"I found myself on Amazon, was quite late, and I came across a camera bag. A cheap camera bag, but a camera bag that I didn't need....in any way." Pause "Here it is!" I died :)
With the electricity and water cost, £20 or so is not a bad price for 50k+ views on a video. For his type of channel he could realistically make around $200 from adsense alone. Then you have the potential revenue from those books he advertised and also the amazon affiliate links.
Having only flown business class once in my life I'm going to say yes, it's way better than economy. Although I'd have to factor in flight duration (and airline) as to whether I'd do it again. 7 hours + for a flight, totally worth it. What does confuse me though is that airport security remove nail clippers from you before boarding, but business class dish out real metal knives and forks for meal times. Bit of a tangent, but worth highlighting.
The trick is to buy a ticket at the back of the plane, wait till you're the absolute last person to board and just pick whichever open row of seats you find. First class in economy, works everytime. Helps if you 1 bag carry, hence why I use the peak design travel line.
@@CheeseOnEverything "pick whichever open row of seats you find" "works everytime" How the fuck do you find an open row of seats every time? You must either be flying to and from places no one wants to go to, or you pick absolute redeyes at slow times of the year. I'm stumped.
I have 14 camera bags. I have the cheap one that you bought as one of them. But, I like it. I got tired of carrying around my big bag with all the heavy gear in it when I was just going out for a simple shoot and knew that I only needed the camera and a couple of lenses and a few small accessories. The cheap bag has two wonderful mesh compartments for little things and enough space and moveable spacers for just the things I need to take out for a simple shoot. I love having it and use it more than any of the expensive bags.
Just bought my first DSLR along with a bag and tripod, wasn't even looking for a camera video but came across your channel and have watched five in a row whilst I should be working. I like the sarcastic nature of your reviewing, probably because I'm pretty sarcastic too. Will be going through your back catalogue of videos. Keep up the good work.
I received your 2018 book last week and my wife said, "What did you buy now?". I told her, "that British camera guy from TH-cam made me buy a book of his photos". Ok, that's not exactly what I said but she did approve of my purchase and really enjoyed the photos. You've become "wife-approved" so that's a big win for me!
I HAVE HIS BAG, LOL! As an amatuer this does everything and holds everything that I need it to. I don't worry about lack of back-loading as I don't use the straps anyways since I'm a bigger guy and the straps are quite wimpy, so I just use the hand grip on top exclusively. I also tend to carry this in my car laying on the passenger's seat. I'm not travelling around like Mr. Popsys here meeting and greeting with the sheep in the hills of England -- instead I drive around Central California trying to find items of interest. The zippers have never failed me and I personally think they're not as cheap as you make them out to be. They're no YKKs but they're still plenty good for what they are. The one thing I do dislike about the bag is the look: flat front, flat sides... it looks like a goddamn gravestone! Again I'm an amateur and this suits my needs. However, if I saw a professional carrying this around I'd probably laugh.
I have this bag as well, so far I've been loving it! I would love to afford the bag James has but can't justify it at the moment... Fingers crossed this bag doesn't fail me anytime soon :)
Real ‘photography’ doesn’t have to be an expensive business. Magazines and websites have got us into believing we have to spend thousands to take decent photos. It is simply not true! Second hand cameras and lenses perform just as good in the hands of people who can ‘see’ a photo, as those who spend a fortune. The proof - all the great images we admire, from both the past and the recent present, were taken on equipment that is at least a few years old and not up to the specs of the ‘latest thing’. The same with bags.. If it does what you want, and you take care of your equipment, as any responsible person would, then it need not cost you a fortune. Whether it opens from the back or the front is irrelevant. Just look at the photographers who carry their cameras in their hands or have them fixed to their rucksack strap by the latest expensive gadget. If they slipped or snagged their camera on a bush for example, then the damage would be far greater than carrying it in a cheapish bag. We are all being brainwashed by all this ‘stuff’, and have forgotten that photography is about taking photographs, not acquiring gear! Also most of us never get out of this country. We are not going to Patagonia, or Iceland or some other exotic place. That is the life of the professionals. A trip to the Lakes or even the local park might be all we can manage.. But we can take great photos! My entire gear - two cameras, lenses, bags, and necessary accessories, all together cost me about £475. Having said that, some great photos I have taken were taken with my second-hand iPhone.
I use a cheap bag very similar to the one in the video, by Altura. I bought it in an indoor flea market with a broken strap that I sewed back on. $8. It has served me well for a couple of years, or close to it. But I'm not climbing mountains, boarding planes to go to exotic places, etc. Just a local photographer. I don't really need to concern myself with a bag that will survive something like that. If I were a professional, and made my living with a camera then I might spring for the "better" bag. But 'm not, and I'd be willing to bet the majority of photographers watching these kind of videos on TH-cam aren't, either. Thanks for the video. I always enjoy your offerings.
The reason I own an expensive medium camera bag and a ridiculously expensive large camera bag is because my initial purchase was a cheap camera bag. Lesson learnt.
This is exactly right. Just like tripods: get a good one to begin with. That said, I'm speaking from the perspective of an enthusiast and not a casual shooter.
I wouldn't disagree but I have an ordinary backpack with various which suits my need for various trips that I've had for many years, has done thousands of miles and was ridiculously cheap. I also have a smaller backpack I use for fishing which was much better quality and has stood up to abuse for many years that a cheaper one would never had survived.
The reason people complain about the price of camera bags is because they tend to mainly look at brands like Peak Design, Nomatic and Wandrd which in my opinion are quite overpriced for what they offer but Lowepro and Vanguard have some really decently priced bags. Especially Vanguard, from what I've seen have some pretty functional and affordable bags while Lowepro constantly offer discounts on Amazon. To be honest if all you need is something to carry your gear in, and you're an actual adult who can look after their stuff even one of the super budget options are fine 😅
Yeah, even the cheapest one makes me envious. When I started out, I carried my SLR (Nikon F2A + MD) over my shoulder (always ready to shoot) for decades and optionally, a zoom lens wrapped in a towel inside an Army Surplus Ammo Pouch. 😊
I need to replace my LowePro backpack because of a torn shoulder strap. I decided to look at Peak Design, since I like their straps. An equivalent sized backpack from them costs 3 times what I paid from the LowePro, has less padding and less internal customization for equipment. And because it has multiple points of access versus the LowePro's single panel that presses against my back when worn, far less security. A thief would have to get the LowePro off my body first, before being able to get at the stuff inside. The Peak Design's zipper lock tabs are a joke. Someone with a sharp knife and steady hand could probably cut through them without me noticing. The bags just aren't worth what Peak Design wants for them. At least in my opinion.
I've gone the cheaper route for my daily carry, using a cheapo amazon messenger for the exact reason you said - I can buy another 8 of them before I break even with the cost of a more expensive bag. My first one lasted 7 years through rain, wind, and snow. I literally never leave the house without it. In the end, the only thing that failed was I wore a hole in it at the point where it rubs on my hip. I have replaced it with exactly the same £20 canvas messenger - here's to another 7 years! However... I'm looking at a more serious backpack for when I want to go for a "serious session", or travelling abroad where a failure would be more than inconvenient.
Thought that green bag looked familiar. I have the 26L bag for my Hasselblad setup. I can fit the body with one lens mounted, along with one extra back, three more lenses, filters, rocket blower, and film. I can’t fit any of the hoods, which is kind of a huge pain. It is super heavy, so I take shorter and shorter hikes with it. The last year I only took it out of the car. It’s just way too heavy (the gear, not the bag). Great bag.
Camera Bags are super important. Getting a bag that supports your particular style of shooting, workflow, and protects your gear is paramount and its something you should think of as insurance. You dont spend 5 grand on a good body and expensive glass and throw it in a burlap sack. For instance, I am a professional photographer and I have 6 different camera bags I alternate and use on a regular basis each of which sit around the 200-350$ mark and are used for different jobs. For paid work and mobile studio work, I utilize a large travel bag that can hold 2 full frame cameras, a 24-70, a 70-200, a 24mm prime, and an 85mm prime, x2 speedlights, a softbox, a travel tripod and a carbon fiber light stand. My gear alone is in the 15k range when I am doing that kind of shoot. For my personal work, I do street photography and non profit events, and I want something that works both as a camera bag and an edc bag, so it comfortably fits a mirrorless full frame with a lens attached, a spare lens if I need it, external hard drive to unload, 13 inch editing laptop, and usually a skateboard on the back with a gimbal in the tripod pocket. I use this bag 80% of the time (personal favorite is the WNDRD duo). For travel, I like going ultra light gear setup and having the ability to pack clothing, camera, spare lens, hard drive, laptop, 2x full changes of clothes that is airline complaint (I use a lowepro bp freeline for this). For city exploring and just fucking around in places I dont know, I have a chrome kadet messenger bag (its a sling bag I also throw in my travel backpack when I am out of the country) which is just big enough to fit my sony a7 iii with a prime lens, my wallet, and my ipad pro +keyboard, its low profile and doesn't scream I have expensive shit come and rob me. I also have a half dozen camera cubes and inserts I utilize to convert other bags I have into camera bags, for instance I am an avid hiker and when I am doing a 300 kilo hike that takes a week through the mountains, you best be damned sure I want a nice back with a frame thats easy to cary and I can redistribute the weight. You get what you pay for, and good quality, water resistance, well built organisation, false bottoms, extra padding, can mean the difference between loosing a ^&*^& ton of money and having a camera and a career for a long time. My rule has always been, buy it nice or buy it twice.
