Material & Construction

Construction is one of the most important things to consider when shopping for your next camera bag. Whether you plan to use the camera bag for jungle trekking, hiking, or taking a stroll through the city, it is essential to consider the material used to make the bag. If you are an everyday photographer, the bag should be sturdy enough to withstand the rigor of day-to-day use.

The material should match the toughness required to withstand the harsh elements of the environment and outdoor activities. While it should be made of sturdy material to resist wear and tear, it should also be breathable to ensure you do not sweat so much that you feel uncomfortable carrying the material.

If you are a photographer residing in a wet city frequented by rains, then you should opt for waterproof material to keep out all the water and protect your equipment from water damage. You may also consider bags with total coverage cover to ensure you have less stress when there is a downpour.

Water damage potential makes it even more important to consider one with sealed zips to prevent water from seeping into the camera bag, as being outdoor exposes you and your equipment to various elements of weather.

Weight

The material used determines the bag’s weight. If you like carrying lightweight, then you should probably consider bags made of light material. Thick, waxed leather or canvas could significantly add to the overall weight of the bag and package.

While it might not become immediately apparent how much your package weighs, the weight of the bag when empty and the weight of the equipment and accessories you are carrying will make the bag so heavy that people with back issues will worsen their condition. It is advisable to avoid heavy material if you tend to experience back problems.

The material tends to affect the durability of the camera bag as well. In this regard, camera bags made from animals skin or leather material often outlast all of the other materials regarding strength. If leather is stitched together rather than glued, it is more likely to last longer.

Size

Contrary to popular belief, bigger is never always better. The same is holds in the case for camera bags. Most people want bigger bags because they can be able to pack most things and move with them on the go. They can also have access to whatever they need while exploring the world of natural beauty.

However, are you ready to handle the weight that comes with size? Besides the weight, another issue of concern is the number of compartments and pockets or pouches. The more pouches and pockets there are, the better.

If you purchase a bag that has several compartments, you can have a place to store your camera equipment, lenses, laptop, tablet, phone, memory cards, flash drives, and any other accessories you may need during your field trip or crazy adventure.

However, all this depends on you as a person and the nature of the photography task you intend to undertake. If you are a professional photographer, then you should go for a large bag with several compartments, pouches, and pockets, as you are probably going to need more than just camera equipment on your photography assignment.

On the other hand, if you are a seasoned traveler who loves to document his or her journey and capture the beauty of nature, then you probably already know the importance of traveling light. You need to pack light and distinguish between what you want and what you will need during your field trip. In that case, you should probably choose a smaller, lighter camera bag that can accommodate your camera equipment, lenses and a few accessories you might need to make your travel complete.

Comfort and Fit

Photography can be a tiring task, especially if you are going to be doing it for a significant part of the day. If you need to walk around with your gear all day long, then you need to feel comfortable while at it. If your camera bag does not feel comfortable to carry around, then you probably won’t be doing it for longer.

On the other hand, if you are an experienced photographer, then you know the importance of having multiple camera bags to suit different occasions. You can alternate between a messenger bag, a shoulder bag, and a backpack. The choice depends on you as an individual, as people prefer to carry different types of backs as a matter of personal preference.

The backpack option is excellent for carrying several items. With two padded straps, it will be able to distribute the heavyweight evenly to allow you to carry the package more easily. You will feel comfortable carrying the bag all day long.

Also, backpacks are a lot more spacious than messenger bags. The only challenge comes in when you have to take it off your back to gain access to your camera equipment and other accessories. Unlike messenger bags which you can flip the top cover over and remove your camera equipment and lenses, there is no shortcut with the backpack.

If you keep changing the lenses and accessing your accessories continuously, then this option could be a little inconvenient. You probably need the messenger bag for quick and easy access to your equipment and other items.

The messenger bag is ideal for shooters who are quick and continuously change the lenses. If you will need to be accessing your bag several times as you take shots, then this option is probably good for you. All you have to do is swing the bag over, flip the top and remove your gear. Once you are done, you can then return the cover and swing it back.

While this can be convenient when keeping and retrieving cameras, it can feel uncomfortable if the photographer has to spend a major part of the day walking around carrying the bag and taking photos. Therefore, it is imperative to know what you will be carrying as well as how frequently you’ll need to use the items inside the camera bag.

Presentability

While this might not be important as far as the functionality of the bag is concerned, appearance does appeal to personal taste and preference. Sometimes the appearance can impact the safety of the carrier. If you are going to carry the camera in a risky area frequented by gangs and thieves, then you are better off carrying a bag that conceals what is inside.

When someone looks at your bag, it should not immediately become apparent that you are carrying a DSLR/ SLR camera in an expensive-looking camera bag. Flashy and fancy bags tend to attract thieves everywhere you go.

Experienced photographers know the importance of concealing your items when going to an unfamiliar place. They ensure that the camera bag does not look appealing to potential muggers. If a mugger gets the idea that the bag contains thousands of dollars’ worth of expensive gear or state-of-the-art equipment, then you risk losing your camera equipment, camera bag and all the accessories inside. You could also lose your important pieces of works or pictures you have already taken. Sometimes, looking fancy in an unfriendly neighborhood can be costly.