What bag for street photography? Now there's an interesting question - and not an easy one to answer.
Over the years, I've experimented with just about every bag imaginable and I have yet to find the 'ideal' bag. Four Billinghams, at least six Domkes, a couple of Foggs, a Tenba messenger, several Think Tanks, numerous Crumplers and many more. Some have been close to being the ideal all-round street photographer's bag but have fallen short in some respect.
As a street photographer, what am I looking for in a bag? Here, in no particular order, are my requirements (this is a very personal thing, but here are mine) . . .
- It needs to be discreet. I don't want a bag that says "I'm a photographer" - from the point of view of (a) safety and security and (b) not wanting to be rumbled as a photographer when I'm trying to shoot covertly.
- It needs to be lightweight and comfortable. If I'm out shooting for a whole day (which can mean anything up to 16 hours on the streets), I need a bag that won't weigh me down or make me regret carrying so much kit.
- It needs to have reasonable padding. Long shifts on the streets can result in numerous knocks, drops and other shocks so I must have at least some decent padding.
- It needs to have lots of storage compartments. Whilst I carry minimal kit around with me, I do need easy access to batteries, memory cards (or rolls of film), iPad, notebook, pens and business cards. And that's about it - not a lot of stuff but it does need to be easily retrievable and ideally in separate compartments.
And my favourite is . . . ?
My latest acquisition is probably my favourite to date: the LowePro Passport. It meets all the above criteria and, having worked with it for two months, it's pretty much ideal. Having said that, I'm about to road test a Think Tank Turnstyle which, on paper, also looks ideal - watch this space for a report!
What's your favourite? . . . . . .
Check out my website: http://www.streetsnappers.com
Just found this thread. Surprised there were no responses....
It obviously depends on your kit (Rangefinder vs SLR, MF primes vs AF zooms with VR). I've settled on the ThinkTank Retrospectiive 7. My street/travel kit is a Df with an assortment of MF primes (20, 28, 35, 50, 105). I keep each lens in a neoprene sleeve so they don't contact each other. This provides plenty of room to make it easy to swap lenses, yet small enough not to feel bulky. I find that it hugs the body nicely and I can carry it around all day with no issues. The Pinestone color makes it very discrete and there is room for an iPad. Here's a link: https://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/retrospective-7?variant=1237545731.
look into the brevity bag, its got a good spot for all your camera stuff along with room for other daily gear. Price is 150 or 170 with the rain cover, I love mine and find it works great for walking around the city.
think tank retrospective 7... it carries my 3 cameras-2 compact film and 1 digital with 2 lenses
I'm just starting out in street photography myself, and at the moment, I'm using a Fujifilm X100T or my Fujifilm X-Pro2+XF35mm f/2 lens. I do not carry a bag with me when I go out, I will usually pick one of the two cameras and go out with just that. They are both fairly small, and I don't usually need any more than the camera, a lens cloth, extra battery, and extra SD card. The last three fit inconspicuously in one of my pockets.
I shot the attached photo at the Daytona Beach Spring home show this past weekend, using my X100T.
My favorites have been the LowePro Stealth Reporter bags. I have 3 sizes and favor the "400" for general use. The flaps on these bags make it quick and easy to get into the main compartment and then reseal the bag. They have outer pockets still covered by the flap which is where I store a flash or other gear I want to have fast access without opening the main compartment.
I keep my kit small when on the go: Domke F5XB or Domke F5XC with extra lens pouches if needed. The key for me is to carry the weight on a belt (Not many of those bags around anymore). Both bags have been modified with added pouches, straps and belts for expandability. The bags look old and ragged and fit well with my worn jeans as part of an urban camouflage outfit.
Kit: body, 3 prime lens, filters & occasionally flash, travel tripod and reflector
The best bag is no bag.
If you are hauling enough gear around that you need a bag, you probably need to rethink things...