The Problem With Camera Bags No One Talks About.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ธ.ค. 2023
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Not all camera bags are created equal and that's a problem we must face. While there are premium options out there, many of us fall into the trap that any camera bag is better than a good 'normal' bag. Street photographers, filmmakers and other creatives with cameras have more choices than they might think. But what is the problem and solution for today's camera bags?
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Well, it was a while back now, last year i think
As someone who shoots for a living, I gravitate toward roller bags which contain every single equipment I could possibly need for the shoot. I don’t worry about weight at all since I’m not carrying anything on my back and I almost always drive to the location. Plus, I’ve broken a few equipment due to accidentally dropping bags. Carrying everything in a roller is both safer and more comfortable.
yeah, i came here to say something similar. i also just implicitly trust the structure of my pelican rolling hard case more than any soft backpack. i also find that at the end of the day i have more energy for shooting because i haven't been literally carrying everything around like a pack animal.
Agreed
that's what most pros do.
This is great until the venue has lots of gravel driveways 😂
Then my pelican roller becomes a liability 😂
@@GregThurtle Thankfully, the Pelican 1510 does have sturdy, comfortable handles. 😉 And, when my feet get tired, I can use it as a stool or bench. 🙂 Seriously, though, it is nice to simply walk about with one lens, on one camera body, with a supple, adjustable strap that is long enough to be worn cross-body, and leave the bags and cases at home. There are times to go light, and times to bring the whole kit.
As someone who is into photography and coffee, I love the cutaway shots in the intro and yes both hobbies can be just as expensive...I chose poorly
Both expensive but both addictive
@@GeorgeHolden One physically, the other psychologically!
I've just reached this point in my photographic journey this year after a couple of years of messing about with gear. My misguided thinking was that I want to take my camera everywhere, so I wanted to find a camera bag that can also function as a regular bag. This is where I was wrong. Camera backpacks are only really good for hauling camera gear, they aren't very functional beyond that. So just as I've decided not to bring a lot of lenses with me all the time I no longer need a bag that can carry all of that in an everyday scenario. That's a relief!
Great to hear!
I downsized to Sony A7Cii, just take one lens with it and put into my wife's purse until ready to use. That's why every photographer needs a wife for inspiration. 😅
thats why as somebody who does video but sets all my stuff down wen on set, having a main brand camera bag makes sens for me, but for more run and gun street oriented or documentary stuff, i use a hybrid bag
@@elimayer193 Absolutely, they are designed for work, but a lot of brands try to market themselves as lifestyle gear, which they simply aren’t
@@RhettegettBorshow exactly, those main brand backpacks should only be used for carrying loads of gear to a set and then setting them down
carry water,street photographers dont kill yourselves
I think an often overlooked downside of camera bags is that they advertise that you are carrying camera gear. So depending on where you live or are traveling, it may put you at a bit higher risk of not only losing your camera gear but also your $400 backpack. Great video that really resonated with me!
I had a carboard box that was packaging for case of diapers that fit my camera great, and used that in my vehicle for a while. Doesn't look like anything anyone wants to steal!
The type of thief that’s going to roll you for the belongings you are carrying doesn’t know what a camera backpack looks like and they don’t care. They will be more than happy to score a smartphone and your wallet. Whatever is in your bag is a bonus to them. Don’t wave your camera around in sketchy neighborhoods, but also don’t worry about your camera bag putting a target on you either.
@@PerfectlyNormalHumansNot true at all. Snatch and grab thieves in larger cities know exactly what to look for. They’ll always pick a target with a nicer or more expensive looking bag/clothing than someone without. It’s very easy to tell a camera or gear bag apart from a cheap Nike backpack.
Sure, homeless and addicts won’t know the nicer bag or care… but you’re underestimating the level of practice a thief that robs tourists all day has. They know what to look for and will walk around Times Square in groups all day just looking for marks.
@@PerfectlyNormalHumans That's my thinking as well. Especially in my country thieves are not clued up on the different bags but opportunistic and will go for the easiest targets. The last bit is true for any country. The problem with photographers is that we make it easy for thieves by flashing things around and it's often because we aren't careful that we are targets. True is some cases we have no choice.
As for the bag normal makeup bags make excellent camera bags and also keep it in your boot and not the car or else you not only lose a camera but also a window due to a meetup with a sparkplug.
@@Username-2 I completely agree. I cut off any tags on my bags just to blend in a little more.
Thinktank and LowePro have been my go to brands for over 15 years now - they've always stood the test of time for me and I've only changed things up to adjust the way I carry things (Rolling suitcase vs. backpack) and due to expansion of what I take with me because I've become a hybrid shooter. If you're not shooting professionally, any bag will do, but if you're shooting events and things that require quick access to different lenses, battery replacements and so on, you really shouldn't rely on a normal bag. In addition, it would be negligent of anyone to just throw $20k of equipment into a bag without proper protection between individual items.
think tank is awesome! but i swear they discontinue so much rapidly
@@SonoranAstroI just bought their sling bag for lighter camera sessions and I've come to find out that it was the last in my area because they discontinued it.
When i became a wedding photographer, i found a company making camera bags designed by pro photographers, Thinktankphoto. I never went with any other manufacturers.
