The camera bag starts as an afterthought—something you get after you buy a camera and/or lenses, and for many, just about any camera bag will do the trick for them. But, when you get deeper into photography and expand your kit, the camera bag becomes an essential part of your everyday carry. There are many parallels between shopping for a camera bag and shopping for something like a pair of shoes—hundreds (maybe thousands?) of options, different sizes, different styles, and sometimes the ones that look the best don’t fit best. This makes camera bag shopping, especially for a veteran photographer, a very personal quest.
We asked some B&H staff, B&H Creative partners, and B&H affiliates what their favorite camera bag is and why. This is a sampling of some of their responses.
Chuck Capriola, B&H -@chuckxpix
“My current favorite camera bag is the Ruggard Lynx 75 SlingPack. I've used a lot of camera bags over the years, but this one has a feature that really stands out to me: the separate top compartment.
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“When I'm out shooting, I usually have several pieces of gear with me, but there's always one or two items—such as my LaCie SSD or one of my Sony A73s—that I know I'll be using most of the time. The top compartment is perfect for that setup. Not only does it keeps my camera secure, it also makes it super accessible. Instead of digging through all of my gear, I can grab it and get back to shooting in seconds.
“The lower compartment holds a nice selection of additional gear safely. You can lay the bag flat and open the entire bottom section, which makes organizing equipment easy. If you're on the move, you can also use it like a traditional sling bag and access either side to grab a second lens, flash, or camera body without putting the bag down.
“Another thing I like is the flexibility of the carrying design. It works as a sling pack, which is great when I'm actively shooting, but it also has traditional dual shoulder straps like a backpack. That's a big plus when traveling to and from a shoot because it makes carrying heavier gear much more comfortable.
“One feature that doesn't get enough attention is the bright yellow interior. It may sound simple, but it makes a huge difference in low-light situations. Small accessories and gear are much easier to find, and I'm not wasting time searching through a dark bag.
“Overall, the Ruggard Lynx 75 strikes a great balance between accessibility, storage, and comfort. The top compartment alone makes it one of my favorite camera bags, and the thoughtful design features help make every shoot a little easier.”
Luke Rollins, B&H -@lukiedavie
“I've chosen plenty of camera bags strictly for their utility, but the Billingham 445 Mark II was the first time I felt that the bag's good looks matched its functionality. It’s an exceptionally handsome bag, so much so that I've made it my everyday carry bag for everything, not just cameras. And, when I need it to be gear-centric, I can arrange the interior to accommodate my full working camera kit, laptop, and more. Yes, it fetches a premium price, but the value comes years down the road when its timeless design meets its robust, weather-resistant construction.”
Isaac Grant, B&H Affiliate -@isaacgrant
“As a bird photographer and workshop leader, I travel with a lot of gear. My Ruggard Thunderhead 75 typically carries a 600mm f/4, 300mm f/2.8, and 50–150mm f/2, along with three camera bodies, a 1.4x teleconverter, eight batteries, hard drives, my laptop, and assorted accessories. I use it for all of my national and international travel and being able to keep my entire working kit protected and organized in one bag makes life on the road much easier.
“I've used the same Thunderhead 75 for years, and despite countless flights, road trips, and workshops, it continues to perform extremely well. At $159.95, it also represents an exceptional value compared to many large camera backpacks. I carry some very expensive equipment, but I don't believe the bag carrying it needs to cost $400 or $500. I need something that holds everything, protects it, and survives the way I travel. The Thunderhead 75 has done exactly that, which is why I keep using it.”
Derek Fahsbender, B&H -@likeamacheen
“I’ve always preferred backpacks when it comes to carrying anything, so when it comes to my photography gear, it makes sense that my favorite camera bag is, of course, a backpack. The Oberwerth Everest 15” backpack checks every box when it comes to the things that matter to me in a camera bag, from the design and build to the incredible amount of storage space and gear protection. For me, though, quality always tops the list. The durable cowhide leather exterior and handmade craftsmanship have not only held up through six years of regular use, but the bag still looks almost brand new. I almost wish it had developed a more worn-in look after all these years, but as a street photographer, I also appreciate how understated it is. It doesn’t draw attention, and it has more of a quiet-luxury look to it. Beyond the quality, though, is what really makes this my go-to camera bag: versatility.
“The Oberwerth Everest is more than just a camera bag; it’s a travel and business bag that works just as well for everyday use—even when I’m not carrying camera gear. Its padded, water-repellent photo insert is removable, transforming it into a traditional backpack with enough space for whatever I happen to be carrying on a given day. That includes my laptop, which fits into a separate zippered compartment designed to accommodate up to a 15” laptop or 16” MacBook. While quality is what matters most to me, versatility is ultimately what makes this my favorite bag. I’ve never been a fan of traditional camera bags because they’re just camera bags. I want a bag that can protect my gear when I need it to but can also comfortably carry whatever other randomness I throw in there on any given day.”
