The camera bag I love to hate!
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- čas přidán 7. 06. 2024
- I’ve used many different types of camera bag over the years, but now I’ve settled on just one for everyday use. A bag that I hate, as much as I love it!
I'm Craig Roberts and e6 vlogs is my channel. For more videos and content check out e6, the the subscription service I run from my website. e6 offers videos, eGuides, eBooks, podcasts and more.
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The reason why photographers struggle with choosing the perfect bag is because they think they can get one bag to do it all. The reality is photographers need multiple bags! This isn't a GAS thing, it's simply a fact that your bag needs to match your gear requirements. I own several bags and use them all. The bag I choose will depend on how much gear I will be carrying. Just as one lens cannot do it all neither can one bag. Rid yourself of the GAS guilt and buy multiple bags 😁
Exactly! I gave up on finding one bag to rule them all a long time ago 😂 I have camera bag inserts that I switch out between a regular backpack and a regular messenger bag as needed. My needs are a little different to most though, as I also need room for my sketching and painting gear so a regular camera bag was never going to work for me. I spent many years trying to make it work with different brands and types though 🤦♀
This. Exactly.
you’re literally my comfort person i love you kislux !
The variety of textures in the kislux pack is impressive. From smooth leather to textured suede, there's something for everyone.
I use a Billingham insert in a cheaper courier bag. Sorted.
As others have commented, Horses for Courses. However, I've also learned along the way that shoulder bags and sling bags, while giving me quick access to my gear, put too much weight and pressure on one side; a big no-no as we age. I've now come full circle favoring the backpack style again for that reason. I use primarily zoom lenses, so there's no need to swap out lenses, and therefore no reason to frequently access my bag. The camera is always in my hand ready to shoot.
Although I already have a very nice backpack (Mindshift Backlight 18L), it is geared more towards wildlife photography where I carry longer, heavier zoom lenses and lots of other camera gear. For the type of urban/travel photography that you do, I want a daypack style where the lower section holds camera gear and the top half leaves space for jacket, lunch/snacks, towel, etc. I have my sights set on the Tenba Fulton line of bags, specifically in the 10L and the 14L sizes. CZcams is currently awash in hype over another premium brand's urban backpack, but it's twice the cost, weighs twice as much (2 lbs more!), and leaves too little space for non-camera gear, which defeats the purpose.
Billingham Hadley Small is still my most used camera bag for all the reasons you discuss. I also use a Domke U.S. Postal shoulder pad on the Hadley strap, which seems to help with shoulder fatigue. For an extended hike, I do use a backpack, with the camera and most-used lens tethered to the shoulder straps of the backpack for instant 'up and shoot'.
I nearly bought a Billingham at the NEC this year as it had a slight discount, although I am glad I didn't as I no longer own any gear. I did buy a Manfrotto messenger bag a few years back that I love and I still use for everyday stuff to carry my laptop and lunch for work. No regrets buying that camera acessory
I remember when a camera vest was the preferred way to carry your gear.
AH, yes, the constant search for the ideal camera bag! I mostly do landscape photography, with 1 camera body & 3 lenses, Lee filter set, batteries, it all adds up. I'm 70yo & have a lower back issue. I aim to limit the weight .....BUT it always limits my photographic options. I go to the Gym x 3 times a week to keep my back a strong as possible. I use an old 15yr old but trusty LOWEPRO Trekker 350 AW. Looking a replacement is so, so expensive. I am resigned to believe there is no such thing as the perfect camera bag as you pointed out. Cheers from Australia.
I bought one about 13 years ago and love it. It was a touch on the small side for my full frame DSLR but it suits mirrorless perfectly.
I agree about the weight but I usually have heavy gear in there anyway, so for me it’s the gear that’s the issue.
It’s also fantastic if you pull out the insert and use it just as a general travel bag.
I got the tan and beige model and would warn against using it with wax jackets like a Barbour because it will stain the fibrenyte fabric over time
I'd like a Billingham, and specifically, it's that Hadley that I've been eyeing! At the moment, I have a couple of Think Tank shoulder bags that I really like. The only negative to the bags is the weather proofing.
I've been down the backpacks route but after needing to reduce weight, switching from Nikon to Fuji, I went for a Tenba DNA 13 messenger bag. Perfect for mirrorless and enough room for an
X-T5, three lenses and additional bits and bobs, air blower, drink bottle and obligatory food items. It's weather resistant and hasn't let in rain, even when I'd forgotten to put the rain cover in. Also have an older Vanguard Havana 21, which takes the Fuji and one lens or a GR but not much else, so may need something larger than the Vanguard but smaller than the DNA to support a stripped back outing. Anyway, another great video and keen eyed photos.
