One of the questions I’m being asked a lot is about camera bags I recommend. With Christmas coming up, here’s a little round up of some camera bags that I’ve used myself, and also those I really like the look of :) Send this to your significant other if they need a hint on what you might like as a present!
Manfrotto Backpack
Because I often walk (or even run) around a lot during my photoshoots while carrying a lot of gear, I recently switched from an over the shoulder bag to this Manfrotto backpack. It comfortably fits in four lenses, a back up camera, and a main camera with a lens attached, plus the various bits and bobs I carry with me (card holders, spare batteries, tissues, plasters, energy bars and so on). It’s definitely a lot less feminine compared to the other bags on this list, but it’s really comfortable and distributes the weight of my equipment really well. It also does have a laptop compartment which is very useful for travelling.
Now, I’m a rather heavy user, having to carry a lot of equipment with me on a daily basis so I’m totally having to compromise and choose function (and my back and shoulders health) over style.
However if you’re only carrying one small camera and a couple of lenses with you, and want a stylish bag that doesn’t actually look like a camera bag, you will be spoilt for choice. Here’s a round up of stylish women’s camera bags that I like.
Epiphanie Camera Bags
Epiphanie has so many beautiful camera bags I can’t possibly narrow them down to just one. But if I had to choose, I’d go for Argentina bag, Barcelona bag or Carmel bag in Aquamarine. All of them have a fully removable camera insert and a laptop sleeve, making this bag super customisable, from a day bag, to a camera bag, to even a nappy bag if you need to!
Jo Totes Camera Bags
Another great collection of camera bags that look nothing like camera bags. I particularly like this Allison bag, a lovely crossbody bag can accommodate a large camera body with attached lens and one to two additional lenses. The seven roomy pockets provide lots of space for keys, a wallet, sunglasses, phone, iPad or tablet, and so on.
Kelly Moore Camera Bags
Kelly Moore started out as purely camera bags but they now offer everyday bags too, including nappy bags! I still have their Kelly Boy messenger bag which I use for carrying my laptop and notebooks around when I hot-desk from a local cafe. It has survived several years or really heavy use, so I can vouch for the quality of these bags. There is a lot to choose from on their website, but this small Riverdale bag caught my eye. It’s the smallest I’ve seen, and will hold a small DSLR with a lens attached, while still looking stylish. See their product video to see for yourself!
Mapp Leather Camera Bag
This handmade leather bag will keep your camera safe and secure while also looking chic. The bag is ox blood red leather, with black piping detail and an especially designed internal fabric. It has two pockets for any bits and bobs. The external pocket is fastened with gold poppers. Unlike most of the companies mentioned about these are actually produced by a UK-based company, which is always a bonus!
Bag Inserts for DSLR Cameras
If all you really want is to protect your camera without buying a new bag, try purchasing a separate camera insert. That will allow you to protect your gear while simply putting it into a bag you already have (handy for those of us having to carry massive diaper bags around). You can find bag camera inserts on eBay, or Etsy, where this particular shop caught my eye.