I haven’t bought a new camera bag in ages. The Kelly Moore bag I bought a few years ago is a little worse for wear now, and desperately needs to be replaced. Now, I’ve been randomly looking for one for a while, but really, I cannot spend money on the ugly camera bags available in this country.
Seriously?! Why don’t any local bag manufacturers make women’s camera bags? I really don’t want to use a bag that shouts “expensive camera gear on board”! It’s a safety issue, not just a aesthetic thing.
Anyway, looks like I’m now going to have to import another one. There are NO ladies camera bags available in SA.
This is what I look for in a bag:
- It has to be able to carry my DSLR with 24-70mm lens attached.
- I also need to be able to carry my big 70-200mm lens for photoshoots.
- It needs to close at the top in some way for safety
- I want to be able to carry my wallet too, or it needs to have a wallet included in the bag
- It needs to have a carry strap as well as a cross body strap. The cross body strap makes it easier for me to carry the bag and balance the weight during shoots. I don’t really want a backback… I’m not comfy with my stuff where I can’t see it (safety reasons).
- I need pockets for car keys, tissues and memory cards.
- It needs to have good support for my equipment, and preferable needs to be able to stand up so I can put it down without my camera falling over in it.
- There are plenty overseas manufacturers that have women’s bags that are flowery… I prefer bags that look inconspicuous.
So, these are my top 5 favourite camera bags that will all hold my camera body, big lenses and maybe even a flash:
I love the flap that goes over the top. The extra storage in the flap also appeals to me.
I quite like the fanny pack that is removable on this bag. I could easily hold my memory cards etc while I have a shoot. So handy for a long shoot!
3. Aurora by Epiphanie
I just love that this bag is genuine leather. It’s a classic looking bag and stands on it’s own too.
4. Valencia by Epiphanie
This may be a little too big… but I do like it
5. The Capri by Ona
As you can tell by now, I’d love a bag that looks like a shopper. The ONA bags are also leather. I’ve got a feeling though, that this one will be too small. It doesn’t look like it’ll fit the lenses I need it to fit though
![[Photos] Kalk Bay harbour on a rainy day](https://i1.wp.com/www.therealjenty.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Kalk-Bay-013.jpg?resize=440%2C264&ssl=1)
Could you get someone to custom make you a bag? I know an awesomely clever woman who makes shoes and bags. Maybe she’s worth contacting?
Could you send me her details? I wouldn’t mind a smaller bag too…
All those look great – last one looks small (ideal for me maybe?)
I think it is small, based on the dimensions
Good luck on your search, I’m eager to see what you buy. I bought a Kelly Moore bag based on an older blog post of yours (I found a South African importer so I paid in ZAR and she had stock, she’s also a professional photographer). I ended up getting the hobo bag which is great as it has pockets and looks great. It’s great as I now travel a lot and I also don’t want it to look conspicuous (perhaps I shouldn’t have bought the red one :-)) and it’s simply awesome.
I’ve looked at her bags but she’s only got the old designs
Have you seen this one? think it may be a tad small but it is beautiful.
http://jingerjack.co.za/?s=discovery&post_type=product
I think it’s a little too small… I’m going to check the dimensions though because this is definitely a cheaper option
I’ve ordered the Jinger Jack camera bag and should be collecting it this Thursday, just in time for my holiday. Once I have it, can let you know exactly what fits 🙂
Thanks Shelley