I have to admit it, I’m a bag freak. The problem of course, is that if I change anything with my photo equipment, than the bag that used to work, no longer does. Being the minimalist that I am by nature, the bag needs to be small and un-obtrusive – but it also has to hold everything.
It is not, to me, fun to run through the woods with a backpack. I see that all the time with nature photographers. Constantly putting their backpacks down, moving on, then returning to find their packs. No thanks. I would rather carry an extra lens, a filter and what little else I need in my pockets or at most in a vest (more on that later…).
So, I end up with a bag which carries all my photo stuff and strip down to what I need when I’m actually out shooting. So what bag works? Well I like Domke (available at B&H or Adorama). Kind of a press photographer gone wild on canvas. A number of other bags just seem to have too much padding and the associated weight and bulk. The English bags from Billingham are also beautiful – canvas and leather – but expensive and in practice rather bulky while not much fits in relative to the size of the bag. I do find that their vest (available at B&H or Adorama), although expensive, is the only one that fits my lens and isn’t too long.
Another new innovation is the Think Tank system. Here you wear a belt with lens and camera’s hanging in their own bags on the belt. There are situations where this really works. For me, it doesn’t. Again, I want a bag which holds everything and then I’ll take from that to photograph out in the field.
Well it takes a photographer to know a photographer (at least their needs). Moose Peterson’s MP-7, is, for me, the perfect bag. I fit everything into it, without the bulk but still reasonably protected. It just works. Actually, the older version of this bag works better with a single zipper instead of the new three compartments but it still a great bag.
I haven’t tried every bag yet, but I’ve tried enough to know, this one works and works well. Why? I want something that fits a camera and three or four lens. The largest lens fits on the camera itself. The additional gear I bring – filters, charger etc., all fit nicely in the main section or in the side pockets.
You will have to order these bags directly and larger sizes are also available. Again, I want the smallest bag which fits my needs – the MP-7 is it.