Love it ! In my spare time I review products for Amazon can be any thing, and they have sent me some camera bags over the years. My days of doing long hikes up hilly regions of the UK are done. For kids events, friends parties I just need something to keep the kit in probably a body and no more than 2 lenses. I don’t travel by plane so no worries about being parted from my kit( I got bumped up to first class on a long haul flight years ago that was great, and the appeal of business class is hanging out in a comfortable lounge when your flight is delayed for hours....) The camera bag goes in the car or one the train, needs to fit and not be too heavy when loaded to get on the over head storage compartment. When out shooting wildlife having a bag which is long enough to take a 150/200-600mm zoom is a challenge even most expensive bags are a tad too short. Front opening no problem when putting the bag down use a super market bag for life one big enough for me to sit on and the camera bag 😄. I’ve never had a zip break on any bag, have had the zip head come off but then can tie some wool on and keep using. When going to the theatre to shoot I take far too much gear, it fits in 3 camera bags but then you can’t carry them all 😂, so invested in a wheels suitcase type camera bag. As a girl I have more camera bags than hand bags and choose the latter based on how much camera gear I can get in one if needed.! Expensive camera bags look quite cheap compared to some designer hand bags. My main gripe with bags is that there is no space for life, kids stuff, husband things they don’t want in their pockets, drinks and snacks. I Look at large volume general bags and think how many fleeces would I need to wrap my gear in to use them. There is also to my knowledge no camera bags that you can take to a black tie dinner dance and not look out of place! Ruck sack type bags just don’t cut the mustard. I approached a manufacturer at the UK camera show a few years back and asked them to make one. Am still waiting, defo gap in the market 😀. Keep sane and safe all.
James, I went to NY for 3 days in 2017 and used a cheap camera bag walking en commuting in the big apple. My shoulders were in a terrible condition when I flew back. So wearing comfort should have made part of your test. I bought an expensive cameraback that sits very comfortable on my back as soon as I got home. For the rest your video was good as always ;-)
James, I own two camera bags. One is a f.64 SCM Large camera shoulder bag that I bought some time around the year 2000 for about $100. Now, twenty years later, B&H Photo in New York City is still selling the same bag for... $99.95. This bag has really held its value! I used it to hold my Olympus OM film camera system (three bodies, six lenses, one 2x teleconverter, two flash units, two Motor Drive 1s, one Power Winder ,1 and various accessories. I'm selling off what's left of my old kit and will use this case as the main case for my Panasonic Lumix camera system (currently a DMC-GX7 body with the 14-42 and 45-150 kit lenses, an Asanuma 135mm f2.8 telephoto lens, a Vivitar 80-200mm f4.0 zoom lens, and a Fotodiox OM-MFT adapter, plus accessories.) I'll be able to grown into this case as it has plenty of room for the lenses I plan to add to my collection. My second camera case is an Altura Medium camera bag which cost me $19.99 last January on Amazon. It barely holds my GX7 and the 45-150 zoom lenses, but can also carry a camera strap, remote control shutter release, battery charger and lens cleaning supplies. The difference in the two bags is that the Altura is a nice "grab and go" bag for when I have some time to kill and want to do some quick photography. The f.64 bag will be my main bag as my camera collection grows and I have a greater variety of lenses to work with. I don't expect the Altura to last anywhere near as long as the f.64, which I'll probably pass on to one of my sons when I die, but it does the trick for a quick afternoon chasing photons. The two camera cases have one thing in common, though--they both have main compartment lids that open away from my body with the case on my shoulder. This means that I'm not fighting the lid as I access equipment and change lenses. I can also return the unused lenses to the case easily so they're more secure while off the camera. That lid was what drew me to the f.64 case twenty years ago and it took a bit of searching to find a modern day case with the same feature. While writing this, I realized that my favorite camera case from when I was in high school had a similar feature--it was a Vivitar hard leather case that had a lid that folded out from the case so I could access the gear inside. I wish I could show you a picture of it so you could see what I mean.
The cheaper bag may be better for some assignment in the city. It is large enough but less bulky and less looking like a hiking backpack. Are the zippers YKK in either bag? I have mindshift and think tank stuff, but I tend to buy it on sale.
I’ve become a fan of Tenba BYOB inserts. You put them inside a normal bag or rucksack. I tend to travel with a smallish kit and this is a very flexible system. I can put a micro 4/3 system in my daysack, and also carry waterproof, spare clothing, sandwiches etc. And Tenba also do compact foldable bags to put your BYOB into. When travelling for holidays, I use my daysack as a carry-on and for walking and take a foldable bag to carry my camera when I’m just strolling around town, rather than going out for a proper walk. By the way, I have a tendency to get a bad back, and for me, travelling business class for transatlantic and longer distances is definitely worth the extra money. One time I was hobbling around Boston Massachusetts with a bad back after travelling economy, which was not fun.
The best argument for a cheap camera bag is the first 2 bags you buy are almost guaranteed to miss whatever your future self will realize was important that you didn’t think of before you got it.
I use that same exact neewer as an ICU with a 30L burton focus. I have used it some times just the bag itself and after maybe 20-30 or walking the zipper starts to move. But hey as an ICU works perfectly since the Burton one didn't come with with.
Has to be one of my favourite video of yours! Very entertaining! I always wander what keeps bringing me back to your channel and it has to be your light hearted approach and the fact you don't take yourself too seriously. Have bought both books and look forward to getting them, love the presets too!
I know I'm a year late to this party but, For on the go type stuff, I have used a Canon 200DG bag for 14 years. It's held up really nicely, fits in the overheard bin, has a decent amount of padding, and I can get things out of it quickly. For actual jobs and storage, I've had a Lowepro Pro Roller x300 that I bought on clearance from an online shop. It's rugged, spacious, and can hold nearly every superfluous piece of gear I own. Wouldn't ever bring it on a plane.
Funny video. I am a nomad so weight and packing rule my life. I use individual packaging. My osprey backpack top turns into a day pack. I throw my camera holster and lens tube into the day pack. Other things into little zipper pouches. Filters wrapped in a bandana inside their hard plastic cases. I have dry bags too. It's a lightweight solution with reasonable protection. My gear isn't enough to fill either of those bags. It's how I have traveled for 8 years. My backpack was about $200 with a discount for trading in my first osprey and a sale, i think I saved about 40%. Manfrotto holster was $40(I brought 5 different holsters $15-60, it fit the best and I liked it the most). Compact duffel bag used for carry-on with laptop, Vietnam "north fake". A dedicated camera bag is not practical for carrying my 20-23kg life on my back.
Couldn't agree more . I bought a cheap no-name bag that started to fall apart within days. My current bag cost me about 50 quid (K&F Concepts) . It has done several arduous trips , is none the worse for wear , has kept my gear safe , me comfortable , and mostly meets my needs . There are a few things I don't like about it , but for me , it sits in the bang for buck sweet spot . I could easily have spent 2 or 3 times as much for little to no improvement .
you can consider Lowepro Photo Hatchback BP 250 AW II. it's very protective and also have a hidden raincover. if you want to carry a camera and 2 more lenses, it's a very good solution. also, the price is acceptable too.
RIP Easter eggs, you will not be forgotten for you sacrifice in James's time of need. I feel the buying in boredom... Accidentally bought lomography experimental lenses 😂
I have that same Neewer bag and I really like it. I also have another bag for more serious outings/hiking but only because it's bigger and can carry more food, water, raingear, etc. For me, the cheap one is a great bargain.
The most entertainment I’ve had during this whole isolation. Wait, that’s not a compliment... it’s meant to be. That bag for life whip was just.. just wonderful, meme creating right there!
I have a presumably cheap bag bought second hand on Ebay. It has a very useful feature in that it has backpack type straps but also has one to make it a shoulder bag.
