Every camera needs a camera bag – but what’s the best camera bag to buy? We’re going to break down a variety of different camera bags by looking at their features, specs, and prices – as well as reviews from industry professionals. Fear not dropping your camera anymore – the perfect camera bag is just a few scrolls away.
How to Turn Any Pack Into a Camera Bag Backpack
Guide to camera bags
Perhaps it’s a stretch to say that every camera needs a camera bag – sometimes a soft blanket in a backpack or a winter hat will do. Of course, a dedicated camera bag will likely offer more protection; but it may not be worth the price, especially for cheaper instant cameras. For more on how to turn any bag into a camera bag, check out this quick video from DLSR Video Shooter.
Best Camera Bags DIY • How to Turn any Bag into a Camera Bag by DSLR Video Shooter
It’s true that you can turn just about any bag into a camera bag for small DSLRs and mirrorless cameras – but if you’re working with anything bigger (or big/multiple lenses), a dedicated camera bag is probably a good idea. So, without further ado, let’s break down the best camera bags to buy.
Note: the tech specifications for each camera bag have been taken directly from the bag maker’s website.
10 Best Camera Bags Ranked
Sunny 16 – The Voyager V2
Best Camera Backpacks • The Voyager V2 Camera Bag
SPECS
- 17"H x 11” W x 6” D
- 3.4 lbs (canvas) & 2.3 lbs (tarpaulin)
- Anti-theft clamshell opening back panel
- Fits 2-3 cameras, up to 5 lenses, tripod, and 16" laptop
- USB port for easy charging
- Magnetic buckles for added security
Best Camera Bag for Travel • Voyager Camera Backpack Unboxing
The Voyager V2 from Sunny 16 is a great-looking camera bag that boasts a ton of functionality. A few strengths: the waist and sternum straps help to distribute weight to avoid back-stress; tripod support via a side-holder; and a laptop pouch that supports up to 17-inch models.
The Voyager V2 is available in two materials: canvas and water-resistant tarpaulin. If you’re shooting outdoors, the water-resistant model is probably a better bang for your buck.
Best Backpack Camera Bags
Conclusion
Price: $379
Keep an eye out for sales on the Voyager V2. At the time of writing, some models were on sale for more than 50% of the retail price.
Best Camera Bag Backpacks
Tamrac Anvil Super 25 Camera Backpack
Best DSLR Camera Bags • Tamrac Anvil Super 25 Camera Backpack
SPECS
- External Dimensions - 10 x 22.5 x 10.5 in (25 x 57 x 27 cm)
- Internal Dimensions - 8.5 x 21 x 9.5 in (22 x 54 x 24 cm)
- Weight - 4.4 lbs (2.0 kg)
- 500D CORDURA Nylon Fabric with 2x PU coating
- 840D Polyester Dobby Fabric with 2x PU coating
- 210D Oxford Nylon lining
- YKK® zippers
- Duraflex® and Woojin® Acetal buckles
Best Bag for Photographers • Tamrac Anvil Super 27 Review by Luminous Landscape
The Tamrac Anvil Super 25 and Super 27 (shown in the video above) are both great bags for super telephoto camera lenses. The Super 25’s greatest weakness is also its greatest strength; which is that it’s almost entirely made for super telephoto lenses.
But if you’re a nature photographer or sports photographer who needs a camera bag that was specifically built to hold a super telephoto lens, then definitely check out the Anvil Super 25 and Super 27.
The Best Camera Bag for Photographers With Telephoto Lenses
Conclusion
Price: $199.99
The Tamrac Anvil Super backpacks are sturdily built, solid options for those who need to transport telephoto lenses.
10 Best Camera Bags Ranked
McKinnon Camera Pack 35L
Best Camera Backpacks • McKinnon Camera Pack 35L
SPECS
- 22" H x 13.5" W x 9" D
- Expands from 35L to 42L
- Weight: 5.75 lbs.
