Posted: 4/22/2025 2:22:06 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Grendel-OK][Edited]
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What are you guys carrying your cameras in? I've got a few low end camera bags that aren't really cutting it. My main bag is a backpack style that just doesn't seem to be quite big enough or versatile enough. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PFQJWYV In particular, the dividers don't quite stay where I want them, and I never seem to have quite enough dividers to do what I want. My main camera is a Canon EOS R6 mk II (with battery grip). And I always carry my RF 24-70mm f/2.8 and my RF 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses. Plus I like to be able to carry my RF 16mm f/2.8 and sometimes my Sirui 50mm anamorphic, or my Laowa Argus 35mm f/0.95. I also have the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 which I wold like to be able to keep in the same bag if possible. But it does have it's own carrying case with strap so it's a bit less important to get in the same bag. I usually have a set of ND filters, plus a Rode Video Mic Pro, and my Rode Wireless Go II set. I would also like to be able to carry my Canon EOS RP camera body as well. And of course spare batteries/chargers, memory cards, my Black Rapid dual camera strap, etc.. Yeah, it's a lot of stuff. I've been looking at the Nometic Peter McKninon bags. The 25L is on sale at B&H right now. It's a bit bigger than the one I have currently. But still $300 is a lot of scratch. Maybe the 35L is more what I need...? One consideration is that I need to be able to fly with it also. I'm going to Hawaii at the end of July. So it needs to be carry-on compliant. Being able to carry a laptop at the same time will be extra helpful. What are you you guys using? What's a good airline carry-on sized option for cameras and multiple lenses? |
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Get some Tenba bag inserts and use your regular backpack. I took a 11-16, 24-120, and 70-300 along with a laptop, using Tenba inserts and an LBT 3 day pack when I went to Hawaii. |
ProTip: Never pick a fight with a tree planter. He swings a hoedad for 9 hours a day, carries 30-40 pounds of seedlings on his back, and has 12-14 friends just like him hiding out on the other side of the junk butt pile. They will fuck your shit up.
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I have a Pelican 1510 with dividers for airline travel, and a couple different sized peak designs camera cubes to carry in whatever regular backpack. I also have a couple of purposely designed camera backpacks, I think that they're both Lowe Pros. |
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| I have a Tamrac Pro12 that I have had for years. It is discomtinued now but the replacement is identicle to it. I dont know why they just changed the model number. Gotta be a marketing thing. Anyway here is the Tamrac Stratus 21 from B&H. Excellent bag with tons of space |
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I have a Think Tank Backlight 18L bag and absolutely love it. ThinkTank While I have not traveled with it, it will fit as a carry-on or under seat on a plane. I have a Sony A6700 with a Sony 18-135mm, Viltrox 56mm, Sigma 30mm, Tamron 11-20mm, Sigma 100-400mm. I also carry an assortment of ND filters and extra batteries. |
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I use a Thinktank/Mindshift Photocross 15 for most days, but that's discontinued. The 13 is slightly smaller and will hold a body and 2-4 lenses (depending on size) in a pretty small package, plus has pockets for other stuff. https://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/photocross-13 |
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Originally Posted By bigbad401: I have a Think Tank Backlight 18L bag and absolutely love it. ThinkTank While I have not traveled with it, it will fit as a carry-on or under seat on a plane. I have a Sony A6700 with a Sony 18-135mm, Viltrox 56mm, Sigma 30mm, Tamron 11-20mm, Sigma 100-400mm. I also carry an assortment of ND filters and extra batteries. I bought one of those recently when I picked up my Canon 200-800, it just wouldn't fit in my sling bag. So my R6m2, 14-35, 70-200 and 200-800 all fit. Not much room left but part of my criteria was keeping the bag as small as possible. It's well built and comfortable to carry. I thought the sling bag ( in the post above mine ) was a little bit better platform for lens changes as it kept the whole thing close your body, the rear opening works but just isn't as stable. |
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Originally Posted By PinePig: I bought one of those recently when I picked up my Canon 200-800, it just wouldn't fit in my sling bag. So my R6m2, 14-35, 70-200 and 200-800 all fit. Not much room left but part of my criteria was keeping the bag as small as possible. It's well built and comfortable to carry. I thought the sling bag ( in the post above mine ) was a little bit better platform for lens changes as it kept the whole thing close your body, the rear opening works but just isn't as stable. I have the PhotoCross 13 and 10 Sling bags also and will use them when I don't want to bring all my lens. Even though I have used the PhotoCross 13 with my camera and a few lens including my 100-400 Sigma. The sling is easier for lens changes but the Backlight 18L with the rear opening does decent when swinging it around on my hips. And I have used my PhotoCross 13 as a personal bag on an airplane. |