So all in all it's a mix of common sense and finding a middleground, nice. After watching a couple of your videos, seems to be the case for nearly everything: - one exposure over another? just use bracketing. - raw or jpg? why not both and worry later! - point-n-click/intelligent/auto or full manual? semi-auto / A-mode / etc. so less tinkering more pictures! - few or many photos? also somewhere inbetween, noone wants to sort through 5k fotos per shooting day but with only 5 there are lost opportunies - cheap or expensive bags & accessories? find one where you don't overpay for what you actually need The only exception would be: gaf tape! there's no middleground: just. have. it. with. you! Anyway, nice comparison and conclusion. Only found your channel yesterday but it sure is a gem and lots of fun to watch. keep it up!
James, there is always so much I enjoy about your videos, the humour/comedy being an integral part of them, but I have to say I don't imagine you ever topping 2.33 and your Aldi bag for life. I had to pause the video for 5 minutes till I could breath again! 🤣 Long may you keep posting/posing!!
Lets say you have to replace that cheap bag every 3 months, over the course of roughly 3 years you'd end up reaching the cost of the mindshift bag (based on the price you gave us). The mindshift bag would probably last that long, even with heavy use. Sure, the upfront cost is higher, but it's the better choice. Best option is to account for the cost of a good quality bag when initially getting a camera, and saving the extra amount needed to buy one with the camera. I too use the same backpack, and love it. I also like the fact that it has a laptop sleeve. Bags that have the access panel where the mindshift one does-- if the zipper breaks, you could still carry the backpack without worrying about losing your camera gear.
I have one of these bags and will probably get one more. I use them to keep my cameras and lens in, hence the need for two. They're also useful in carting the cameras/lens out to the car, assuming we'll be able to do that again at some point and time. If I'm going to be off-road, then I have a more durable camera bag.
Yes... YESSSS!!!! We got the garden hose test! I'm surprised you didn't mention things like how the more expensive bags tend to have more durable inserts, and in the case of yours, pockets to hold things other than just camera gear ^_^ EDIT: Cheap gear does have one handy use though - I bought a $20 CAD sling bag to see if I like sling bags. Turns out I'd rather have the BackLight, because we go out for longer than a few hours at a time, and you can pack a lunch alongside your gear. Won't lie though, the idea of a Wotancraft Trooper L is insanely tempting.
Love this video because it struck a nerve with me! I too, make snap purchases of camera bags, mainly when I’m bored or, worse still, when I have had a few beers! In fact I bought one bag and was so drunk I actually forgot I had ordered it........
Quality bags (and therefore more expensive) do last a lot longer and are a peace of mind article. I got a Lowepro Mini Trekker backpack I don't remember how many years ago (looong time ago) and it's been with me around the world and it still 'works'; no cracks, no tears, everything still okay except maybe for its looks. No problem though to use cheapo (camera) bags as for instance a 'day pack', carrying only a light set up.
What I will say for cheap bags is it’s better than no bag. And I’ve seen people blow their budget on a camera and then not getting a bag for a “while”. Disaster waiting to happen. My first bag was a Lowepro rucksack/camera bag. Handy for a coupe of days away as you only needed one bag. Not really enough space for lenses. Second bag was a Lowepro Mini Trekker. Had it for years now. Bit cramped but it works. Not really bothered to upgrade it.
James, thanks so much for this video, I found the manufacturer website for this inexpensive bag and it is tempting to order it. Look forward to more videos. Nice job on the backyard garden stuff, I guess that is your house, looks great.
Interesting video James - especially as I have exactly the same Mindshift bag as you! I agree about the diminishing returns. I'm just an enthusiast but I had a family holiday in USA in 2019 and I needed a bag which could could cope with general rough and tumble of travel, needed to carry a lot of camera and holiday gear as I wanted to take it as hand luggage but still be comfortable when hiking with it (emptied a bit first!). Yes could have bought a much cheaper bag but even at what it cost the Mindshift was probably about 10-15% of the cost of all the stuff that was it carried so I thought it worth the money. Having used the bag for a year now I'm glad I bought it. Like you were saying - get the bag (or car!) that meets your needs. I've got an Shimoda Action X50 on order for as the main thing with the Backlight is a lack of space for non-photo gear. I'm then expecting those 2 bags to cover me for all purposes until I can't hold a camera and more! :-)
I just bought a new backpack on Amazon.... to better carry the new tripod that I bought on Amazon.... hmmmm I see a pattern forming here... Good news is that I saved about $65 because I bought it from the warehouse sale. Now, I’m just wondering if it will have dividers. Could you please send me one of those eggs so I can test mine out?
The beard looks really good on you mate .... I am starting to wish I would be stuck at home (so many old photos to catch up to for editing, so many PC games I haven't finished) but I have to keep going to work, my colleagues at the elderly with dementia nursing home are quarantining themselves and someone has to pick up the hours.
Hey Julie, I'm hoping to start shipping in the next 2-3 weeks, so at that point preorders will just turn into orders as there will still be plenty left. I think it'll be a push to get a copy to Aus for the 10th though :(
i have been using that exact bag in orange for about 3 years now. all the seams and zippers still in place. the dividers do go to shit after 3 years but it s still usable. i see no issues with it (so far) but it s probably time i got somth a lil more practical.
As someone who has quite a few camera bags, I can attest to the allure of the sale! I have yet to find the perfect one however and have settled on using different bags depending on the situation ( and my outfit for the day!) I would use that cheap bag for storage in the house - hardly worth the bother to send it back, especially with chocolate bits still floating around inside it! A fun and useful video, James!
Even ignoring cheap ones getting you dirty, just the fact that the bag has to come off or be swung around and probably closed again is why I _HATE_ backpack-style camera bags. It's a shoulder bag life for me. A Ruggard brick bag (what I currently use, $50 and has survived two years), a messenger bag, doesn't much matter to me. As long as it's top-loading and holds my camera with an attached 24-70 sized lens, two other lenses, and has an outside pocket for a water bottle, gimme. The fast lens changing is a bonus. (I can do it in about seven seconds with my current bag since I often don't zip it back up.)
Hi James, did you ever do a review of your thinktank retrospective? I was just curious about it as I was looking for a smaller bag like that (the 7 v2.0 is the one I’m looking at) to use so I don’t go out up the road to the nature reserve with a huge backpack looking like a mad man! Just wondered if you liked yours and got much use out of it?
My first camera bag was a Canon bag I bought in an electronics store here in the US. I paid $40 for it. Last year I bought a Lowpro bag when I bought my Nikon d750 and the 2 lenses I bought for it. I paid $280 for it. There is a big difference in quality. I have hiked with both of them and the laptop is definitely better in comfort and in quality. I bought it specifically for the protection aspect of it. Of course less than 6 months later they dropped the price by $100.
I have settled on Think Tank for backpacks and Billingham for shoulder bags, both would be considered expensive brands. However my rule of thumb is to buy only used and aim for 50% of retail, they then become good purchases. So whatever the brand, set a budget and get to work finding a used bag that normally retails at double your budget, opens up far more posssibilites. Best buy to date a Billingham Hadley Digital for £39. I agree on flights, I rationalise that when I get off the flight in economy I walk out the plane with 2 Billingham's more than the business class flyer 😁
Hi James, interesting video. Neewer is a well known budget brand but do you think the same comparison could be made with something like the BP150 made by Lowepro?
I tend to like the intermediate priced bags for my needs. They are better than the inexpensive ones for my needs but the high end ones are a bit of overkill for me. I have a few old over the shoulder bags I still use for local/day trips when I am not carrying that much gear with me.
I found you by accident but I really enjoy your style. You teach yet make me laugh both of which are super important. Thank you so much most definitely a subscriber!
Nice comparison, I would like to add that the cheap bag would also fit under the seat in an airplane, and the larger one is for the overhead. Thinktank also has a similar bag (front loading) which I bought, but to be honest, I would have just as well bought the on in your movie, for very small difference, mainly a chest/belt strap and possible nicer shoulder straps. It's not as big or comfortable as my other big bags, but each one of them has it's use.
Nice video, James. This Neewer bag is the very first I bought and I still own it. It is a very good camera bag and I don't regret my purchase. That being said, I leveled up for the Inatek Pro, which is the best bag I could ever find in my opinion.
I got a bag for around $30 body strap back opening , pockets inside , out side straps, big enough to get my camera in with a 600mm lens on it plus 3 other lenses and it has a rain proof cover. Hell of a buy off Amazon. Good video James. Be safe
I just got the Neewer waterproof pro camera bag only 100 bucks Aussie rear opening and heaps better then that version which I looked at as a day pack. Def better then what I thought when t arrived the zips are of concern ill grant you that. But figured if they fail I can get them replaced with proper ykk versions and still save 4-5 hundred dollars. If you looking to do another budget compare I also just got the neewer carbon fibre 67 " tripod and its going well ! Stay safe and sane mate.