- Interior Dimensions of main compartment: 21" x 12.5" x 5.25"
- Does not include rain fly
Best Camera Bag for Travel • The McKinnon Bag by Nomatic & Peter McKinnon
Peter McKinnon is a popular YouTuber and photography/cinematography educator. A couple years ago, McKinnon partnered with the bag company Nomatic to make a camera pack. Since then, the McKinnon Camera Pack has become one of the most popular and well-reviewed camera packs in the world.
It’s a little expensive – but it has a lot of utility, including a dedicated clothing pouch and quick side access.
Best Bag for Photographers
Conclusion
Price: $399.99
In 2021, Peter McKinnon X Nomatic launched a kickstarter for a new “everyday camera” line of products. Keep an eye out for those products.
Best Camera Sling Bags
Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L
Best Camera Sling Bags • Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L
SPECS
- 680g (1.5 lbs.)
- 8 L min to 10 L max Capacity
- Max laptop/tablet dimensions: 12.35" (31.4cm) x 8.62" (21.9cm) x 0.71" (1.8cm); Carries up to a 13 inch Macbook Pro Retina. Note that laptop carry may be difficult when sling is fully packed—we recommend packing your laptop first, then other contents.
- Outer Dimensions: 15" (40cm) x 9.65" (24.5cm) x 5.51" (14cm)
- Inner Dimensions: 12in (30.5cm) x 8.2in (21cm) x 2.5in (6.5cm)
- Ultralight 400D nylon canvas with DWR coating for ‘weatherproofness,’ poly-spun mixed twill interior, compression-molded high-density EVA foam dividers and protective panels, die-cast and stamped anodized aluminum hardware with sandblasted finish and protective clear coat. Charcoal bags have Hypalon touchpoints, Ash bags have natural leather touchpoints.
- Carry-on approved for all airlines. Fits under airline seats easily.
- Lifetime Warranty
Best Camera Sling Bags • Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L Review by David Manning
The Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L is an incredibly popular camera bag. Why? Well, first and foremost: it’s small — it’s also easy to transport on buses, trains, and planes.
The downside of the Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L is that it isn’t good for transporting as many belongings as a traditional backpack. But that’s the tradeoff you get for easy transportation.
Best Camera Sling Bags
Conclusion
Price: $149.95
The Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L is a great camera sling — just be mindful of the size tradeoff before purchasing.
10 Best Camera Bags Ranked
Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II
Best Camera Backpacks • Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II
SPECS
- Fits: Up to 15-inch Laptop, 1-2 Pro DSLRs, one with 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached, 360 camera, DJI Mavic 2 Pro or Zoom, DJI Osmo+
- Laptop Compartment Dimensions: 29 x 2.2 x 37 cm
- Internal Dimensions: 30 x 16 x 44 cm
- External Dimensions: 36 x 22 x 52 cm
- Weight: 2.84 kg
Best DSLR Camera Bags • Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II Review by Nemanja Sekulic
You’re not going to turn any heads with the Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II – but that’s not the bag’s intention. The Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II is built to keep your camera equipment safe.
This bag is rock-solid, with hiqh quality external material and solid weight support. It’s a little expensive but most reviewers suggest the price is worth it.
The Best Camera Bag for Photographers
Conclusion
Price: $299.99
The Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II features just about everything a photographer/videographer needs in a small to midsize camera bag.
Best Camera Bag Backpacks
Wandrd All-New PRVKE
Best Camera Bag for Travel • Wandrd All-New PRVKE
SPECS
- Waterproof Tarpaulin and Robic 1680D Ballistic Nylon. YKK Weather Resistant Zippers
- 21 L to 26 L (rolltop full extended); 31 L to 36 L (rolltop fully extended); 41 L to 46 L (rolltop fully extended)
Top Ten DSLR Camera Bags • Wandrd All-New PRVKE Overview and Breakdown by Desy Cheng
The Wandrd PRVKE backpack was initially met with skepticism in some circles due to its ultra-minimalist design, but since its initial release a few years ago, it’s garnered near-universal acclaim.
In 2021, Wandrd updated the PRVKE backpack with a new back panel and shoulder straps. The “All-New PRVKE” is available in three sizes: the 21 liter, the 31 liter, and the 41 liter. Choose your model based on how much space you need.