I have lowepro bags for more than 20 years... and I don’t have his expensive peak design camera strap 😅😅😅
First let me say that I'm as guilty as anyone of having purchased way more camera bags than I actually need. And this whole subject falls under the category of todays state of the art becoming tomorrows trash which is a pet peeve of mine. Just because something was made in the past, maybe even just last year, doesn't mean it's no longer useful today. But, as with any gear, find what works for you. And don't feel pressured to buy the latest and greatest just because it is the latest and greatest.
Agreed!
those Domke bags from 30+ years ago, still
great bags
I've had the same issues. But my biggest issue with camera bags is that... they are camera bags. They're specialized. They've got pockets for everything photography related, but often don't leave space for other items I need. That can be water, snacks, maps, hiking poles, first aid kit, etc. I find that outdoor bags conform better to accommodating photography kit than photography bags conforming to hiking and day to day kit.
So I end up having two hiking packs. One is large for when I'm out on a long hike. One is small for small hikes and walking through cities. And then I have one photography bag from Think Tank that I consider my filing cabinet. I generally store gear in there and pull it out depending on what project I'm working on.
Shimoda cover the things you mention but as per usual they ain’t cheap.
They never have enough space even for the camera gear. I got a lot of use out of a fishing vest that I bought.
Yeah. 😂 this is my dilemma. And I have kids with me, so I need to carry their snacks and drinks too. Hiking to a nice place wanting to shoot is a nightmare. Or travelling with gear plus kids. 😅
There are a few gems out there, which kinda make a split for all. Still they only fit stuff for a weekend away maybe, but how big would you want it?
You're looking for bags with daypacks. Tneba Fulton v2 16L can be recommended, rockinga Lowepro Flipside AW350 myself, this one doesnt fit a laptop though
I have the same dilemma too, when it comes to packing camera gear for expeditions, as I need space for other essentials too. Currently, I'm considering getting a 40L travel bag from decathlon and cutting strips of foam from an old yoga mat for additional padding in the bag.
I also use camera bag/insert inside a normal backpack combination a lot. If I want more gear than usual, I put two camera inserts on top of each other and still have room for some snacks and a water bottle on top. One other "solution" for camera bags is knowing you don't even need a bag all the time. If I really want to travel light, a strap around the neck works just fine for me.
Yeaaaaaaah, that is why I purchased an insulated padded lunch bag and it works great $30.
Your stories/videos are so spot on! You really make a compelling point for what most of us are thinking a good deal of the time, and if we’re not, well, you steer us in the right direction. Cheers for having common sense and being able to convey it to others. In a sea of nonsense you really are informative and entertaining. Thanks for all the hard work you put in!
Thank you so much!
I absolutely love Fstop bags, mainly for the opening through the back and the different sized insert cubes system. This I see as the main advantage of a photo specific backpack, you just slap your backpack on the ground and there it is, all your gear easily accesible, while hard to acces for pickpockets. Invaluable for the likes of landscape photogs for example who use more gear.
In saying that, when I dont need all and can work with a small backpack, Im sporting a Decathlon one with said insert :D
Good advice. I've been using a Peak Design Mirrorless Mover 20 (I think) as the insert when travelling. My Fuji XT-5 with a f2 prime and the 18-55 and a spare battery fits in there and will sit nicely in the bottom of a North Face backpack I've had for years. Gives me the option of just grabbing the small bag when going out for a day.
I face a different issue: living in subtropical Australia, it rains OFTEN and it rains HARD, we get the edges of the monsoon troughs here so sometimes it will rain for 2 weeks continuously. And I'm on a bicycle. So I grabbed DECAMP watertight folding bag. It's actually designed for people who literally need to cross rivers during hikes, so it is airtight and made of really tough PVC. But it also has a laptop compartment and all that good stuff inside the watertight compartment. And obviously that's where my camera gear lives too. An absolute lifesaver.
Get a good camera bag
@@danigonzalez4299and four times more expensive than what you are using now :))
It's nice to see all the talk about messenger bags where you just throw an organizer or small bag in, or a tiny bag with room for just a couple things. They're liberating as a photographer, to travel light and carry other things you need too. I even sometimes just carry a spare battery and hat in a musette bag!
I'm surprised I haven't read any comments about Domke yet. 50 years of basically unchanged production of durable, flexible canvas bags speaks for itself, I think.
I've had an F-3X for nearly 20 years, and the adaptability it has is amazing. Protection and flexible, foldable dividers where you need it, pockets that you need, and nothing you don't. I've never had the need for any other camera bag on the go, for any camera from a GR II or Rollei 35S to a D3 or even Pentax 645. An RB67 or large format camera would be a bit much though.
I eventually added a Domke F-2 for storage of gear I'm not carrying, but that's it. No more bags needed.
Yes, Domke is for old school pros. They are not visible now lol
I love messenger bags also, especially because you can use them as everyday messenger bag with just removing the lens compartment. I my first every bigger bag was Vanguard messenger bag and I got it back in 2015. And it still perfect except the velcro part. I used it and abused it, and it can carry a lot of gear.
