The Bag

I’m at nine or maybe it’s 10 camera bags!

Why so many and why you’re likely going to end up with at least that number if not more?

Every camera, no matter how small or humble, deserves its own camera bag. And this is how it starts.

Your first entry camera usually comes with a “kit” lens (that’s the basic short zoom supplied when you bought your camera). When not in use your camera and kit lens will be safer from damage from the kids and pets and bad weather if they’re kept in a proper basic camera bag out of harm’s way.

That’s number one.

After you’ve done some shooting pretty soon, if you’re like the rest of us, you’ll start thinking that a fast and cheap 50mm f/1.8 lens that is great for shooting indoors and even works well for portraits would be a great second lens.

Now maybe you can force it into your existing camera bag (not a good idea) but another little bigger bag with a few more pockets would be ideal and would future-proof your need for a new bag.

That’s number two.

This is going to work for a while until one of two things happens. You’re going to want to buy a better faster, bigger, heavier zoom which will require more room and your existing bag built to carry a light load won’t be up to the job. Maybe the thin straps are starting to dig into your shoulders or the bag will shift under the weight and just doesn’t feel right when carrying this much load.

This is bag number three.

Like many members of my camera club The Oakville Camera Club over the months of membership they learn new skills and become significantly better photographers. As they enjoy their hobby more and more the idea that maybe a new more modern camera body would be a good idea.

It is a good idea but it comes at a cost beyond financial.

First it’s very likely going to be heavier. You’re probably going to want extra batteries and maybe some filters and a battery grip (an accessory that allows you to attach a second battery to your camera – and yes it adds weight) and maybe it’s time to add a flash unit and more batteries.

So now you’ve got two bodies, a battery grip and why not add a macro lens to the kit?

This calls for bag number four.

But wait, I haven’t finished.

In a year or two you’re going to want to take your new cameras and lenses and go on a vacation. This means all your equipment has to go as carry-on because you never ever check camera equipment and the airlines won’t let you pack batteries in your check-in luggage.

Welcome to camera bag number five.

This setup is going to work for your short winter get-away to a sandy beach (where you definitely want a bag that protects your expensive equipment from sand and salt sea spray).

But what about the “photo adventure” vacation.

For a lot of photo vacations like an African safari or birding adventure in Costa Rica or a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the high Arctic you’re going to need a lot longer and maybe even faster (read expensive) zoom lens. Again you might want to upgrade the cameras to the latest larger and heavier versions (read expensive) and you’re going to want to pack a tripod (usually in checked-in luggage).

And this is camera bag number six and it’s a beauty.

This partially framed backpacker bag is a big camera transport and can cost as much as your first camera. Also it’s got enough room and pockets that you can fill it to the point of being too heavy to lift and carry let alone get past the weight restrictions for some aircraft.

But wait! Is your partner in life also your partner in photography?

Well then we’re up to at least camera bag number seven or maybe even number eight.

Think this is the end?

Maybe street photography is calling. Sure you can do street photography with your existing digital equipment but what about going old school and shooting with a vintage film camera. You can buy cameras from the 60s and 70s in mint condition from dealers in Japan for a few hundred dollars. Add an inexpensive (relative term) 28 or 35mm lens you’re good to go. That is until you see so many street photographers shooting with super expensive Leicas and lens that can cost as much as your first car. You’re going to need a bag for this specialized gear.

That’s number nine.

And let’s not talk about medium format shooting either in digital or film as this equipment can take up a lot of room and will definitely need its own bag(s).

We’ve hit number 10 and I think we should stop now.

Welcome to your photography hobby and your own shelf of bags in the closet.