Camera bag for easy access

What are some practical camera bags to carry a couple lenses and have an easy/fast access to them?

What style? Backpack? Sling? Messenger?
Give us more info......

Whichever of the Domke line that meets your size requirements

Didn't realize there was a whole section discussing bags. I can re-post there if needed.


Honestly, I'm open. I need easy access. Which ones are considered to be that way? Maybe a sling, they seem to just slide down your shoulder to be open.

I have a really old bad something like this http://store.lowepro.c​om …er-bags/nova-180-aw-black
, that zips around and then a clip over. I think it's pain in the butt. zip clip zip clip...
And I have a really large backpack that was given to me, but it's huge and only half of it is used for camera stuff, the rest meant for regular things. Anyway, too much to carry around with kids.

I have a canon T4i and a few lenses. My biggest lens is Canon 28-135mm, I also have 55-250 and 50mm and a small kit lens. So I would only have a couple lenses with me plus a flash.

Next question is what is your budget?

I'm a huge fan of Crumpler products. For a sling over the shoulder bag you cannot go wrong with a 6 or 7 Million Dollar Home. Check them out.

http://www.crumpler.co​m …aps/6-million-dollar-home

Can I get something under $100?

I don't need anything for long hikes or biking. Just running after kids in the park.

Yes. Search Lowepro and Tamrac.

Crumpler products sometimes go on deep discount sales at Adorama and B&H. There is a 5MDH at B&H now for a good price but it may be a tad small and not quite your color preference.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Million_Dollar​_Home.html

I have this bag and it's perfect for a body with lens, flash and some accessories. Great daily walk around. If you didn't have a flash it would do a body and two lenses just fine. Great price too.

Just checked it out. Yeah, it's a bit small and a bit too funky for me

I have and like the Lowepro Flipside. It's a backpack which you can spin around your waist and access the contents, if you don't want to put the bag down. If you do choose to put the bag on the ground, the part that would go against your back won't touch the ground. They have different models depending on how much gear you want to carry with you and whether it needs to be weather resistant.

gonzogolf wrote in post #17562613
Whichever of the Domke line that meets your size requirements

This. For a body and a couple of lenses, maybe the F3x or F6 from the "Classic" line. The F5Xc would also do well, as would the F-803. They're all different form factors, and easy to work from (a Domke hallmark). They also wear like iron.

Lowepro flipside series, including the sports ones. I have a very large regular one and a smaller sport. Easy access and nobody can get at your gear while you wear it, as the opening is on the back.

This is a never ending search. I've spent years with large shoulder bags and vests and never been happy with anything. Since digital requires (at least for me) much less gear in the field than film did, I've been getting lighter.

First - I have retired the vest.
Second - I have a small, cheap (Canon) backpack that holds most of what I need on any job.
Third - I have a small Tamrac shoulder bag, similar to this one, that will hold a camera with lens, 3 other lenses and a flash. That is what I take withe me most of the time.
Finally - When I only need 1 camera and 2 or 3 lenses, I use a Peak Design Slide strap and either belt pouches or fill my coat pockets - depending on the temperature.

I think type of bag is more important than brand. For instance, I do not like "messenger" style bags and I no longer care for vests. I don't like shoulder straps but I do like slings. I've never had a sling type bag but I think I would like that. With a backpack, I tend to keep it on my back instead of work out of it so, for me, backpacks are for getting the gear to the site - not working out of.

One thing I will recommend you look into is a belt system. It's a very good choice. Mine is just a cheap tool belt from Lowe's (no tool pouches on it, just a belt) and pouches mostly from Tamrac but also Lowepro and ProPhoto. I can slide the pouches on or off as needed, I can reach anything I need quickly, and I can hike all day wearing it.

You really just need to carefully review your working habits and decide what is important to you - when a bag helps or when it gets in the way. With a camera and a couple of other lenses, you have lots of options so decide how you think you want to carry your gear then find a bag, belt, strap, whatever, that fits your needs. And don't think it has to be made for photographic gear. If it provides adequate protection and accessibility, use whatever works.