Mindshift Photocross 10 Sling bag. It carries my Em1 markii with two lens, water bottle and tripod if needed. It’s all I need for city or country.
There was a time when I considered the Billingham Hadley Series. I ended up going with the Wotencraft Trooper instead. Loved it so much I bought it in multiple sizes. Sadly, it is no longer available.
That said, I almost always grab my WANDRD PRVKE. It's a pack, so it is more comfortable for me than a shoulder bag, and its side access door means I don't have to set it down to grab another lens. Not quite as fast as a shoulder bag, but it is a good compromise between comfort and speed for my own use case.
Combining elegance and luxury kislux
Billingham bags for Leica users. You know, the real photographers. I use Tenba for my Fuji and Think Tank for my Sony.
I have the bare minimum of 3 bags, all Lowepro. Billingham bags are best but it's hard to justify the expense to a long-suffering spouse.
Nice shots and review, Craig! Really like how you put this together 🙌
I gave up on "camera" bags & backpacks a long time ago. I donated most of them to a local charity store. Since 2020 I have used just two heavy duty canvas cross body messenger bags, no compartments or padding, lots of zip compartments for filters, books, cables, batteries, etc. Cameras and lenses are protected by an eclectic sort of cloth and neoprene pouches. The large bag even fits a 13" MacBool. And both were under $ 45.00 CDN. I use Chasechic Crossbody Shoulder Bag Travel Work Business and the smaller VASCHY Vintage Canvas Leather Lightweight bag. The Vaschy is a great walk about and motorcycle messanger bag. Cheers from Ontario Canada.
Hello Craig, after a long search I’m using for over ten years a Lowepro Slingshot. Way better than my previous backpack, accessible from the front and the side when you flip it, and ideal in cities. With it I’m fast, efficient and its confortable to carry my Fujifilm system.
I use tenba byob inserts and stuff them in various bags. There waterproof discrete and means I can use a proper hiking rucksack when out walking.
I have never wanted a backpack camera bag fro all the same reasons. I don't bring that much gear, just need to protect the camera, bring a filter pouch, water, snacks, mini fist aid kit, phone wallet etc.. I've been using a variety of different "sling" packs for this for years now. None are actually intended to be a camera bag but many "tactical" slig bags have more than enough padding (or add your own) plus lots of storage solutions, the advantage to these kinds if EDC bags are they usually have MUCH better ergonomics around the sling or strap with it being more fit and curved to your body with a 2nd waist strap to help keep it in place when you are scrambling up a steep trial or riding a bike. My current camera sling bag is the 5.11 LV10 2.0 slingpack. Def better than a backpack!
I was fortunate to WIN a Peak Design Everyday Messenger bag from Trey Ratcliff years ago. It has served me well carrying MFT camera gear, a tripod, and tablet in the outdoors in all conditions or airplane travel. It shows no wear and I like it a lot.
Hi Craig, the camera bag i use is Lowepro and Crumpier, but this Billingham bag looks like a bag that i might buy in the future. I don't like Backpacks it's not my cup of Tea. The Grease Album is very different from your usual style, but i like the variety. Thanks for this video Craig. 😊
Like you I have reduced the amount of gear I carry around. I use an old shooting bag (for carrying shotgun cartridges) I have padded cells added from older bags and it carries 2 cameras 3 lenses and assorted stuff easily. It is light weight having no padding in the bag itself and is fully waterproof with a nice wide strap and silent fasteners almost perfect...
My camera bag is a v class long wheel base van. Great video.
I have a bad back. So a messenger bag, although really useful is a no go for me. I needed something small, light that distributes the weight evenly. So....I currently use the Lowepro Flipside 200 AW II. Very happy with it. So is my back.
I have the same bag. Never been out of the house, I use it for storage. I always purchase items like bags etc, at my favourite camera store on Boxing Day (December 26th) as those are the big discount days. Think mine was 50% off.
I've never been a big fan of too specialized equipment, so I used to carry my camera and maybe an extra lens in an ordinary daypack for hiking. Great to carry but hard to access the camera. Then around ten years ago fast access became more important, and I bought my first dedicated photo backpack. It really made a huge difference as I no longer needed to take off the pack (and unwrap the camera from clothes) to get the camera out, or into the pack again. Since then I've used at least 5-6 different camera packs and they've all allowed access without taking them off. I'm sure a sling would be even easier for access, but it'd get too heavy for my use with tele lenses and the need for some hiking stuff in addition to the camera gear.
