Recommend me a small camera bag?

Crotal Bell

Crotal Bell

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Keith
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I have a Lumix MFT and just two lenses, 12-60 and 100-300, and I like to keep things as light as possible. Additionally I'm hoping to take some photography trips on my bike soon.

Can anyone recommend a decent simple bag for a small amount of gear like mine please?

I assume a normal backpack is just asking for damage?
 
One thing you could do is buy a camera bag insert and put it inside an existing or cheap bag.

Other than that. My local Currys has a decent choice of cheap bags or you could check out the Amazon Basic camera bags.
 
woof woof said:
One thing you could do is buy a camera bag insert and put it inside an existing or cheap bag.

Other than that. My local Currys has a decent choice of cheap bags or you could check out the Amazon Basic camera bags.
Click to expand...
Thanks Alan
 
Crotal Bell said:
I have a Lumix MFT and just two lenses, 12-60 and 100-300, and I like to keep things as light as possible. Additionally I'm hoping to take some photography trips on my bike soon.

Can anyone recommend a decent simple bag for a small amount of gear like mine please?

I assume a normal backpack is just asking for damage?
Click to expand...

Tardis

Nothing else will do :)

If you go out with the G80 and the100-300, and a couple of spare batteries (which I have never used in a day, but won't go without them) it will fit into an ordinary long nose SLR bag,

The G9 and most of the lenses are kept in the house in a back pack, as it offers reasonable protection, but I have never taken the whole thing with me.
I have a sling bag (don't know what they are normally called, like a backpack but only one strap over one shoulder) that I usually use if I want to take a couple on lenses and maybe a compact, it has a steady strap that goes round you body so that it can't slide to one side, so is secure for walking/cycling etc.

Also have a couple of ordinary shoulder bags that will hold the camera 100-300, 45-200 and a 14-45 0r 12-60 plus batteries and a couple of filters.

Apart from the big names, my favourite make is Unomat, they are well made and well though out, and Hama seem to get sizes right to be useful too, not too bad quality.

Just noticed that you did mention cycling, I'll take a couple of pictures of the sling bag later, it is the one I like to use most when cycling. I also have a top/bottom split small Unomat back pack that also has the waist band to stabilise it and tripod straps, which is also comfortable on a bike. (Sounds grand, but I cheat, my bike has a electric motor that does most the work :) )
 
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Ed Sutton said:
I'm a Domke fan and have an F-3X as my small bag, but on a bike I might be looking for one with more padding in case I fell off! :LOL:
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I just use Domke wraps on the lenses but I also have the 4 lens insert in there which keeps things well enough protected.
 
THIRTYFIVEMILL said:
I just use Domke wraps on the lenses but I also have the 4 lens insert in there which keeps things well enough protected.
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I have an F6 and it fits neatly into my tank bag for easy access if I just pull over to grab a shot. It's amazing how much you can fit into it. 003 Domke F6 Packed.JPG

This was 3 X-Pro1s plus a couple of extra lenses and a filter system.
 
If cycling and walking for that matter find a bag that is soft enough to wrap round your body. Standard camera bags just end up bouncing. I have a shoulder bag from vanguard. It came with an insert. It sits cross body and doesn’t bounce along as you walk. I often dont use the insert although would for cycling
 
THIRTYFIVEMILL said:
I just use Domke wraps on the lenses but I also have the 4 lens insert in there which keeps things well enough protected.
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I have a two lens insert in my F-2, nothing at all in the F-3. They're great bags. I wish you didn't have to pay a premium for the olive ones or I'd get myself an F-1. Domke camera straps are great too.
 
Ed Sutton said:
I have a two lens insert in my F-2, nothing at all in the F-3. They're great bags. I wish you didn't have to pay a premium for the olive ones or I'd get myself an F-1. Domke camera straps are great too.
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From what I can see having a quick look, they cost about 5 times or more than the makes I use.
Do you get 5X the protection for your equipment, or is there something else that I'm missing?

I can understand if it is just that they are reputedly very good quality etc. and people want to own the best, each to their own in that way, but for me I'm not sure I want to spend a comparatively large amount if I am not getting some material gain :)
 
I used to do a lot of cycling and photography, the Lowepro slingshot worked perfectly for me

www.lowepro.com

Slingshot Edge 250 AW

Made for urban environments, the Slingshot Edge 250 AW is designed to keep your powerful and compact DSLR kit within quick reach. And your go-to tablet, smartphone, headphones, wallet and other essentials well organized.
www.lowepro.com www.lowepro.com

This is a slight variation on the one I used, on journey that was mostly ride, I would carry a stripped down system (I was using 4/3 at the time, rather than m4/3) and use the space for ride stuff, when on a photo hunt I could carry a useful amount of gear. The action of the bag allows very quick access to the camera, and the small footprint helps avoid sticky back.