9:18 The loop or long handle on zipper slider is a must have feature. Loops actually are best I think. 👌 I haven't heard of Mindshift gear backpack before. Nice discovering something. 😏
Ever seen a Stallone Movie? You know what’s comming but still watch it untill the end and feel you had a Good time. This was the same and just as amusing, so please keep making them and give us something to look forward to in these weird times.
Thanks for reminding me that I desperately need another camera bag. Especially one that I can use when climbing snowy mountains even though I live in a desert. When can you do a review on crampons for photographers?
I've always been fond of sling bags. With Micro 4/3 a small slingbag can carry all I need. A fishing sling with an Apecase insert has been one of the best camera bags I ever bought. If I were a pro like yourself, I might need something larger and less convenient to access.
Where were you two years ago when I bought one of these cheap bags? Now a dust collector in my closet. Will try and sell it to recoup some of my money. Thanks for a very informative video. 😀
My first camera bag was one very similar to the one you show here, also from Amazon, Amazon's brand. I think it's the one the "next step up" from the one you bought. Nothing ever broke in it because I ended up using it for spare camera/extra lens storage.
I’ve got to a point at thinking that the perfect camera bag for me doesn’t exist, as I want protection etc plus easy access to my camera, but I’m often out photographing when walking, so I want space for water, lunch, waterproofs/extra layers etc. I also want a bag with a shoulder strap I can get my peak design thingy round... so I just use a walking bag with my mantrotto shoulder bag nestled in the bottom... so I wasn’t really listening again James, but wondering, is that a wallpaper pasting table you used as your makeshift news desk?
Thank you for not doing a video on Lightroom! Believe it or not, some of us don't use it. Patagonia huh? I'll need to think on it. I was a hiker and travel bag junkie long before I got into photography. Bags are my weakness - especially luggage. But I tried to be good. When I got into photography and realized I would need a bag for my gear besides the one that came with the camera I was actually quite puzzled. Mostly because I already had a lot of good bags they just weren't photography bags. I did the waist bag, shoulder and then this awful one that looks like a purse but isn't. I've finally settled on a bag that looks like the one you used in this video from Amazon but its a Tenba. It doesn't have any straps on the outside. It's meant to go inside other bags. I love it and was the perfect solution for me. I have a few Kelty backpacks in various sizes and 1 large Osprey and this way I can match the bag to the trip need. But man - it took me 3 years of trial and error to get here. Hopefully 1 year from now I'll still love it. ~ Deborah
A good bag will last you for ages. I’ve been using my Tamrac Adventure 9 for 15 years. The problem is you typically need to go through ten different bags to find the one to rule them all.
I started out using a Tesco 'Bag for Life' and to be honest, it did the job quite nicely! I think, if you're not careful, buying all this expensive gear, including camera bags, can become more about 'keeping up with the Jones's' than about whether or not the thing you're forking out loads of money for, actually does the job. But if does then it's all to the good. I just don't think that spending loads of money is necessarily going to get you something that does the job any better.
@@gregcooper2719 Well Greg, in some ways I wish I still was using it! Wait a minute, why don't I go back to using it? In fact, you know what? I think I will! LOL
A good video that James. I personally use a Lowepro Whistler 450AW which has stood the test, albeit I've had to repair it a bit when some of the stitching let go. But most of my photography is wildlife and my gear for that is heavy. But it's had a pasting for the last two years and still lives so I can't complain. That said, I do have a Neewer camera bag insert that's in with my backpacking/wild camping gear. It's a (big) compromise on convenience, usability, cost and space. But it seems to work.... ok-ish. Keep up the great work mate, really enjoy your content.
Thanks for another brilliantly funny video James. We both may have been in lockdown for too long, but I was in tears in parts! The camera bag ‘collection’ is something I am sure all photographers are aware off, as I believe are most of their partners! My wife just doesn’t accept that her collection of handbags is just the same as me having a cupboard full of camera bags!!! And please more video like this rather than LR/PS tutorials. Tripods would be a good idea, or ND filters as the price difference on the cost of filters can be astronomical . Keep safe
I have that cheap small camera bag!! It's a really nice bag actually.. I also have a more expensive big one (I believe the brand is Ikigai, at least something like that, really like that bag), but when I don't need all of my gear, I just put that all in the small bag and take that one! It saves so much weight (and sore shoulders...)! I have it for at about a year now and it has survived me so far (and I put it anywhere I please) and you'd be surprised at how much you can make fit in such a small bag (of course it does get heavier when you do that 🙈)! Mine does have a cheststrap though, I wonder why yours doesn't since it is exactly the same bag.. It also came with a rain cover, haven't used it yet.. I haven't been throwing it from stairs / hills though, so I cannot tell you how it does with that 😂 But I do agree on the opening from the front, rather would have had it opening from the back as well.. My big bag does open from the back.. But so far it's a good bag and it's been used an aweful lot since I usually don't need all my gear and then I prefer less weight.. Usually it carries both of my Nikon D7100 cameras + lenses, usually eighter the Nikon 80-200 F2.8 or the Tamron 100-400, and the Nikon 17-55 F2.8. And yes, those are heavy 😂 But I do always have tape with me, more to cover the viewfinder for the rare occasions when I use it on a tripod during the day (otherwise I get ugly pink and green stripes on my pictures), but of course the tape can be used to close my bag too or fix something quickly 😂 and also always have a bit other stuff with me, like spare batteries, remote control, sometimes a third lens (usually my Tamron 90mm macro), and usually a water bottle on the side pocket.. I must say, if I were to only have one bag, I would not buy this as my only bag, I would definitely go for my big one.. But to have it as my second bag, I do like it for that.. Going on a longer hike, I would still take the big one though, mainly because I can make more stuff fit in, and on longer hikes I probably don't only want my camera gear but also some food.. So I'd automatically need more space..
"I found myself on Amazon, was quite late, and I came across a camera bag. A cheap camera bag, but a camera bag that I didn't need....in any way."
Pause
"Here it is!"
I died :)
With the electricity and water cost, £20 or so is not a bad price for 50k+ views on a video. For his type of channel he could realistically make around $200 from adsense alone. Then you have the potential revenue from those books he advertised and also the amazon affiliate links.
@@shadowman1988 he might even return it after it dries, if he did end up soaking it
Having only flown business class once in my life I'm going to say yes, it's way better than economy. Although I'd have to factor in flight duration (and airline) as to whether I'd do it again. 7 hours + for a flight, totally worth it. What does confuse me though is that airport security remove nail clippers from you before boarding, but business class dish out real metal knives and forks for meal times. Bit of a tangent, but worth highlighting.
The trick is to buy a ticket at the back of the plane, wait till you're the absolute last person to board and just pick whichever open row of seats you find. First class in economy, works everytime. Helps if you 1 bag carry, hence why I use the peak design travel line.
@@CheeseOnEverything "pick whichever open row of seats you find" "works everytime"
How the fuck do you find an open row of seats every time? You must either be flying to and from places no one wants to go to, or you pick absolute redeyes at slow times of the year. I'm stumped.
@@benbowland 😂😂
12:40 You're actually paying 1110% more for your bag. Sorry. It's one of those little mathematical oddities.
Quarantine is really getting to James. Look at his eyes pure insanity.
Things are not looking good... And now my easter egg is f*****!
@@JamesPopsysPhoto We'll know you've went off the deep end when you switch back to full frame. There is still hope keep your bearings.
There's definitely a lot of that going on everywhere. I'm 38 and just bought a skateboard...lol
@@JamesPopsysPhoto Come on James, we all know it was just an excuse so you would have to eat the broken pieces!!
Definite hydrogen psychosis.
I have 14 camera bags. I have the cheap one that you bought as one of them. But, I like it. I got tired of carrying around my big bag with all the heavy gear in it when I was just going out for a simple shoot and knew that I only needed the camera and a couple of lenses and a few small accessories. The cheap bag has two wonderful mesh compartments for little things and enough space and moveable spacers for just the things I need to take out for a simple shoot. I love having it and use it more than any of the expensive bags.
Just bought my first DSLR along with a bag and tripod, wasn't even looking for a camera video but came across your channel and have watched five in a row whilst I should be working.
I like the sarcastic nature of your reviewing, probably because I'm pretty sarcastic too. Will be going through your back catalogue of videos.
Keep up the good work.
I received your 2018 book last week and my wife said, "What did you buy now?". I told her, "that British camera guy from TH-cam made me buy a book of his photos". Ok, that's not exactly what I said but she did approve of my purchase and really enjoyed the photos. You've become "wife-approved" so that's a big win for me!