People get hooked on getting new and shiny things...
F-5XB here, just a nice, clean, well made bag that isn't cumbersome. Only thing I'd change would be the velcro.
I did the exact same thing. Premium backpacking bag with the same peak designs insert. I can fit an A7C, 24-105, a go pro and a mavic mini 3 in the insert without any trouble. Best decision I've made. Works great for traveling.
Awesome!
I assume you travel mainly in a pickup or van. Good luck with international travel.
I recently shelled out a nice sum for Shimoda x70HD and honestly it's an amazing bag that fixed a lot of my issues with regular bags - when I'm on a trail grabbing drone or batteries or anything else it became 10 second job instead of 5 minute shuffle that makes main bag part - the one that goes on your back to roll in dirt. IMO that's the main feature of camera bags - back opening instead of front + ability to fit a camera cube at the bottom, to keep all the heavy stuff down low.
Bought the ActionX50 v2 lately. What a great bag, love the materials and how smart it is organized! Im quite sure that it's gonna last long! 😊
I have a Shimoda 30 and it, too, is the best bag I've ever had. I've tried to talk the designer into making a sling or off shoulder bag, but he's sticking to what he himself likes most. Too bad. Bet a sling would sell.
Yep, completely agree that a regular 'outdoors' bag plus maybe a soft insert is the way to go for probably most people. I don't need to carry a ton of photography stuff, but I do need to carry other things like a raincoat, food and water, keys, wallet, maybe whatever I buy that day if I visit some shops, and so on. A 30-ish litre bag is plenty for single-day outings.
Often enough I use a regular daypack with an insert as my camera bag. However one problem remains: The camera is always at the bottom and whenever you put something else in your bag you have to reach below it to grab your gear.
I did the same thing. But not only I carried my camera, I also had my gopro and it sits on top when I'm traveling. So I had trouble taking my camera out when ever I wanted to take pictures while traveling
Ever since I started shooting on a Leica M in the middle of the year, I was obsessed with finding the smallest camera bag that is both functional for quick on location access yet pleasing to look at. I settled on a genuine leather sling bag which hold two M bodies, and usually an additional medium format folder, as well as an extra M glass. And the bag is still extremely compact comparing to a standard laptop bag. But for my travel in December, I wanted something even more slim for street photography, so I started using my Tumi crossbody bag as my walk around camera bag and it was life changing. I can still hold a M3 with a collapsible lens, a Mamiya SIX, one additional M glass, and I would wear my digital M as I walk around. Other auxiliary items I kept in the bag is a battery bank, chap stick and a pro-mist filter, as well as extra roll of 120 film. It was everything I need for a day of photography, no more no less, it truly put your focus purely on taking photos than anything else.
A TUMI bag? ... OMG! Those prices are horrendous!
I have to have one... ;-)
What an absolutely great video. I have a LowePro Tactic 450. Nice bag, but certainly limited. I fell for the "camera bag" hypnosis. I have two cameras, and am now delving into astrophotography, so something more simple is tantamount to success. Thank you for such a truly inspiring revelation!
Totally true. The best combo is to stay light: one camera/one Lens. I like having a sling around the shoulders for an optional Lens, film, or a point and shoot camera. When not possible, a simple back pack and a cube is the best option for me too to protect my gear.
Great!
I have had about 20 bags over the years and never thought of this. I have never been completely satisfied with any of them. Thanks for this video. I have a couple of inserts so I'm going to give this a try.
Glad to help!
Thanks, this just confirmed my decision recently to get the Gregory 20L backpack with contour backpanel as far more comfortable and fitted than any camera bag I've owned (not as young any more), and much cooler in the SoCal heat that we get some times. I either returned or sold the other packs for the very reasons you described. And mostly I'm down to a camera only or one extra small prime unless I do hikes or longer city walks. I'd like to find the smaller insert that you showed, do you have a recommendation of two where to get an inexpensive one?
My first proper camera bag is the only one I need. It's built out of thick canvas, real leather, and has an interior of foam padding and what seems to be thick cotton. It wasn't expensive either! Less than $50!
Love this video. I don’t have camera bag just a heavy duty backpack with similar pockets. This has been my bag for everything and I love it. So glad that I’m not the only who use a backpack as their camera bag. Great video.
George, this video was so fun to watch, so well edited and the information you give is so so so handy. I rate this video 10 cameras out of 10 cameras! I bet you're going to start the new year GREAT! You will be one of the top soon. I know that for sure!
My main camera bag is a Lowepro one with a rather unique design. It is a three way pouch, but the expanding top unzips into a regular backpack, so it's best of both worlds. Sometimes, I don't even use the camera part for gear, but just storing away items if I need to. I think I got it for £25. I always aim for sales, bargains and clearances and think of practicality to keep my spending in check.
Given that Lowepro is an offshoot of Lowe Alpine, I'm not sure I'd pigeonhole them as a 'camera bag only' company in the way that George does here. I tend to use a triangle-shaped 'holster' type Lowepro bag as my main bag: big enough for my GX8 plus standard zoom plus another small lens, and because I use m43 kit any other lens I want to bring along are small enough to put in a pocket.
