DSLR bag?

[KrisM]

I just bought myself a Canon XS. I only have the lens it came with now and am not sure what else I might get in the future. I'm looking for a bag.

I like this, in the 50 version: http://www.lowepro.com/toploaderzoom. I am thinking it holds most of the lenses I'd consider and is small/compact enough to be easy to take to school functions, etc. Kind of a daily bag. I'd likely get something else that's bigger to use for taking more gear on vacations, storing extras at home, etc. But, since I don't have any extras yet, I don't know what I'd get.

I hate carrying bags. I use a wristlet as my daily purse. I don't want a big bulky bag to carry around just to take pictures at a school event.

So, do you think that Lowepro would work? Or should I look for bigger/smaller? Should I be looking for just 1 bag that does it all? I'm open to suggestions!

[BillK]

I have a Tamrac Velocity 5 series that's very similar to the Lowepro you're looking at that I like. http://www.tamrac.com/frame_velocity.htm

I also have a Lowepro Slingshot that I like as well - but it's more for outings where I want to take ALL my camera stuff: http://products.lowepro.com/product/SlingShot-200-AW,2035,4.htm

Check www.bhphoto.com (http://www.bhphoto.com) for probably the best prices.

[Babymakes3]

I know you said you hate carrying bags but I thought i'd put these out there too. I have an Epiphanie Lola bag and I love it! I was thinking maybe the Lyric might work, it looks pretty comfy and I like that it can be worn crossbody.

http://www.epiphaniebags.com/#/shop/

Another great bag company is Kelly Moore bags.

http://www.kellymoorebag.com/

I use my Lola bag when i'm out and know I might want more than 1 lens with me. If i'm just taking my main lens I just use this as a cover and throw it in my daily bag.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=optech#/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=optech+pouch&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aoptech+pouch

[curiousgeorge]

We have a Canon 60D. Our small case that holds the camera with one lens on it is the Tamrac 3330. It is a snug fit for the camera so it seems pretty protected but certainly can't fit anything else in there with it. The side pockets are pretty tight so all we have in there is the remote. I like it for taking it somewhere like the park, a birthday party, putting in a bigger bag if I know I won't need the other lenses.

For our bigger back to hold additional lenses, accessories, etc. we have the Lowepro Micro Trekker 200 Camera Backpack. I love it.
http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-Trekker-200-Backpack-Black/dp/B00007E7UN/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

We have taken it on many travels and it has held up very well. Several friends have borrowed it for the same purpose and loved it. You can definitely fit your camera and extra lenses in it. You could easily also fit your wristlet, cell phone, keys, a guide book, etc. in there as well. We even attached a small lightweight tripod to the bottom of it like one of the pictures on Amazon shows. I think it is a great "bigger" bag.

Have fun with your new camera!

[Snow mom]

I have a Tamrac Velocity 5 series that's very similar to the Lowepro you're looking at that I like. http://www.tamrac.com/frame_velocity.htm


I have the Velocity 6 and I carry my camera with three lenses in it (the kit lens, a 55-250, and a 30 mm prime). When I don't want to carry so much out and about (almost always) I just carry the camera without a bag. Even taking a camera out of the bag takes time that will make you miss shots.

[KrisM]

I have the Velocity 6 and I carry my camera with three lenses in it (the kit lens, a 55-250, and a 30 mm prime). When I don't want to carry so much out and about (almost always) I just carry the camera without a bag. Even taking a camera out of the bag takes time that will make you miss shots.

How do you deal with rain or setting the camera down? I'm heading out in a minute for the kindergarten concert, which is just in the gym at school. It's pouring. I'm going to find a bag to stick the camera in because I don't want it wet. And, I'll probably want to set it down while we're in DD's room having snacks. This is why I thought a small and a larger bag would be good.


I'll take a look at the links so far later. Tossing it in my 'everday' bag won't work, as this is my everyday bag: http://www.amazon.com/Ju-Be-Major-Wallet-Lullaby/dp/B001TZ2RDI.

