Last Updated on 02/11/2016 by Chris Gampat
Camera bags are even more numerous than cameras and lenses–and each one has its own specific target. Everyone has the camera bag that is just right for them. They can be tough to find, and some of them can be expensive because of heavy use of leather. The more affordable but stylish alternative is canvas. Canvas is also incredibly reliable and will last for many, many years.
If you’re looking for a low profile camera bag made in canvas, here are four that you’ll really enjoy.
Tenba Cooper 13″ Slim
Who should get this: The photographer who uses mirrorless or film camera gear, needs to tote their laptop around, and uses public transportation.
In our review, we state:
“During the past two months, I’ve been testing the Cooper 13″ Slim–wearing it amongst other journalists and photographer who are always checking out my gear, bringing it with me to shoots, and even toting it around at Photo Plus Expo–a Mecca for us photo nerds. And when it comes to a small messenger bag, I genuinely think that Tenba has nailed it here.”
Buy Now $353: Amazon
Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag
Who should get this: The photographer who needs a bag that does a lot more than carries their DSLR and their laptop.
In our review, we state:
“As I’m writing this post tonight, it’s raining really hard here in NYC and I’ve even turned down meeting a friend for drinks just six blocks away because it’s pouring so hard. This gave me an idea to test the waterproofing of this camera bag. So not too long ago I walked into my kitchen and poured a glass of water on it. No, I really did…
It resisted the pour like a fricken’ champ. Almost all the water slid right off of it and only a bit was absorbed. The absorbed water didn’t even go through to the interior. For this, Peak Design should really be praised because the material doesn’t even feel super weather resistant.”
Buy Now $249: Amazon
Think Tank Retrospective 30
Who should get this: The photographer who needs their laptop, flashes, lenses, cameras, and loads of accessories.
In our review, we state:
“The camera, flash, and pocket wizards all came out easy and went in easy. As I moved from location to location with my daughter I put all the gear away and took it out again in order to test the ease of use. I’d give it an A- with the minus coming due to the fact that while I love the pockets designed for the flash on either side of the bag they are both slightly tight and you have to wiggle to get the bigger flashes in. With anything smaller than a 580 or SB900 you would have tons of room but with the flagship flashes you are forced to due a tiny bit of work.”
Buy Now $194.75: Amazon
Domke F2
Who should get this: The photographer who needs loads of gear but doesn’t need their laptop with them and therefore needs something a bit slimmer.
In our review, we state:
“This bag is rugged, weatherproof, has great padding on the bottom to protect my lenses and gear, has lots of large pockets, has room for more straps to be slung onto it, and really ensures that it stays closed. Besides the buckles on it, there is also velcro that keeps the top shut. Besides this, Domke bags (most of them at least) are discrete and stylish. Additionally, this bag is much easier to lug around than a giant carry-on style bag.”
Buy Now $214: Amazon