This video hurts, because it's so true. I have bags made by Peak Design, Vanguard, Tenba and Benro. None of them are as well-made or as comfortable as the High Sierra (Samsonite) backpack I wear for work everyday. They also cost significantly more. It's very annoying.
Big-Camera lays traps for us all, I'm the same with so many accessories and so happy I randomly picked up my regular bag and stuck with it
Very nice video! I absolutely agree with you. I'm using an insert with a standard bag because it's less noticeable that I'm carrying my photo stuff around.
This is exactly why I got a Bellroy sling bag for my XT-5 instead of a proper camera bag (I do have the Profoto backpack for professional work gear). I want great construction, minimal size, and the ability to take everything I need with me in one bag. Another thing I would suggest is using a cheap padded insert in any regular backpack for camera gear (I have one and move it between bags depending on what I need to bring with me).
Yup, I’ve been through the same mill George. The thing about camera bags is that that’s what they are and as you said, in the wrong part of town or on the wrong late night train you are a target. Currently I’m using a scruffy cross body messenger bag with an insert. This takes my mft camera/lens combo plus batteries, filters etc plus a wallet and other stuff. No tripod rather ibis and a steady(ish) hand or two…✌️🌻🇦🇺
So interesting you find that experience the same, thanks for sharing!
Nice video and with practical advice. I agree the smaller setups get more rotation. Are you big on weather proof bags? What about zippers? What are some of your deal breakers? Personally I’ve been through about 3 backpacks until I settled on the Manfrotto Street Slim. As far as smaller shoulder bags I’ve been through about 5 or 6 and decided to keep the Topo Designs Quick Pack and Tamarac Deroche 5. And finally I’ve tried about a dozen waist bags or Fanny packs and kept the 5.11 Tactical V6. I kind of enjoyed the process of finding what works for me despite the cost. I did give away or sold some of the ones that weren’t keepers. I like variety but I do have limits. YMMV. Thanks for a great video with a relevant topic.
Thanks! And I have a waterproof cover I throw over my backpack, stores nicely in a front pocket and they're cheap to replace. Better than any material a bag may use in construction!
Love your thoughts of truth. I saw this video while drinking my morning coffee - and then at second 38 I suddenly laughed loudly - now everything is clean again.
Thank you! You've confirmed the direction I was considering - a regular backpack with a gear organizer shoved into it. I've been searching for a new camera bag but haven't found anything that really fits what I want. As you said, a bag that says Lowepro or Manfrotto kind of scream "expensive gear inside". Ironically, years ago someone suggested Billingham bags, but there's a bit of irony for paying a high price for something low-key.
Hey George! Hope you're doing well. This was such a great video! I never use camera bags for similar reasons...
- Camera bags look awful
- When they're designed with compartments, you can't fit normal, other stuff in it
- They're too expensive for what they are. Even Peak Design to me feels cheap, and they are actually flimsy.
Just to name a few!
As you said, just get a camera compartment with a bag you enjoy 🎉
Hey Ulysses! You too mate and thank you so much. Completely agree, the second you scale it down and get back to basics things just work so much easier. Glad to get my pedantic thoughts out into a video 😅
@@GeorgeHolden One of the most expensive hobbies ever. Those who own and drive race vehicles are laughing across the nation right now, not to mention those who fly RC aircraft or build model train layouts.
Photography is only expensive if one chooses to make it so. A kit Canon set up will do one quite well, and it is far better than the masters of the past had but they achieved great results. If Ansel Adams were alive now he'd find all this carping about gear odd to say the least.
Some of those camera bag's compartments can be re-arranged so that you can in fact, fit other normal stuff in it.
I guess it depends also a lot on what you photograph. I photograph in the nature. I want a bag that does not let in water (doesn't need to be waterproof, but anyways), that I can put on the ground without worrying too much of a rock happening to be there and that I can quickly get the camera out of (it is not practical to carry the camera on you in the nature as you can too easily hit something, it can throw you off balance, and a heavy lens quickly is straining your neck). So I prefer a bag that opens from the back side. I am not also that organized person, so I want to have my bag do the organization for me, so I really find the compartments coming in handy. Most of these qualities are not provided by a typical bag, but a good camera bag has these all. Perhaps if I did e.g. street photography, I would have chosen differently. But I started out with a shoulder bag, and after switching to a camera bag, I've not looked back.
Like most people with this passion, I also got a camera bag... And yes, it was a mistake. Now I carry my MFT since 3 years in a sort of courier bag without any brandname, equiped it with a little bag inside - like you do! Works perfect, I have my little set of gear with me, it feels good, gives faster access to the camera than a backback and is quite a safe way to wall through a city by night.
Love it.
I thank myself I have found your channel. Love your sense of humor and point of view on most things. Same thoughts on the bags. Cheers from Kyiv
After watching this I’ll stick with the backpack I have and continue to throw my camera into my winter hat 😅
ahaha same bro. but im using red hat for that)
For general walkabout photography I honestly just take grocery bags, often double them up so it won't tare and drop my camera to the ground. Then I take the camera out when I start shooting and put it back when I'm done. No need to walk around with bags that scream out there's expensive equipment in there or otherwise draw more attention than needed! Also, those make for very inexpensive camera bags!
