I remember when I bought my first dSLR–the trusty Canon 20D–and a small selection of lenses, I was overwhelmed with the camera bag options to choose from, and I had a difficult time selecting one. Basically, I wanted to get one bag that would suit my needs for the rest of my life and in every circumstance.
Well, that was just wishful thinking. The truth is, if you plan on being a professional photographer, you’re very likely going to need multiple camera bags for different circumstances. But where to begin? Well, I can’t speak for everyone, but here’s what I have, and maybe it will work for you, too.
I started out with a Lowepro Micro Trekker 100. It’s a nice little backpack bag that could carry all my gear at the time. I still use it now for little excursions, or if Jay and I have to separate on a wedding day–then he takes it with the gear he needs.
You can fit about one SLR and three lenses in it.
The next camera bag I acquired was the Lowepro Stealth Reporter. I used this bag in conjunction with the Micro Trekker last year, but I was really running out of space for all my gear.
It was definitely time for an upgrade. Plus, I wanted something that rolled… So, I bit the bullet and purchased the Think Tank Airport Security V.20 bag. Let me just say this bag is awesome. (Don’t worry, yours won’t come with white dog hair stuck to it!)
This bag not only fits all my stuff, but it also fits US domestic airline carry-on size restrictions, which was important to me because I knew I’d be traveling with my gear this year.
It also comes with a lifetime warranty and several locks and cables for securing your gear.
And it can carry a laptop in the front and has several other little pockets for various items.
The wheels…ah, the wheels. These things run so smoothly and are very sturdy.
And if you’re ever in a situation where you can’t roll it (or you want to send your husband into hysteric laughter as you hoist the suitcase on your back), you can use these straps that are normally tucked away to turn the bag into a backpack.
And the handle has several extension sizes, perfect for shorties like myself and regular sized folks like Jay.
So, if you’re wondering what camera bag to get…keep in mind you’ll probably want several. I still use the Stealth Reporter for smaller shoots where I don’t want to haul my suitcase…so I don’t regret any of my bag purchases. As your gear list grows, so will your bag!
by mary
Milla - Hahahahahaha that cracked me up “or you want to send your husband into hysteric laughter as you hoist the suitcase on your back” Very funny Mary. And oh yeah, awesome bag complete with Astin hair!