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I have probably a dozen different bags and cases. Where I have ended up is SKB cases with ThinkThank interiors or ThinkTank MindShift backpacks. This is my current backpack: https://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/backlight-36l Its big but I use it for multiple bodies/lens, drone, monitors and all the other bullshit. I've tried most of the big name packs and cases over the years and this series of bags is the best for me that I have found. |
| Depends on the use case. For travel, I'm using a Shimoda Urban Explore 25L. I have two inserts for it with different configurations. Once I get where I'm going, I throw stuff in a Bellamy 10L sling. I also have a mix of Lowepro bags. I want to like my Peak Design 6L but the material is too stiff. I also have a Pelican Air 1510 (I think that's the model) for air travel. Right now it's rigged for my BMPCC 4K, several lenses, A/V gear, etc. So I guess you'd say it's my video rig at the moment. |
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I've got mostly LowePro too For casual day use, I have a couple Crumpler bags |
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Not sure if you found a backpack yet but B&H has a 25L Shimoda Urban Explore on sale right now for $150 https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1799634-REG/shimoda_designs_520_183_urban_explore_25.html |
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Domke. I’ve been out of photography for a few years but it used to be you could look at any big group of pro shooters and the one thing you’d see in common was they all used a Domke bag. The heavily padded/super adjustable brands were pretty but if you actually worked out of your bag, you bought a Domke. |
| I use Tenba bag inserts. They're soft cases that go into other bags and are configurable inside. I've carried them in bland school backpacks, army rucksacks, pelican cases, and suitcases. Very versatile and blends in well. I have a small one for travel with my mirrorless, it takes up about a 1/3 of a jansport which leaves room for a change of clothes and a rain jacket. I have a larger one which fits a camera with lens, plus 3-4 more lenses and cleaning gear. It takes up closer to 80% of a jansport but is nice if I need to carry more gear. Both cases are accessible from inside the backpack. |
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Update: I ended up buying a Tenba 16 Pro Messenger bag. It's a bit bigger than I wanted, but it fits my R6 mkII with battery grip, where as all the others I looked at ended up bulging out because of the grip. It's big enough for my 24-70mm f/2.8, my 70-200mm f/2.8 and a couple of other lenses plus accessories, and maybe my EOS RP also. It's got a pocket for a 16" laptop, but I'm not sure yet if I will carry my laptop in it or my older backpack still. Should be easier still than trying to carry two backpacks. |
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Originally Posted By FredMan: Get some Tenba bag inserts and use your regular backpack. I took a 11-16, 24-120, and 70-300 along with a laptop, using Tenba inserts and an LBT 3 day pack when I went to Hawaii. Tenba bags are great! Haven't seen the inserts, but I have 4 of the bags, ranging from "I can't carry it if fully loaded" to a shoulder bag that's easy to carry. Heavy duty and long lasting, too! |
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Okay, recently back from our trip to Hawaii, yes we were there during the tsunami, no I didn't get to se it because out hotel room faced the other side, towards the city. The Tenba bag did okay, but I have to find a better solution. I need a small lightweight rolling carryon sized case for camera gear. I want something smaller and lighter weight than a Pelican 1510, but which has a roller type set up. I'm tired of carrying two bags in the airport. I'm thinking about possibly a Pelican Air 1535. Bonus points if it's big enough to fit a 16" laptop. My next work trip is to Orlando in October. |
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Originally Posted By Bladeswitcher: Domke. I’ve been out of photography for a few years but it used to be you could look at any big group of pro shooters and the one thing you’d see in common was they all used a Domke bag. The heavily padded/super adjustable brands were pretty but if you actually worked out of your bag, you bought a Domke. I carried a Domke big bag for years and years. I carried a lot of gear and it did the job and was relatively comfortable. |
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Originally Posted By Grendel-OK: I need a small lightweight rolling carryon sized case for camera gear. I want something smaller and lighter weight than a Pelican 1510, but which has a roller type set up. I'm tired of carrying two bags in the airport. I'm thinking about possibly a Pelican Air 1535. Bonus points if it's big enough to fit a 16" laptop. Attached File |
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Originally Posted By WhatsGnu: Tenba bags are great! Haven't seen the inserts, but I have 4 of the bags, ranging from "I can't carry it if fully loaded" to a shoulder bag that's easy to carry. Heavy duty and long lasting, too! I’ll say it again, inserts are the bomb. I’ve got a half dozen true camera bags and they all end up disappointing me. Inserts? Just slip them in a regular backpack. |
ProTip: Never pick a fight with a tree planter. He swings a hoedad for 9 hours a day, carries 30-40 pounds of seedlings on his back, and has 12-14 friends just like him hiding out on the other side of the junk butt pile. They will fuck your shit up.
