Camera bags I use

The search for the best camera bag seems like a never-ending quest, especially when diverse options exist. This is particularly true for photographers, where just one camera bag is never enough.

In 2021, as manufacturers introduce an increasing number of unique bags, it will become more challenging to determine which bag suits your camera setup. Furthermore, these bags come in a variety of styles such as slings, holsters, roller messenger bags, and more, catering to different types of cameras.

The type of bag you need depends on what you are shooting and the destinations you are travelling to. Hence, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when you are searching for the perfect camera bag.

There is no such thing as a right or wrong bag, and it all depends on the gear that you use, how you travel (flights, roads, etc.), and whether you prefer more check-in bags or carry-on bags. However, the basic common criteria are that the bag should hold sturdy with your gear; the worst thing that can happen is a bag tearing off in the middle of a trip or a check-in bag with your gear breaking down! Except for some cheap bags, most decent bags on the market pass those criteria, especially if they are from a reputed brand. Here are the bags I have, and I find them suited for different purposes.

 

1. Think Tank Airport Security

This sturdy rolling case is designed to meet most of the domestic and international aeroplane carry-on requirements (at least size-wise, if not weight-wise, when fully loaded). It is also perfect to bring when you go on road trips. The case surprisingly fits almost my entire gear collection (including 600mm, 14-24, 24-70, 70-200, and two D5) and remains compact.

For organising and protecting the accessories inside, the bag has touch-fastening dividers that are interiorly padded. While this is a soft bag, it is built like a tank and completely justifies its price tag of about $400. I have loaded it with about 23 kg and comfortably carried it on trips and in carry-on baggage (how I managed to carry on that much weight is a different story), and not even a thread has come out to date, and the bag feels rock solid However, this is surely not for checking in luggage on flights. 

The front section of the bag has a laptop compartment and a tab compartment that is located in a lockable pocket. The bag has a retractable trolley handle and wheels. 

• Dimensions: Exterior: 14 x 22 x 9″ / 35.6 x 55.9 x 22.9 cm

                                   Interior: 13 x 21 x 7-8″ / 33.0 x 53.3 x 17.8-20.3 cm

• Empty Think Tank Airport Security weight: 5.0 Kg
• Weight when loaded with gear: 15.8 kg 

 

Here is all the equipment I carry in my Think Tank Airport security:

• Nikon D5 Body
• Nikon 14-24 2.8 lens
• Nikon 24-70 2.8 lens
• Nikon 70-200 2.8 lens
• Nikon 600mm F4 FL
• Nikon 1.4X TCIII
• Nikon 50mm 1.4

 

2. Pelican 1615 AirNF

The Pelican 1615 AirNF is a waterproof and crushproof case. It is made from a lightweight HPX2 polymer with honeycomb structural elements. The case is also secured with a push-button latching system that makes use of compressive force to tightly shut the bag.

I bought it with empty interiors for about $275; it is called the NF version. Then there are versions with foam and padding, which I found not so reliable for checking in as the gears may not be held firmly. Then I used 4 sheets of hard thermocol to make precise cutouts for my gears, including padding on top (not visible in the above pictures, as it was shot before that). With that, my gear snugs in very tightly with no room to move, and even if someone jumps on the closed bag, nothing will happen to the gear. 

It is ideal to take in as check-in baggage and proves to be a great option for international travel. I can easily carry my entire collection, as the custom padding keeps things in place.

The case is built like a tank and is intact, keeping all equipment safe from any damage.

• Dimensions: Exterior: 32.6 x 18.4 x 11″ / 82.8 x 46.7 x 27.9 cm

                                   Interior: 29.6 x 15.5 x 9.4″/ 75.2 x 39.4 x 23.9 cm

• Empty Pelican 1615 AirNF with inserts weight – 7.2 kg
• Weight when loaded with gear – 21.1 kg

 

Here is all the equipment I carry in my Pelican AirNF:

• Nikon D5 Body
• Nikon 14-24 2.8 lens
• Nikon 24-70 2.8 lens
• Nikon 70-200 2.8 lens
• Nikon 300 2.8 lens
• Nikon 600mm F4 FL
• Nikon 1.4X TCIII
• Nikon 50mm 1.4

 

3. Camtree Flyfilms

This Fylfilm case offers high protection for the assets stored in the bag. The customised and sturdy case is built from ultrahigh-impact copolymer, which is long-lasting and potent. It keeps the equipment intact and is hard enough to bear bumps during travel.

Sealed-off ABS latches and O-rings deal with changes in air temperature and pressure, in turn allowing rapid equalisation. The Fylfilm camera bag is compact and lightweight, ideal for carrying all my small lenses and bodies as checked-in baggage. There are also same-sized pelicans available in the market, but this is also just as good. My only reason for getting this was that it was readily available in India compared to Pelican when I got it and similar in performance. Actually, all the other bags on this list were bought in the US. In this too, I got custom thermocol interiors done. 

