Not long ago, laptops to accommodate to your different photographic needs was blogged about. This time, we’re talking about camera bags. In reality, there is no need for a large backpack if you’ve got only one camera body and only a couple of lenses. Something more along the lines of a messenger bag can suffice. Depending on your daily shooting styles/methods, your bag should be able to provide you with the essential package to do your job. Here are some great bags to look into:
National Geographic NG 2343 Earth Explorer Small Shoulder Bag
If you’ve got a DSLR with one lens and a couple of other accessories then his shoulder bag will suffice for you perfectly. Made out of padded cotton hemp, it is tough enough for most traveling needs of a photojournalist using only one body without a flash and that can head back to the office to edit shots.
Because of the small size, you cannot shove a laptop in here. However, it can suffice perfectly if you’ve got a Micro 4/3rds camera with a lens in which case you might be able to shove a Sony VAIO P into the bag somehow or another if you pack correctly. A setup like that will allow you to do your work from anywhere. Available for $60.00.
Kata Focus Q Shoulder Bag
More on the stylish side than the Nat Geo bag, this one seems to be able to do the same tasks. Additionally, since it looks a lot more like a sling bag or something that one may carry around with them as an everyday bag it is less alarming and obvious.
You won’t be able to shove a laptop or netbook into this one. A bag like this will suffice well for the female bloggers out there that use DSLRs to supplement their print work. Available for $34.99.
Tamrac 5273 Expedition Bag
A bag like this is for the traveling photographer that moves from location to location and needs different lenses for all types of situations. You’ll work in confidence as you’ll have all the accessories and lenses that you need handy with your one workhorse camera.
Once again though, don’t guarantee that you’ll be able to get a netbook or laptop in this bag. You won’t want to do that. However, it has a quickclip tripod attachment system which can hold your tripods onto the bag if you travel with them. This is the bag to use if you’re shooting wildlife, fireworks, video at a small venue show or even if you’re shooting at night (but not planning on traveling light.) Available for $56.95.
Kata 3 in 1 Sling Backpack
This bag might be able to hold your laptop if you pack correctly. It will surely be able to take your lenses, camera bodies, flashes, filters, batteries, extra memory, etc. This bag isn’t for everyone as you probably may not need every single lens that you own with you all the time.
The Kata should suit most traveling photographers needs providing they are going out on a trek and will be away from their home base for a long time. You shouldn’t really need more than this unless you’re shooting the Olympics. Available for $124.95.
What bag do you use? Maybe you’re like me and use a regular heavy duty messenger bag or a camera bag that came when you bought the kit. Tell us below in the comments.
The National Geographic Bag looks really sweet.. Thanks!
I recently used a LowePro FastPack 350 for travelling Paris, Rome, London and Scotland. Worked great because it can hold my 13″ Macbook and 40D, 70-200 2.8, 17-40, flash and hoods, filters, memory cards and pens and other small misc items. Granted it was heavy with all that stuff. Depending on what I was shooting I would sometimes attach my Benro Travel Angel to the side of the bag using carabiners. However the downside to the bag is that two pockets were opened by thieves unbeknown to me while I was walking around, luckily they weren’t able to get stuff out easily enough I suppose. I solved that problem by using carabiners to attach zippers pulls together. I recently bought a LowePro Flipside 300 for trips where a laptop isn’t needed, the bag is smaller and lighter and more secure from thieves.