Shopping for bags

When you have a camera, several lenses, a tripod and accessories having something to carry them in is a rather sensible idea, but with so many bags out there on the market which one should you choose? Well if you're pondering over pouches or cerebrating read on and find the answers you're looking for zipped up in ePHOTOzine's buyers guide for bags.

Crumpler
Crumpler have a camera bag for everyone. From their photo pouches to large trolley cases they will have a bag perfect for you.

 

Messenger Boy 80 Pouch (6 x 10.5 x 4 cm)

This is the second-largest pouch in the Messenger Boy range and will easily hold a compact camera.

 

It has a waterproof Ripstop lining, a front pocket that fits a memory card, a Velcro fastener and a back attachment for belts. The bag also comes with a messenger style strap for across body carrying.

The bag comes in black, white, brown and green.

 

Muffin Top 7500 (35 x 22 x 16 cm)

The Muffin Top 7500 is the largest bag featured in the Muffin Top range. It will easily fit two SLRs with up to four lenses plus any accessories you may need. You can choose to have a black, red, brown or green bag and they all feature an adjustable shoulder strap with a removable shoulder pad.

 

Your belongings will be kept dry thanks to the waterproof Ripstop lining, there are also padded dividers and extra padding around the bag to ensure better camera protection. Your belongings are kept safe with a clip fastened, Velcro main clasp. There's also a front flap pocket which has an internal accessory pocket.

 

 

Master Delhi 770 (47 x 35.5 x 25.5cm)

If you like leather bags then the Master Delhi range is perfect for you. The 770 model is the largest in the group and comes in black with a white trim or in dark brown with a grey trim.

 

It features Ripstop waterproof lining, a padded flap that features a zip pocket and three internal slip pockets. There's a fully removable photo pouch with extra padding and internal dividers, fully adjustable shoulder straps, external loops for pouch and lens cases and a padded back for extra comfort.

 

The Easy Weasy Half Photo backpacks (37 x 43 x 28 cm)

The Easy Weasy is the smallest in the Half Photo range with the Turkish Shower and the Mob Boss having slightly larger dimensions.

All of the bags feature a waterproof lining, back padding and adjustable shoulder straps with chest strap and accessory loops for extra comfort. There's a removable protective camera pouch with adjustable padded dividers, a photo compartment at the bottom and also a laptop compartment. The bag fastens with zips and you access the main compartment though the zip down trap door. For extra protection the bag has a removable rain cover and a removable protective camera pouch with adjustable padded dividers.

Neo Dgitial 7 (9 x 8 x 13 cm)

Aero 50 camera bag (30 x 15 x 22cm)

Your equipment is protected by foam padding and foam dividers and an external front pocket and two side pockets can hold any small accessories. The bag is carried on an adjustable shoulder strap which features a padded carrying handle.
 

Velocity 10X (36 x 27 39cm)

This bag is part of the award-winning Velocity Series. It's a sling pack large enough to hold two bodies with lenses attached and a flash. It has a flip top so you can access your equipment without removing the bag and the carry strap is well padded. There's also a waist belt that can be tucked away when not in use.

Cyberpro Express (56 x 28 x 34cm)

Perfect for photographers on the go the CyberPro Express will hold two large SLR cameras, multiple lenses and a laptop, which is protected by a foam-padded pocket. An accessory pocket will hold items such as pens and phones while items such as memory cards can be placed in the small pocket in the top lid. The handle opens and closes with the push of a button and the bag is pulled along on ball bearing in-line skate wheels.

The top part of the bag functions like a traditional bag would and will hold a jacket or your lunch when out taking photographs while the lower sections is foam-padded to protect your camera gear. It is also has a weather flap and a quick release buckle for added security. There are also two mesh pockets and two lash tabs which can accommodate a tripod.
 

Think Tank

Think Tank Photo make bags specifically designed for SLR uses. Here's a sample of their new range of backpacks and holsters.

ShapeShifter backpack (51.0 x 32.0 x 18.0cm)

This backpack expands and contracts to fit your equipment and compresses to 3in in depth when not in use. The bag has interior pockets and can hold a 17in laptop as well as all of your camera gear. The back of the bag features an air flow system and there's also shoulder harness pockets, D rings, a sternum strap and a removable waist belt.

