I'm on the hunt for a good camera bag. I've had my current camera bag for about 6 years now, and it is falling apart. The strap broke a few years ago, so now I'm using a strap from a messenger bag that I have but am not currently using. The Velcro keeping the dividers in place has worn through to serve no useful purpose, while the seams are either ripped or fraying. I definitely need a new camera bag.
The problem is I need a camera bag with space. I carry around two DSLR bodies, about 5 lenses, a horseshoe flash, plus filters, miscellaneous cords, spare compact flash cards, batteries, etc. It would also help that I have a place to attach my tripod. Yep. I carry a lot in my camera bag - which can weigh up to 40 pounds.
I would love a bag that is fashionable and feminine. I'm tired of the same old boring camera bags that were obviously designed by outdoorsy male photographers. I am more interested in something like these...
This
Kelly Moore bag is cute and fun. Even more importantly it is orange - my favorite color. But realistically, it doesn't have the necessary space.
This Paris bag from
Epiphanie is also fantastic. It comes in black or this fabulous purple color, which is Mum's favorite but I again run into the same problem that I have with the Kelly Moore bags... not enough space.
Then there are the
Jo Totes. Definitely cute, certainly feminine, and absolutely not boring. However, I'm running into the same space problem.
Jill-E Designs has a few options. No one can deny how stylish this camera bag is, but once you open the inside pocket, you find it is even smaller than the other three bags.
Unfortunately, in the end, I think I'm going to have to go with one of those boring outdoorsy-type camera bags designed by a man with no style. Unless I want to carry around multiple bags so I can fit in all my equipment (which I don't), then I don't see an alternative.
The one I'm leaning toward is this Tamrac Expedition 9x bag. It has the space I need to carry my DSLR bodies plus lenses, and there are plenty of pockets for the compact flash cards, batteries, and filters.
There is even straps on the front to attach my tripod. But it is just so... so... boring!
What do you think? Is it better to have a couple of stylish bags to carry all my equipment (aka Bag Lady territory), or be practical and by a boring Expedition bag? I'm still on the hunt, but if any of you find something that is a good mix of the two - I'd love to hear from you.
If it were me I could go for multiple bags.
ReplyDeleteI do like the "male designed" one for all the space, but I'm with you it's so boring!
Why limit yourself? Get the sensible bag for all of those 'mudpuddly' kind of shoots out in the weather...then get the 'girly' bag for nice, tame, indoor events. Of course assuming money is no object; which it is not...if you're packing 5 lenses about! (I have camera envy.)
ReplyDelete@Debora... That's not a bad idea. Though, money is a big factor. I do have a lot of lenses, but they weren't all purchased by me. Most of them were gifts over the years. And don't have camera envy... My cameras are 5 and 6 years old and deep into showing signs of their out-datedness. The big goal for 2013 is to purchase a newer, more efficient DSLR body, but 2012 is all about the camera bag. :)
ReplyDelete@Phoenix... I do love me some bags, so I'm definitely not opposed to purchasing several (probably one at a time, since budget is an issue). But, I think you're right - it's going to end up being the boy bag simply because of the space. However, I am pretty sure I'll end up buying at least one of the girl bags, especially for certain events like weddings.
ReplyDeleteI kind of like the backpack one but can see why the orange one would feel more feminine. But practicality must win if it is about keeping your equipment safe.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point, Siobhan. Safety is a huge deal. Camera equipment isn't cheap, and I want to protect it as much as possible.
ReplyDelete