We all need camera bags to protect our gear while we are out and about, but you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a great one.
Camera bags are one of those items that we need as photographers, but we don’t always give them the attention and credit that they deserve. Camera bags are essential as they allow us to carry and protect our gear as we traipse across town or go on a hike, but did you know that you don’t have to spend a small fortune to get a great one? The camera bags we have put together in this roundup are not only functional, protective, and stylish, they all cost under $150 as well; in fact, most of them are under $100! Join us after the break to see which affordable camera bags we highly recommend.
All of the camera bags listed below will help you get your gear from A to B, and they will protect everything from the elements while guarding them against bumps and dings. We loved all of these bags when we reviewed them. They represent outstanding value for money, and they show that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a quality product. Check out our suggestions for affordable camera bags below.
Vanguard Havana 48 Blue Backpack
Here are the pros and cons from our full review:
Pros
- Great build quality
- Weather sealed
- Incredibly comfortable
- Can comfortably carry a tripod on the side
- Quick enough access to your gear without a ton of steps
- Lots of space for storage
- Even when there is a laptop in here, the bag is comfortable
Cons
- Why the hell did you make this blue nylon and not blue canvas, Vanguard? Come on!
Buy now: $89.99
Tenba DNA 15 Messenger Bag
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 a 15-inch laptop, a 9.7-inch iPad
- The bag is comfortable to carry around for long periods
- The bag is 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: $139.99
Tarion M-02
Here are the pros and cons from our full review:
Pros
- Security
- Weather sealing
- Good quality zippers
- A fair amount of pockets
- Holds its shape well
- Pretty comfortable, but we wish it had straps to go around your waist and not just the top area
- An INCREDIBLY ATTRACTIVE PRICE POINT!
Cons
- We wish that it had quick access via a side pocket zipper
Buy now: $59.89
Pro Tip: Camera bags do a great job of storing all of our cameras and lenses, but they are a great place to store accessories too. Keep your camera bags stocked up with items like a basic cleaning kit, some weatherproof camera, and lens covers, and some spare SD cards. Keeping these items in your bag will help keep you ready for whatever might come your way while you’re out and about.
Portage Supply Kenora Backpack (4th Generation)
Here are the pros and cons from our full review:
Pros
- Rugged and well built
- Nothing feels cheap
- Weather sealed
- Quick access on the side
- When putting a tripod on the side, it doesn’t feel like it’s going to throw your back off
- Lots and lots of pockets
- Really affordable
Cons
- You really need to take your time to figure out the interior configuration.
- The strap adjusters sort of just sit there and stay long. We wish there was a way to make them compact and out of the way
Buy now: $79
Portage Supply Mariner Messenger Bag
Here are the pros and cons from our full review:
Pros
- Weatherproof
- Canvas and leather
- It’s beautiful
- Heavy duty
- Pockets exactly where you 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 we’ve ever used on a messenger bag
Cons
- We wish that it had side pockets that were a bit more expandable.
Buy now: $69