Jane Bown used to turn up for portrait assignments with a couple of Olympus OM1s (I think) in a shopping bag; you are in good company.
I have a tiny, snug Lowepro bag for my Fuji APS-C, then put that in a Karrimor Taurus backpack with pockets. The internal pockets hold any filters or spare batteries. It's a low weight, low-profile package. Beside that, it makes me look like a daytripper, when matched with a fitting street "persona"...
Gets the job done, all for less than £50 :)
strongly agree with this honestly. I am looking into getting a bigger "camera" bag for my freelance video work since i have to bring a lot more stuff. but if i'm going out to just shoot photo's all i need is my camera and 1 maybe 2 primes that i bring in a cheap sling bag which is purely there for safety because the whole time the camera is really just in my hand.
Sometimes I wonder why I got into photography with how much it cost, I know my wife is thrilled about it 😂
But yea I’ve had several bags I’m disappointed in. Tried sling bags, super no go and sticking to backpacks. I think the new Shimoda ticks all my boxes, I was thinking about designing my own bag for a min, might still do that
That's awesome!
It isn’t an especially affordable hobby but it becomes less expensive when one is honest with themselves about want vs. need.
Yeah, Shimoda peaks my interest as well. A cross between hiking backpack and a camera one. Pull out the divider compartment and boom, you got a standard backpack. Pricy though.
I disagree. The only problems i have with my Peak Design Everyday Backpack is that its harness is not great and that it isn't _the most efficient_ at packing camera gear together. It also pads the entire shell of the bag whereas usually I only need like 60% of the bag to be padded. Apart from those issues, it's one of the nicest bags I've ever owned (and I've had a lot over the years). It uses *much* sturdier nylon fabric for the outer than almost any outdoors bag will (due to weight tbh), so I would recommend it more to my clumsy friends than some of my ultralight hiking/backpacking bags. Moreover, none of my outdoors bags have the unique side access that makes getting your camera out so easy from that bag. I do use an insert with them sometimes anyway, but it's much more of a hassle because all of Canon's new lenses are really chunky, so inserts that can hold them are also chunky, and so they tend to be quite difficult to get in and out of a normal backpack (if you can make it fit at all).
I've owned a Peak Design bag for less than 3 years. Because while it looks gorgeous new, the quality of materials suck. It wears down really quickly. Won't ever buy again.
PD is very good at making fancy clever compartments and stylish designs but their carrying systems sucks, the bags fail at being a good bag for long hikes.
I had a peak design bag and while it was okay the straps and weight distribution in general just sucked when wearing it for longer periods. Everything over 1-2 hours was just a chore. I went back to an osprey bag and like it much more.
You touch on a very valid, not often talked about aspect where optimizing for a specific purpose goes too far and decreases the overall utility of a product. Good call-out.
Amen. It feels like we’ve been down exactly the same road, I’m so guilty of having spent serious £££ on camera bags in the past, but my main issue has always been - what if I want to pack something, that’s not photography related…?
Coffee making gear, a few clothes, fishing stuff… None of it really translates well to fit inside of a camera rucksack. So, like you, my go-to is now a fairly standard hiking bag, with a soft packing cube.. thing… with my camera kit in :) so liberating.
Great vid man! Loved it ❤
When I first started out in this hobby, I definitely got caught up in buying a bunch of different accessories for photography, a bag included, before I even knew what I actually needed. Luckily I purchased a cheap, non major brand bag from Amazon to store all the stuff. Then after I actually got to know what my photography likes and dislikes are, I realized that having all that stuff is unnecessary. I sold my camera (Fuji X-T30), gave my lenses to my wife (cause she has the same camera body too), and I bought a more compact camera (Fuji X100V). Now, I just carry the camera in my work bag along with my folders and stuff. The camera bag I bought originally is just sitting in the closet along with the accessories I only used once or twice.
I often go with a camera cube inside of a generic Jansport backpack.
Smart!
Dr Holden, so good to see you! Great video as always! Happy Holidays from chilly & festive Ireland! ☘💪🏽👀👍🏽☘
Thanks Sonny! Back at you, happy holidays from Manchester!
I bring my PD everyday bag when I want to bring more lenses and my mic sure, but lots of times I just head out with a much smaller PD sling that fits my A7Iv and 50mm lens. Depends on what I’m capturing but I do really make use of all the lil pockets
Very similar combination for me. Big bag when travelling, sling when I get there.
I customized the interior of a waterproof hardcase designed for carrying test instruments etc. (available from tool supply houses). I can scramble over boulder fields, not worrying if I smack the case on a rock or drop it into a stream.
Excellent video. I've been using a common no name brand backpack with a camera insert for quite a few years now for all of the same reasons mentioned here. I'm not a pro but I travel a lot and quite often in tourist places where some bad people will hang out to take advantage of the tourists. In such cases I don't want to announce to the world that I'm carrying expensive camera gear. My typical gear is one or two full frame bodies, a 28-300, a 16-35, and a 1.4 or 1.2 50mm pro quality lenses, and a compact 15m flash. My backpack has a laptop sleeve if I need it, lots of pockets for batteries and cables a stuff and all packed up it is only half full leaving room for lunch and or light shopping. I took it to a shoe repair shop and had a sleeve sewn on the back to slide over the passenger back rest (sissy-bar) on my motorcycle if I go that way. I also had all of the seams and straps double stitched. I think I have about $75 into it. I've been through 4 high end bags so far including Lowepro and Monfrotto, They all have their plusses and minuses but my self adapted generic backpack is the best so for.
