Messenger Style Camera Bag but Professional

[byronling]

Hey guys,

I've been looking for a nice messenger bag, primarily to hold just my body/lens (24-105), but I was hoping to get a bag that I could also use for work as well, so it has to be somewhat professional looking (black/brown leather). I would like to be able to carry my camera on the way to and from work.

Any suggestions? I like the Crumpler 5 Million dollar home, unfortunately, I need something a bit more professional looking. I realize most camera bag companies are built for functionality, I just need something that can more or less hold and protect my body and its lens.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions

[SuzyView]

I just bought the Tenba bag:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00110ENQK/sr=8-2/qid=1251834196/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1251834196&sr=8-2

I am a teacher and take my bag to school, but wanted my laptop and my camera with lens attached and that's it bag. This one is under $100 and looks great. Not leather, but it will do a good job.

[NYPhotog]

Take a look at either one of the TT UD bags, I think the UD 40 would work http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/urban-disguise-40-shoulder-bag.aspx or a LP Classified bag, perhaps the Classified 200 http://products.lowepro.com/product/Classified-200-AW,2122,20.htm

[Cyclop]

You may want to consider the Tenba messenger bag at www.tenba.com. The bags are well constructed and veratile, incorporating a removable padded photo insert to house a DSLR and up to 3-lenses. Material is cordura. Leather is not an option. $20 rebate currently in effect.

[snails]

Lowepro Classified in Sepia looks very business-like. I have photos up on my review.

[tvphotog]

Lowepro Stealth Reporter series.

[samueli]

There was another thread that suggested a camera insert for messenger bags. I picked one up from B&H, and it's a very nice insert. Configurable via velcro, and the middle pocket has little flaps to stick your camera with attached lens in the middle. I picked up a rugged messenger bag from an army/navy surplus store, and now I have a fine bag for $40.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/509016-REG/Tenba_638_251_Pro_Digital_2_0_Photo.html

It's much cooler than it looks in the picture, and I can easily set it up to hold 5 lenses, although it would be crammed.

With the insert, you'll have way more choices in messenger bags. Just check the insert/bag dimensions to make sure it will fit.

[jluspo]

Are you looking for a "professional" looking bag or a fashionable bag? Maybe fashionable is not the right word but something that doesn't look like a camera bag. All of the above mentioned are professional caliber/quality. I have a Billingham bag and like it very much. Take a look: http://www.billingham.co.uk/acatalog/Hadleys.html

[byronling]

Yea thanks so much for the suggestions guys.

I think I may have used the wrong wording, as jluspo said, I suppose something that looks more like
http://www.kennethcole.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3417722&cp=3075198.3075278.3075281

I realize this is probably sacrificing functionality, but if anyone has any other suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[SuzyView]

http://www.leathertree.com/vaqueta-napa-leather-laptop-briefcase-802/

I searched for you. This may work if you put in Domke or Tenba inserts. It is expandable and leather.

I just got my Tenba yesterday and it is beautiful. I love leather, owning many leather handbags, but for camera gear, leather is too expensive and heavy for me. And people notice good leather, unfortunately. I am very careful with my bags, always holding them or having them right by me.

[byronling]

Thanks SuzyView....that is definitely what I'm looking for, I will have to check out the inserts

[tvphotog]

I can vouch for the quality of Leathertree products. Top end, excellent. That was good research, Suzy, those look like super bags. I wonder if they're completely open inside or have dividers which may influence the use of the inserts.