The only caveat I would have is that the access flap zip (which can see a lot of action) went wrong for me. I had it replaced under warranty, it then went again a couple of years later. No idea if this is still an issue, but it wouldn't put me off, as it was so ideal.
 
I use a Hadley digital for my xt3 and 3 primes and they fit like a glove
 
Sangoma said:
From what I can see having a quick look, they cost about 5 times or more than the makes I use.
Do you get 5X the protection for your equipment, or is there something else that I'm missing?

I can understand if it is just that they are reputedly very good quality etc. and people want to own the best, each to their own in that way, but for me I'm not sure I want to spend a comparatively large amount if I am not getting some material gain :)
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I'm not one for spending money either (until I damaged the strap I used a small fishing bag that cost peanuts - which had been discontinued when I needed to replace it), but I hate over-padded bags and couldn't find one of the right size with the right combination of pockets for a lower price. Domke bags are pricey (cheaper than Billinghams ;) ) but 'just work'. I still wouldn't use one if riding a pushbike.
 
Topsy said:
I have an F6 and it fits neatly into my tank bag for easy access if I just pull over to grab a shot. It's amazing how much you can fit into it. View attachment 359134

This was 3 X-Pro1s plus a couple of extra lenses and a filter system.
Click to expand...



That is one full bag of kit !
I do believe padded dividers are essential in a bag to be versatile for change in kit.
 
This looks the same as the one I have and use when I don't have something specific in mind.

www.ebay.co.uk

Camera / Video gear backpack rucksack bag UNOMAT pro photo photographic DSLR SLR | eBay

High quality. when possible.
www.ebay.co.uk

In it I can carry The G9 with 100-400 attached, G80 body, 100-300 lens, 14-140 lens, 20mm f1.7 lens, 9mm pancake lens, TZ60 compact, 3 spare batteries for each camera, filters, remote shutter release, ans spare memory cards, cloths etc. The whole lot weighs 4.4kg, which is not bad, and the pack itself is not large so comfortable and hot restricting on your back.

The sling bag I mentioned earlier is the same as some one posted above, so no point in posting a photob1.jpgb2.jpgb3.jpg
 
I have too many camera bags...

When I am out on my pushbike, I use a small camera bag inside my usually MTB hydration pack - something like a Lowepro Adventura or a Thinktank Mirrorless Mover. I prefer a rucksack to a shoulderbag/sling whilst cycling, as it keeps balanced.
 
Sangoma said:
This looks the same as the one I have and use when I don't have something specific in mind.

www.ebay.co.uk

Camera / Video gear backpack rucksack bag UNOMAT pro photo photographic DSLR SLR | eBay

High quality. when possible.
www.ebay.co.uk

In it I can carry The G9 with 100-400 attached, G80 body, 100-300 lens, 14-140 lens, 20mm f1.7 lens, 9mm pancake lens, TZ60 compact, 3 spare batteries for each camera, filters, remote shutter release, ans spare memory cards, cloths etc. The whole lot weighs 4.4kg, which is not bad, and the pack itself is not large so comfortable and hot restricting on your back.

The sling bag I mentioned earlier is the same as some one posted above, so no point in posting a photoView attachment 359138View attachment 359139View attachment 359140
Click to expand...
I like that.
 
I'm just awaiting delivery of a used Lowepro Stealth Reporter D100 shoulder bag for my Panny GX9 plus 3 small primes - 4 if you count the one attached to the body. I'll let you know how the gear fits in it. PS it was only £14 from MPB.
 
tijuana taxi said:
If you are riding a bicycle it would make much more sense to have the load balanced equally on your back.

I have a brand new unused one of these you can have at a bargain price. https://www.dalephotographic.co.uk/...-solstice-backpack-12l-blue-816779020718.html
Bought it at the photography show last year, but my worn out shoulder requires surgery so I can't use a backpack
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Thanks Rich. I like the look of Steves one, It's small but big enough for my single camera and two lenses.
Thanks for the offer though.
 