No bag. One camera one lens (+Olympus weather sealing) . Cargo/ jacket pockets for bits. Much easier
I use a temba dna messenger bag all the time, it a very versatile bag and is more than adequate for m43 kit, whilst my Lowepro Whistler gathers dust.
I’ve longed for a Wotancraft Pilot 10L bag ever since the late @davidthorpeMFT reviewed it on his CZcams channel. It’s avery good alternative to the Billingham and much cheaper too
Your comment about weight is interesting... I just bought one myself, and find it lighter in general and less bulky than the other bags that I have and used.
A cheap as chips shoulder bag from my local harvey normon, mostly to store my mf3 gear
For movement, just the camera and lenses etc in my pockets. It works wonders 😂 📷👍
I’ve got a few but my favorite is the Wotancraft Trooper. Perfect for my needs and accommodates the three camera systems/lenses I prefer.
Im very happy with my Wotancraft Pilot bags one is 7 litres the other 10 litres. They are lightweight and adaptable as you can buy add on 'pockets' or 'lens pockets' to attach when needed. They have lots of pockets 'handles' and compartments for stowing travel tripods, etc. They are showerproof (seem to survive British rain OK), tough and look better than a Billingham Bag - obviously in my opinion! There only downside is that they are expensive - less so than a Billingham Bag - and hard to find. Great bags though. I think Chris and Jordan reviewed them prior to moving to PetaPixel.
👍I have one on order to try out.
@@e6Vlogs I'll be interested to see what you think of it.
I’ll use this as a confessional. Used to be Lowepro. I’ve got several old backpacks and shoulder bags from them. Then Domke - the F2 in the waxed finish is brilliant but I found it wore through really quickly. So I went for Think Tank - the Retrospective 7, 10 & 20 (still have all of them but only use the 7 nowadays….occasionally). I tried Billingham when I had far too much spare cash…. Got the S2 for my Leica then a Hadley Pro Small and Hadley Pro. Still use the small on a regular basis - that’s become my ‘main’ bag. The larger one is my ‘laptop’ bag for when I commute to the office (now a rarity). Very recently, I got a Peak Design 6l sling and I think it might be brilliant. It’s weatherproof without a cover, uses space efficiently and is light but strong. I might even go for the 10l to ‘replace’ the Retrospective 7. I say replace…..that’s the thing. 12 is my current total 😬😬
My Lowerpro Mini trekker must be over 30 years old, but it still serves me well when I need a bigger bag. Fairly recent acquisition is a Billingham for Leica specifically design for Leica SL series body with 24-90 zoom attached, but of cause it can be used with any camera body/lens combination. Small Domke, again vintage (around the edges and on top faded) is very useful for SL or S5II body with smaller prime lens.
Lately I have 2 setups depending on the outing. If I need more than just the camera, then it is the PeakDesign Field pouch V1 which has room for a couple of m.zuiko f1.8 primes battery lens cleaning etc.. That is all slung on a 2" wide Domke belt with a PD capture clip with pro pad. If I need more then I put the field pouch in a light backpack with extra lenses but keep the belt and capture clip on my waist. I also generally use a wrist strap, but I also have a neck strap handy just in case.
I use a Think Tank Story Teller 10 shoulder bag when I leave the house with a bag which is rarely in the summer. Managed to find a quality , respectable looking Eddie Bauer vest (on sale 50% off ) with well designed pockets. It does not resemble an African Safari "carry every piece of gear you own " vest. I have my camera & lens , plus an additional lens in a vest pocket. Several smaller pockets hold filters , spare battery & other miscellaneous essentials for the day. I see most people wear their back packs incorrectly, especially school students , where the pack is far too low on the back which will cause grief eventually, if not sooner. Shorten the straps so the pack rides higher on your back. Your chiropractor may thank you. I also have a waist pack for travel purposes so I never have to put a bag down in public.
Billingham get my vote
For a lightweight, clever, Premium messenger bag try the Wotancraft Pilot range. Best bag I ever owned.
One of my first camera bags was Lowepro Mini Trekker, still have it, but the zipper is broken. For city I use Lowepro Fastpack BP 250. And when I got into Fujifilm camera I use ThinkTank shoulder bag Lily Deanne Mezzo, and I love it.
My bag of choice is a Billingham S3 - holds an SLR with a 50mm attached with room for an additional lens notepad and filters. Perfect for my needs.