Jeremy M. James is wife-approved in my household, too. She especially likes to take Emily’s side on any kind of foolishness he gets into...
That's so awesome! Glad to hear it mate :)
I HAVE HIS BAG, LOL! As an amatuer this does everything and holds everything that I need it to. I don't worry about lack of back-loading as I don't use the straps anyways since I'm a bigger guy and the straps are quite wimpy, so I just use the hand grip on top exclusively. I also tend to carry this in my car laying on the passenger's seat. I'm not travelling around like Mr. Popsys here meeting and greeting with the sheep in the hills of England -- instead I drive around Central California trying to find items of interest. The zippers have never failed me and I personally think they're not as cheap as you make them out to be. They're no YKKs but they're still plenty good for what they are. The one thing I do dislike about the bag is the look: flat front, flat sides... it looks like a goddamn gravestone!
Again I'm an amateur and this suits my needs. However, if I saw a professional carrying this around I'd probably laugh.
I was thinking when watching this, man who ever owns this bag is gonna be real mad lolol.
I have this bag as well, so far I've been loving it! I would love to afford the bag James has but can't justify it at the moment... Fingers crossed this bag doesn't fail me anytime soon :)
Laudibly laughed at the gravestone comment. Do you still use it?
Real ‘photography’ doesn’t have to be an expensive business. Magazines and websites have got us into believing we have to spend thousands to take decent photos. It is simply not true! Second hand cameras and lenses perform just as good in the hands of people who can ‘see’ a photo, as those who spend a fortune. The proof - all the great images we admire, from both the past and the recent present, were taken on equipment that is at least a few years old and not up to the specs of the ‘latest thing’.
The same with bags.. If it does what you want, and you take care of your equipment, as any responsible person would, then it need not cost you a fortune. Whether it opens from the back or the front is irrelevant. Just look at the photographers who carry their cameras in their hands or have them fixed to their rucksack strap by the latest expensive gadget. If they slipped or snagged their camera on a bush for example, then the damage would be far greater than carrying it in a cheapish bag.
We are all being brainwashed by all this ‘stuff’, and have forgotten that photography is about taking photographs, not acquiring gear!
Also most of us never get out of this country. We are not going to Patagonia, or Iceland or some other exotic place. That is the life of the professionals. A trip to the Lakes or even the local park might be all we can manage.. But we can take great photos!
My entire gear - two cameras, lenses, bags, and necessary accessories, all together cost me about £475. Having said that, some great photos I have taken were taken with my second-hand iPhone.
You're one of my favorite you-tubers, the dry humor is spot on. Please never quit!
Don’t tell my wife but I own more bags than she does 😬
Andrew Baxter I had that problem I had to sell a few 😂😂
But it does make one appreciate the situation with women and handbags. I've done it with camera, laptop and bicycle bags.
how the roles have switched lol
I'm frightened to ask but who owns more pairs of stockings you or your wife?
It is perfectly acceptable to admit you have more bags then your wife, however, what is NOT acceptable is having more shoes.
I use a cheap bag very similar to the one in the video, by Altura. I bought it in an indoor flea market with a broken strap that I sewed back on. $8. It has served me well for a couple of years, or close to it. But I'm not climbing mountains, boarding planes to go to exotic places, etc. Just a local photographer. I don't really need to concern myself with a bag that will survive something like that. If I were a professional, and made my living with a camera then I might spring for the "better" bag. But 'm not, and I'd be willing to bet the majority of photographers watching these kind of videos on TH-cam aren't, either.
Thanks for the video. I always enjoy your offerings.
The reason I own an expensive medium camera bag and a ridiculously expensive large camera bag is because my initial purchase was a cheap camera bag. Lesson learnt.
This is exactly right. Just like tripods: get a good one to begin with. That said, I'm speaking from the perspective of an enthusiast and not a casual shooter.
I wouldn't disagree but I have an ordinary backpack with various which suits my need for various trips that I've had for many years, has done thousands of miles and was ridiculously cheap.
I also have a smaller backpack I use for fishing which was much better quality and has stood up to abuse for many years that a cheaper one would never had survived.
Can someone explain how you reach the shutter through the bag though? Asking for a friend.
The reason people complain about the price of camera bags is because they tend to mainly look at brands like Peak Design, Nomatic and Wandrd which in my opinion are quite overpriced for what they offer but Lowepro and Vanguard have some really decently priced bags. Especially Vanguard, from what I've seen have some pretty functional and affordable bags while Lowepro constantly offer discounts on Amazon. To be honest if all you need is something to carry your gear in, and you're an actual adult who can look after their stuff even one of the super budget options are fine 😅
Yeah, even the cheapest one makes me envious. When I started out, I carried my SLR (Nikon F2A + MD) over my shoulder (always ready to shoot) for decades and optionally, a zoom lens wrapped in a towel inside an Army Surplus Ammo Pouch. 😊
I need to replace my LowePro backpack because of a torn shoulder strap. I decided to look at Peak Design, since I like their straps. An equivalent sized backpack from them costs 3 times what I paid from the LowePro, has less padding and less internal customization for equipment. And because it has multiple points of access versus the LowePro's single panel that presses against my back when worn, far less security. A thief would have to get the LowePro off my body first, before being able to get at the stuff inside. The Peak Design's zipper lock tabs are a joke. Someone with a sharp knife and steady hand could probably cut through them without me noticing. The bags just aren't worth what Peak Design wants for them.
At least in my opinion.
I've gone the cheaper route for my daily carry, using a cheapo amazon messenger for the exact reason you said - I can buy another 8 of them before I break even with the cost of a more expensive bag. My first one lasted 7 years through rain, wind, and snow. I literally never leave the house without it. In the end, the only thing that failed was I wore a hole in it at the point where it rubs on my hip. I have replaced it with exactly the same £20 canvas messenger - here's to another 7 years!
However... I'm looking at a more serious backpack for when I want to go for a "serious session", or travelling abroad where a failure would be more than inconvenient.
Thought that green bag looked familiar. I have the 26L bag for my Hasselblad setup. I can fit the body with one lens mounted, along with one extra back, three more lenses, filters, rocket blower, and film. I can’t fit any of the hoods, which is kind of a huge pain. It is super heavy, so I take shorter and shorter hikes with it. The last year I only took it out of the car. It’s just way too heavy (the gear, not the bag). Great bag.
Camera Bags are super important. Getting a bag that supports your particular style of shooting, workflow, and protects your gear is paramount and its something you should think of as insurance. You dont spend 5 grand on a good body and expensive glass and throw it in a burlap sack. For instance, I am a professional photographer and I have 6 different camera bags I alternate and use on a regular basis each of which sit around the 200-350$ mark and are used for different jobs. For paid work and mobile studio work, I utilize a large travel bag that can hold 2 full frame cameras, a 24-70, a 70-200, a 24mm prime, and an 85mm prime, x2 speedlights, a softbox, a travel tripod and a carbon fiber light stand. My gear alone is in the 15k range when I am doing that kind of shoot. For my personal work, I do street photography and non profit events, and I want something that works both as a camera bag and an edc bag, so it comfortably fits a mirrorless full frame with a lens attached, a spare lens if I need it, external hard drive to unload, 13 inch editing laptop, and usually a skateboard on the back with a gimbal in the tripod pocket. I use this bag 80% of the time (personal favorite is the WNDRD duo). For travel, I like going ultra light gear setup and having the ability to pack clothing, camera, spare lens, hard drive, laptop, 2x full changes of clothes that is airline complaint (I use a lowepro bp freeline for this). For city exploring and just fucking around in places I dont know, I have a chrome kadet messenger bag (its a sling bag I also throw in my travel backpack when I am out of the country) which is just big enough to fit my sony a7 iii with a prime lens, my wallet, and my ipad pro +keyboard, its low profile and doesn't scream I have expensive shit come and rob me. I also have a half dozen camera cubes and inserts I utilize to convert other bags I have into camera bags, for instance I am an avid hiker and when I am doing a 300 kilo hike that takes a week through the mountains, you best be damned sure I want a nice back with a frame thats easy to cary and I can redistribute the weight. You get what you pay for, and good quality, water resistance, well built organisation, false bottoms, extra padding, can mean the difference between loosing a ^&*^& ton of money and having a camera and a career for a long time. My rule has always been, buy it nice or buy it twice.