[larig]

I like Crumpler camera bags. I have the 4 million dollar home (http://www.crumpler.com/us/Camera-Bags/Camera-Bags/4-Million-Dollar-Home.html?LanguageCode=EN&SKU=MD4002-X01P40) for my canon t2i. I can carry the lens that it came with, and my 50mm, no problem. I've traveled a lot with it and it really has done a good job protecting my camera. It doesn't have much room for personal belongings apart from the camera, but I can squeeze in my very small wallet, lipstick and keys.

[mom2khj]

I like Crumpler camera bags. I have the 4 million dollar home (http://www.crumpler.com/us/Camera-Bags/Camera-Bags/4-Million-Dollar-Home.html?LanguageCode=EN&SKU=MD4002-X01P40) for my canon t2i. I can carry the lens that it came with, and my 50mm, no problem. I've traveled a lot with it and it really has done a good job protecting my camera. It doesn't have much room for personal belongings apart from the camera, but I can squeeze in my very small wallet, lipstick and keys.

I love my Crumpler too. I have either 4 or 5 million. I also have a much larger Crumpler for when I want to bring all my camera equipment, but I almost never do that. LOL.

I have been eyeing some others for awhile: Jill-e, Kelly Moore, Epiphanie, Jo Totes, etc. But can't seem to settle on one.

I also just saw Vera Bradley has introduced a camera bag. I love Vera tote bags, so I may take a look at that one.

[endlessheather]

I have 2 that I love - a Crumpler and then this one. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XX7XWW/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00

This is my smaller one and holds just the right amount, very lightweight and slim profile. I'm eying some of the more girly bags :) but DH carries my camera a lot too.

[m448]

I prefer inserts so I can put them in an existing bag (usually my larger purses). I have this one as my everyday insert and it fits a the body (canon t2i), a small prime (50mm), my IR remote and the camera with a medium zoom lens that's pretty hefty.

http://www.amazon.com/DSLR-Camera-Insert-Compact-II/dp/B003WQNLBY

The little round foam piece has velcro and is repositionable for configuring your own layout and I keep the lid of it folded back on itself since it's flexible when it's inside my purse. That way I don't have to open both my purse and the insert. I put my camera lens down in the foam tube and it's ready to go.


I also own this click elite for when I want to carry more lenses and can put it in a tote.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0037NZA16/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00

It's nice and well padded, enough space for about 2 larger lenses and the body+lens or many more smaller lenses and accessories.

[katydid1971]

I got this one at Christmas on a lightening deal. It holds two lenses, a flash, and my camera body just perfectly. I want one of those pretty bags Babymakes3 listed but I just can't get myself to spend the money.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004SN0UQY/ref=s9_simh_gw_p421_d0_g421_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0D ER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0NNBVP7ZN9M03X5F8XY6&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

[fauve01]

I have this Tamrac and i like it a lot.
http://www.tamrac.com/frame_velocity.htm

it is a snug fit for my Canon XTi and Tamron 18-270 lens. I like that the bag has the three zippered pockets on the sides--i keep extra batteries, a cloth, memory card, sometimes my housekey.

i also have a zippered case i use for my other lens and i velcro it to the Tamrac strap if i think i may want to switch out lenses, but i hardly ever do that.
http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-Lens-Case-13-Black/dp/B004KJE8FU/ref=pd_bxgy_p_text_b

[codex57]

We have the Lowepro Toploader 65 and the Crumpler 4 Million Dollar Home as the everyday bag. I like the Crumpler, DW likes the Lowepro.

We have a Lowepro Slingshot 200 that we use as storage at home for all our gear. We also have a Stealth Reporter that used to be our carryall but we outgrew that.

[lmintzer]

I have that bag and use it as my small bag for when I am only taking 1 lens. It is easy to get the camera in and out of and very light. I can even (just barely) squeeze in my XSi plus 55-250 telephoto lens. With this lens, I have to let the camera strap hang out. But if it just up and back to a school event or a soccer game, it's no big deal.

[KHF]

I tried several bags...including the Epiphanie Lola and a few others. I ended up ditching the camera bag all together and bought a neoprene wrap for mine. Now I just throw it in my purse. Even if I don't carry a purse, I still just use the neoprene wrap. I bought a long neckstrap for it that can be worn cross-body, so it's very convenient.

