{"id":11236,"date":"2019-02-14T18:33:05","date_gmt":"2019-02-14T18:33:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.apogeephoto.com\/?p=11236"},"modified":"2019-02-14T18:33:05","modified_gmt":"2019-02-14T18:33:05","slug":"best-camera-bags","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.apogeephoto.com\/best-camera-bags\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Camera Bags of 2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"bestChoosing the best camera bag can be a bit tricky. It’s sometimes hard to know exactly what one\u2019s needs are in a bag. An enthusiast photographer with a single compact camera body will have vastly different needs from a professional wedding photographer. <\/span><\/p>\n

Camera bags differ from camera backpacks in that they don’t usually offer quite as much storage space. There’s usually enough room for 1-2 camera bodies as well as a smaller selection of lenses. But the price of camera bags tends to be lower as well, and they are easier to carry onto an airplane, into events, and to other places where a heavy camera backpack would be a hindrance. They also come in several styles, including a messenger bag and holster designs. <\/span><\/p>\n

Each of the camera bags in this article are for the interchangeable lens (DSLR\/mirrorless) photographer; compact camera owners may find smaller camera cases a better bargain. Camera bags are as varied in design as the photographers who use them \u2013 but what should you be looking for when shopping for one?<\/span><\/p>\n

What Should I Look For in a Camera Bag?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Material Construction<\/b><\/h3>\n

The material of your bag is one of the most important concerns<\/span><\/a> on this list, but not necessarily one that will disqualify any one particular bag. Synthetics like nylon, cordura, kodra, polyester, and propylene are some of the most common bag materials due to the lower price of manufacture, durability, and water resistance or proofing. <\/span><\/p>\n

Nylon is by far the most common synthetic used in camera bag creation. While it tends to tear once punctured, it’s strong and very water resistant. <\/span>Rip-stop<\/span><\/a> and ballistic nylon are also commonly found in camera bags and backpacks due to their resilience. The nylon weave of these models is far more densely woven and uses thicker threads to keep the bag from falling apart nearly as easily. <\/span><\/p>\n

While this level of reinforcement is nice to have, it’s also more expensive. This means you’ll need to consider whether you need this level of protection carefully. If you do a lot of outdoor shoots in the forest, then branch snags, thorns, rocks, and other natural hazards are worth protecting against. But an interior event photographer could easily put that money towards customization, style, or other elements of the bag.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cotton canvas is the most common natural material for camera, bags but leather is a second choice when style is most important. Waxing is the classic water resistance treatment, but if it\u2019s not <\/span>re-applied as needed,<\/span><\/a> the bag will lose the ability to shed water over time. DWR (durable water resistant) chemical spray treatments are another way to give cotton bags a bit of water resistance. It’s usually best to assume that if you’re going to be exposed to the elements regularly, a synthetic blend or full synthetic camera bag is your best option. <\/span><\/p>\n

Storage Capacity<\/b><\/h3>\n

This changes depending on the photographer, of course. The more bodies, lenses, and additional gear you have to carry, the bigger the storage capacity required. Photographers with long lenses should pay special attention to the interior dimensions. Better yet, take your gear into the shop and arrange it within the bag there to ensure it meets your needs. <\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s also important to inspect the integrity of the seams and straps on bags with large storage capacity. Often, the bag will appear to be incredibly well constructed except for the stitching that holds the strap to the bag or joints where heavy gear can cause stress or fabric fatigue.<\/span><\/p>\n

Customization<\/b><\/h3>\n

Customization is handy to have in a camera bag because as your gear selection evolves, we want to ensure the bag remains relevant. Foam flexible inserts are one way camera bags allow you to change the interior layout. Often, these inserts use Velcro to secure them into place at angles and compartment sizes of your choosing. You can have an extra-large central compartment for your full-frame DSLR body one day and a smaller one for your mirrorless one the next without sacrificing space. Sometimes there is the option to remove straps and handles as needed. <\/span><\/p>\n

While not as common on camera bags compared to backpacks, modular designed bags are becoming more and more common. They allow photographers to swap out entire compartments for a fully customizable experience. Many camera bags also have sleeves for laptops and tablets to ensure you can work in the field at full capacity. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Best Camera Bags of 2019<\/b><\/h2>\n

Peak Design Everyday Messenger V2<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Peak<\/a><\/p>\n

The original Everyday Messenger was a solid hit and one of Peak Design\u2019s best releases. Founded initially as a Kickstarter project, Peak Design met their goal and has since released several products. The Everyday Messenger V2<\/a><\/span>\u00a0was released in 2018 and <\/span>features several upgrades<\/span><\/a>. The flex-fold dividers and fabric on the internal pockets are made more durable and the exterior waterproofing is more reliable. <\/span><\/p>\n

With two sizes available, there\u2019s a messenger bag for every photographer. The Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag 13\" (Charcoal)<\/a><\/span>\u00a0is best suited to carry a mirrorless camera body plus two lenses and accessories. The Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag 15\" (Ash)<\/a><\/span>\u00a0will hold a full-frame DSLR body with three lenses plus accessories.<\/span><\/p>\n