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Originally Posted By FredMan: I’ll say it again, inserts are the bomb. I’ve got a half dozen true camera bags and they all end up disappointing me. Inserts? Just slip them in a regular backpack. Originally Posted By FredMan: Originally Posted By WhatsGnu: Tenba bags are great! Haven't seen the inserts, but I have 4 of the bags, ranging from "I can't carry it if fully loaded" to a shoulder bag that's easy to carry. Heavy duty and long lasting, too! I’ll say it again, inserts are the bomb. I’ve got a half dozen true camera bags and they all end up disappointing me. Inserts? Just slip them in a regular backpack. The latest thing (if you're into that) are Tenba bags that combine inserts with the bag - slip in slip out. Obviously, Domke is still the mark of "a professional" photographer, but I have 5 Tenba bags, 3 LowePro, and 1 made-in-Korea-bought-in-the-market bag. I still prefer the adaptability plus ruggedness of the Tenba. |
Gnu User, Clumsy Migratory Off-topic Herd Ungulate
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Originally Posted By WhatsGnu: Obviously, Domke is still the mark of "a professional" photographer, but I have 5 Tenba bags, 3 LowePro, and 1 made-in-Korea-bought-in-the-market bag. I still prefer the adaptability plus ruggedness of the Tenba. The original Domke bags was designed by a working photographer (Jim Domke) for his own needs. Specifically, these were bags for photojournalists, but they work well for anyone who needs easy access to gear carried on their shoulder. You've got to understand what a Domke is and isn't. It isn't designed to store gear or to shield camera gear from every bump. It is designed to work out of. This is a bag you use when you're on your feet, shooting photos on the go. They are designed for photographers who use rugged equipment and aren't worried about babying their tools. They want a bag that doesn't get in the way of them doing their job. The interior designs allow you to keep bodies and lenses separate but they don't attempt to encase the pieces in heavy foam. The outside pockets are easy to get into and sized appropriately for the kinds of things you're going to put there. The emphasis is on easy access. These are not big bulky boxes of foam that hang OFF your side. These are soft, pliable bags that HUG your side. You can move fast with them and move in and out of crowds and crowded spaces. It's just a different approach to a bag. Most bags are some sort of soft-sided versions of a hard case. They are travel bags with straps. The Domke isn't that. |
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A small Domke is on my list.** I've just not been shooting that much anymore that I feel the need for it. Arthritis and age having caught up with me. And my Tenba bags work pretty well for me. Over the years, I think I've broken/destroyed more cameras/camera gear than most people will ever own. Military tends to be hard on gear. Edit: ** I finally broke down and ordered a small Domke. Because if you have enough camera bags it's free admission through the Pearly Gates! (just kidding) |
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This just launched today, for under $50 I’m giving it a try. Do I think it’ll work for international travel? Nope. But something to haul a few lenses on the cheap, we’ll see. Worst case I can return it.  
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My new Domke bag arrived today. Couple of thoughts: - It's made in USA. Had I realized that sooner, it would have already been in my arsenal. It's roomy enough to carry a camera body, flash plus 3 lenses and an extra slot for something.* - I came to grips with my previously-held negative views.. people I knew that carried them were guys who claimed because they'd marched in the band in high school that meant that they knew what being a soldier was like. * or 2 m43 bodies w/ 4 lenses. |
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| I carry a couple of bodies, one with a 70-200/2.8 attached and additional lenses with my Shimoda Urban Expore. I can carry a 200-500 attached with the Explorer v2. I like the bags and the modular inserts are pretty flexible. |
"The answer to crime is always cows." -Cheesebeast