Price: £190.00

StreetWalker HardDrive (29 x 49 x 22cm)

Designed for use in urban and crowded environments, this backpack will also hold a 15in laptop, as well as a DSLR and a 70-200 f/2.8 lens. You can carry a monopod or tripod in the bottom front pocket and there's an additional tripod cup for larger tripods. There are several pockets and a clear business card holder for quick identification and a contoured harness make the bag comfortable to wear. There's a removable seam-sealed rain cover, a removable webbbing waist belt, D rings and a sternum strap.
 

Price: £116.00

Urban Disguise 50 (38 x 28 x 15cm)

The Urban Disguise 50 is a shoulder bag that can accommodate a wide angle lens with the hood attached, a 24-70mm f/2.8 with the hood, a 70-200 f/2.8 with the hood reversed, two pro-size SLR’s in the expandable front pockets (without the lenses attached), and a 1in laptop. The bag also has the advantage of not looking like a camera bag giving you extra security.

Price: £109.50

Digital Holster 30 (20.3 x 12.7 x 33cm)

Designed for digital SLR cameras, each Digital Holster™ features two vertical lengths to accommodate different sizes of lenses and hoods, both reversed and in position ready to shoot. The bag has an expanding capacity for two different vertical heights and the foam fitting shape means it isn't bulky.
 

The bag also has side pockets for storing memory cards, a shoulder strap and a seam-sealed raincover.

 

Price: £44.75

Airport International V2.0 ( 36 x 24.5 x 53.5 cm)

Designed for international carry-on, this roller provides advanced security features and peace of mind. The bag has a TSA security combination lock and a security plate with a unique serial number which means you can prove the bag is yours. It has several pockets and a business card holder to help you organise your equipment and the bag comes with replaceable wheels and a bottom handle.

Price: £218.50

Visit snapperstuff for more information.

 

Billingham

M Billingham & Co is a family run business and they produce all their bags in the UK. If you are after a bag that: “reflect an English preoccupation with excellence and attention to detail” take a look at Billingham.

Delta Pocket (13.5 x 6 x 20.5cm)
The Delta Pocket is part of Billingham's Pouches and Pockets range and is made from khaki canvas, a tan leather trim and brass fittings. It is designed specifically to fit on to other Billingham bags with the Delta shoulder sling fixings. This pouch has a waterproof neck is lightly padded and features a no-crush press stud fastening which means you can open and close the pouch without pressing on your equipment.

Price: £34.04 (Excluding VAT)

Price: £178.72 (Excluding VAT)

and is made from khaki canvas, a tan leather trim and brass fittings. It has an adjustable shoulder sling which comes with a leather and neoprene SP20 shoulder pad. An 8-15, 9-15 and 9-18 Superflex, together with a Flap are also included. There's also two matching side pockets that can accommodate any accessories you may have.

Packington (42.5 x 16 x 31.5cm)
The bag features a large front pocket which is zipped and protected by a large rain flap with the Billingham Quick Release System. The main compartment contains a removable padded insert and documents can be stored in the the external back pocket. For extra security an adjustable waist strap can be attached with the Billingham Quick Release System. The bag comes in black or khaki canvas with a tan leather trim and brass fittings.

Price: £161.70

Visit Billingham for more information.

Hama Defender 220 (42 x 27 x 30 cm)

Visit Hama for more information.

Camera/Travel Shoulder Bag (22 x 28cm)

Hemp Mini Camera/ Shoulder Bag (11 x 17cm)

The Earth Explorer Large Backpack(NG 5737) (40 x 30 x 60cm)

1. Lower padded photo compartment holds a camera/camcorder and many accessories such as lenses (up to 300 mm), flash unit, batteries, cables, charger, etc. This compartment features a set of modular dividers that will allow you to customize the bag to your gear.
2. Upper personal storage compartment opens with a large pull-tight flap and will hold all of your personal necessities, such as food, clothes, books, etc. If necessary, the division between upper and lower compartments can be removed to create one large storage space.
3. Rear padded compartment will hold a laptop and accessories.
4. Multiple external pockets and pouches will accommodate many items such as stationery, wallet, passport, binoculars, water bottles, etc.
5. Special connecting points to tie on more gear such as an ice axe, walking stick, or sleeping bag.
6. Side pockets can be used as an anchored support for a tripod.
7. Advanced harness system designed to allow ultimate adjustment of its components: padded, ergonomic shoulder straps, six-point adjustable waist belt and lumbar pad, ensuring the perfect fit for each individual carrier. When not in use, the harness can be neatly folded out of the way to allow for easy storage.
8. Two handy pockets on waist belt to store pocketknife, phone, etc.
9. Rain cover to protect the entire bag and its contents.
10. Quick-snap buckle for easy access to your equipment.