[KrisM]

I have this Tamrac and i like it a lot.
http://www.tamrac.com/frame_velocity.htm

it is a snug fit for my Canon XTi and Tamron 18-270 lens. I like that the bag has the three zippered pockets on the sides--i keep extra batteries, a cloth, memory card, sometimes my housekey.

i also have a zippered case i use for my other lens and i velcro it to the Tamrac strap if i think i may want to switch out lenses, but i hardly ever do that.
http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-Lens-Case-13-Black/dp/B004KJE8FU/ref=pd_bxgy_p_text_b

Which Tamrac model do you have?

[fauve01]

Which Tamrac model do you have?

sorry! i thought that link worked to the specific bag. I am pretty sure i have Tamrac Adventure Zoom 5, model 5515. it's one with the buckle thing to close in front, and three zippered pockets.

http://www.amazon.com/Tamrac-5515-Adventure-Zoom-Black/dp/B000P41DVG/ref=dp_cp_ob_p_title_1

[pomegranate]

I have a Lowepro Slingshot and also an insert from etsy.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/676052-REG/Lowepro_LP36172_PEU_SlingShot_102_AW_Camera.html
http://www.etsy.com/listing/94100595/dslr-camera-bag-insert-in-brown

I use both. I like the Lowepro but in hindsight probably would've liked a backpack-style better because of how the strap cuts across my busty chest. I also like my insert and how I can put it in any large-size purse I already have.

I don't have really expensive equipment, but can fit all (almost all of it) in either bag or insert. I have a Nikon D40, 18-55mm kit lens, 55-200mm lens, 50mm lens, small external flash. Well, I guess I have a tripod too, which of course does not fit into either bag or insert.

[KrisM]

I am leaning towards the Lowepro Passport Sling (http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-Passport-Sling-Camera-Mica/dp/B0039NLS3I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336706213&sr=8-1). I tried it at Best Buy and it seemed like it would work for me. Enough for the camera and an extra lens, plus I could put my purse inside and only have 1 thing to carry around.

[sarahsthreads]

I am leaning towards the Lowepro Passport Sling (http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-Passport-Sling-Camera-Mica/dp/B0039NLS3I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336706213&sr=8-1). I tried it at Best Buy and it seemed like it would work for me. Enough for the camera and an extra lens, plus I could put my purse inside and only have 1 thing to carry around.

I have and *adore* that bag, in the mica color. I've been carrying it for a year now, and have been very happy with it!

I typically carry the camera + an extra lens, a lens cleaner pen, spare battery and memory card. I can put a third lens in (the two spare lenses stand up next to each other in the smaller divided compartment) or an external flash, and have been known to put my digital video camera on top of the insert as well. It also fits my wallet, tiny first-aid kit, a travel pack of wipes and a random assortment of plastic frogs, toy cars, tiny colored pencils and old grocery lists. All without unzipping for the extra room!

I actually carry it as my purse even when I'm not taking my camera along for the ride. I take out the camera insert when I want to travel a bit lighter, and either carry it mostly empty or put my kindle and knitting projects in it. :)

I hope it works for you!

Sarah :)

[BayGirl2]

I have a Jill E bag where I keep my camera, accessories, and extral lenses. They have some really cute bags.

If I just want to stick my camera into a smaller bag or purse I put it in a JuJuBe Fuel Cell. It's padded but light and squishy.

[KrisM]

I have and *adore* that bag, in the mica color. I've been carrying it for a year now, and have been very happy with it!

I typically carry the camera + an extra lens, a lens cleaner pen, spare battery and memory card. I can put a third lens in (the two spare lenses stand up next to each other in the smaller divided compartment) or an external flash, and have been known to put my digital video camera on top of the insert as well. It also fits my wallet, tiny first-aid kit, a travel pack of wipes and a random assortment of plastic frogs, toy cars, tiny colored pencils and old grocery lists. All without unzipping for the extra room!

I actually carry it as my purse even when I'm not taking my camera along for the ride. I take out the camera insert when I want to travel a bit lighter, and either carry it mostly empty or put my kindle and knitting projects in it. :)

I hope it works for you!

Sarah :)

Yay! I'm glad to hear you like it! I got the Mica color too. I was surprised I liked it in the store because it seemed too big and bulky for my taste online. I can't wait to try it on Sunday.