Photography camera bags for a low budget.
How to choose a camera bag?
This is the situation. I need a bag to carry my Canon DSLR camera and other equipment when out and about on the bike. I had a bag that was many years old but has now been laid to rest having seen better days! So, the hunt is on for a new bag that will accommodate the camera plus a variety of other equipment. So where to begin?
What do I need?
Now this question will be different I imagine for every person. Some things to consider are in the following list. Let us discuss each option and try and define in more detail what bag might fit the bill!
Here is a list of criteria to consider:-
- Budget
- Size of bag
- Type of bag
- Material
- Brand
- Weight
Budget
The budget is a key factor in deciding what to look at. I would rather spend more money on other items of kit. A bag comes lower down on my priorities so my budget for this is £50 or less. So why spend more if you don’t need to? I have had a quick look on the web and there are bags selling for as much as £1500! REALLY, who can justify doing that? If I was mega rich I still wouldn’t buy one of those! Maybe I am just too tight with my money. Others might say – “sensible”. Anyway, there do appear to be a few in the lower end of the price range, so that’s a positive.
Size of bag
I would rather have a bag that will fit inside the bikes topbox or panniers. Most will I imagine. It needs to be large enough to take the main camera body, 2-3 additional lenses, mini tripod, cleaning cloth, SD cards & power bank. Some bags come with an option to connect a larger sized tripod on the outside. It the bag has one thats a bonus. Probably good to have, save you carrying it separately.
Type of Camera Bag
These do come in either backpack format or a shoulder bag. I think the backpack design is best for me. I ideally don’t want to have to use it as a backpack whilst riding or travelling to a location. It will be stored safely in topbox. This design though is a little more flexible and will be fine for using as a backpack once at the location.
Material
No idea really. Not sure what they are made of these days? The only criteria for this is that it needs to be fairly tough and definately waterproof. Easy to wipe clean would be beneficial. That is it!
Brand
Again, there are several brands to choose from. Cannot say I have heard of any of them but you have to pick one at some point. Not that important really. More concerned that it needs to last a while and protect what is inside.
Weight
Now this is something that needs to be considered. An empty bag may not weigh much, but once loaded it could be a different story! I will be carrying it from the bike once arriving on location. Needs to be not too heavy so that I don’t suffer a hernia or other mishap whilst carrying it around.
Camera bags – what are some options?
My research here is pretty basic but I am looking at three places for buying a bag. These are Amazon, Jessops or Park Cameras. I had a look at all three websites and here are the bags I found that may fit my needs.
Vanguard Vesper Aspire 41 (Jessops £49.99)
The Vanguard Vesta Aspire 41 is a stylish, lightweight camera backpack that is ideal for DSLR or mirrorless cameras with 4-5 lenses, a travel tripod, accessories and still having a day-pack section above for personal kit (or more camera kit). Access to the full camera kit is from the rear for maximum security.
Vanguard VEO GO 34M (Park Cameras £45)
VEO GO 34M is a discrete, lightweight and stylish bags dedicated to Mirrorless cameras. that Incorporates a unique compartments for tripods up to 32.5cm.
Tarion Camera Sling Bag (Amazon £39.99)
TARION Camera Sling Bag, Waterproof Camera Travel Bag Photography Backpack Camera Shoulder Bag with Rain Cover for DSLR SLR Cameras Lens(TR-S, Black)
KONO Camera Backpack (Amazon £27.99)
Kono Camera Backpack Bag Waterproof Photography Camera Backpack with Tripod Holder, Removable Padded Insert, Large Capacity Camera Bag for SLR DSLR Canon..
Bagsmart Camera Bag (Amazon £35.99)
BAGSMART Camera Backpack, DSLR SLR Camera Bag Fits up to 13.3 Inch Laptop Water Resistant with Rain Cover, Tripod Holder for Women and Men, Black.
TARION Camera Bag (Amazon £39.99)
TARION Camera Backpack, Photography Backpack with Large Capacity, Padded Insert, 15” Laptop Compartment, Professional Waterproof Camera Bag.
What Budget Camera Bag did I buy?
I opted for the Tarion camera bag from Amazon (£39.99) which was available in a range of colours. I opted for black. I read a few reviews of each bag to help make up my mind. It was a toss up between this one and the Tarion sling bag. With the one I chose you do have a pocket for a laptop (15 inch) which I dont have at present but possibly in the future.
I also preferred this bag as just having one large main compartment, so less options of zips etc to go at when wondering what equipment is in what pocket etc. I will maybe do a review of it in a few months time. See if it was a good buy or not!
For Information
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