You’ll be able to carry your gear around in style with these camera bags.
We talk about gear a lot because it’s just a fun thing to do, but rarely do we talk about the essential, yet under-appreciated, camera bags that carry our gear around. Event photographers need stylish, versatile camera bags. They need to be able to hold your cameras, lenses, flashes, and accessories with ease, but they also need to be comfortable to use for multiple hours. After the break, we will take a quick look at several camera bags perfect for all types of event photographers.
As an event photographer, I know just how important it is to have a bag that not only looks stylish and professional, but that also carries the gear I need to get the job done. I generally hit an event with my primary camera, a backup, two to three lenses (generally a fast prime like a 50mm f1.8, a 24-70mm f2.8, and a 70-200mm f2.8), extra batteries, and a flash. Of course, everyone is different and has different needs. Some photographers like to carry less gear, and others like to pack everything, including the kitchen sink.
I find messenger style bags are perfectly suited for this work. They offer plenty of space and quick access to the gear inside. The camera bags listed below provide lots of storage space, they have beautiful looks, great design elements, and offer lots of versatility. If you’re an event photographer of any kind and you need a new bag, check out a few wide-ranging options below.
For the Photographer Who Likes to Keep Things Light – Tenba Cooper 13″
Here are the pros and cons from our full review:
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
- It would be better in leather, or more leather accents. But we also understand this is tough to do with the top zipper
Buy now: $234.95
For the Event Photographer Who Likes to Carry it All – Domke Chronicle
Here are the pros and cons from our full review:
Pros
- The Domke Chronicle is easily configurable
- There are lots of pockets
- The bag arrives already waxed and comes with extra wax to refresh it
Cons
- The bag could use a more rugged covering on the bottom
- No rain protection beyond the wax coating for ultra-heavy rains
Buy now: $267.99
Pro Tip: There’s quite a bit more to event photography than you may think. On the business side of things, you need to know how to market yourself to get the gigs in the first place, and then you need to know how to handle high volume photography events so that you don’t get buried. If you’re thinking about getting into this genre of work, we highly recommend you check out this tutorial about high volume photoshoots and business so that you can go into your gigs with confidence.
For Photographers Who Like Great Value – Tenba DNA 15 Messenger
Here are the pros and cons from our full review:
Pros
- The DNA 15 provides quick access to your camera and lenses
- You can easily tote around a 15-inch laptop and a 9.7-inch iPad
- Comfortable to carry for long periods
- TSA friendly and provides resistance to the weather
- It has a great design that doesn’t scream, “I’m a camera bag!”
Cons
- The zipper ring pulls feel cheap compared to other parts of the bag
- The interior padding is on the thin side
- Closing the top zipper with one hand when fully open can be a challenge
Buy now: $174.95
For the Photographer Who Demands More – Billingham Hadley Pro
Here are the pros and cons from our full review:
Pros
- Weather sealed
- Beautiful
- Leather and canvas
- Expandable pockets
- Incredibly comfortable
- Can pack a whole lot of gear, laptop, cords, and more.
- Very well built
Cons
- To be honest, nothing
Buy now: $398.99