Camera bags

What sort of camera bag is right for you?

• Shoulder bags – The camera is quickly to hand without having to take off your bag. A good choice for street photography, travel and everyday use, when you’re carrying a camera and 1–3 lenses.
• Sling bags – a single-compartment rucksack that can be turned round to the front without taking it off your back. Lightweight and quick to pack for light gear.
• Camera report – the best option when you have a lot of kit or are walking long distances. The weight is distributed across both shoulders, and many rucksacks can also hold a laptop, a tripod and hiking gear.
• Trolley bags – wheeled bags for professionals and for air travel, where you take all your equipment with you.
• Hard-shell cases – waterproof and shock-resistant protective cases for transport, drones, lights and valuable equipment.
• Compact bags and waist bags – for compact cameras, digital cameras and accessories.

How to choose a camera bag

Based on the entire fleet

Work out what you’ll be carrying: the body, how many lenses, a flash, batteries, memory cards and, if applicable, a laptop. Choose a bag that can hold your current kit with a bit of room to grow – a bag that’s too big is heavy, whilst one that’s too small won’t provide enough protection.

Internal dividers and inserts

Good camera bags feature adjustable, padded dividers that allow you to organise the space to suit your kit. Many brands, such as Shimoda and Peak Design, use removable camera inserts (core unit / camera cube), which allow the same rucksack to be converted from a camera bag into a standard day rucksack.

Weather protection and carrying comfort

In Finnish weather, a water-repellent material and the included rain cover are essential. For long hikes, it’s worth choosing a rucksack with a hip belt and an adjustable back panel – camera rucksacks designed for hiking, such as the Shimoda Action X, are in a class of their own in this respect.

Quick access to the camera

You can access the camera via the side or back flap without having to put the rucksack down. The back flap also provides protection: the rucksack cannot be opened whilst on your back without you noticing.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best camera bag for a DSLR?

For a light set-up (body and 1–2 lenses), a shoulder bag or sling is the quickest option. If you have more lenses or are travelling long distances, a camera rucksack is more comfortable. Ask us – we’ll be happy to help you find the right bag for your kit at our shop in Kouvola.

Will a camera bag fit in the aircraft’s hand luggage compartment?

Most 20–30-litre camera rucksacks comply with airlines’ hand luggage dimensions. Check the dimensions specified by your airline and the external dimensions listed on the rucksack’s product page.

Does a drone need its own bag?

You can also carry the drone in a camera bag, provided you adjust the dividers to fit. A hard-shell case is best if you’re transporting the drone in the boot of a car or in the hold of an aeroplane. See also drones and accessories.