There was a time, years ago when Billingham was THE bag. I had my first in 1985 and used it for years. Then when I joined the wire service agencies, many of my American colleges had Domke bags.. The F2 mostly. I jumped from Billingham to Domke and used their bags until I left the industry in 2000. I did flirt iwth backpacks, by a French manufacturer Chapak. But an American colleague pointed out.. »Backpacks are fine, but try covering a street riot with a back pack when you need to change film or lenses... So I’ve pretty much always stuck to shoulder bags. I too have the Hadley pro as my main every day bag, along with a Domke 503 messenger bag for trips when I need a smaller bag, and a Domke F3X for my Canon DSLR gear..
Great video that illustrates the anguish we photographers have over bags for our gear.
My Lowpro AW250 sling has been my goto and can accommodate most setups.
Forcing myself to compromise on kit even further I now use 6L slings with the latest from Pgytech OneGo solo v2 as I like the easy zip opening that allows the bag to lever open for easy access. 6L bags for you to pair down the gear and lens but as an MFT and street camera shooter this is no issue
I’ve been through many a camera bag. The 2 brands that really stand out for me are Billingham and ThinkTank.
15 seconds in and I've realised something. When I back button focus, I always hold the button down. Understandable for continuous focus (which I occasionally use) but I've picked up a bad habit where I keep pressing it. Absolutely no need! Press once and then take the picture. 😂 0:14
I use 2 different bays a Billingham small Pro and a Roots Messenger Bag. It depends where Im going to shoot and the camera I'm carrying. The Billingham cost 10X the the cost of the Roots. I have other bags but they no longer get used as age and a bad back have caught up will me.
Great video, I completely understand where you are coming from.
Never been a big fan of back packs, for the reasons you outline, or anything with too many pockets/pouches/flaps/velcro/fasteners/zips to rummage through.
I have a couple of shoulders bags that I pick from according to the amount of hear I require my favorite being one similar to the Billingham (it has quick release strapes/adjustment buckle), which is a firm favorite, because gear is so easy to access.
Recently I purchased a Think Tank Little Stuffit, which I wear on my belt and use it to store batteries, compact ditital camera /action camera/mini tripod. I now find myself wearing it all time, with or without a shoulder bag. - It is a joy.
Omg my quest for the perfect camera bag has been driving me round the twist for years. My wife thinks I have some kind of addiction to buying them and concealing them around the house. The bottom line for me, is it waterproof and is it comfortable. Quality comes at a price though and I've most recently settled on a Gomatic 14 litre backpack which I am finally happy with. Just don't tell the wife.
I just have my manservant carry my gear.
Had some backpacks (dakine sequence,...) slingbag (lowepro) both don't work for me. I had a Crumpler Long Schlong messenger bag which I sold as I acquired more and more gear. I've always regretted selling it. I am using a Tenba dna messenger 11 for a while now and while not perfect, it's the best compromise so far
I've been using LowePro bag I've bought 15 years ago. Tried a few different ones when I switched to Olympus, but all of them being nonames they broke very fast or aren't very convenient to use.
Personally I'm not a fan of most camera bags as I don't find them very stylish. I prefer to use my Osprey daypack or a small shoulder bag I bought from Debenhams many years ago. Not perfect but then again I don't have the need to carry multiple lenses and accessories, I mainly stick to one camera/lens at a time. I prefer not to be bogged down with a load of weight.
Bellingham for me. Little bag takes an OM-1, 8-25mm, 40-150 f2.8 and the 100-400mm which is frankly ridiculous. No sign of wear after three years of pounding it.
I don’t think there is a perfect bag. I have 6 that I frequently use depending on what I need (and on trips I will take multiple). 2 messenger type bags small (enough of a spare lens and accessories), larger (big enough for a camera, a couple of lenses and accessories). 3 backpacks. Small(17L that carries a camera and a couple of lenses), travel (35L that can transport a bunch or gear to location but is still practical enough to use daily), Hiking (36L, enough to hold my camera and 2 or 3 zooms, but mostly is comfy and holds all my hiking stuff). Lastly I have Large camera insert I use for a gear hauler (I often have about 5 cameras and about 12-14 lenses in it), that effectively works as a gear drawer for long road trips where I know I may want to carry different kinds of gear (e.g full frame, crop sensor, 1 inch pocket, film camera, fixed lens camera, spare body, etc). Realistically I usually only take one but that can sometimes be 2 or even 3. Limiting the gear I take day to day inspires creativity. But I like choices.
Very good video different subject u seem not to put your camera to eye view finder but just take your photos at arms lengths why and again thanks for your videos videos.
When doing the POV videos, it just looks better for the viewer being able to see the camera’s LCD screen rather than my arms in the way as I put the camera to my eye!
RIP Olivia Newton John.
Favorite bag: not needing one. 1 Olympus with 12-100 F4 and done. That fits nearly anywhere, also in a belly bag.