Love it ! In my spare time I review products for Amazon can be any thing, and they have sent me some camera bags over the years. My days of doing long hikes up hilly regions of the UK are done. For kids events, friends parties I just need something to keep the kit in probably a body and no more than 2 lenses. I don’t travel by plane so no worries about being parted from my kit( I got bumped up to first class on a long haul flight years ago that was great, and the appeal of business class is hanging out in a comfortable lounge when your flight is delayed for hours....) The camera bag goes in the car or one the train, needs to fit and not be too heavy when loaded to get on the over head storage compartment. When out shooting wildlife having a bag which is long enough to take a 150/200-600mm zoom is a challenge even most expensive bags are a tad too short. Front opening no problem when putting the bag down use a super market bag for life one big enough for me to sit on and the camera bag 😄. I’ve never had a zip break on any bag, have had the zip head come off but then can tie some wool on and keep using. When going to the theatre to shoot I take far too much gear, it fits in 3 camera bags but then you can’t carry them all 😂, so invested in a wheels suitcase type camera bag. As a girl I have more camera bags than hand bags and choose the latter based on how much camera gear I can get in one if needed.! Expensive camera bags look quite cheap compared to some designer hand bags.
My main gripe with bags is that there is no space for life, kids stuff, husband things they don’t want in their pockets, drinks and snacks. I Look at large volume general bags and think how many fleeces would I need to wrap my gear in to use them. There is also to my knowledge no camera bags that you can take to a black tie dinner dance and not look out of place! Ruck sack type bags just don’t cut the mustard. I approached a manufacturer at the UK camera show a few years back and asked them to make one. Am still waiting, defo gap in the market 😀. Keep sane and safe all.
James, I went to NY for 3 days in 2017 and used a cheap camera bag walking en commuting in the big apple. My shoulders were in a terrible condition when I flew back. So wearing comfort should have made part of your test. I bought an expensive cameraback that sits very comfortable on my back as soon as I got home. For the rest your video was good as always ;-)
James, I own two camera bags. One is a f.64 SCM Large camera shoulder bag that I bought some time around the year 2000 for about $100. Now, twenty years later, B&H Photo in New York City is still selling the same bag for... $99.95. This bag has really held its value! I used it to hold my Olympus OM film camera system (three bodies, six lenses, one 2x teleconverter, two flash units, two Motor Drive 1s, one Power Winder ,1 and various accessories. I'm selling off what's left of my old kit and will use this case as the main case for my Panasonic Lumix camera system (currently a DMC-GX7 body with the 14-42 and 45-150 kit lenses, an Asanuma 135mm f2.8 telephoto lens, a Vivitar 80-200mm f4.0 zoom lens, and a Fotodiox OM-MFT adapter, plus accessories.) I'll be able to grown into this case as it has plenty of room for the lenses I plan to add to my collection.
My second camera case is an Altura Medium camera bag which cost me $19.99 last January on Amazon. It barely holds my GX7 and the 45-150 zoom lenses, but can also carry a camera strap, remote control shutter release, battery charger and lens cleaning supplies. The difference in the two bags is that the Altura is a nice "grab and go" bag for when I have some time to kill and want to do some quick photography. The f.64 bag will be my main bag as my camera collection grows and I have a greater variety of lenses to work with. I don't expect the Altura to last anywhere near as long as the f.64, which I'll probably pass on to one of my sons when I die, but it does the trick for a quick afternoon chasing photons.
The two camera cases have one thing in common, though--they both have main compartment lids that open away from my body with the case on my shoulder. This means that I'm not fighting the lid as I access equipment and change lenses. I can also return the unused lenses to the case easily so they're more secure while off the camera. That lid was what drew me to the f.64 case twenty years ago and it took a bit of searching to find a modern day case with the same feature. While writing this, I realized that my favorite camera case from when I was in high school had a similar feature--it was a Vivitar hard leather case that had a lid that folded out from the case so I could access the gear inside. I wish I could show you a picture of it so you could see what I mean.
The cheaper bag may be better for some assignment in the city. It is large enough but less bulky and less looking like a hiking backpack.
Are the zippers YKK in either bag? I have mindshift and think tank stuff, but I tend to buy it on sale.
I’ve become a fan of Tenba BYOB inserts. You put them inside a normal bag or rucksack. I tend to travel with a smallish kit and this is a very flexible system. I can put a micro 4/3 system in my daysack, and also carry waterproof, spare clothing, sandwiches etc.
And Tenba also do compact foldable bags to put your BYOB into. When travelling for holidays, I use my daysack as a carry-on and for walking and take a foldable bag to carry my camera when I’m just strolling around town, rather than going out for a proper walk.
By the way, I have a tendency to get a bad back, and for me, travelling business class for transatlantic and longer distances is definitely worth the extra money. One time I was hobbling around Boston Massachusetts with a bad back after travelling economy, which was not fun.
The best argument for a cheap camera bag is the first 2 bags you buy are almost guaranteed to miss whatever your future self will realize was important that you didn’t think of before you got it.
One of my favorite photography youtubers! Always a good laugh! Great content!
I use that same exact neewer as an ICU with a 30L burton focus. I have used it some times just the bag itself and after maybe 20-30 or walking the zipper starts to move. But hey as an ICU works perfectly since the Burton one didn't come with with.
Has to be one of my favourite video of yours! Very entertaining! I always wander what keeps bringing me back to your channel and it has to be your light hearted approach and the fact you don't take yourself too seriously. Have bought both books and look forward to getting them, love the presets too!
Thanks so much David, lovely to hear - can't wait to get the books out to you :)
I know I'm a year late to this party but,
For on the go type stuff, I have used a Canon 200DG bag for 14 years. It's held up really nicely, fits in the overheard bin, has a decent amount of padding, and I can get things out of it quickly. For actual jobs and storage, I've had a Lowepro Pro Roller x300 that I bought on clearance from an online shop. It's rugged, spacious, and can hold nearly every superfluous piece of gear I own. Wouldn't ever bring it on a plane.
Funny video. I am a nomad so weight and packing rule my life. I use individual packaging. My osprey backpack top turns into a day pack. I throw my camera holster and lens tube into the day pack. Other things into little zipper pouches. Filters wrapped in a bandana inside their hard plastic cases. I have dry bags too. It's a lightweight solution with reasonable protection. My gear isn't enough to fill either of those bags. It's how I have traveled for 8 years. My backpack was about $200 with a discount for trading in my first osprey and a sale, i think I saved about 40%. Manfrotto holster was $40(I brought 5 different holsters $15-60, it fit the best and I liked it the most). Compact duffel bag used for carry-on with laptop, Vietnam "north fake". A dedicated camera bag is not practical for carrying my 20-23kg life on my back.
Couldn't agree more . I bought a cheap no-name bag that started to fall apart within days. My current bag cost me about 50 quid (K&F Concepts) . It has done several arduous trips , is none the worse for wear , has kept my gear safe , me comfortable , and mostly meets my needs . There are a few things I don't like about it , but for me , it sits in the bang for buck sweet spot . I could easily have spent 2 or 3 times as much for little to no improvement .
you can consider Lowepro Photo Hatchback BP 250 AW II. it's very protective and also have a hidden raincover. if you want to carry a camera and 2 more lenses, it's a very good solution. also, the price is acceptable too.
RIP Easter eggs, you will not be forgotten for you sacrifice in James's time of need.
I feel the buying in boredom... Accidentally bought lomography experimental lenses 😂
I have that same Neewer bag and I really like it. I also have another bag for more serious outings/hiking but only because it's bigger and can carry more food, water, raingear, etc. For me, the cheap one is a great bargain.
The most entertainment I’ve had during this whole isolation. Wait, that’s not a compliment... it’s meant to be. That bag for life whip was just.. just wonderful, meme creating right there!
haha, cheers mate :)
Up/down to your normal standard James, love it.
Cheers Billy :)
I have a presumably cheap bag bought second hand on Ebay.
It has a very useful feature in that it has backpack type straps but also has one to make it a shoulder bag.
My $200.00 camera bag has been with me since 2010. So happy with my $20 a year bag thus far :-D
I love your crash tests which are not working as it would ! It's very funny ! I like this kind of humour. Thanks a lot.
So all in all it's a mix of common sense and finding a middleground, nice.
After watching a couple of your videos, seems to be the case for nearly everything:
- one exposure over another? just use bracketing.
- raw or jpg? why not both and worry later!
- point-n-click/intelligent/auto or full manual? semi-auto / A-mode / etc. so less tinkering more pictures!
- few or many photos? also somewhere inbetween, noone wants to sort through 5k fotos per shooting day but with only 5 there are lost opportunies
- cheap or expensive bags & accessories? find one where you don't overpay for what you actually need
The only exception would be: gaf tape! there's no middleground: just. have. it. with. you!
Anyway, nice comparison and conclusion.
Only found your channel yesterday but it sure is a gem and lots of fun to watch. keep it up!