I completely agree with this video. Dedicated camera bags are darn too expensive. I have been travelling with a 3 slot shoulder bag for 3 years and I have never felt the need for more. Sometimes you feel like you want more but I am not gonna carry many lenses or lights with me so it has always sufficed for a travel/street/landscape photographer. Worst case scenario I just load the tripod or other necessities in the trung of the car.
My first and only bag is the Peak Design Everyday Messenger bag, which suited me for what I had at the time, just one body and two lenses. I bought it used; no way would I ever pay retail for it. I still use it, but now it is used mostly to carry overflow accessories; microphone, flash and transmitter, cleaning supply, etc. Now I use a Nanuk wheeled hard case, which I use to transport my gear from gig to gig (I do concert photography). I prefer the extra security of it, and being wheeled I don't have to struggle with the weight.
Glad to see that you found your way. I love my overpriced PD backpack back and I want to miss it for the world on my travels. And so far, my oh so obvious expensive camera bag hasn’t put me into any dangerous situations, for years…
My daily carry is a Chrome Bike Messenger bag with a padded insert or two. I usually carry one camera and a couple lenses, batteries, and sometimes filters. The chrome bag was a gift(they're very expensive) and so before that I carried a "Falcon"(off brand chrome) for many many years before it fell apart on me. Serves me well and I only use something bigger when I'm going on a more professional shoot where I need more gear.
Also, I love the beautiful, cinematic buildup to a spit take. Top quality!😂
That's cool and thanks!
Agreed, for the most part. I still feel better having one sturdy BUT small camera bag to protect my gear. Never fancied the humongous camera bags some people lug around but then again I'm not doing this for a living.
Another benefit of my bag is that it opens on the backside. I like the peace of mind that other people can't just grab stuff out of my bag, all while I still have easy access to everything when I put the bag down.
Had the same little camera bag for 13 years and only recently upgraded to the newer, slightly bigger model. The RF 100-500 just didn't quite fit into the old one.
I got myself a nice dedicated camera bag that was still affordable, the Flyht Pro Gorilla Camera Backpack. As far as I understand Flyht is a house brand by the music store Thomann but those can actually sell stuff for cheaper than most "big brands" by directly importing and selling.
But yeah - before that I was using a Lowepro for many years until the laptop compartment zipper broke.
But I also have smaller bags like the ones with shoulder straps if I prefer to carry a smaller setup.
I keep my gear in half a dozen small bags - mainly “holster” bags. When I’m going out I grab those bags I need. Often I have one or two bags accessible by wearing them across my body, and perhaps a third bag containing equipment I use less often in a rucksack. I also often put them in the top of a large “messenger” style shoulder bag that also fits on the front of my bike. I’m not sure I’m the most fashionable of people, but it’s a very practical and flexible system (and also quite cheap)!
I think your point is well taken and has merit, but, as everything else in life, with caveats. Done what you are doing (and still do it sometimes. It works but attention needs to be paid as scratching gear is quite possible (resell value going down). For long haul travel the convenience of organizing stuff is relevant. For those of us who venture in place where weather and conditions are challenging, I found the bags I use quite helpful. In urban environments I agree that one can get away with just about anything. Thank you for your thoughts!!
Super helpful and super true what you’re talking about 😊
I have a high end 30 litre rucksack type camera bag for the "heavy lift" travel, eg flights, long road trips. I have for many years used exactly as you suggested a outdoor brand backpack with a soft insert for general city type walk around, one body, one maybe 2 lenses, spare batteries, maybe filters and a platypod.
Agile and inconspicuous is the key to may city and urban locations
Thank you for this.. extremely informative.
Great video, thank you!
I really love my Whistler pro, and they are designed to take a beating in the back country. It's a 45L that works great for me for travelling and working out of location.
I do have 2 fancier bags (nat geo afrika line) that are designed for small and just around the city. Really love their build quality, but there definitely not rainproof out of the box😅
And one hiking bag with a small insert that fits a wide angle and a 70-180, but also a decent camping setup if needed
I currently have a Billingham bag and a couple of other bags. However, a few years ago I bought a very nice canvas messenger bag, which wasn’t padded. It cost me £20. AlI did was buy some 1” thick foam plastic from the local market and for under £25, I had a very nice camera bag! Still got it!
I reached a similar conclusion and simply use cases and inserts which can go in any bag and that suits me best. In fact I still use a Karrimore RFA3 (anyone remember them) which I bought in the 80's and is a perfect shape for slipping into a rucksack/messenger bag or carrying by itself. I've also used the BYOB stuff which is excellent.
I am still fascinated by camera rucksacks and have never stopped searching for the perfect one but for me, i think I won't find it. I fully appreciate that others have different needs and a camera rucksack hits that need. If I were to buy one it would probably be a split one holding camera and other gear in different compartments, that seems most useful.
