Last Updated on 03/02/2019 by Mark Beckenbach
These camera bags are ready to hit the streets, and they’ll look good doing it.
Camera bags don’t get a lot of attention, but they are an important accessory; definitely one that every photographer needs. They need to match our own personal style because in a way they are an extension of us, so it’s important that we choose our camera bags wisely. Street photographers need camera bags that are stylish, comfortable, easy carry around, must be able to hold the essentials, and they need to be able to withstand the elements. We’ve selected 10 camera bags from our extensive list of reviews that would be perfect for street photographers.
The 10 camera bags listed below are all great looking bags, and they offer great functionality while providing great levels of protection. We have selected camera bags that can fit just about every budget out there, so there will be something for everyone in this round up. Check out the camera bags below.
Think Tank Turnstyle 20 Sling Bag
Pros
- Comfortable on the back when fully loaded
- Able to carry a surprising amount of equipment
- Chest strap is an ample length for big and tall fellows
Cons
- When the bag is loaded it can slide forward if you’re kneeling down for a shot.
- The back of the bag doesn’t breathe very well on hot days.
Check out our full review
Buy now ($99.75): Amazon
Portage Supply Mariner Messenger Bag
Pros
- Weather proof
- Canvas and leather
- It’s beautiful
- Heavy duty
- Pockets exactly where I need them
- The laptop sleeve is closer to the front and so it keeps the balance of the bag when placed down on the ground
- The strap that makes it function like a suitcase is wonderful and removable
- This is the most comfortable strap that I’ve ever used on a messenger bag
Cons
- I wish that it had side pockets that were a bit more expandable.
- Someone is bound to want to put more into this bag
Check out our full review
Buy now ($109): Amazon
Think Tank Photo CityWalker 30
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Easily convertible to a traditional messenger bag (with the removal of the padded insert)
- Can easily accommodate laptops up to 15-inches as well as an assortment of camera gear.
- Includes interior side pocket, perfect for the computer power supply.
Cons
- Lacks a dedicated exterior pocket for smart phone (minor quibble)
Check out our full review
Buy now ($135.50): Amazon
ONA “The Bowery” Camera Bag
Pros
- The waxed canvas is weatherproof
- Gorgeous detailed stitching and great hardware
- Plenty of padding
- Enough space for a Mirrorless camera and a few lenses
Cons
- It simply will not work with larger DSLRs
Check out our full review
Buy now ($149): Amazon
The Oliday Journeyman
Pros
- Comfortable
- Adequate padding
- Very smart way of separating gear
- Weather proofing
Cons
- When you put a laptop in it, the bottom can be difficult to get to.
- I didn’t think the pockets on the sides and front were that secure. But I’ve been proven wrong.
- It should let you put a tripod on the bottom or top of the bag, not the side.
Check out our full review
Buy now ($155): Amazon
Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag
Pros
- Great build quality
- Excellent idea for a buckle closing clip
- Stabilizer Belt system to take the weight off your back is very nice
- Lots of room for so many things
- The best divider system that I’ve seen so far. Other companies should learn from this
- Top zipper means quicker access to your gear, though I honestly barely used it
- Top briefcase handle is excellent when situations in the NYC Subway get tight
- Incredible water resistance that astonished me
- Sling system is awesome. It kind of makes me feel like this bag should have been a sling to begin with.
Cons
- Modifying the shoulder strap to work for customers who wear their bag on the right shoulder isn’t so elegant or simple
- If the shoulder strap is modified, the stabilizer belt system needs to be modified.
- Could benefit from better side pocket design
- I’d love a smaller version for mirrorless cameras but that can also hold a 13 inch laptop at the same time.
- Belt Stabilizer system works best if you have a thinner waist.
Check out our full review
Buy now ($198.95): Amazon
Think Tank Retrospective 30 Leather
Pros
- Looks pretty once maintenance has been done and it gets worn in.
- Can hold lots of gear while still being comfortable on your shoulder
- Pretty much all the great stuff about the original bag
Cons
- Because this is a leather bag, it’ll require more maintenance on your part to uphold the good looks
- The Retrospective series and Think Tank as a brand have become well known and are fully acknowledged as being a camera bag; so lots of folks may know that you’re sporting around cameras and glass in here.
Check out our full review
Buy now ($199.99): Amazon
Tenba Cooper 13″ Slim Camera Bag
Pros
- Soft to the touch
- Resistant to the elements
- Comfortable
- Can carry lots of gear
- Compact even in the most crowded situations on the subways
- Stylish
- Can work well as a briefcase style bag too
- Quiet Velcro is nice
Cons
- I’d love a leather version, or more leather accents. But I also understand this is tough to do with the top zipper.
Check out our full review
Buy now ($229.93): Amazon
ONA Leather Prince Street Messenger Bag
Pros
- ONA’s sexiest bag yet
- Forces you to keep the camera package to a minimum
- Really quick access to your gear
- The ideal bag for the street photographer
Cons
- A tad pricey
- We wish we saw a bit more innovation to the product.
Check out our full review
Buy now ($389): Amazon
Billingham Rucksack 35
Pros
- Solid build quality
- Layers of protection
- Good looks
- Comfortable
- Balance in the design
- Weather proof
Cons
- Removable divider system when needed
- The smallest little hook strap
- I wish the adjustment straps tucked into themselves instead of flailing about
Check out our full review
Buy now ($399): Amazon