James, there is always so much I enjoy about your videos, the humour/comedy being an integral part of them, but I have to say I don't imagine you ever topping 2.33 and your Aldi bag for life. I had to pause the video for 5 minutes till I could breath again! 🤣
Long may you keep posting/posing!!
haha, cheers Andrew - much appreciated :)
Lets say you have to replace that cheap bag every 3 months, over the course of roughly 3 years you'd end up reaching the cost of the mindshift bag (based on the price you gave us). The mindshift bag would probably last that long, even with heavy use. Sure, the upfront cost is higher, but it's the better choice. Best option is to account for the cost of a good quality bag when initially getting a camera, and saving the extra amount needed to buy one with the camera. I too use the same backpack, and love it. I also like the fact that it has a laptop sleeve.
Bags that have the access panel where the mindshift one does-- if the zipper breaks, you could still carry the backpack without worrying about losing your camera gear.
I love mine too :)
Suggestion for upcoming video/purchase: cheap macro extension tubes. Thanks!
Gotcha :)
I have one of these bags and will probably get one more. I use them to keep my cameras and lens in, hence the need for two. They're also useful in carting the cameras/lens out to the car, assuming we'll be able to do that again at some point and time. If I'm going to be off-road, then I have a more durable camera bag.
Nice set up :)
Yes... YESSSS!!!! We got the garden hose test! I'm surprised you didn't mention things like how the more expensive bags tend to have more durable inserts, and in the case of yours, pockets to hold things other than just camera gear ^_^
EDIT: Cheap gear does have one handy use though - I bought a $20 CAD sling bag to see if I like sling bags. Turns out I'd rather have the BackLight, because we go out for longer than a few hours at a time, and you can pack a lunch alongside your gear. Won't lie though, the idea of a Wotancraft Trooper L is insanely tempting.
Fun video. Be sure to see Torres del Paine on your Patagonia trip
Thanks Jim, will do! :)
Just ordered the Mindshift 26L.... can’t wait to try it in snowdonia
Love this video because it struck a nerve with me! I too, make snap purchases of camera bags, mainly when I’m bored or, worse still, when I have had a few beers! In fact I bought one bag and was so drunk I actually forgot I had ordered it........
Thanks so much for promoting my book James! 😍
Your viewers will no doubt love how inept and impatient I am with my wife’s camera 😬
How does the mindshift compare to your new Shimoda? They just came out with a limited edition that I’m debating on picking up.
Quality bags (and therefore more expensive) do last a lot longer and are a peace of mind article. I got a Lowepro Mini Trekker backpack I don't remember how many years ago (looong time ago) and it's been with me around the world and it still 'works'; no cracks, no tears, everything still okay except maybe for its looks. No problem though to use cheapo (camera) bags as for instance a 'day pack', carrying only a light set up.
What I will say for cheap bags is it’s better than no bag. And I’ve seen people blow their budget on a camera and then not getting a bag for a “while”. Disaster waiting to happen.
My first bag was a Lowepro rucksack/camera bag. Handy for a coupe of days away as you only needed one bag. Not really enough space for lenses. Second bag was a Lowepro Mini Trekker. Had it for years now. Bit cramped but it works. Not really bothered to upgrade it.
James, thanks so much for this video, I found the manufacturer website for this inexpensive bag and it is tempting to order it. Look forward to more videos. Nice job on the backyard garden stuff, I guess that is your house, looks great.
Cheers Mike :)
Finally preordered the 2019 book, wishing it were here already. This was one of your most entertaining videos. Thanks. Stay safe and sane.
Thanks so much for the support :)
Interesting video James - especially as I have exactly the same Mindshift bag as you! I agree about the diminishing returns. I'm just an enthusiast but I had a family holiday in USA in 2019 and I needed a bag which could could cope with general rough and tumble of travel, needed to carry a lot of camera and holiday gear as I wanted to take it as hand luggage but still be comfortable when hiking with it (emptied a bit first!). Yes could have bought a much cheaper bag but even at what it cost the Mindshift was probably about 10-15% of the cost of all the stuff that was it carried so I thought it worth the money. Having used the bag for a year now I'm glad I bought it. Like you were saying - get the bag (or car!) that meets your needs. I've got an Shimoda Action X50 on order for as the main thing with the Backlight is a lack of space for non-photo gear. I'm then expecting those 2 bags to cover me for all purposes until I can't hold a camera and more! :-)
If the ground is muddy sandy wet or what ever I always put a bin liner down to lay my bag on. Stay safe and well.
I just bought a new backpack on Amazon.... to better carry the new tripod that I bought on Amazon.... hmmmm I see a pattern forming here... Good news is that I saved about $65 because I bought it from the warehouse sale. Now, I’m just wondering if it will have dividers. Could you please send me one of those eggs so I can test mine out?
The beard looks really good on you mate .... I am starting to wish I would be stuck at home (so many old photos to catch up to for editing, so many PC games I haven't finished) but I have to keep going to work, my colleagues at the elderly with dementia nursing home are quarantining themselves and someone has to pick up the hours.
W0lfy Ovi good job! The dementia suffers may not be able to appreciate your commitment but their friends and relatives will do 👏
Great work! Thanks for everything you do :)
HI James when will you cut of the preorders as I want to hit my kids up for my mothers day present here in Aus?
Hey Julie, I'm hoping to start shipping in the next 2-3 weeks, so at that point preorders will just turn into orders as there will still be plenty left. I think it'll be a push to get a copy to Aus for the 10th though :(
@@JamesPopsysPhoto no not worried about getting on the date just want one as I love your photography and to have it signed just a bonus.
i have been using that exact bag in orange for about 3 years now. all the seams and zippers still in place. the dividers do go to shit after 3 years but it s still usable.
i see no issues with it (so far) but it s probably time i got somth a lil more practical.
As someone who has quite a few camera bags, I can attest to the allure of the sale! I have yet to find the perfect one however and have settled on using different bags depending on the situation ( and my outfit for the day!) I would use that cheap bag for storage in the house - hardly worth the bother to send it back, especially with chocolate bits still floating around inside it! A fun and useful video, James!
Did a video on the peak design travel line, and after owning about five $200+ camera bags, I think I've finally stumbled upon the perfect one.
Even ignoring cheap ones getting you dirty, just the fact that the bag has to come off or be swung around and probably closed again is why I _HATE_ backpack-style camera bags. It's a shoulder bag life for me. A Ruggard brick bag (what I currently use, $50 and has survived two years), a messenger bag, doesn't much matter to me. As long as it's top-loading and holds my camera with an attached 24-70 sized lens, two other lenses, and has an outside pocket for a water bottle, gimme. The fast lens changing is a bonus. (I can do it in about seven seconds with my current bag since I often don't zip it back up.)
I have the cheaper bag. Had to tape up the zips because of the annoying rattling, wondered if u had the same issue.
I see what you mean!
Protection test with chocolate. Man after my heart
Hi James, did you ever do a review of your thinktank retrospective? I was just curious about it as I was looking for a smaller bag like that (the 7 v2.0 is the one I’m looking at) to use so I don’t go out up the road to the nature reserve with a huge backpack looking like a mad man! Just wondered if you liked yours and got much use out of it?
My first camera bag was a Canon bag I bought in an electronics store here in the US. I paid $40 for it. Last year I bought a Lowpro bag when I bought my Nikon d750 and the 2 lenses I bought for it. I paid $280 for it. There is a big difference in quality. I have hiked with both of them and the laptop is definitely better in comfort and in quality. I bought it specifically for the protection aspect of it. Of course less than 6 months later they dropped the price by $100.
I have settled on Think Tank for backpacks and Billingham for shoulder bags, both would be considered expensive brands. However my rule of thumb is to buy only used and aim for 50% of retail, they then become good purchases. So whatever the brand, set a budget and get to work finding a used bag that normally retails at double your budget, opens up far more posssibilites. Best buy to date a Billingham Hadley Digital for £39.
I agree on flights, I rationalise that when I get off the flight in economy I walk out the plane with 2 Billingham's more than the business class flyer 😁
Hi James, interesting video. Neewer is a well known budget brand but do you think the same comparison could be made with something like the BP150 made by Lowepro?
I tend to like the intermediate priced bags for my needs. They are better than the inexpensive ones for my needs but the high end ones are a bit of overkill for me.
I have a few old over the shoulder bags I still use for local/day trips when I am not carrying that much gear with me.
I found you by accident but I really enjoy your style. You teach yet make me laugh both of which are super important. Thank you so much most definitely a subscriber!
Nice comparison, I would like to add that the cheap bag would also fit under the seat in an airplane, and the larger one is for the overhead. Thinktank also has a similar bag (front loading) which I bought, but to be honest, I would have just as well bought the on in your movie, for very small difference, mainly a chest/belt strap and possible nicer shoulder straps.