Matt Malwitz, B&H -@mathewmalwitz
“Camera bags are like shoes: you can never have enough. After all, there’s a bag for every occasion! At least that’s what I tell myself to justify a new purchase. My personal favorite bag has changed over the years, but I’ve ultimately settled on the MindShift Gear Backlight Pro 18L Backpack for its comfort, rugged build, support system, and the fact that it fits everything I need it to. It can comfortably hold a full frame mirrorless body with a 200-600mm or 300mm f/2.8 alongside multiple smaller lenses and even a second camera body.
When it comes to padding, few bags stand toe to toe with the Backlight. Whether it be a quick walk through a local nature center or a 10-plus-mile hike through various terrains, the Backlight is comfortable, and when adjusted properly, stays put. I also cannot stress the benefits of the many attachment points across the bag, which allow me to easily mount back country essentials like bear spray to the waist strap and trekking poles to the back of the bag.
I even have the 36L variant for times when every bit of gear is needed. That said, I don’t use it nearly as much as the 18L, which is essentially my everyday camera bag and, occasionally, a hiking bag. It’s been with me across the globe and even moonlights as a hiking pack when I need to carry copious amounts of gear. It’s just that comfortable. “
Additional B&H Favorites
If the above recommendations haven't quite hit the mark for your needs, we have a few more in store—literally. Below, we’ve put together a list of just a few of the most popular bags found in our B&H SuperStore, as decided by our community.
Lowepro Nova 200 AW II
Lowepro is one of the top bag manufacturers in the photo industry. Their robust, outdoorsy bags have long been the go-to for pros and enthusiasts alike, especially their smaller Nova series. Dating back over 20 years, the Nova shoulder bags offer the perfect blend of durability and adjustability, and none do so as well as the Nova 200 AW II.
This bag serves as the perfect companion for everyday shooters, as well as portrait and event photographers, providing ample space for one or two camera bodies plus 2-4 lenses and even a flash if need be. The lid features plenty of space for memory cards and smaller accessories, while the front pouch is perfect for batteries and other larger bits of gear. Caught in a downpour? Simply cover the bag with the included All-Weather Cover to keep your gear dry.
WANDRD ROGUE Sling 6L
In recent years, there’s been an uptick in the popularity of cross-body bags. These sleek bags offer similar load capacities as their shoulder bag cousins, but in a slimmer, more stylish package. Of the many slings on the market today, none stand out as much as the WANDRD ROGUE Slings, especially the beginner friendly 6L size.
This weather-resistant bag is able to hold a large mirrorless camera and up to 2 lenses, all while looking quite stylish. The WANDRD ROGUE Sling 6L is available in 7 colors, from a standard black to a bright Sedona Orange and Rhone Burgundy. Inside the bag, there’s a hidden pocket for an AirTag and even storage space for a 16” laptop—though it will stick out a bit. Luckily, those looking for a bit more space have the 9L option.
Think Tank Photo Retrospective 7M Shoulder Bag
Odds are, if you’ve shopped with B&H in the past, you likely have this bag. The Think Tank Photo Retrospective 7M Shoulder bag offers a simple discreet design, providing that everyday carry look and feel so many photographers seek when choosing a camera bag. Plus, it offers ample room for the casual photographer’s kit and essential items. For all of these reasons, this bag has found its way into many camera kits we offer.
Whether you’re headed to the park for some headshots, commuting, or trying your hand at street photography, the Photo Retrospective can easily blend in with the crowd. For those who enjoy traveling, this bag happens to be the perfect size to slip under the seat on your next flight.
Brevite The Jumper Camera Backpack
Not everyone needs a huge camera-focused bag. Some of us just want a simple backpack that just so happens to have a padded camera slot, and the 18L Jumper from Brevite fits that niche perfectly. It’s sleek, travel-ready, colorful, weather-resistant, and doesn’t scream camera bag. Did we mention that it’s colorful? The Jumper comes in a variety of vibrant colors including Navy Blue, Poppy Red, and Lemon Yellow.
Now, the Jumper may be sleek and stylish, but this comes at no cost to storage. Like some of the largest bags on this list, the Jumper can hold a 16” laptop and even offers a 40-ounce bottle pouch. The camera compartment is small compared to other backpacks on the list, but this serves to accommodate other gear and everyday essentials. Still, the padded section comes equipped with customizable dividers and enough room to hold 1-2 full frame mirrorless camera bodies plus 2-3 lenses as large as a 70-200mm f/2.8.
Nomatic McKinnon Camera Backpack V2 (35L, Black)
For many photographers, the gear we need changes shoot to shoot, so the ability to customize a bag for each scenario is essential. Enter the McKinnon Camera Backpack V2, a 35L bag capable of getting everything you need from point A to point B and then some. Expandible from 35L to 42L, the McKinnon backpack is perfectly suited to carry multiple camera bodies and a variety of lenses, but also luggage for long weekend trips. Simply mix and match as needed to suit your specific needs.
Your Turn
We hope you’ve enjoyed this look at some of our favorite camera bags. Remember to check out the detailed product pages above to see different sizes and colors available. If you’d like to learn more about camera bags, cameras themselves, and all things photography and beyond, check out our other guides and articles on the B&H Explora site.
