A delectable selection of ingenious solutions for carrying and protecting your precious photographic equipment.
Innovations in camera bag design do not generally proceed at the breakneck pace of digital technology, and some tried-and-true examples (like my battle scarred 30-year-old Domke F-2, right) have endured virtually unchanged for decades. However, over the last year or two I’ve noted a distinct spurt in creative camera bag designs, many offering ingenious and effective new ways to tote your gear.
Some new bags provide more convenient ways to carry and access your equipment, including your laptop, that hallmark of the digital revolution. Others extend your options by converting from shoulder bags to backpacks, rolling along on wheels, or simply looking ultra-cool and fashionable.
To give you a taste of what’s out there and what makes it special, I’ve gathered a baker’s dozen of the latest models and present them for your delectation over the course of this week. We hope you find something fascinating and useful here that fits your kind of shooting to a T—we sure did!
Tamrac Aero Speed Pack 85 Dual Access Photo/Laptop Backpack
Aimed at photographers who want to tote a high-end DSLR outfit in comfort, but also need quick access to their gear, the Tamrac Aero Speed Pack 85 Dual Access Photo/Laptop Backpack sports an innovative Dual Access System that allows fast access through the side door when the pack is worn over one shoulder, but when the pack is removed you can also get to your equipment via a traditional front panel.
This versatile backpack holds and protects a DSLR with a grip and lens attached (including most 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom lenses), plus a few additional lenses and accessories. A separate, foam-padded laptop compartment holds laptops up to 17 inches. The side door is equipped with a water-resistant zipper while the front panel has a weather flap, and there’s a large top compartment for personal items. The pack features a carrying handle and a comfortable, foam-padded harness. Two lash tabs on the bottom allow a tripod to be carried using optional accessory straps.
Internal dimensions, top compartment: 11.5w x 6.75d x 9h inches. Internal dimensions bottom Compartment: 12¼w x 6¼d x 8½h inches. Weight: 3 lbs. 8 oz. Available Colors: Black, Rust. Cost: $140.
Tenba Vector
$14-$100
Those of us who write about the latest photo gear may not necessarily be of the generation that is buying the stuff; same deal with those who make cameras and accessories. Case in point: Tenba. The bag maker realized that while an older generation may prefer black camera bags, this might not be the case for the younger set. Enter the hipster-friendly Vector line, which can handle a range water-resistant bags that are both practical and fashionable. They're available in Krypton Green, Oxygen Blue, Cadmium Red and a more traditional Carbon Black and include daypacks, top-load smaller camera bags, compact camera pouches, and shoulder bags that are sized to accomodate anything from a single compact camera to a multi-lens DSLR kit and a laptop. See the entire line.
Tamrac Velocity 8x Sling Pack
Like many of the latest backpacks, the Tamrac Velocity 8x Sling Pack can also be slung over a shoulder for easier access to your equipment. It accommodates most prosumer DSLRs with grip (such a Canon 5D Mark II or a Nikon D700) with an 8-inch-long zoom lens attached (like Canon’s 70-200mm), plus two additional lenses and a flash. Inside the main compartment, the camera with mounted lens is suspended on two vertical foam-padded dividers that are internally reinforced.
When swung around to the front, the secure zippered Quick Flip Top opens away from the body for fast and convenient access to camera gear. A well-padded sling strap distributes the weight, and a Tuck-A-Way™ waist belt allows the Velocity 8x to be used comfortably during vigorous activities such as hiking or biking. The front pocket has organizer pockets inside and also features Tamrac's US-patented Memory & Battery Management System™ that uses red flags to differentiate available memory cards and batteries from ones that are used up.
Internal Dimensions: 9.5w x 5,5d x 11h inches. Weight: 2 lb. (Available Color: Black. Cost: $80.)
Domke F-2 Backpack
The original Domke F-2 bag has been a mainstay among photojournalists for over 30 years, and now it’s been ingeniously reconfigured into the Domke F-2 Backpack. The bottom of the bag is arranged exactly like the F2 Original bag, but there’s now extra room at the top for accessories or personal items. The Domke tradition is maintained with the familiar breathable weather-resistant cotton canvas construction, cotton webbing, YKK zippers on each compartment, and indestructible steel snap hooks with welded steel rings that secure the main weather flap, providing a quick, reliable, pilfer-proof closure.
Acomfortable foam padded harness with waist and sternum strap distributes the load for a comfortable carry. Eight compartments provide ample space for a pro DSLR outfit, and the padded bottom adds cushioned support and helps to keep equipment dry. A removable four-compartment insert separates the contents, and there are five additional pockets, an inside mesh zipper pocket for small accessories, and four exterior pockets, one on each side, and two on the front and bottom.