• Dimensions: Exterior: (L x W x D) 49.5cm x 39.5cm x 20.5cm
                          Interior: (L x W x D) 46.5cm x 32.5cm x 18cm
• Empty Camtree Flyfilms weight: 3 kg
• Weight when loaded with gear: 10.7 kg

 

I can put all my small lenses and 2 cameras in the Camtree Flyfilms bag as check-in baggage. Here is my equipment as follows:

• Nikon D5 Body
• Nikon 14-24 2.8 lens
• Nikon 24-70 2.8 lens
• Nikon 70-200 2.8 lens
• Sigma 150 2.8 Macro

 

4. Lowepro Pro Trekker BP 350 AW II

This edition from Lowepro is packed with unique functionalities, transforming it into a professional backpack.

 

The bag features Velcro dividers inside that can be moved to make space for certain gear, while its rear-opening lid contains a secured compartment for a 13-inch laptop. The front section has succession loops that are helpful to attach accessories like a tripod toe-cup, straps, a phone case, and more.

Lowepro’s main compartment is spacious and has an adjustable partition system with up to 11 dividers to fit a DSLR or mirrorless camera along with a small lens and a drone. Keep in mind that it can accommodate everything except a long lens.

Its material is made up of durable polyester and nylon construction, which is immensely weather-resistant.

This backpack is best to carry as hand luggage on flights and can carry all of my small lenses and two bodies. However, personally, I am not a great fan of carrying heavy bags as backpacks on flights; I much prefer to use rollers for luggage and laptops and check in my gear on the Pelican. If the think tank can be sneaked in (weight-wise), then any day I will go with it in my handbag. 

• Dimensions: ‎32 x 25 x 48 cm
• Empty Lowepro weight: 2.4 kg
• Weight when loaded with gear: 9.1 kg

 

Here is all the equipment I put in my Lowepro BP 350:

• Nikon D5 Body
• Nikon 14-24 2.8 lens
• Nikon 24-70 2.8 lens
• Nikon 70-200 2.8 lens
• Nikon 1.4X TCIII

 

5. Tamrac 5793 Super Telephoto Lens Pack

This solid bag is built primarily for you to carry a long lens while attached to a Pro DSLR with a grip. It offers dual protection for the lens as the inside is padded and has an adjustable internal divider. 

 

This bag is for carrying long lenses from 400mm to 800mm with a body attached. Additionally, there are several pockets to store essential accessories. The Tarmac 5793 also features a Quick Clip Tripod attachment system for swift access. 

As hand luggage, you can carry a long lens and one body, as the weight of this camera bag complies with almost all airlines. You can place the rest of the gear in a hard case. More or less, this camera bag is reliable when you want to carry limited camera equipment.

• Dimensions: Exterior – 9.0 x 10.5 x 22.0″ (22.9 x 26.7 x 55.9 cm)

                                   Interior – 6.5 x 7.75 x 21.0″ (16.5 x 19.7 x 53.3 cm)

• Empty Tamrac 5793 weight: 2.3 kg
• Weight when loaded with gear: 7.7 kg

 

Here is the equipment I carry in my Tamrac 5793:

• Nikon D5 Body
• Nikon 600mm F4 FL

 

My final take

After using them for a long time, I have compiled my most preferred choices among these camera bags during my travels:

1. When I have a sufficient check-in baggage allowance, I usually prefer to place all my gear in the Pelican and travel hassle-free. In scenarios where you take the cameras with you in a handbag, it is always a hassle to remove everything for checking at the security checkpoints. But yes, you risk misplacement or loss of $25,000 worth of your camera gear in check-in baggage, but a complete loss is a rarity. I usually place a luggage tracker inside the Pelican for added safety and tracking. 
2. I choose the Thinktank over others as luggage for road trips. It is also very comfortable to carry during local train trips, as there is no such thing as hand baggage during such rides. On flights, if it is possible to sneak it in as hand luggage, then I always prefer to check in the cameras in Pelican. Some airlines, like British Airways and a few airlines in the US, do not check the weight of handbags but are only bothered about size. 
3. During safaris, I prefer to keep a camera handbag to store extra lenses and camera accessories, and I usually have two lenses mounted on two bodies. For this, I use Lowepro 350, which is handy and always within reach. Usually, my camera and lens are placed on the seats next to me during shoots. But if I need to change my lens quickly, I make use of the Lowepro handbag and also tug my GoPro, mobile tripods, etc. inside that bag. If there are packing limitations, using this camera handbag is not always the go-to option but nevertheless proves to be an ideal choice. 
4. I will repeat again: this post is not to suggest anyone buy any of these bags. That completely depends on the gear you have and in what kind of conditions you travel. This is just an illustration of how I manage my gear when packing. 

 

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