Ok, ok...
There's a lot of mistakes that you can make with your new camera (and your old one, for that matter).
But when it comes to really boneheaded things you can do that could result in the loss or damage of your brand new, shiny camera, not having a dedicated camera bag in which to carry it is at the top of the list
I speak from experience, too.
When I started out in photography many years ago, I had an entry-level DSLR and a kit lens. That was it.
I didn't see any reason to spend even more money on a camera bag when I had a perfectly good backpack to tote my camera around in.
But without the proper padding to protect the delicate pieces and parts of a camera and lens, rolling with a normal backpack eventually ended in damaged gear.
So, to avoid the same fate as my first camera and lens, here's a few suggestions for camera bags that will protect your gear for years to come.
Holdfast Fundy Streetwise Bag
I have a couple of Holdfast camera bags, and I can tell you from experience that you'll be hard-pressed to find better-built, longer-lasting camera bags on the market today.
What I like about the Fundy Streetwise Bag is that it isn't too big - which is great for beginner photographers - but it has the capability of holding a good amount of gear, so it can grow with you as your kit grows.
The interior compartment is customizable to suit your needs, so if you need to carry one camera and three lenses, two cameras and one lens, or some combination thereof, the Fundy Streetwise can accommodate.
Something else I enjoy about this bag is that the waxed canvas exterior is water-resistant, so you don't have to worry about your gear getting wet if weather comes in while you're out shooting.
The sheepskin-lined interior offers your camera gear a cozy place to rest in comfort, and the ultra-padded interior provides your gear with all the protection it needs to keep bumps and bruises at bay.
In addition to the materials performing well, they look really stinking good too!
Learn More:
- The Ideal Camera Bag and Camera Strap for Landscape Photographers
- You're Packing Your Camera Bag All Wrong
Think Tank Urban Approach 15 Backpack
If you ask me, I think what turns some beginner photographers off to using a camera bag is that they think they're too big and bulky.
If that's the case for you, let me introduce you to the Think Tank Urban Approach 15 Backpack.
This rig is lightweight, yet provides all the protection and sturdiness required to keep your gear safe.
Designed to fit two mirrorless camera systems, this backpack can handle a ton of gear - up to eight lenses, a tablet, and a 15-inch laptop to boot.
Inside, you'll find a padded interior with plenty of dividers to keep your gear neatly organized and safe from harm.
Outside, you'll like the padded back, the beefy shoulder harnesses, and the sternum strap to help you keep the load you're carrying nicely balanced on your body for supreme comfort.
The bag is versatile, too...
You can convert it into a daypack for quick trips, and with a trolley passthrough straps, you can easily carry it along with other luggage.
It even has a rain cover in case you get caught shooting in a storm!
Learn More:
Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag 15
If a messenger bag is more your style, you might consider the Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag 15 as a great choice.
I like messenger bags because they're so easy to access your gear for quick lens changes.
And in the case of this bag, it looks like a million bucks, too.
But it's not just about looks - this bag can hold a full frame DSLR, three lenses, a flash, and other accessories. You can fit a 15-inch laptop in this bag as well.
Like the other bags on this list, this one has weatherproofing to ensure your gear stays nice and dry inside.
Speaking of the inside, the padded Flex-Fold dividers offer your gear the padding they require to avoid damage while giving you the ability to customize the interior space to meet your specific needs.
The bag also has an integrated tripod carrying system, so you can take the tripod out of your hands and concentrate on getting from Point A to Point B hands-free.
Really, any of these bags are great options for beginner photographers. They're all durable, well-made, and have more than enough room to grow with you as your collection of gear grows.
Whatever you do, just don't do what I did and carry your gear around in an old backpack!