There’s been an amazing evolution in camera bag design over the past few years and it’s mostly due to a heightened awareness of fashion and the latest trends in imaging equipment. On the DSLR scene, serious enthusiasts and pros are opting for full-frame models, wide-aperture prime lenses, and fast zoom lenses in the 24-70mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8 ranges.
Mirrorless cameras in full frame, APS-C, and Micro Four Thirds formats are definitely the hot ticket among serious shooters attracted to their enticing combination of compact form factor and enhanced performance, especially in terms of sizzling burst rates and seamless 4K-video capture. In addition, many advanced photographers now consider a laptop or tablet an essential field accessory to facilitate image enhancement, storage, and sharing on the fly.
The 12 elegant, over-the-shoulder camera bags featured here address these trends. They’re all precision-engineered, thoughtfully configured, beautifully made to accommodate the latest gear, and their fashion-forward styling and color options allow users to express their individuality and esthetic sense. Many include such features as laptop and tablet compartments, the ability to accommodate long lenses mounted directly on the body, impact-absorbing layers or inserts to protect delicate equipment and computer screens, a variety of access points enabling photographers to remove a piece of equipment without disturbing the rest, ruggedized and water-repellant case materials, plus more effective closures and sealing.
The overall quality of construction, finish and materials used in the latest crop of camera bags is better than ever, and many of today’s best bags offer an enticing combination of sophistication, performance, and rugged durability.
Here’s our carefully culled selection of 12 supremely fashionable, functional over-the-shoulder camera bags from a variety of leading companies. Note: We have omitted fashionable photo backpacks here for reasons of space and because they deserve their own article. Carry on, in style!
Domke F-1X Little Bit Bigger Canvas Camera Bag, (Shop Now)
There’s hardly a better choice for carrying the whole kit and caboodle in comfort and style. The F-1X is just slightly larger than the classic Domke F-2, but that makes a big difference to pros and serious shooters who need to tote a medium format system or a multi-DSLR system with up to 9 to 13 lenses. Made of durable sailcloth canvas, it has 15 compartments and pockets including a patented 4-compartment removable insert, 2 commodious side pockets, and 4 compartments for small items under the weather flap.
Other features: Removable padded bottom stiffener and 4-point carrying handle, and an adjustable non-slip Gripper Strap sewn completely around the bag for extra security. Reviews highlight its rugged good looks, high load capacity, and the fact that it’s Made in U.S.A.
Capturing Couture Longrock Fiesta Camera Bag, (Shop Now)
This audacious Southwest-styled bag not only makes an emphatic fashion statement, it’s also designed with functionality in mind. It will easily accommodate a full-size DSLR plus two lenses, and has a removable, padded touch-fastening divider in its fully lined main compartment.
Its gorgeously decorated front flap provides added weather protection for whatever is held in its zippered interior, and it has three slip pockets on the front for holding a cellphone, keys, card reader, etc. plus a deep 12 x 6.5-inch pocket on the back suitable for a tablet or small laptop.
Other features: durable, high-quality fabric construction, swiveling nickel hardware, and a removable, adjustable velvet-lined shoulder strap. The company offers the same bag in a number of alternative design motifs. All are Made in U.S.A.
Billingham Hadley Pro Shoulder Bag, (Shop Now)
Combining traditional upscale styling with a robust FibreNyte front offset with hand finished leather straps, and punctuated with brass fittings, this elegantly understated bag will accommodate a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached, or a 3-lens camera outfit with shorter lenses in its main compartment. A flash unit and assorted accessories slide easily into its dual expandable front pockets that are protected by a fully lined top front rain flap.
It also includes a Hadley Pro Divider Set consisting of two small and two large padded touch-fastening dividers, a large rear pocket with zippered closure, a robust top handle, and an adjustable shoulder strap. Its quick-release system (QRS) allows easy access to your gear, solid brass buckles let you customize the fit of the dual front pockets, and a secondary stud fitted to each front pocket’s top outer corner lets you easily adjust their capacity and provides convenient place to hold pens. All inserts can be easily removed to transform it into a stylish travel bag or workbag. The Billingham Hadley Pro is made in England.
Tamrac Apache 6.2 Waxed Canvas Shoulder Camera Bag, (Shop Now)
Fabricated of durable, water-resistant waxes canvas, this attractive classically styled bag will accommodate a DSLR with long lens such as a 70-200mm f/2.8, or a 2-body mirrorless outfit. It incorporates a protective sleeve for carrying an iPad Pro or a small laptop, features optimized lightweight protective foams throughout, provides customizable dividers for a wide range of storage options, and comes with a seam-sealed rain cover. Other features: Two zippered front pockets with high-quality YKK zippers, and expandable side pockets for holding accessories.
Domke F-803 Camera Satchel Bag, (Shop Now)
This cool classic messenger bag is always in style and it’s especially fashionable and functional in water-resistant RuggedWear canvas duck. Providing a total of 7 compartments and pockets, the F-803 will hold a pro DSLR with zoom lens or a mirrorless outfit, complete with lenses and flash, has protective padded sides and bottom with a touch-fastened divider, two large, expandable front cargo pockets, a robust leather Gripper Shoulder Strap that runs completely around the satchel for added security, and a reinforced top handle. Full-length Velcro strips inside the main compartment accept additional optional padded inserts.