Available in Olive, Sand, Black. Interior dimensions, top, 13W x 6D x 7.5H inches; interior dimensions bottom, 13W x 6D x 8H inches. Weight: 3 pounds, 13 ounces. Cost: $220.
Pelican 1510 case
This high-impact, all-purpose watertight case is designed for air travelers who must protect valuable equipment stored as carry-on baggage. The Pelican1510 provides nearly 1,800 cubic inches of usable storage space and sports rubberized front and side grips for maximum comfort, as well as stainless steel ball bearing, polyurethane wheels and an extension handle (with an effortless release latch) for easy transport. It also features stainless-steel- reinforced padlock protectors to deter cutting and theft.
For added convenience, TSA-Accepted padlocks, lid organizers and padded divider sets are available so travelers (including photographers and audio visual professionals) now have the 1510 as a viable carry-on solution. Like all Pelican Protector™ Cases, the 1510’s open cell-core construction helps it protect sensitive equipment even under extreme conditions.
Additional standard features include a lid equipped with a polymer o-ring for a dust and waterproof seal, and an automatic Gore-TEX® pressure equalization valve, that stops moisture from entering the case and prevents. Like all Pelican products, the 1510 is covered by a Legendary Lifetime Guarantee of Excellence: “You break it, we replace it free…forever.” Cost: $130-$230, depdending on configuration.
LowePro Compact Courier 80
With MILC (Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Compact) cameras proliferating, a whole new group of bags is starting to hit the market designed around their diminutive dimensions. The LowePro Compact Courier 80 is scaled down to snugly fit a Sony NEX 5,(although you could probably also use it for a Olympus E-PL1, Panasonic GF-1 or other similar cameras) and standard kit lens. Want to bring along an additional lens? There's an extra bag that can be attached to the side. The bag can be worn over the shoulder, across the body, or attached to a belt. It is available in Black with red trim, or grey with blue trim for $35.
Lowepro Fastpack 100
The Lowepro Fastpack 100 is a lighweight backpack with a triple compartment design that provides a comfortable carrying solution that holds a digital SLR camera, extra lenses or flash units, a notebook computer, and contains generous storage for accessories and personal gear. A 180-degree access panel in the Fastpack makes loading and retrieving camera equipment quick and easy, while adjustable dividers enable its compartment to be fully customized to fit different combinations of gear.
With its security flap snapped closed over the camera compartment, Fastpack offers an additional layer of protection while maintaining fast-access through the side entry compartment—even while the pack is being worn. The top compartment provides ample capacity for personal accessories.
The larger Fastpack 250 accommodates a digital SLR with attached mid-range zoom lens, two to three additional lenses or flash units and accessories and has a specially designed, easy-side-access compartment for a 15.4 or 17 inches and offers extra space for cables and computer accessories.
The Fastpack 100's dimensions are 11W x 5.9D x 9.3H inches. Colors: Black, arctic blue, and red. Cost: Fastpack 100: $65; Fastback 250: $90.
Lowepro Pro Roller x100
The Lowepro Pro Roller x100 is a rolling airline carry-on bag that will accommodate one to two pro DSLRsd with grip plus four to six lenses and accessories, and a laptop computer up to 14 inches. It features a unique Lock & Go security system that includes a TSA-approved Travel Sentry lock and a retractable cable, and a Reserve Pack feature, a camera backpack built into the hard case that serves as a dual carrying option. Additional user-friendly details include stable. side-mounted left tread/right tread wheels that are easily removable and replaceable with an Allen wrench, adjustable padding and organization options, empty/full memory card indicator flasps, and a removable cord management pouch.
Interior dimensions: 11.4W x 6.6D x15.7H inches; Notebook compartment, 12W x 1.1D x 15.3H inches. Weight: 3 pounds, 13 ounces. Color: Black. Cost: $300.
Domke Limited Edition F-803 Ruggedwear
If you like that “lived-in” look of your favorite pair of jeans that only get better with age, the remarkably commodious Domke Limited Edition F-803 Ruggedwear compact camera satchel will give it to you straight out of the box. Using an exclusive canvas material coated with waxes and oils, the fabric has a distinctive distressed and weathered look. This treatment proofs it against inclement weather while retaining the breatheability of cotton—just like classic British foul-weather motorcycle apparel. All Domke Ruggedwear bags come with an ointment that you can reapply to maintain its unique qualities and appearance.
Fortunately the F-803 is more than just a fashion statement. The smallest of the Domke Satchels, it has gained a following among photographers who don't want to call attention to their expensive equipment, a bag that doesn't shout "cameras!" It also works very effectively as a laptop bag or as a light briefcase for business travel.