Fantastic points and a topic that isn’t covered enough. Thanks.
Cheers Jeff!
I ended up using my old snowboarding/skiing Darien backpack and it's pretty fantastic.
It has a sleeve for a laptop, two hooks on the side that are meant for ski poles but work great to hold a tripod, and 1 compartment with microfibre inside meant to keep goggles but they fit a second lens if I want to bring one with me.
I fully agree with you. An ordinary rucksack can be used in many different ways to carry a camera and lenses or even shopping for dinner. The carrying system is often much better. (e.g. from Deuter) Simply pack an extra protective bag for the camera. I think it depends on what you want to do. There is no such thing as a super rucksack. I bought my photo rucksack second-hand (peak design). And you wonder what you can buy second-hand and many things are hardly used. and for a good price. Thank you for your contribution. I love watching your videos.
There all rounder bags are always the way for me! And thanks!
You earned a subscriber, I loved your video, very sincere and direct
Many years ago your gear was huge and very heavy. I’m talking about a Nikon F2 with motor and all lenses. I used an old Tenba, and bought another one, and another. One day I needed special padding and dropped by Tenba in NYC Soho. They were so nice, specially worked for me, handmade all I needed and with a smile. I will stick to that brand for life.
i use a think tank turnstyle 10 for my 5dIII and 24-105, it carries a couple extra batteries, and even my 430ex-rt III flash. it does me just fine, i hate using camera straps so i use a wrist strap and combined with the sling style bag of the turnstyle i find im always ready for a shot should the need arise.
i also have the turnstyle 20 if i need to bring a bit more gear with me, it can even hold my 70-200 f2.8 III along with my camera body and a few extras i may need.
My main travel bag is a Wandrd PRVKE 41L rolltop. It can carry a lot of gear and the rolltop adjusts to allow the top to be used as a catch all. I fly quite frequently so I also include a Chrome industries cross body sling bag. It looks nothing like a camera bag and can hold extra lenses, film, batteries, money, etc while not attracting much attention and switch to that one when I arrive to my destination and it cost me less than $100
I just recently bought a new camera bag, and it was a little over the shoulder satchel-style camera bag which fits one camera and an extra lens, this fits inside my North Face backpack which I switched to a few years back. It has so much to offer that my ‘camera bag’ backpack didn’t!
Wandrd Prvke is the perfect backpack for me. I use a half camera cube, so the problem with rigid camera comparments that don't allow you to use the bag for non-camera things is solved. But on the other hand it has tons of small specialised compartments for batteries, SD-cards, a lined pocket for glasses or a cellphone, separate compartments for both a laptop and an iPad, it does not look like a camera bag, but it does still have a quick access pocket to grab your camera.
Even with the half camera cube, you can pack a very good amount of gear. Often I have my Sony A7 RIV, Tamron 28-75, Tamron 17-28 and Sony 70-200 F4 in that little half-cube with space to spare. Another things that is a huge plus is that my previous camera/laptop bag had the laptop compartment on the outside away from your body. This one has the laptop snug against your bag, which means the leverage is much less and with the laptop being one of the heaviest things I carry, the bag feels a lot lighter.
Honestly this video resonates with me so well, I mostly use a basic backpack with my camera, one lens attached and a spare, batteries in a pouch/pocket of the backpack. only recently did I get a basic K&F concept bag with a few dividers for a holiday... but I always go back to my backpack and small sling walking round Manchester or the rest of the UK.
That's interesting! I tried a k&f and found it to fall short in most areas, especially comfort!
Peak Designs has one of the best warranties I’ve come across in any industry. They’re expensive, but that company stands behind their product. I had one of my bags get torn on a vacation and contacted them about a repair. They couldn’t repair the tear so they sent me a brand new replacement.
I love their bags.......really well made.
Same! I started with the uniqlo + a6400 and was delighted to discover that it also fits an a73 with a wide zoom albeit it’s tight! 😂
the main reason i got a prvke camera bag is becasue i need to do some lont term travel with my gears, i want to do carryon yet organize them, and i do not want to have a pelican case to take care of. If you are in this case, you do need a quality camera bag as it is effecient and convenient. When I settle down at a place and only need to do some street photograhy, i carry a uniqlo sling and a tiny camera and just enjoy my time. However, if you are either doing this as your job or travel from a to b, organized and well designed camera bag is a must, we have to carry multiple lenses, follow focus, imgae transmition gear, microphones, ssds, slate, nd, matte box, 60w light, and many other equipments. To have organizers for them is a must, you can buy organizers and put them in regular begs, but the fitment and space-utilization is not as great, especially when a great camera bag like prvke offered comfort and water-proofing on the same time. Those bags are not meant for hobbyists or street photographer, but for travel/ profesional photograher/ indie filmmaker & DP or anyone who needs to carry multiple tools to get their job done/ move to locations. Plase understand that there are so many different filmmakers and photographers out there, and organized and functional camera begs exist for many use cases
Exactly, hence why I own one for pro work!
I’ve tried a few bags. Ended up with a Think Tank roller bag for my pro work, that is carry-on compatible.
