Unfortunately, there is no such thing as the perfect camera bag for every photographer and every camera. Some look for a smaller, more compact system bag, others want something to keep all of their gear with them. Here is a comparison of some of the most popular bag styles:
| Carrying Mode |
Pros |
Cons |
| Camera Shoulder Bag |
- Relatively easy access
- Lots of great options
- Can hold a reasonable amount of gear
|
- Bulks up quickly
- Tends to get overloaded
- Inhibits going through doors, turnstiles and revolving doors
- Easy access means easy to steal from
|
| Photography Sling Bag |
- Easy to wear, easy to use
- Typically smaller, less likelihood of overloading
- Less obvious as to what it is
|
- May not have the space for a longer lens
- Gear is accessible from behind, when you are stopped or on transit
- Tends to be limited in capacity
|
| Backpack for Photographers |
- Lots of space
- May have roller wheels for dragging through airports and train stations
- Likely has the best padding on the shoulder straps
- May have the ability to carry a travel tripod
|
- Big and bulky
- Easy to overload with too much gear
- Screams “expensive photo equipment”
- Awkward in small places
- May prevent entry to some buildings and facilities
- May not fit in the overhead on small aircraft
- Must be taken off to get at your gear
|