Sangoma said:
From what I can see having a quick look, they cost about 5 times or more than the makes I use.
Do you get 5X the protection for your equipment, or is there something else that I'm missing?

I can understand if it is just that they are reputedly very good quality etc. and people want to own the best, each to their own in that way, but for me I'm not sure I want to spend a comparatively large amount if I am not getting some material gain :)
Click to expand...

Well, I bought mine nearly 30 years ago and it's still in perfect shape. Not a single stitch has gone. It's the one bag I'll never part with. That said, I have a very similar but just slightly larger Domke bag which I have for sale which might suit you well and save you paying out for a new one. These are the kind of bags that just get better with age.

 
gramps said:
I use one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vanguard-S...la-859315833529&ref=&adgrpid=91266390122&th=1

It holds 2 x OMD E-M5 Mk3 (mft) bodies with small primes attached and another small prime.
Compartment below for small tripod or other things.
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That reminded me I also have a Vanguard Oslo 25 in a cupboard, my daughter used it for a trip to New York
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vanguard-Oslo-25GY-Bag-Grey/dp/B00RZD8N9K
Might suit you Keith, sounds like the sort of size you are looking at, decent shoulder strap and waterproof cover.
Must get round to listing all these bags for sale one of these days
 
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Stephen L said:
I'm just awaiting delivery of a used Lowepro Stealth Reporter D100 shoulder bag for my Panny GX9 plus 3 small primes - 4 if you count the one attached to the body. I'll let you know how the gear fits in it. PS it was only £14 from MPB.
Click to expand...
It's arrived, and although I have yet to play origami with the dividers, it very easily sits the GX9, 15mm Panny attached, and 12mm Oly, 45mm Oly, and 25mm Panny lens, with space for at least 2 pork pies.
 
My go to is a Lowepro BP150, cost me £50. Fits nicely and comfortably on my back with Nikon D500 + 500mm PF with a spare lens or two and sometimes a D600 body. Lots of pockets for drinks and snacks. I have several other bags but always seem to end up taking the BP150. IMHO would be a good choice for biking, keeps the load central on your back.
 
Crotal Bell said:
I like the look of that Rich, just not sure if it would fit G80 12-60 +100-300 + FZ82
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That lot is easily as big as your kit, you can see the comparison in the second picture.
Even stuck the wife's FZ45 bridge camera and my 8-18 in to show how much space there is

Here you go, G9 and 12-100, 8-18 and FZ45, loads of room to spare
Could easily get another couple of lenses and a flash in there plus the pockets it has for other stuff
IMG_1287 1.jpg
G80/100-300 compared to G9/12-100
Untitled.jpg
 
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tijuana taxi said:
That lot is easily as big as your kit, you can see the comparison in the second picture.
Even stuck the wife's FZ45 bridge camera and my 8-18 in to show how much space there is

Here you go, G9 and 12-100, 8-18 and FZ45, loads of room to spare
Could easily get another couple of lenses and a flash in there plus the pockets it has for other stuff
View attachment 359279
G80/100-300 compared to G9/12-100
View attachment 359280
Click to expand...
So the FZ82 could go in the middle, G80 with 12-60 on one side and 100-300 on the other. Hmmm that could be exactly what I want mate.
 
Topsy said:
I have an F6 and it fits neatly into my tank bag for easy access if I just pull over to grab a shot. It's amazing how much you can fit into it. View attachment 359134

This was 3 X-Pro1s plus a couple of extra lenses and a filter system.
Click to expand...

The great thing with Domke bags (and this was exactly how they were initially designed) is that they don't look like photography bags, so you get a little bit less attention when walking round with one. That and they're so well made. They remind me of the Filson bags. I have 4 Filsons too but they don't make photo bags, unfortunately.
 
THIRTYFIVEMILL said:
The great thing with Domke bags (and this was exactly how they were initially designed) is that they don't look like photography bags, so you get a little bit less attention when walking round with one. That and they're so well made. They remind me of the Filson bags. I have 4 Filsons too but they don't make photo bags, unfortunately.
Click to expand...
It looks great but I took the bag off Rich, at £15 that's a bargain.
 
ive a lowepro slingshot 102 AW, fits a camera, couple of small lenses, a flash some triggers and a set of filters, hugs your body well and easyish access , i also have a givi,xstream 15 litre tank bag though not camera specific so ive got some foam that i cut out to the shape of the camera/lens that i use too, this works well and is easier to get to than the sling back but cant carry just as much
 
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