Manfrotto NX Messenger Camera Bag, (Shop Now)
Combining understated fashion with impressive functionality, this robust, durable high-quality fabric bag is designed to hold a mirrorless camera outfit with zoom lens attached, an extra lens, and related accessories, and it will also accommodate a DSLR outfit. Inside there’s a large touch-fastened pocket for holding a laptop up to 15 inches, and protective padded dividers for organizing your gear. The NX Messenger is secured with a large front flap, has a zippered top for easy access, includes a zippered pocket for a cell phone, and provides an extra panel within the flap for storing pens, sunglasses, and other small items. A dedicated mesh pocket is designed to hold an optional Manfrotto PIXI mini tabletop tripod, and it’s carried with a hefty wide-profile adjustable shoulder strap.
Crumpler Doozie Photo Hobo Camera Sling Bag, (Shop Now)
Brought to you by Crumpler, the Australian company known for its wicked sense of humor and innovative bags, the Doozie combines casual elegance, high quality, and impressive versatility. Fabricated of 1000D Chicken Tex Supreme Nylon, it will accommodate a mid-size DSLR with extra lens, flash, memory cards etc., and it has an internal laptop compartment. Other features: zip-fastened main compartment with removable padded camera pouch, soft Nylex lining, external zip pocket for easy access to frequently used items, internal zip-fastened mesh pocked for smaller items, memory card pockets, padded adjustable dividers, and a detachable accessory pouch. You can carry it by its robust grip handle or its wide-profile adjustable shoulder strap.
Tenba DNA 10 Messenger Bag, (Shop Now)
Resembling a fashion-forward version of the classic bike messenger’s bag the stylish DNA 10 was designed to hold and protect a mirrorless camera with 3-5 lenses or a DSLR with 2-3 lenses without looking like a camera bag. Its ingenious features include Tenba’s exclusive Fidlock patented magnetic locks that can be opened with one hand, exclusive Whisper Hook & Loop Closure on the weather-resistant main flap, a Quick Access YKK top zipper providing easy access to cameras without opening the flap, and a shock-protecting body armor base panel. An adjustable security strap connects the D-rings on the back of the bag to keep it in position on a baggage trolley, bike, or scooter, elasticized mesh pockets on the outside hold water bottles, a rear padded sleeve with a Velcro retaining strap accommodates an iPad or tablet, and an adjustable seatbelt-style shoulder strap with non-slip shoulder pad provides a comfortable, secure carry. The Tenba DNA 10 is constructed of 600 Denier Helix with a water-repellant coating and lined with lightweight rip-stop nylon and brushed tricot. Adorama price: $119.95.
Jill-E Jack Messenger Camera Bag, (Shop Now)
In keeping with Jill-E’s focus on fashion-forward design, this commodious bag is a stunner in waterproof Colombian leather with contrasting stitching, but it also holds and protects a lot of gear and has a well-padded interior with touch-fastened dividers offering a wide range of custom configurations. It will accommodate 2 DSLR bodies, 3-4 lenses and a flash plus a 15-inch laptop, has a handy zippered pouch for small items like memory cards, 2 exterior zippered pockets on the front under its protective buckle-closure flap, 2 exterior side pockets, a netted interior pocket, and a zippered computer pocket on the back. It can be carried by its robust handle grip, or over the shoulder using its detachable, adjustable, padded shoulder strap. A trolley slot holds it securely in place on rolling bag carriers.
ONA The Bowery Camera Bag and Insert, (Shop Now)
Handcrafted in premium Waxwear cloth with a traditional buckled full-grain-leather strap closure, it can be used as a classy compact camera bag to transport a mirrorless outfit or a DSLR plus one small lens or accessory, or as a protective camera insert and bag organizer inside a larger bag when you remove the wide, comfortable detachable strap. The Bowery is padded with closed cell foam, has dividers, weather-protective side flaps, and antique brass hardware.
Domke F-2 Original Shoulder Bag Limited Edition (Shop Now)
A reprise of Domke’s classic F-2 bag in cool “stealth” black waterproof rip-stop nylon, it’s just as practical as it’s always been and a lot lighter besides, which can make a real difference when you’re toting a lot of gear. It can hold 1 to 2 DSLRs with 6-10 lenses and accessories, provides easy top access to everything inside, and is extremely space efficient. It features a removable padded bottom stiffener, a four-compartment insert, and 2 touch-fastener compartments on the sides, and 2 front pockets. Adjustable closures with mil-spec hardware on the main flap allow you to close the bag easily even when it’s overstuffed. The non-slip Gripper Strap runs around the bag for added strength, and it comes with a removable hand- carrying strap.
Lowepro m-Trekker SH150 Shoulder Bag, (Shop Now)
A beautiful example of understated contemporary style and functionality, the new SH150 in rugged Canvex Polyester will accommodate a mirrorless camera outfit with lens and a tablet up to 10 inches, or a small video kit in its zippered 10.2 x 3.9 x 6.7-inch main compartment. It includes padded interior dividers and features a protective front flap with dual buckle closure, exterior front and back zip pockets, and dual stretch pouches on the sides. It has a robust integral top handle, comes with a heavy-duty detachable shoulder strap, and weighs in at a lightweight 1.2 pounds.
