Recommendations for a camera bag

[100Teraflops]

In the last 50 years of being an active photographer (both as a hobby and as a pro)), I have literally gone through hundreds of camera bags and I will probably go through quite a few more. Here are some of my thoughts on the subject and where I am at now.

http://nikondp.com/2011/06/finding-the-perfect-camera-bag/

George

Great piece, thanks for the link! The article is helpful!

No Apologies requested, or required. Personally, it's not my job to police the forums and I don't care whether you use multi-post or not. I've been know to post sequentially myself But sometimes for new members I would rather point out something before the self-appointed (i.e. not the mods) police show up. The self-appointed police can be a bit less than polite on occasion, and can leave a bad impression.

This has been a great thread. Thanks for starting it.

Yes it has! Thanks for the contribution.

I have to review some of the bags again, because I have viewed several camera bags, but I failed to record the data. Go figure. Anyways, thanks to all, as there are ample bags for me to choose from. My needs haven't changed and I plan to order a bag no later than July 4th.

 

[Drag'nGT]

Thanks for the Link! The Classic 550 is ultra plush, classy, roomy, and the external pockets are a plus. Please forgive me, as I currently do not understand VAT, but is VAT charged to residents outside the UK? Those bags are awesome!

One can imagine Charles Darwin using a similar bag when he set out on the H.M.S. Beagle!

I'm glad you like them! Normally you don't have a VAT on exported items. Check about buying through Amazon.co.uk. The shipping is pretty fast and reasonably priced.

 

[100Teraflops]

I'm glad you like them! Normally you don't have a VAT on exported items. Check about buying through Amazon.co.uk. The shipping is pretty fast and reasonably priced.

Thank you Sir, I will investigate!

 

[peskaa]

Billingham bags are...the best. I own four of them, in a variety of sizes/designs, for different shoots - one can hold basically my entire SLR kit, including spare bodies, but it weighs a ton when loaded. I have a Crumpler and a Manfrotto bag as well, but the Billinghams get used far more often.

If you're buying Billingham, my recommendation would be the 335 or 445 currently. It's a good size, but not too big, and get it in khaki rather than any of the other silly colours. You can add on tripod straps etc. to expand capacity if needed.

The downside to Billingham is cost, but equally they're fantastic quality. My 550 is going on four years old and looks basically brand new, except it has lost the stiffness. I've got colleagues with 30 year old bags that are still perfectly fine.

 

[someoldguy]

Been using Domke bags for years , mostly an F4AF,holds my 5D2 with 24-105 mounted , 100-400 , 17-40 , flash , binoculars , the usual other crap .Also have an F7 which is basically a bottomless pit into which you put all the gear you think you'll ever need ( but won't) and then get a hernia carrying it around

 

[Laird Knox]

I absolutely love my Kiboko by Gura Gear. It is spendy as heck but I bet you have a fair amount invested in your equipment.

I used it to take three bodies, half a dozen lenses, two flashes and a hard drive to Guatemala. It fits nicely in the overhead compartment of most every airplane. The only issue I had was with customs wanting to make sure I wasn't bringing in all that gear to sell.

It is definitely a bag you can grow into.

Thank you! I know there are other bags out there. I will investigate this bag/case. The bag is airline friendly, which is a major advantage in my book. Three bodies and six lenses is a roomy bag, right up my alley. Thanks again. I found the thinkpad website or something like that, as they sell airline friendly cases too, but they are expensive. Decisions...Decisions.

EDIT: I just checked out the bag and it is definitely large enough for my future needs. It houses two large super telephoto lenses and room for several lenses. Too bad I do not have one super telephoto lens. Thanks again!

Yes it can fit two long lenses but keep in mind that you can set it up any way you want. I don't have any extremely long lenses so both sides are divided up to fit all the random gear I bring along. The dividers are positioned with Velcro and have held their placement for over a year.

Also the backpack harness is very comfortable and stows away nicely. I haven't had to try out the rain cover yet. One advantage of living in a desert.

It took me a long time to pull the trigger due to the price but it is one of the best purchases I've made.

 

[100Teraflops]

Billingham bags are...the best. I own four of them, in a variety of sizes/designs, for different shoots - one can hold basically my entire SLR kit, including spare bodies, but it weighs a ton when loaded. I have a Crumpler and a Manfrotto bag as well, but the Billinghams get used far more often.

If you're buying Billingham, my recommendation would be the 335 or 445 currently. It's a good size, but not too big, and get it in khaki rather than any of the other silly colours. You can add on tripod straps etc. to expand capacity if needed.

The downside to Billingham is cost, but equally they're fantastic quality. My 550 is going on four years old and looks basically brand new, except it has lost the stiffness. I've got colleagues with 30 year old bags that are still perfectly fine.

I am checking out the Billingham bags right now. If I buy a Billingham bag, it will be either the 335 or the 445 per your recommendation. Thanks again for your contribution.

Been using Domke bags for years , mostly an F4AF,holds my 5D2 with 24-105 mounted , 100-400 , 17-40 , flash , binoculars , the usual other crap .Also have an F7 which is basically a bottomless pit into which you put all the gear you think you'll ever need ( but won't) and then get a hernia carrying it around

I looked at the Domke bags and they are reasonable priced. Thank you for introducing Domke into the mix.

Yes it can fit two long lenses but keep in mind that you can set it up any way you want. I don't have any extremely long lenses so both sides are divided up to fit all the random gear I bring along. The dividers are positioned with Velcro and have held their placement for over a year.

Also the backpack harness is very comfortable and stows away nicely. I haven't had to try out the rain cover yet. One advantage of living in a desert.

It took me a long time to pull the trigger due to the price but it is one of the best purchases I've made.

I like the layout of the Kiboko, but I am still not sure if I want a backpack. Thanks for the follow up explaining the different configurations of the backpack.


I planned to purchase a bag before July 4, but I am not sure if I will meet that deadline. There are ample bags to choose from ranging in bag type, style, comfort, and price. I like the Billingham bags, but obviously they are expensive. The Lowepro, Domke, Gura Gear, ThinkTankphoto etc.. are much cheaper than the Billingham, but there are different bags for different assignments. I'll update this thread after I purchase a bag. Thanks to all who contributed!