The perfect wedding camera bag

[PhotoMatte]

I am looking for the perfect wedding camera bag. I always carry two bodies with me, with lenses and flashes attached, and I have been using a fanny pack as a way of carrying my other, miscellaneous gear (No, I never wear a suit to a wedding...I'm not in any of the photos!). For example, I use the two water-bottle-holders as places to carry my remaining lenses and I use the two main pockets for my battery packs, extra batteries and CF cards, etc. The problem I've found is that these bags weren't designed for photography, and the water-bottle-holders aren't as deep as they need to be for a longer, heavy lens (135mm f2, for example) to rest in without the risk of falling out (which happened to me once during a wedding; I watched it crash on the marble floor below me...ouch). I am looking for a waist bag that I can use as described above but with deeper side pockets for my lenses. I like that I can access my lenses right now without having to unzip or unclasp anything; I don't like those bags where you can "add-on" lens pouches. Anyone know of anyplace that sells them or should I start working on my patent?

[keener]

I don't know if it is "perfect" but I use the ThinkTank system of bags and it works well for me. It is a belt with bag attachments you can get. I don't wear suits either. I wear dress pants and a black shirt. Mind you, the thinktank bags around your waist make you look like a dork (or batman, depending on your point of view), but I don't care really. When people seem me with my waist full of gear they get out of my way. I'm also not a one (or two lens photographer). I like to whip out the lens that suits the scenario best which can be my 17-50mm, 24-70L or 70-200L. Sometimes I throw in a prime (30, 50 or 85mm in for fun).

[OdiN1701]

Now that I have my 17-55mm 2.8 IS, I usually only use 2 lenses for the entire wedding. 17-55mm IS + 70-200mm 2.8 IS. I also use the 100mm Macro from time to time, but usually for ring shots or something like that.

I use a Tamrac belt with pouches and such for my euqipment. Works good for me. Yeah you look a bit like a dork but I find it's the best method.

[davo_robbo]

i smell a shootsac (http://www.shootsac.com/)

wont carry both bodies with flashes but thats what the shoulder straps are for :)

heard so many good things about these, so unobtrusive and such a good design..

have a look ;)

[OdiN1701]

i smell a shootsac (http://www.shootsac.com/)

wont carry both bodies with flashes but thats what the shoulder straps are for :)

heard so many good things about these, so unobtrusive and such a good design..

have a look ;)


I don't see how they are worth $180. It's a large purse with some seams sewed in it to make dividers.

I'd have to try one before plopping down that much for one.

[davo_robbo]

make it yourself then ;)

i dont have one.. but every person that i know thats invested in one has been extatic about how useful and convinient they are,

sure they're not for everyone but if your after practicality then its worth trying one out

[spxxxx]

look at the boda bags as well

[laurielozano]

I don't see how they are worth $180. It's a large purse with some seams sewed in it to make dividers.

I'd have to try one before plopping down that much for one.

I got mine on ebay for a bit cheaper. but its worth the money. its excellent for weddings. Just this past weekend I did a wedding by myself. I had 2 bodies each with lens and flash, one with flash bracket, then I had my 70-200 and my 85 in the shootsac with extra batteries and memory cards, etc. I couldnt have managed without it. Its worth every penny. Checkout ebay or amazon.com to find it a little cheaper.

[JWright]

The "perfect camera bag" is an oxymoron... There is no such thing. I've found I use different bags for different purposes.

For example, just this week I've used three different bags: A Think Tank Change-Up for shooting along the Embarcadero where I was doing a lot of walking, an older Crumpler with a laptop slot for an overnight trip to Disneyland where I left the bag in the car and just carried the camera and one lens, and my Domke F-2 for a club studio lighting seminar where the bag just sat on the floor.

You have to evaluate your needs and decide what style of bag works best for you...

[agaeto]

I have a shootsac. They are absolutely THE BEST bag if you are shooting a wedding. I actually have 2 of them, this one is just for backup but I really don't need 2 of them. It has been used only once. Absolutely perfect condition. Basic black. You can have it for $100 if you want it. I will also FedEx it to you for no additional charge.

[Peacefield]

I haven't found one single bag to do it all; at least not one that isn't the size of a suit case. When shooting a wedding, I carry three bodies with lenses: 5D w/70-200 f2.8 L, a 50D with 24-70L, and my old XT w/Sigma 10-20. I like the idea of never having to change lenses, but finding one managable bag for all three plus flash, etc., isn't easy. And I haven't either; I use two and am happy with the solution.

I love my Ape Case 1400. This one bag holds my 50D w/lens attached (hood inverted), my XT w lens not attached, my 580 EX II, a couple of specialty lenses, and all my extra batteries, CF's, etc. One of the things I really like about it is the bright yellow interior so it makes finding anything easy even in a dark environment. And at less than $50, it's a steal. Amazon has them, but I got mine on eBay for a few $'s less.

Then I have one of LowePro's backpacks (don't remember which one, but it's moderatly large) to hold my 5D w/lens attached, a second flash, and flash meter with room to spare.

I obvously can't work with all of this on me; I always find a safe place to set it down while I'm working, but with the gear inside ready to go, I'm able to shift gears pretty easily.

[intrinsicvalue]

I have a shootsac and I love it, but it takes some getting used to. The price is a little steep, but I find it takes great care of my 24-70L.