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As a professional photographer, there is no doubt you will use either a camera bag or a camera backpack for different types of shoots. I own both, often use them but which is better than the other one, and why? Here is what you need to know to make the right decision.
Why a camera bag might be right for you
Let’s start with the things to look for in a camera bag before dropping some dollars. For the sake of ease, I will compare two best selling items: the Roamographer Camera Bag and the Sightseer Backpack.
A good camera bag should have the ability to keep all your gear well organized. The Roamographer Camera Bag is such an incredible bag that has never disappointed me. It incredibly organizes everything I need for my shoots. I also enjoin you to give it a try!
Its multiple compartments is the other reason why I love this bag. These separate compartments not only make it easier to organize my gear but also provide greater ease of access.
A good bag should also allow you to carry additional gear on the outside. This is very crucial because some equipment can’t fit into some bags, a tripod, for example. The Roamographer Camera Bag has remained a true friend here. It allows me to bring bigger equipment for my shoots.
The types of inserts a bag has is the other thing to consider. For the best experience, always go for a bag that comes with well-padded and removable inserts – they provide greater protection and prevent your equipment from crashing into each other.
This is a bit personal, but worth sharing – go for a bag you can wash comfortably. This is very crucial in case you accidentally ruin your bag.
With that in mind, here are some pros and cons of a camera bag:
Pros
- Holds a ton of gear
- Phenomenal for quick photoshoots because of large opening for easy access
- Can be put on in a variety of ways (i.e., across the body, over the shoulder, or with the Holdfast MoneyMaker dual camera strap)
- More suitable for working in crowds in which you might want to carry the bag in front of you
Cons
- it can move around while you’re working
- Weight isn’t distributed evenly, or over a large area
- Can’t carry as much gear like a backpack
Why a camera backpack might be ideal for you
You equally need a camera backpack just like you need a camera bag. Here are some things worth noting about a camera backpack.
First, a backpack makes it easier to carry more equipment than you would with a camera bag. Carrying too much weight on a single shoulder for a longer period can really hurt, and that is why a backpack comes in.
Camera backpacks are customarily designed to keep your gear safe throughout, thanks to the Aztec flannel cloth found in most bags. Nice cotton will also do. Simply make sure the inside of your pack will not harm your gear; otherwise, you’ll end up kicking yourself.
Sometimes it is normally challenging to predict how the weather will be like during your shoots. That is why it is crucial to get a weather-resistant backpack. The Holdfast Sightseer Backpack, for example, has a waterproof zipper. Not forgetting its waxed canvas and leather exterior.
Comfort is the other thing to consider. A good backpack has tons of padding, thick shoulder, and position itself well on your back.
Pros
- Good for travel and landscape photography
- Carry just about as much as your heart desires
- Very in size to accommodate different body types and different gears
- Comfortable and stable (no matter how much you’re moving)
Cons
- Not perfect for things like portrait or street photography.
- Can be challenging to access gear at a moment’s notice.
- Backpacks are bulky and probably won’t work if you’re exploring busy areas (i.e., urban environments) or tight spaces. You will have to remove the entire bag from your body, set it down, and then get your gear out.
The bottom line
So, which is the right option for you? From my experience, the decision of whether to buy a camera backpack or camera shoulder bag should largely be determined by the type of photography you do.
If you spend most of your time photographing people or places in urban environments, a shoulder bag might be the right option for you. But if you spend more hours amongst landscapes, a backpack might be a better option.
To put it simply, the right option for you is primarily determined by the types of shoots you often do.