Customizable Design and Easily Accessed<\/b><\/h4>\n

You can typically find flex-fold dividers in camera bags and backpacks. They allow you to decide exactly how big an individual compartment will be and whether it will securely hold a camera body, zoom lens, pancake prime, laptop (via the installed laptop sleeve), or anything else you care to fit within. <\/span><\/p>\n

Even other dedicated photography bags sometimes neglect your tripod. The Everyday Messenger includes a sleeve to fit a single leg combined with an internal zipper compartment to secure the entire tripod to the inside of the flap.<\/span><\/p>\n

The MagLatch system is elegant and works just as you\u2019d expect. The magnetic clasp can attach securely to one of four ladder lock points along the front of the bag. As a magnetic design, it makes manipulating items one-handed easier than ever and ensures it\u2019s easy to keep your camera in hand in the field. If you don\u2019t care to fully unlatch the bag, a zipper along the top flap offers an alternate access point. <\/span><\/p>\n

Photographer’s Bag and More<\/b><\/h4>\n

One nice thing about this bag is that it functions for everyday use just as nicely as it does as a photography tool. While the flex-fold divider system is best suited to keep your lenses and camera bodies organized, they can also be placed to keep books, pens, and other tools securely in place. <\/span><\/p>\n

Each of the inner pockets is also color-coded to aid in organizing. You can instantly identify dead batteries, specialty lenses, cables, and more by pocket, rather than requiring you to root through each one.<\/span><\/p>\n

The price tag of the Peak Design Messenger V2 is up there, but it definitely shows. With its chic messenger bag style, Peak Design also ensures you\u2019ll always feel trendy while toting your gear, something professional photographers would be wise to remember. While you\u2019ll always sink the majority of your money into your gear, first impressions are important. <\/span><\/p>\n

Excellent Water Resistance, Average Durability<\/b><\/h4>\n

Anything going into this bag is safe from light and moderate water exposure. \u00a0You\u2019ll have peace of mind with the waxed 400D nylon exterior and DWR undercoat. While 400D is slightly on the weaker side in terms of sheer durability, as a day bag it\u2019s more than sufficient. <\/span><\/p>\n

Hikers and people rough on their gear should consider 600D nylon or above for its superior abrasion and puncture resistance. The zippers of the Everyday Messenger V2<\/a><\/span>\u00a0are also water resistant, securing an otherwise common weak point of camera bags.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Think Tank Photo Airport Takeoff V2.0 Rolling Camera Bag<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Think<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

While the name is somewhat unwieldy, the Think Tank Photo Airport Takeoff V2.0<\/a> is definitely not. When traveling abroad, it can be a bit nerve-wracking to hand off your sensitive photography gear to the ticket agent. After all, you don’t know how careful everyone who handles your bag will be. <\/span><\/p>\n

This Think Tank design ensures your photography equipment will remain at your side until you step off the plane. The <\/span>1680D ballistic nylon<\/span><\/a> construction makes it by far the most durable bag here, and the DWR (durable water repellent) coating ensures moderate rain won’t be much cause for concern. \u00a0But if you find yourself trapped in a monsoon, the interior polyurethane rain cover will provide an additional layer of protection.<\/span><\/p>\n

Large yet Carry-on Size<\/b><\/h4>\n

While several of the bags here are carry-on sized, it’s once you start to get into the larger end of the camera bag selection that things can get difficult. Bag manufacturers don’t always outright tell you if a bag is a carry-on size since that’s not necessarily their primary consideration. And once you get gear into a bag, it may give you trouble at TSA inspection.<\/span><\/p>\n

The rigid form of the Think Tank V2.0 ensures it won’t become a hassle. At 14\u201d x 22\u201d x 9\u201d, it’s just small enough to fit into an overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. Given how large the bag is, it also has a pair of shoulder straps that allow the bag to double as a backpack. The straps can be conveniently stowed away in zippered compartments when not needed. <\/span><\/p>\n

Excellent Storage Capacity<\/b><\/h4>\n

As one of the larger bags here, the Think Tank V2.0 comes with enough space to hold two full-frame DSLRs, 2-4 additional lenses, a 17\u201d laptop (within a separate padded compartment), a tablet, and extra camera accessories, like batteries and chargers. It uses the removable flexible foam divider system that is common to photography bags. This allows you to tailor the size of the compartments to securely cushion any size lenses and bodies. <\/span><\/p>\n

The only real downside to this style is that it’s fairly unremarkable on the inside. There are no hidden pockets or other gimmicks. This bag is all about premium materials and construction rather than unique styling. <\/span><\/p>\n

Additional Features<\/b><\/h4>\n

While it’s a pricey model, it does have several notable exterior features worth looking at. Given how much weight the bag can carry, the bottom wheels are a welcome addition, especially after a long flight. The telescoping handle features reinforced metal components that aren’t as likely to fail as the plastic ones common to lower end bags. <\/span><\/p>\n

The side pocket, combined with the compression strap, allows you to attach a tripod to the exterior, though that does compromise the form factor a bit. The unsecured front pocket is a fine place for document storage as well. A final stealth feature of the Think Tank Photo Airport Takeoff V2.0<\/a> is that it’s specifically designed to be repairable by the owner in case parts wear out.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n \n \"Think\n <\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n\n
\n \n Think Tank Photo Airport Takeoff V2.0 Rolling Camera Bag (Black) <\/a>\n
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