CAMERA BAGS - What to buy and what NOT to buy!

Let's talk about an emotional subject - camera bags. Every photographer has their own preference, but in this video I break down some good options based on the amount of gear you need to bring with you.
Some bags to consider:
Think tank Retrospective: amzn.to/3ZqPgOH
Cheap insert: amzn.to/3PJex37
Tenba insert (fancy): amzn.to/469RlAM
Lowepro backpack: amzn.to/3PUhSg9
DISCLAIMER:
Some of these links have an affiliate code. If you purchase gear with these links I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

[@lensvana]

Some bags to consider (AFFILIATE LINKS): Think tank Retrospective: amzn.to/3ZqPgOH Cheap insert: amzn.to/3PJex37 Tenba insert (fancy): amzn.to/469RlAM Lowepro backpack: amzn.to/3PUhSg9

[@jonlouis2582]

My favorite is an ancient Tenba bag, I don't even remember where I got it anymore TBH. That Nat. Geographic bag is sweet!

[@lensvana]

Thanks :) that's the bottom line really: if you find a bag that works, hold on to it cause they'll probably change the design in the "updated" model

[@gyozakeynsianism]

I got the Lowepro Flipside AW 400 III (which I don't think you mention) for $120 new at B&H. For my use cases, that value can't be beat! Tripod management isn't great, but other than that I think it's a great bag.

[@lensvana]

Nice! I should've mentioned the Flipside series. There's no "perfect" bag but there's a bag out there for everyone that works best for their needs.

[@gyozakeynsianism]

@@lensvana It's insane how many options there are. That's why videos like yours are so helpful. Thanks!

[@lensvana]

@@gyozakeynsianism Thanks for watching! Yea the selection is crazy, I see over 1000 bags in-stock at B&H across the categories (pouches, backpacks, slings, etc.) And that's not even counting specialized stuff like hard cases or dry bags

[@jonuiuc]

I've had good luck with Tenba. I have their DNA backpack, it matches how I like to use a backpack, which is to put it down (its self standing) and it takes my fuji xt3 w/battery grip. A lot of stuff isn't deep enough for the battery grip. For a smaller shoulder bag, I have my eye on a Wotancraft pilot, but for now I use a used Billingham Leica bag off of ebay, for my rangefinder sized xe1.

[@lensvana]

I'm looking at that Tenba DNA backpack and it looks like a winner - thanks for sharing! Big fan of those dual side pockets. And I should've mentioned how rare it is to find a pack that will actually stand upright

[@mhdgs9944]

This will probably sound hilarious but I use an old Soviet gas mask pouch for my camera, I made some padding on the inside so the camera doesn't hit on anything because the actual pouch is made of thin material but it's pretty strong, it has a good strap system and it has pockets I store a battery a charger and an extra card, also it has character, it's more interesting than newer pouches.

[@lensvana]

That's cool! I like these kinds of creative carry solutions. Another option is to go to a local tailor/seamstress and ask them to add in custom interior pockets - but that could easily cost more than the pouch itself

[@lensvana]

Anyone have a favorite bag they want to share?

[@jan-martinulvag1953]

If you put your cameras in plastic bags before putting them in your shoulder bag, they dont scratch each other , and you see whats in them

[@lensvana]

Good idea. If you mean disposable ones, also would be useful if it starts raining and you can poke a hole and make a quick "rain cover" just in case

[@jan-martinulvag1953]

@@lensvana I have been thinking about getting a big coat with big pockets and adding more pockets on the inside of the coat....A photo coat.

[@lensvana]

@@jan-martinulvag1953 Could be a nice solution in the winter, especially for keeping batteries warm. Or with a small mirrorless setup

[@chiftele08]

@lensvana If I go to a sightseeing trip in a city the whole day and into the night, I took all of my gear. And for the night shots, I use often a tripod. And I go to restaurant or museums. So, the best solution to go on that trip is a bag with a space for the tripod inside the bag. I don't like a backpack, because I prefer to grab every minute my camera out of the bag. And not as a "normal tourist" hangs my camera at my neck. It's also a bit heavy, D7200 with the 17-55 2.8 DX lens all day long. 😉I haven't much money, and there are not so many choices for a bag with inside tripod pocket or compartment. The Vanguard Veo Range 38 was my choice new under 100€. Enough room for food, water, books, tripod, heavy ball head, five lenses. I'm not Arnold Schwarzenegger and the bag is heavy on my shoulder, but it is worth it. I can not travel back to the hotels at the suburbans, and lost hours and hours in the subway for a tripod or some lenses. This bag is very strong and practical, not perfect, but almost. The tripod pocket could also used with a drone or long Tele Lens, if I put the tripod outside or under the bag, as in most other bags. With the strings. This model exist also in a smaller version. But my travel tripod is large, 35 cm, and goes up to 153 cm. (I'm 190 cm) It has a patented lock system, that makes it's vibration less as a gitzo, but for only 100€! The Japanese Velbon Ultra 655. Check it out, I searched weeks all the reviews in forums and magazines and KZbin. Photography at a budget is my goal. 😊Most quality for the lowest possible money.

[@lensvana]

Thanks for your comment! I haven't heard of the Vanguard Veo Range 38, and it looks great from the pictures. I agree the best for urban photography is have the whole tripod inside the bag. I like the bottom tripod compartment idea of this bag, I see it fits a Velbon Veo 2S with a folded length of 15.5" / 39.4 cm. Nice! I have a video about best value tripods coming up, have also done a lot of research :)

[@chiftele08]

@@lensvana check also the predecessor of the Velbon Ultra 655, the Ultra Rexi L, almost the same tripod. Maybe used available. This system is awesome. Light but tall, and sturdy than any other of this class. Made in Japan. One negative: Maybe a user could tape the legs, because they are naked aluminium and in cold conditions its not so conformable.

[@lensvana]

@@chiftele08 Thanks for the tip!