It's not as big or comfortable as my other big bags, but each one of them has it's use.
Nice video, James. This Neewer bag is the very first I bought and I still own it.
It is a very good camera bag and I don't regret my purchase.
That being said, I leveled up for the Inatek Pro, which is the best bag I could ever find in my opinion.
I can 100% recommend the cheap bag, I've used it as my main bag for over 3 years and it hasn't fallen apart yet! Looking to upgrade soon tho hopefully
I got a bag for around $30 body strap back opening , pockets inside , out side straps, big enough to get my camera in with a 600mm lens on it plus 3 other lenses and it has a rain proof cover. Hell of a buy off Amazon. Good video James. Be safe
I just got the Neewer waterproof pro camera bag only 100 bucks Aussie rear opening and heaps better then that version which I looked at as a day pack. Def better then what I thought when t arrived the zips are of concern ill grant you that. But figured if they fail I can get them replaced with proper ykk versions and still save 4-5 hundred dollars. If you looking to do another budget compare I also just got the neewer carbon fibre 67 " tripod and its going well ! Stay safe and sane mate.
I don't need a camera bag right now either, but watched your video lol. Funny stuff man!
haha, cheers mate!
9:18 The loop or long handle on zipper slider is a must have feature. Loops actually are best I think. 👌 I haven't heard of Mindshift gear backpack before. Nice discovering something. 😏
Ever seen a Stallone Movie? You know what’s comming but still watch it untill the end and feel you had a Good time. This was the same and just as amusing, so please keep making them and give us something to look forward to in these weird times.
haha, cheers mate :)
Thanks for reminding me that I desperately need another camera bag. Especially one that I can use when climbing snowy mountains even though I live in a desert. When can you do a review on crampons for photographers?
Loved the easter egg test... yum!
I've always been fond of sling bags. With Micro 4/3 a small slingbag can carry all I need. A fishing sling with an Apecase insert has been one of the best camera bags I ever bought. If I were a pro like yourself, I might need something larger and less convenient to access.
Peak design travel line has best of both worlds.
is not going to butter any parsnip a real expression? (as i will be using it from now on, i'd like to know)
Haha, I've heard it a few times so I'm using it for most things now...
Another masterpiece James, my bag collection is embarrassing...
Me too, but your secret is safe with me :)
Where were you two years ago when I bought one of these cheap bags? Now a dust collector in my closet. Will try and sell it to recoup some of my money. Thanks for a very informative video. 😀
My first camera bag was one very similar to the one you show here, also from Amazon, Amazon's brand. I think it's the one the "next step up" from the one you bought. Nothing ever broke in it because I ended up using it for spare camera/extra lens storage.
Not long before you’re sectioned now.....I’ve got too many bags as well, I think we all have. My favourites are my 2 Billingham bags, love ‘em 👍🏻
Haha - correct! And Nice - that'll be next for the collection :)
Nice one James. This harks back to your older videos 👍🏻 thanks for breaking from the current LR tutorial trend.
I’ve got to a point at thinking that the perfect camera bag for me doesn’t exist, as I want protection etc plus easy access to my camera, but I’m often out photographing when walking, so I want space for water, lunch, waterproofs/extra layers etc. I also want a bag with a shoulder strap I can get my peak design thingy round... so I just use a walking bag with my mantrotto shoulder bag nestled in the bottom... so I wasn’t really listening again James, but wondering, is that a wallpaper pasting table you used as your makeshift news desk?
Me too - I'll die trying to find it!
I’ve had the mind shift 26L for 6 years.. i paid $300 back then. But recently got a peak design 5L everyday sling and lightened my gear
Thank you for not doing a video on Lightroom! Believe it or not, some of us don't use it. Patagonia huh? I'll need to think on it. I was a hiker and travel bag junkie long before I got into photography. Bags are my weakness - especially luggage. But I tried to be good. When I got into photography and realized I would need a bag for my gear besides the one that came with the camera I was actually quite puzzled. Mostly because I already had a lot of good bags they just weren't photography bags. I did the waist bag, shoulder and then this awful one that looks like a purse but isn't. I've finally settled on a bag that looks like the one you used in this video from Amazon but its a Tenba. It doesn't have any straps on the outside. It's meant to go inside other bags. I love it and was the perfect solution for me. I have a few Kelty backpacks in various sizes and 1 large Osprey and this way I can match the bag to the trip need. But man - it took me 3 years of trial and error to get here. Hopefully 1 year from now I'll still love it. ~ Deborah
I know that feeling! I think a multi-bag approach is the way forward :)
Helpful at this point in time. Looking for a new bag. 👍🏻🍷🍷
Let me know when you come to Thailand for a workshop, I am in! Really enjoy your posts.
I'd love to - hopefully at some point :)
A good bag will last you for ages. I’ve been using my Tamrac Adventure 9 for 15 years. The problem is you typically need to go through ten different bags to find the one to rule them all.
I would cut the straps off the cheap bag and use it to store all my bits of gear in the house as a storage bag. Good video James 👍
That intro was awesome!
“I wish I checked my Laptop, actually.”
Bravo!
~Daniel
I started out using a Tesco 'Bag for Life' and to be honest, it did the job quite nicely! I think, if you're not careful, buying all this expensive gear, including camera bags, can become more about 'keeping up with the Jones's' than about whether or not the thing you're forking out loads of money for, actually does the job. But if does then it's all to the good. I just don't think that spending loads of money is necessarily going to get you something that does the job any better.
Ash Stubbings it worries me that you say you “started out using a Tesco bag for life...” the bag is for life. You should still be using it. Forever.
@@gregcooper2719 Well Greg, in some ways I wish I still was using it! Wait a minute, why don't I go back to using it? In fact, you know what? I think I will! LOL
A good video that James.
I personally use a Lowepro Whistler 450AW which has stood the test, albeit I've had to repair it a bit when some of the stitching let go. But most of my photography is wildlife and my gear for that is heavy. But it's had a pasting for the last two years and still lives so I can't complain.
That said, I do have a Neewer camera bag insert that's in with my backpacking/wild camping gear. It's a (big) compromise on convenience, usability, cost and space. But it seems to work.... ok-ish.
Keep up the great work mate, really enjoy your content.
Thanks for another brilliantly funny video James. We both may have been in lockdown for too long, but I was in tears in parts!
The camera bag ‘collection’ is something I am sure all photographers are aware off, as I believe are most of their partners! My wife just doesn’t accept that her collection of handbags is just the same as me having a cupboard full of camera bags!!!
And please more video like this rather than LR/PS tutorials. Tripods would be a good idea, or ND filters as the price difference on the cost of filters can be astronomical . Keep safe
Cheers Brian :)
My life is held together with gaf tape and zip ties.
Useful information hilariously presented. Thoroughly enjoyable!
I have that cheap small camera bag!! It's a really nice bag actually.. I also have a more expensive big one (I believe the brand is Ikigai, at least something like that, really like that bag), but when I don't need all of my gear, I just put that all in the small bag and take that one! It saves so much weight (and sore shoulders...)! I have it for at about a year now and it has survived me so far (and I put it anywhere I please) and you'd be surprised at how much you can make fit in such a small bag (of course it does get heavier when you do that 🙈)! Mine does have a cheststrap though, I wonder why yours doesn't since it is exactly the same bag.. It also came with a rain cover, haven't used it yet.. I haven't been throwing it from stairs / hills though, so I cannot tell you how it does with that 😂 But I do agree on the opening from the front, rather would have had it opening from the back as well.. My big bag does open from the back..
But so far it's a good bag and it's been used an aweful lot since I usually don't need all my gear and then I prefer less weight.. Usually it carries both of my Nikon D7100 cameras + lenses, usually eighter the Nikon 80-200 F2.8 or the Tamron 100-400, and the Nikon 17-55 F2.8. And yes, those are heavy 😂 But I do always have tape with me, more to cover the viewfinder for the rare occasions when I use it on a tripod during the day (otherwise I get ugly pink and green stripes on my pictures), but of course the tape can be used to close my bag too or fix something quickly 😂 and also always have a bit other stuff with me, like spare batteries, remote control, sometimes a third lens (usually my Tamron 90mm macro), and usually a water bottle on the side pocket..
I must say, if I were to only have one bag, I would not buy this as my only bag, I would definitely go for my big one.. But to have it as my second bag, I do like it for that.. Going on a longer hike, I would still take the big one though, mainly because I can make more stuff fit in, and on longer hikes I probably don't only want my camera gear but also some food.. So I'd automatically need more space..
Nice! Yeah it's a little on the small side this one for a lot of set ups. Interesting that you have a strap.. Maybe it's a white label kind of set up!