Interior Dimensions: 12W x 3D x 9H inches. Weight: 1 pound. 15 ounces. Cost: $150.
Clik Elite Compact Sport Backpack
The Clik Elite Compact Sport Backpack is compact enough for skiing or biking, yet full-featured enough to let you carry your DSLR and an extra lens along with enough clothing and food to keep you going for a full day. Side-entry design swings around to give you access to the camera compartment without fully removing the pack, while giving you the ability to carry extra lenses and gear on your back
Other features include: A hydration sleeve and tube port that will hold a 45-ounce bladder, zippered outer pocket for quick access to accessories, stash pocket with compression cord, fully padded 250 cubic inch camera bay with weather-resistant zipper and modular organization, a media organizer with weatherproof zippers to protect memory cards, cables, and business cards, adjustable sternum strap, and the ability to host other Clik Elite units for fast camera access. The Sport is constructed of heavy-duty and high-tenacity ballistic nylon fabrics and sports robust zippers.
External measurements: 18H x 10W x 4,5D inches; total capacity, 800 cubic inches. Cost: $135 Grey.
Crumpler 8 Million Dollar Home
Crumpler’s 8 Million Dollar Home provides the logical bridge between the smaller 7 Million Dollar Home bag and the humungous Bazillion. A newly designed, low profile shoulder bag features a "Velcro® silencer" (now standard on the entire Million Dollar Home range) for those who prefer “more discreet photo expeditions.” That means the ripping sound you usually hear when separating the hooks from the loops in this fabric fastener won't be so loud or disturbing.
The footprint is the same as the 7 Mill but with added depth, allowing one to vertically stash a Pro D-SLR with 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached (hood reversed). There’s room down the sides for your “essential chunky zooms, prime lenses and/or flash units and there’s a new configurable divider that transforms the 8 Mill into a photo/laptop bag suitable in a pinch for holding a 13inch laptop along with photo/video equipment.
Other features include a water-resistant shell, rip-stop lining, external pocket with two internal pockets, a pair of internal side pockets, an internal mesh zippered pocket, and a “super stealth” Velcro cover. The main pocket is lined with padded and brushed nylon and there are numerous configurable dividers, an adjustable removable, 13” laptop sleeve, and side gear loops.
Dimensions: 15W x 13H x 7.1D inches. Volume: 1098 cubic inches. Cost: $170. Available in Royal Blue/Orange, Black/Gun Metal Gray, Grey/Red, Brown/Orange, Red/Dark Red.
Crumpler 5 Million Dollar Home bag
The Crumpler 5 Million Dollar Home is a camera bag that's designed for shooters who want a shoulder bag that provides good protection for a basic photo and/or video kit but doesn’t scream, “steal me, I’m a photo bag!” It’s fully padded with configurable dividers to protect your equipment and has a plastic stiffening layer in the base for added security, It will accommodate a compact electronic viewfinder (EVF), ultra zoom digital camera, a mini digital video camera, or an average-sized DSLR with basic accessories.
The 5 Mil features a water-resistant shell with rip-stop lining, an external pocket with an internal mesh pocket, two internal side pockets, one internal mesh zippered pocket, and a “super stealth” Velcro® cover. The main compartment is lined with padded and brushed nylon, has a configurable divider, a plastic stiffening layer in the base for added security, and side gear loops.
Dimensions: 10.2W x 7.9H X 5.5D inches. Volume: 305 cubic inches. Cost: $80. Available in Black/Gun Metal Gray and Brown/Orange.
Tenba Black Label Large Shoulder Bag
The Black Label Collection is Tenba’s top of the line and the Large Shoulder Bag is aimed at pros and serious enthusiasts. It has space for two DSLR bodies, four to six lenses, a flash and accessories. It’s designed for those times when you need your complete camera system with you. Its foam-laminated, weather-repellent ballistic nylon exterior is lightweight but battle-tough with a military-style matte-finish and high quality YKK® zippers.
The Large Shoulder Bag also features indestructible, solid steel TriAngle™ strap rings that allow variable attachment angles to help “micro-balance” the load, and hefty Duraflex® clips to secure the main flap. A large front accessory pocket has ten compartments for small electronics and accessories and a rear trolley strap allows the bag to slide easily over a rolling luggage handle. An internal floorboard with one inch of padding provides “extreme” protection beneath the contents, and color-coded windows instantly identify full and empty media cards.
Internal dimensions: 13W x 8.5H x 7.5D inches. Weight: 3.1 pounds. Cost: $200.
