The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Camera Bag
It takes time and money to put together your camera kit, so it makes sense that you should put some consideration into choosing the right camera bag to protect it from harm. A good camera bag is vital to keep your camera gear safe while travelling, as well as when it is stored away and not in use.
Find out how to choose the right camera bag for your mirrorless camera kit and photography style with our helpful guide to camera bags.
How to choose the right camera bag for your camera
When choosing a camera bag, the first question you need to ask yourself is: how much do you need to carry? There are several factors that will ultimately decide which type of camera bag is the right one for you. You need to make sure that the style you choose meets your needs, and that is durable enough to last you a long time.
The most important consideration is what type of camera bag you want to carry. Are you looking for the best camera bag for your mirrorless camera? If you are looking for something that carries all of your mirrorless camera kit, including additional lenses, flashguns and accessories, a larger backpack may be in order. If, however, you only want to carry the essentials or you are heading away for the weekend, you may be able to get away with a compact travel camera bag.


What are the different types of camera bags?
Here is a rundown of the common types of camera bags and what gear each is best suited to.


Backpacks
Stylish camera backpacks are a great option if you need to take all or most of your favourite gear on the road with you, or for storing your gear safely at home. If you can’t choose between the wide-angle lenses or telephoto lenses for your trip, a backpack has room to comfortably store both. You can also fit in your flashgun to improve your chances of getting better shots in low light conditions.
Gadget bags
Gadget bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they generally allow you to take a few of your favourite lenses with you, but not your full kit. If you are heading for a weekend away and you know you will take some landscape shots, but also some portraits of your family, a gadget bag will have room for your wide-angle lens and your prime lens attached to your camera body.
Sling bags
Sling bags are perfect for day trips and street shooting, as they allow you to access your gear quicker than gadget bags. When your gear is not in use, you can comfortably carry the bag at your side, while it can quickly be swivelled to the front of your body when the perfect shot comes along.
Messenger bag
Messenger bags are a good option for maintaining your stylish reputation while you photograph. The best camera messenger bags don’t look like your typical camera bag, which is not only good for your image but can also avoid any unwanted attention that a stacked camera bag can bring.
Snoot bags
Snoot bags are the perfect compact travel camera bag. If you have a favourite camera and lens combo, or even an adventure camera, a snoot bag is the best way to keep that kit safe and secure when you head out for a hike or a day walking the streets of the city.


Extra considerations and features
Modern camera bags are typically made to a high standard, but there are still a few things you can look out for to make sure you find a bag that’s suitable for your camera kit.


Size matters
Selecting a bag that is spacious enough for all of your gear is one thing but making sure it will keep your gear safe is another entirely. For example, a camera bag with a big main compartment may be the best camera bag for your mirrorless camera and several lenses, but without padded protection, all of this equipment will collide together as you move around. Your best bet is a camera bag with compartments and customisable padding, so you can make adjustments to keep your gear safe, as you add and subtract lenses and accessories.
Is it waterproof?
To ensure your electronic equipment is safe from the rain or small splashes of water, you should ensure it is made from weather-resistant materials. For use in inclement weather, go one step further and select a camera bag that has an all-weather cover.
Don’t forget the little things
Choosing a camera bag with compartments is great to store your favourite camera accessories. This includes smaller items, such as memory cards and batteries, which can usually be housed in small zippered pockets, and specific accessories that need a dedicated space, such as smaller tripods, laptops or tablets.
Where are you going with your camera bag?
Whether you want a camera bag to safely store all of your camera gear at home, or you are taking your camera gear travelling will be a big deciding factor in what bag you should choose. When choosing a camera bag for travel, consider if you are taking all of your gear with you or just your favourite travel camera and a simplified kit. If you are going abroad you also need to consider where the camera bag will be during a flight. Many keen photographers will choose a specialised camera bag to store their carry on luggage, which will not only store their gear but also suitable personal effects. If this is the case, make sure you research the carry on size requirements for your flight.
Top tips for choosing the best camera bag
Here are a couple of extra tips for choosing the best camera bags:
- Read reviews to see how other photographers have got on with the bag - positive reviews can be a good indication of quality.
- Make sure the bag you choose has comfortable and supportive straps - camera equipment can be heavy and you want to protect your back and shoulders as much as possible.
- Choose a material that will be easy to keep clean - keep in mind that lighter fabrics will show colour transfer from denim, etc. more easily than darker colours.


Find the right camera bag for you and your camera gear
Find the perfect camera bag today
If you’re looking for a new camera bag, we have what you need at Ted’s Cameras. We stock a range of camera bags from messenger bags to backpacks that can transport and protect your precious camera kit. Our stock is 100% Australian, with a 14-day exchange on all orders - in case you change your mind!
With these tips in mind, browse our selection of camera bags to find the right one for you.
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