All in One Camera Bags
Conclusion
Price: $299.99
The All-New PRVKE has a great “hidden” pouch for valuable travel material in the backplate. It may sound like a simple addition — but photographers know how big of a deal that is.
10 Best Camera Bags Ranked
Fjällräven KÅNKEN PHOTO INSERT SMALL
Best Bag for Photographers • Fjällräven KÅNKEN PHOTO INSERT SMALL
SPECS
- Material: G-1000® HeavyDuty Eco S: 65% polyester, 35% cotton, 100% polyamide
- Height: 23 cm; Width: 27 cm; Depth: 12 cm; Weight: 530 g
- Room for a camera, lenses, etc.
- Fits perfectly in a Kånken or Kånken Laptop 13/15/17”.
- Durable, waxed G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco S.
- Main compartment with zipper, and pocket on the inside of the lid.
- Protective foam dividers with Velcro give a flexible layout.
Fjällräven KÅNKEN PHOTO INSERT SMALL Breakdown by Pack Hacker Quick Hits
Let me preface this choice with a disclaimer: the Fjällräven KÅNKEN PHOTO INSERT SMALL is overpriced — not just a little overpriced but a lot overpriced.
That being said, I really like the pack’s aesthetic. It can work on its own as a camera bag (big enough to carry a couple camera bodies and lenses) or as an insert for the Kånken backpack. If you’re a photographer who has a Kånken backpack, this is a great pack. If you’re somebody who likes the Fjällräven aesthetic, this is a great pack. But I won’t mince words: this pack comes at a premium because of its brand name.
Best Digital Camera Bags (Mini)
Conclusion
Price: $90.00
Photographers who need to transfer a lot of equipment are better suited to look elsewhere. But those looking for a small, lightweight camera bag will find a lot to love with the Fjällräven KÅNKEN PHOTO INSERT SMALL.
Best Camera Bag Backpacks
AmazonBasics Backpack for SLR Cameras and Accessories
Top Ten DSLR Camera Bags • AmazonBasics Backpack for SLR Cameras and Accessories
SPECS
- Dimensions: 11.75 x 8.75 x 14.5 inches
- Weight: 1.96 pounds
All in One Camera Bag for Cheap • AmazonBasics Backpack for SLR Cameras and Accessories
When you’re reading “best of” lists do you ever wonder why none of the options are affordable? Well, that’s usually because cheap products aren’t usually “the best” at anything. But that doesn’t mean they’re all bad.
The AmazonBasics backpack for SLR cameras and accessories is usable. It’s a decent size, and fairly well-reviewed. Some people have pointed out that the shoulder straps have a penchant to fall off after extended use — but that’s somewhat to be expected with a sub $40 camera pack.
Top Camera Bags on a Budget
Conclusion
Price: $39.23
The AmazonBasics backpack for cameras and accessories is a “get-me-over” camera pack for purchasers on a budget.
10 Best Camera Bags Ranked
Peak Design Everyday Backpack
Best DSLR Camera Bags • Peak Design Everyday Backpack
SPECS
- 20L Can Carry: Mirrorless camera body/lens + 4-5 extra lenses & accessories, DJI Mavic drone + controller, batteries, charger & accessories, Crop-sensor DSLR/lens + 3-4 extra lenses & accessories, DLSR camera body/lens + 2-3 extra lens, Fits a full-frame DSLR + 70-200 pro lens + another lens & accessories, 13-15" laptop, notebook, lunch, jacket, wallet, phone, keys, sunglasses, passport; A solid 12-er of cold snacks (aka beer) + 4 white claws to boot
- Fast, secure, one-handed top access via MagLatch hardware
- Dual side access via #8 weatherproof zips
- Extra-durable UltraZip design
- MagLatch hardware provides internal expansion. +3L on the 20L bag, +8L on the 30L bag
- Brilliantly customizable and protective internal organization via 3 easy-to-configure FlexFold dividers
- Stretchy internal side and top pockets for cards, cords, and more
- Internal slip pockets for wallet, passport, and other important items
- Dual external side pockets stretch to fit water bottles, tripods, etc
- Protective 15” laptop sleeve with pockets for tablets and documents
- Adjustable for easy access to smaller laptops
- Vented, quick-drying mesh back padding for breathable comfort
- Shoulder straps pivot at axial points to optimize comfort with all body types
- Quick-connecting, stowable sternum strap
- Luggage pass-through for easy and secure roller-top carry
- 3 padded grab handles for upright or briefcase style hand carry
- Padded, stowable waist belt available (sold separately)
- A padded, stowable Hip Belt accessory is available for purchase for those who want added stability and comfort with heavy loads.
