Recommendation on a good (small) camera bag

**BRuhling** · 06-22-2012, 05:18 AM

Now that I have my D5100 and a second (prime) lens, I'm looking for a good bag to store/carry my gear. Right now it only consists of the body, the kit 18-55 zoom, a 35mm f/1.8 prime, and the cable/battery charger. I prefer something not too bulky and not too obtrusively camera-ish. I saw the Tamrac 3442 or 3444 (same bag just the 3444 is slightly larger, I believe):

One of these bags seems like a decent option, but I really do not know, yet, what I do not know about photography. I would love some thoughts from more experienced photogs.

**turtle** · 06-22-2012, 05:28 AM

I've used the same case for my 35mm (and now DSR) equipment since 1969 so I'm not going to have a good suggestion for anything new.

BUT....

I will say...

Pick out something you can live with for a long time. Even if you spend a lot more than you want, it will save you money in the long run as you won't end up with a dozen unused bags sitting around.

**cdrross** · 06-22-2012, 02:40 PM

I'm partial to the Crumpler bags.
The 5 million Dollar home may suit you.\:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...llar_Home.html

**Legion** · 06-23-2012, 12:53 AM

Originally Posted by cdrross

I'm partial to the Crumpler bags.
The 5 million Dollar home may suit you.\:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...llar_Home.html

+1 to Crumpler.

I use Domke bags. They are designed to last forever, and they have several sizes.

http://www.tiffen.com/results.html?s...ablename=domke

**AllenG** · 06-23-2012, 05:42 AM

+2 to Crumpler.

**Lamb Root** · 06-23-2012, 06:13 AM

Check the Domke F5xb. I have one of those and I'm very pleased. Ideal for camera w/short or medium long lens + another short or medium long lens. Unobtrusive, sturdy, light and easy to work with. The strong Velcro can be a pain when you want to open a bag silently. Everything else is great. Comes in different colors too.

**SAPed** · 06-23-2012, 07:01 AM

+3 on Crumpler. I have the 6 million dollar bag, probably four or more years now. Functional and just a bit different from all the others you typically see. I have a DSLR (Nikon D-50) and keep a 70-300mm, 18-55, and 50mm prime in it along with the small Nikon flash. When I bought it I was worried about the design where the flap doesn't completely close around the compartment, it leaves a gap. Hasn't been an issue but if you are going in harsh environments, I can see where that might be a worry.

What I really like about it is that you can put the camera in the bag to carry, when you want to take a picture, just lift the flap, grab the camera, shoot, then slip it back in the bag very easily. If I were buying another bag, I would look at Crumpler first. I bought a Crumpler for my mother in law when she got her first point and shoot digital camera (much smaller version of course).

**BRuhling** · 06-23-2012, 08:49 AM

I ended up picking up a Lowepro Slingshot 102:

The 3442 seemed really cramped. This one has room for my camera (currently with the 35mm prime mounted), my 18-55 kit zoom, and could fit either a strobe or another lens. Plus, it's got a storage compartment on top and an outside pocket. It's got a built in microfiber cloth and also a rain cover. Hopefully it works for what I'm doing. Unfortunately, I'm afraid a camera bag is one of those things that you'll only truly know what you want once you've used it a bit. As a result, I wanted something I could physically touch and put my camera in to feel how it carried and how it fit. I couldn't find anywhere that sold Crumpler, but a local camera shop had a few brands of bags, and I decided this was closest to what I was looking for...

**SAPed** · 06-23-2012, 09:41 AM

Slingshot is a nice bag and neat design. My brother has the slingshot and enjoys it. True - you really don't know about a bag until you live with it for a while.

**scottish steve** · 06-23-2012, 10:35 AM

I don't like the look of that, with the weight bearing on the lens mount and the camera body hanging free. Doesn't look well-designed to me. The lens will be pushing against the compartment side at all times and at every jolt with nothing supporting the body, straining the mount. And that's a D90 in there if I'm not mistaken, which is a bit bigger than the 5100. I have my camera with the lcd screen facing the ground firmly on the padded bottom, which also has a sturdy plastic floor, and the flaps of the compartment screens folded in to make a 'cupholder' arrangement on either side of the lens. No pressure anywhere. I know they're not made of papier mache but over time, or if you fall over, it might be a problem.

**drlvegas** · 06-23-2012, 10:47 AM

I have the big Crumpler and LowePro Slingshot--Crumpler is the best & the one I pick when I want to bring a lot of gear. Usually I'll just pick my lense & LowePro Toploader to fit--it's compact, comfortable, and I can attach a flash bag to either one.

Also, if you guys haven't tried the Black Rapid R-Strap yet, you're really missing out. Best camera innovation I've seen in 30 years.