The Earth Explorer Medium Backpack (5162) (29 x 10 x 23cm)

1. Lower photo padded compartment holds a camera/camcorder and accessories such as lens, flash unit, batteries, cables, charger, etc. This compartment features a set of modular dividers that will allow you to customize the bag to your gear.
2. Upper personal storage compartment opens with a large pull-tight flap and will hold all of your personal necessities such as food, clothes, books, etc. If necessary, the division between upper and lower compartments can be removed to create one large storage space.
3. Rear padded compartment will hold a laptop and accessories. These items are accessible through the main compartment or via a side zipper.
4. Multiple external pockets and pouches will accommodate many items such as stationery, wallet, binoculars, cell phone, etc.
5. Special connecting points and included straps allow you to tie on more gear such as a walking stick or tripod.
6. Advanced harness system is designed to allow ultimate adjustment of its padded, ergonomic shoulder straps, ensuring the perfect fit for each individual carrier.
7. Two designated “pull out” side pouches for water bottles can also be used as anchored supports for a tripod or a monopod.
8. Quick-snap buckle for easy access to your equipment.
9. Rain cover to protect the entire bag and its contents.

Picstop stock National Geographic bags or you can visit National Geographic for more information.

Cobra Photographic

Cobra is renowned within the photographic industry for the development, manufacturing and distribution of camera accessories and has it's own range of camera bags perfect for the DSLR or compact user.

Cambridge (6 x 10.5 x 3cm)
This bag is available in three sizes and in blue, brown and grey. It's a digital camera pouch made from 1680D Polyester, Mesh and Neoprene trim.
 

London 6

This hard wearing bag is perfect for your DSLR or video camera. It's made from 600D Polyester and is black with a grey trim. There are several zip pockets to keep your items safe and two side release buckles will keep the main compartment locked. The sturdy handles mean you will be able to carry your items with ease.

London 10
The London 10 is made from the same 600D Polyester as the London 6 and has plenty of room for your camera equipment and any other accessories you may have. The bag is black and grey and features several zip compartments of various size which means you have ample storage for everything from memory cards to your camera. The main compartment features a divider to help keep you organised and the adjustable back straps mean you will always have a comfortable journey.

Reading 6IP

This SLR/video camera bag is made from 1680D Nylon and has an Intercept Protector Lining to help stop corrosion. The bag is black with grey trim and features several small pockets as well as the main zipped compartment to keep your items secure.

For information on prices visit Cobra.

Lowepro
With over forty years in the business Lowepro know a thing or too about bags.

The Apex 30 Pouch

The Apex 30 pouch can hold a compact digital camera, memory card and additional batteries. The guide retail price including VAT is £19.

The Flipside 400 AW comes equipped with the Hideaway Tripod Holder, which secures a tripod to the front of the pack. It also provides contoured shoulder straps and a padded waist belt, providing day long comfort and support. It also features Lowepro’s unique patented All Weather Cover™ to provide additional weather resistance against rain, dust and snow.

All the sizes come with soft, colourful lining to protect the camera, and extra memory cards tuck neatly into the interior pockets of the soft sided pouch. The detachable shoulder strap gives users the option to wear the pouch over the shoulder, across the body - messenger style, or on a belt using the belt loop.

The Nova AW Series can hold a digital SLR with 18-55mm lens attached and a flash unit, to the largest (200) holding one to two Pro DSLR cameras with 24-105mm lens attached, with room for three to five lenses and a flash unit. There's an easy access front pocket for storage of accessories and the bag comes complete with handy built in dual memory card pockets.

The new Nova AW Series is priced from around £36.
 

Rolling CompuTrekker AW

Rolling CompuTrekker AW is ideal for travelling photographers (suitable for airline carrying). Designed to hold a 12in notebook, pro DSLR, 4-5 lenses or flash units, plus accessories. Guide retail price: around £265.

Visit Daymen for more information.

Jessops
Jessops have their own series of camera bags which come in a variety of sizes and shapes perfect for you.
 