- Weatherproof, 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas shell is DWR impregnated, double PU-coated.
Great DSLR Camera Bags • Peak Design Everyday Backpack Breakdown by Rushfaster
The Peak Design Everyday Backpack is regarded as THE backpack for carrying camera equipment. The Peak Design Sling is great – but the Backpack is even better.
This backpack features a great “weatherproof” exterior with side pockets for tripods, water bottles, etc. The interior is spacious, like surprisingly spacious. Without dividers, you can fit about three six-packs in the 30L model (as shown in the video above).
Best Digital Camera Bags
Conclusion
Price: (20L) $259.95, (30L), $289.95
All in all, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack is a multi-use dream… but its price tag is sure to dissuade some customers.
Top Camera Bags and Cases
Vanguard Supreme 53D
Great DSLR Camera Bags and Cases • Vanguard Supreme 53D
SPECS
- External Dimensions: 630 x 520 x 240mm
- Case Internal Dimensions: 560 x 450 x 200mm
- Camera Space Internal Dimensions: 535 x 400 x 175mm
- Suitable for up to 15 PRO lens/ PRO bodies, depending on size
- Waterproof to 5 metres
- Dustproof
- Able to withstand 120kg of external pressure
- Removable divider bag interior
- Steel reinforced padlock rings and hard clip locks
- Automatic pressure release valves for pressure and altitude changes
- Built-in rolling handle and wheels
Best Photo Bags and Cases • Vanguard Supreme 53D Review by JEGS Media
The Vanguard Supreme 53D is built to protect camera equipment from the elements. This thing is made out of rock-solid material and is able to support up to 120kg (265lbs) of external pressure!
It’s certainly not a glamorous looking case, but it more than does the job. If you’re serious about protecting your equipment no matter the cost, consider looking into the Vanguard Supreme 53D or other hard-surface camera cases.
Best Photo Bags and Cases
Conclusion
Price: £249.99 or $355.04 (by current conversion rate).
The wheels/extendable handle on the Vanguard Supreme 53D is the case’s biggest plus. It makes transporting the case across locations feasible.
Top Camera Bags and Cases
GuraGear Kiboko City Commuter Backpack
Great DSLR Camera Bags and Cases • GuraGear Kiboko City Commuter Backpack
SPECS
- Weight: 3 lbs, 11 oz / 1.7kg
- External Dimensions: 18.5” x 12” x 8”
- Case Internal Dimensions: 11” x 4.5” x 12”
- Fits 16” MacBook Pro, iPad Pro 12.9in, and two mounted cameras with additional lenses
- Magnetic water bottle side pocket
- Fidlock magnetic fasteners
- X-Pac VX21 fabric
- Roll Top compartment
Best Photo Bags and Cases • GuraGear Kiboko City Commuter Camera Backpack Review by Chase Reeves
GuraGear was kind enough to send over a Kiboko City Commuter backpack before it went onto Kickstarter – and we were impressed by its build quality, versatile utility, and sleek design. GuraGear was founded to address travelling concerns for wildlife photographers; over the years, the brand has made a name for itself in the camera bag community.
Now, they’re taking their talents to the city, with a camera bag for students, commuters, and urban photographers. The Kiboko City Commuter backpack is a full-featured pack that’s as stylish as it is useful.
Best Photo Bags and Cases
Conclusion
Price: $299.
The Kiboko City Commuter backpack is expensive at $299; it’s also designed for ultra-organized carriers. As such, its audience is niche – but there’s no doubt it’s perfect for commuters with some money to spare.
UP NEXT
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Up Next: Best Tripods to Buy →
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