BAGS AND BACKPACKS

Bags, backpacks and holdalls come in an assortment of shapes and sizes for accommodating any combination of SLR camera equipment and accessories. They are manufactured in various materials with varying degrees of packing and padding to suit your photographic needs.

The smallest shoulder bag will hold an SLR with a short telephoto lens attached while the largest backpacks and holdalls are capable of carrying a comprehensive range of SLR equipment or the largest medium format systems. A general purpose bag or holdall will be adequate to protect your camera but always buy a bag suitable for its intended use.

The outdoor photographers will find the 'all weather' waterproof bags to be a great advantage - the fabric used is treated to protect your equipment against the elements.

Some rigid cases are also made with protective waterproof seals and exteriors manufactured in 'high impact' materials, but these are more expensive and not as adaptable as the bags or backpacks - they do not have the facilities for carrying extra equipment such as tripods. Be aware when choosing that bigger is not always better - having a bag or backpack with the capability to carry vast amounts of equipment is not always advisable if you are thinking of walking long distances.

 

In addition to the traditional bags etc. there are other useful items on offer such as the 'storage' ranges of packs and pouches for protecting lenses, bodies, lightmeters etc. Some models have covers made from neoprene (a robust but soft 'wetsuit material') or there are the padded canvas 'holster type' bags secured around the waist - making these ideal for travel or cyclists. Belts, loops and harness' are also extremely helpful for enabling bags to be carried comfortably and safely.