Whats a good camera bag for first time photographer?

I only have one camera body and a lens right now.  Would like something that is comfortable over the shoulder and would be great that it would have room for my iPad too.  

It's very important to get to a store and check them out for yourself.  Staring at the pictures of bags online won't tell you much.

Kelly

  No doubt. You need to get your hands on them, even if you buy online. A little advice beforehand won't hurt, though. Here's an article you might find helpful:

www.photographytalk.com/photography-arti...the-right-camera-bag

Good luck!
-Dana

You will undoubtedly get more gear, so whatever you get should have ample room for expansion...

Billingham Hadley Pro.

I like this bag so much I own 2 of them.

One of these:

and one of these:

They can hold quite a bit despite not being too big:

Also they're pretty much completely waterproof (I have carried my camera around in a monsoon and it's bone dry inside) and they're really tough... plus they look better the more they age... and they'll probably (accidents aside) last for over 10 years.

Billingham aren't cheap, but they're well worth it.

ALSO an iPad easily fits in this bag (I have one in mine), they look stylish and it can be used as a daily bag, even without a camera in it.  

Pretty much the perfect medium sized bag IMHO.


OH and they're made in England, not China. 

Screamin Scott wrote: You will undoubtedly get more gear, so whatever you get should have ample room for expansion...

I think getting a bag that's too big just encouraging bringing too much gear.  Get something medium sized now and buy something bigger (backpack is a good idea, I suggest the Thinktank Streetwalker HardDrive) when it's necessary.

I think it's important to point out that this will likely not be the last bag you ever own, so don't over think it. Get a modest one to start out, figure out what you do / do not like, and go from there.

The Billingham line notwithstanding.  Yeah, they're pretty, but I don't think I'd want one. IOW that style is not for everyone.

garyrhook wrote: I think it's important to point out that this will likely not be the last bag you ever own, so don't over think it. Get a modest one to start out, figure out what you do / do not like, and go from there.

The Billingham line notwithstanding.  Yeah, they're pretty, but I don't think I'd want one. IOW that style is not for everyone.

You mean you don't like high quality bags that are waterproof and last decades?! 

They look manly too:



Plus they help you pick up chicks/a guy (as your preference goes):

Even if you're a young hip dude, they look good:

Stealthy Ninja wrote: You mean you don't like high quality bags that are waterproof and last decades?!

I didn't say nor imply that. I like quality just as much as the next person, but I don't think I quite like the physical layout of the bag, nor how it's carried. They are definitely attractive, no argument there.

garyrhook wrote:

Stealthy Ninja wrote: You mean you don't like high quality bags that are waterproof and last decades?!

I didn't say nor imply that. I like quality just as much as the next person, but I don't think I quite like the physical layout of the bag, nor how it's carried. They are definitely attractive, no argument there.

Don't worry mate, just playing about.

What do you mean you don't like the physical layout?  They actually have a lot of different styles, so it depends on which one you've tried.

You don't like shoulder bags?  I can understand that.  

Santa should be dropping off one of those this year.  Crossing fingers!

Stealthy Ninja wrote: Don't worry mate, just playing about.

Of course you are But in seeking clarity...

Stealthy Ninja wrote: What do you mean you don't like the physical layout?  They actually have a lot of different styles, so it depends on which one you've tried. 

Right. The shoulder bags get in my way while I'm moving about. I find that I have to "elbow' them constantly, and of course it's better to remove them, but that's not always practical.

I currently have a Lowepro sling (AW400?) that works pretty well and stays out of my way. It's not big enough to accommodate my new lens, however, so I'm going to have to look further. Fortunately, the largest camera store in Texas is here in town, and I can go browse bags all day long I have to figure out what will work.

Honestly, though, I'd like to get an all-leather bag. Same problem, however.

Stealthy Ninja wrote:

Screamin Scott wrote: You will undoubtedly get more gear, so whatever you get should have ample room for expansion...

I think getting a bag that's too big just encouraging bringing too much gear.  Get something medium sized now and buy something bigger (backpack is a good idea, I suggest the Thinktank Streetwalker HardDrive) when it's necessary.

This is the best advice in this thread. Veteran photographers have learned to take only what they need. Keep it light or you'll hate it and in a couple years own ten bags you keep in the closet!.....