Like most photographers, I own more than one camera bag. There is my main bag, my video bag, my small tool bag, my roller bag for flying, and that one, never used, just sitting in the back of the cabinet, the camera bag is not clear origin.
An online search for “Kickstarter, camera bag” will reveal a multitude of new bags being created and offered for sale regularly. These offerings come from both established camera bag manufacturers and newcomers to this competitive field for the first time. The introduction to any new bag is usually something along the lines of how this particular bag will solve all the problems you have with your current bag. The Kickstarter videos all appear to be made from the same storyboard, with forced scenes of people modifying concept drawings on a mainframe screen, prototypes being tested, a person woman riding a mountain horse with a camera bag on her back and a yoga mat strapped to it and a photo of a 16-inch MacBook Pro being put in a dedicated compartment. Add some more coverage on how the bag is made from recycled materials and the Kickstarter campaign is ready to kick off. Notably, many of the camera bag campaigns on Kickstarter exceeded their funding goals. Obviously, photographers care about camera bags.
I’m not as dedicated to my camera bag as other photographers. Whenever a new camera bag is reviewed here on Fstoppers, the post generates a ton of user comments. People point out flaws in the design of that bag and often give the name and model number of their favorite bag. As I enter these words, I do not know my primary camera bag manufacturer but I believe it is made by Lowepro. When I stepped out of my computer to check the bag, I saw it was a discontinued Lowepro bag similar in design to the original. Lowepro Fastback Pro BP 250 AWIII.
I notice a lot of photographers wearing camera bags on their backs when shooting events. I find it very difficult to move through the crowd when I am carrying a bag. Also, most events don’t have room to secure the camera bag and I run the risk of having my bag stolen when I bring it to an event and leave it alone. For these reasons, I usually don’t bring a camera bag when taking event photos. I live in NYC, where I usually take the subway to my destination. It is very difficult to transport many camera bodies and lenses on board without a proper camera bag, so many times I have to carry a camera bag when traveling this way. However, if I’m driving for a gig, I usually leave my bag at home and travel with the transmission on the floor of the car or in the trunk.
The secret to this minimalist approach is Domke F-901 and F902 bag. I’ve been using these for decades as I’ve yet to find a product better suited for holding lenses, batteries, power bricks, and accessories while they’re working. I usually wear 2 or 3 of these bags when taking event photos. I use one Lowepro’s Belt to support the weight so my pants don’t get pulled down by the weight of the gears. Bags are great because they don’t have padding and once you remove the lens, the bag will lie flat and seem to disappear.
I recently photographed a back-to-school book giveaway held on a busy street outside a park in Brooklyn. Since I can drive to the event, I did not bring a camera bag. I wore one Nikon Z6 with 24-70mm . lens on one shoulder, and one Nikon Z7 with Lens 17-35mm on the opposite side. The Leica M10 Monochrom with 35mm Summilux was worn around my neck. On my belt is a Lowepro belt and a Domke bag. The smaller bag holds a Profoto A1and the larger bag contains an older version of Nikon 70-200mm lenses that I haven’t used today. The larger bag is where I put my M10 and 35mm lenses when I’m doing street photography or taking pictures at events organized by my family.
Working this way allows me to move easily through the crowd. And because I don’t try to hide my bag under the table, I can take photos of the event without wondering if someone is stealing my bag while I’m at work. Maybe this approach can work for you too.
What is your favorite camera bag? Do you ever leave it at home when taking photos of events?
