Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Lucasho
142
Mar 27, 2018
which bags provide a good balance of protection and accessibility? are both necessarily diametrically opposed goals in a camera bag?
ckcd.27
1
Mar 27, 2018
LucashoThis is a common dilemma experienced by all photographers/videographers at all levels-finding the right means to carry your equipment. For professionals especially, gear is expensive and needs to be stored safely but also easily accessible at the same time. These two goals in a bag are not necessarily contradictory, but can sometimes be difficult for designers/manufactures to achieve. When looking at the current market of camera bags, most of them (at the reasonable and affordable price point) offer pretty good, if not solid, protection--at the sacrifice of some accessibility. Very few designers and manufacturers have managed to address both requirements with very little sacrifices--one of which is Peak Design. They make great shoulder bags (Sling and Eveyday Messenger) and backpacks (Everyday Backpack) that secures your camera and allows for easy access. Using some of their accessories, such as the capture clip, further makes the system more atttactive. Unfortunately, these bags can run you anywhere from $150-$250, so it's a bit of an investment. Personally I think camera bags should not just be for cameras, but extremely versatile for everyday life. Peak Design accomplishes this very well, but one bag I am particularly excited for is the Boundary Prima System (unreleased, but will be soon), which fits all needs. That will also run you around $200, so in this current market, buying the perfect, or almost perfect bag, costs a bit of a premium.
RayL
93
Mar 27, 2018
LucashoI have a Think Tank Retrospective shoulder bag that I wear cross-shoulder (put over my head with the stramp hanging from my opposite shoulder). Along with the generous velcro attached flap it keeps my gear secure and mans no one can grab-and-run by pulling the bag off my shoulder. (image copywrite to Fenglong Photography)
search
Djghost1133
22
Mar 27, 2018
LucashoIn another question below i mentioned how I use the LowePro 450 AW for ease of access and storage options. The one thing I omitted from that was the main zipper is on the strap side of the bag, rather then the back like most bags. This means that its near impossible for someone to try and unzip it without you feeling it, and even then they won't have nearly enough time to try and steal from it.
Dr.McCoy
345
Mar 27, 2018
LucashoTruth be told, I've only ever been truly impressed with Peak Designs bags - but it depends on the application. Do you want a backpack or sling style bag? Do you need something stylish or can it be 100% functional? Are you primarily a photographer or videographer? What's your budget?
LucashoI don't think they're opposing goals. Like you said, it's about balancing goals that may be coming from different angles. I mean, dividers both protect gear and organize them so that they are accessible.
As for which bags, it really depends on the situation. But I'd generally go with a shoulder bag for a security/accessibility situation. You don't have to take it off, it's at a great working height, top-loads, can be swung from back to front for mobility, and reasonably secure when cross-body. They can be stealthy or fashionable, even. Sometimes there are rain covers, and some are even water resistant or have a waterproof base (if you have it set down). Domke, ThinkTank, can't go wrong with either. Only downside to shoulder bags is the uneven weight. This can be mitigated if the bag has a belt system (love the ThinkTank Speed Racer for this).
I recently did a trip through Southeast Asia and pared down to a minimalist kit, so the Peak Everyday Sling was perfect. It worked very well, similar to a shoulder bag but better weight distribution, and more breathable than a backpack, and very difficult to open without me noticing. The thin strap did start feeling heavy after 8 hours. I got a generic rain cover since it doesn't come with one. Also works great when cycling.
For storage at home, I put lenses in inexpensive shoulder bags with the strap taken off. If the dividers aren't sufficient, I put them in neoprene sleeves as well. I put a reuseable desiccant in each bag. Then I can place it into a locked cabinet shelf. Easy-peasy.
I don't trust Lowepro. The bags are great, the plastic click mechanism is great, but the plastic can, and has, broken on me.
PRODUCTS YOU MAY LIKE
Trending Posts in More Community Picks