Jessops Osprey Pouch

The Pouch is perfect for your compact and is made form waterproof material so your precious equipment will be kept safe from the British weather. Internal Dimension: 7.5 x 3 x 11.5cm.

 

Jessops Osprey Shoulder bag

The should bag will have a strap which comes out and goes over your shoulder, as well as the small one shown in the picture. The material is also waterproof keeping your equipment dry as well as safe. Internal Dimensions: 15.2 x 10.5 x 16.5cm.

 

Jessops Cam Case

The Cam Case is a strong, lockable rigid carry case providing high level protection for photo, video and digital equipment. It includes diced foam, partitions and a shoulder strap. Internal Dimensions (approx): 480 x 350 x 150mm.

Visit Jessops for more details.

 

Naneu

Naneu are a manufacturer of high quality, innovative camera, video and laptop cases and they have redesigned one of their most popular series: the Correspondent Series.

 

The Correspondent Holsters (Largest bag size: 33.7 x 24.1x 21.6cm)

There are four holsters in the range the smallest of which (C-3) will hold a prosumer digicam and the largest (C-9) holds a pro DSLR with up to a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached plus an additional lens and a flash.

 

The bags are made from water-resistant 1680D water resistant Ballistic Nylon, Durable Hypolon and feature inverted YKK zippers. The lids open away from the body for convenient access and the two larger Holsters feature a handle that incorporates a hold-open top buckle. All cases come with a raincover and feature a quick side-access opening.

 

The Correspondent Shoulder bags (Largest bag size: (25.4 x 25.4x 21.6cm)

 

The C-700 Shoulder Bag will hold a DSLR with 4-6 lenses and a flash and the C-500 will hold a DLSR, 2-3 lenses and flash.

 

They are made from the same material as the holsters and feature the same zippers. The lids open away from the body for convenient access and features a raincover, side-access opening, an LCD screen protector cover and innovative tactical handle that incorporates a hold-open top buckle for quick in & out of the gear.

 

Both types of bag will be available June 2009.

Calumet
It doesn't matter if you own a compact or a series of DSLR's Calumet have a bag which is perfect for you.
 

Calumet PSU65 Point & Shoot Utility Pouch

This padded pouch is the perfect place to store your camera when not in use. With it's easy-access hinged lid and convenient double-Velcro belt loop, this bag is both practical and easy to carry. The main compartment is fully padded and there is a zipper front pocket with two interior pouches to store all your accessories in. The bag is made from water-resistant ripstop nylon and has a durable, 100% ballistic-pattern nylon exterior.
 

The Pouch can be purchased for £9.99.

 

Calumet BP1500 Large Backpack

This backpack will transport your DSLR and laptop with ease. The bag is fully padded and has a 100% ballistic pattern nylon exterior. There's a unique tripod carrying system which has an adjustable mid-section strap, head-strap and a foot pouch. The waist belt features two compartments for convenient access and the mid-section strap allows for easy access to equipment in the top part of the bag. There are pockets and fishnet storage areas for your accessories and the exterior zippers are self-sealing and water-resistant. The bottom of the bag is made from reinforced rubber with anti-skid feet and the interior compartment is fully customisable.

This product comes with a 10 year warranty and is priced at £103.73

 

Calumet Cv998 Shoulder Bag

This shoulder bag features an easy-grip carrying handle as well as an adjustable contoured shoulder strap. The main compartment is fully padded and has adjustable interior dividers, there's also a front pocket for quick-access. There's a built-in mini D-ring and a clasp for attaching accessories and the bag has a 100% Ballistic-Pattern Nylon exterior and features water-resistant, self-sealing exterior zippers.
 

The bag comes with a 10 year warranty and is priced at £57.99.

 

Calumet Rolling Camera Case

This versatile case will house your camera equipment as well as a tripod and light stands. The case has built in casters and a pull-out handle for easy transport and the main storage area consists of a removable compartment with adjustable dividers to keep your equipment organised and safe. It will hold 2-3 SLRs with 4-6 lenses, flash and accessories. There's also a Joey Pouch for your tripod or light stand. The compartment also expands and opens up to provide extra storage space. You can also mount additional camera bags onto the rolling case with the top and front attachments.
 

The bag comes with a 10 year warranty and is priced at £110.99

Visit Calumet for more information.