For my backpacking, it’s in the rucksack, unless I’m going out looking ‘smart’, in which case, a small unbranded sling bag/man bag into which goes a full frame mirrorless, 24-120 f4, 14-30, plus personal effects.
Quite often I just use a Sainsbury’s bag 👍
Thats what I would also suggest. I use a Deuter camera insert (Camera Box One) for my regular outdoor backpack. It may fit also other more neutralk bags.
My small EOS RP also fits in a very small bum bag (e.g. RP + 35 mm, or RP+24-105 4L)
I’m definitely a filmmaking gear bag guy. Only been using one for years tho, but I’m
Feeling that I need a bigger one now that I have more stuff.
Great job to this video, that intro went HAARRDD!!
That's fair if you always carry everything! Depends on the job! And cheers man!
I have a very small north face sling bag and it can fit many combinations of my gear, but nowhere near all of my gear. So before I leave the house I decide what I'll need. Basically the size of your little sling.
For traveling I also use a standard backpack and a cheap insert.
I think the best camera bag I've ever owned was the Case Logic SLRC-206. But after more than 10 years, I've worn it out. After trying to transition to smaller, lighter and more portable, I sought out camera bags that have a dedicated compartment with dividers for camera(s) and lenses and a large pouch on top that I can chuck things into. But I have yet to find a bag designed that way that instills confidence my gear won't get damaged in transport or an unintentional mishandling. My biggest peeve is the way they design the bottom of the bag. There's often less padding there for some reason, which is crazy to me if it's meant to hold expensive gear. After looking through tons of bags on Amazon, I'm going to try out the Besnfoto Camera Backpack Waterproof Medium.
I think it depends on what you're doing that will determine what bag and gear to take. If you're shooting a wedding then you're probably taking a lot of gear so you need those nice roller bags that hold a lot of gear. If you just want to travel light or a having a quick lunch with a friend, you might just want to take a small camera and you can use a non-camera bag with no problem. I like my Peak Design backpack and I've had it for probably over 5 years and have put it through the wringer. When I'm out on a photoshoot, I like how easy it is to sling it to the front, open it, change lenses, close it and then sling it right back. It works for me and its efficient. I've also put my camera and lenses in non-camera bags and it works too but I find that you do have to protect it somehow. I've had gear damaged from clinking around back there. Good video and I like how you provide ideas on how to save money and be more discreet. Thank you.
Ten years ago I picked up a large Fuel (the make) backpack at Walmart for $5.00 on close out. I had an old hard sided cooler that wore out and I took the hard case out of the cooler and fit it nicely into my backpack. That pack holds two cameras (with lenses 18-55 and 70-300) and has enough pockets for my batteries, sd cards, business cards and other things. It is the best "camera" backpack I have.
Riding the train from my house into Tokyo while watching this clip with a 20l Fjallraven bucket bag holding a think tank camera pouch for a single full frame , a 50mm prime, and a lens brush I couldn’t agree more. I even have that same peak design 20l but still find unless I’m carrying a few pieces of equipment out into the world the simpler setup is easier to carry and make me get more creative with my shooting
With your M43 experience, which insert would you recommend? I find many of them are too big for the comparatively tiny M43 lenses unless you're lugging the 400mm PL zoom.
I would get the peak design small cube as I have now, it provides structure and you can just position your dividers to accommodate the smaller cameras
great and correct statement!
I like my Manfrotto Pro Light FastTrack a lot. I have been looking quite a long time for a bag that is small, flexible to use, and fits my use case.
This is maybe not the typical camera bag. In my case this is a very nice solution - build in camera strap, enough space for the camera body + 2 lenses, some cleaning tools, sd cards and batterys. There is also space for a (not too big) tablet. Also, I like the fact that you can switch the bag in front of you and access the lenses and other equipment without taking the bag off. With some 90 EUR when I bought it, I think this was a reasonable price, or even good price.
Such a good video, subscribed :) Thanks
I totally agree with you!!!! Where can I get the peak desing thing to put into a regular bag?
All the best
Search for peak design small camera cube anywhere! Or direct from peak design
Having a camera bag that doesn’t look like a camera bag! Very important piece of advice that a lot of photographers don’t think of very often. I ended of falling for the brevite marketing a couple of years back and got their black jumper. Love it for this purpose but I think I may even want to switch it up for a plain jansport or something comparable.
I only leave the house with my camera, my macro lens, and my defuser because I know full well all I'm taking pics of are bugs :)
Totally agree. I usuallly just use a strap, or occasionally a beach bum bag I got from IKEA, if I need to carry some accessories. Most of the time it doesn't need to be much more complicated than this.
For me, the biggest problem at the moment is the added bulk assosiated with organization in a camera bag. I use several bags, and have small tech pouches to make changing bags a breeze. For instance; one pouch for daily carry (charger, card reader Apple pencil), another for an nd-filter and step-up-rings. Using pouches in a bag with internal organization means that there’s a huge abundance of material. Case in point; Peak Design Travel backpack with packing tools.
Sick coffee visual metaphor. Nice idea, gonna reward myself with a very nice bag as well.