checking out.
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