Buying a camera is an investment that we make to capture beautiful memories. It can be expensive, but it truly is worth it. This is why it's so important to take care of this device. Camera bags are the number one go-to for people who want to house their camera in a protective space where it can be safe.
There is no perfect camera bag because all of them are made and built to suit different purposes. We understand that it can be time-consuming to pick the best camera bag for you and your camera, so we made a buying guide reviewed by photographer Kenneth Aballa to help you figure out what you want. We also included our top 10 recommendations that you should take a look at. Check them out!
Quick List - Top Camera Bags
An art director and a freelance photographer who shoots portraits, food, events, and products. Loves taking photos be it digital or film.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Often, we think we can just stash our cameras in a regular bag and call it a day. That's fine if you want your camera to have scratches or dents. However, we don't want to damage our cameras because they can be pretty expensive. A camera bag is there to help you protect your camera unit and its accessories.
From beginners to pros, we all need a camera bag that will suit our needs. You don't need to get a fancy camera bag to protect your equipment, you just need one that will make sure it's safe and secured. It's also convenient if you need to store your lenses, batteries, memory cards, and other extra equipment.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
It's all down to your equipment. The size and the design of your camera bag will depend on what gear you have. So check out what you own and decide on what you want to bring or store in the bag.
Amateurs, beginners, or those using their cameras for personal use wouldn't have too much equipment. A smaller bag with 2-3 compartments for the body, extra lenses, or a battery would be enough. However, if you need your camera bag for professional uses, you should opt for bigger bags with more compartments and storage.
A professional photographer or videographer can carry more things that amateurs or beginners don't usually need. These include things such as telephoto lenses, tripods, gimbals, or drones that need extra space with specific compartments to secure them.
Aside from thinking about how much gear we want to bring, we should think about how we want to carry our gear. In this, we should choose an option that is comfortable for us. We also need to consider the uses and the purpose of the camera bag. Furthermore, we should think about what kind of bag we need.
Pouches are the best option if you're just starting. Holsters and pouches are intended to carry a single camera and have no plans of changing lenses. These are the bag you want if you have one unit of a compact camera, a mirrorless camera, or a DSLR.
These are often soft and padded with extra pockets where you can slot in your SD cards. It's also easy to carry around because of its small size.
Shoulder bags or messenger bags are the most common type of camera bag. They're simple and it's easy to pull out your equipment from this bag.
The interior has dividers with padding to separate your lenses. It also has ample space for your chargers or memory cards. However, carrying heavy gear in one shoulder for some time can be taxing, so make sure to only carry a load you're comfortable with.
Backpacks are great for traveling photographers. It's easy to store your camera gear, and you can walk anywhere with it. It's efficient and comfortable to use.
Often, backpacks allow you to carry not just your basic camera gear but things like drones, gimbals, or sometimes even a change of clothes, too. The only downside to a backpack is that you can't get your camera instantly whenever you need it.
Trolleys or roller bags are designed for travel. They're flight-friendly, with most designs measuring up to 55 x 35 x 23cm to be able to fit in an overhead bin. They're also less straining to the body because you can just drag them anywhere.
A trolley bag is big enough to hold your gear and the other things you need for work. It has a lot of padded compartments, mostly customizable, that fit your needs.
Hard cases can also have wheels like any normal trolley. But these bags are built like armored vehicles. These are bags that are designed to protect your camera and gear against any environment.
These are camera bags known for their toughness and durability. These aren't made to be carried long distances, but they offer the best protection for your equipment.
Choosing the right material for your camera bag is sometimes a decision between what looks great and what doesn't. It's not always about functionality, it's more about the design. But this does not mean that your camera wouldn't be protected. The inside of a camera bag will always have padding that can cushion your camera.
Natural fibers are bags made from canvas, cotton, or leather. These materials are durable and can last a long time. It can handle heavy loads and can be worn with style. It is often weather-resistant but this does not mean it's waterproof.
Do check if it is waxed as this can add extra protection from the weather! Otherwise, it would be wise to have some type of covering on hand to protect your camera and gear from getting wet.
Synthetic materials are man-made and were developed for heavy wear and use. Materials like nylons or waterproof fabrics are developed to withstand any weather. It can repel moisture or water and is built to be durable. However, these tend to be abrasive and can wear out in the places where the bag rubs against your clothes.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Puluz Outdoor Dual Shoulders Backpack Camera Bag | ![]() | A Backpack to Make Photography Easier | |
2 | Lowepro Adventura 20 II | ![]() | A One-Camera Bag for Any Adventure | |
3 | VESEL CC1 Trolley Hard Case | ![]() | An Indestructible Casing for Your Gear | |
4 | Gouache Rennell Camera Bag | ![]() | A Stylish and Durable Marikina-Made Camera Bag | |
5 | Lowepro PhotoStream RL 150 | ![]() | The Best Traveling Companion for Photographers Who Travel a Lot | |
6 | Andoer Cuboid-Shaped DSLR Camera Shoulder Bag | ![]() | A Practical and Convenient Camera Bag | |
7 | OEM Multifunction Digital Camera Bag | ![]() | A Bag Made for Easy Camera Access | |
8 | Telesin Universal Hard Case for Action Cameras | ![]() | A Case for Those Who Love Action Cameras | |
9 | Ni QUA Catilo Camera Bag | ![]() | A Timeless-Looking Camera Bag That Exudes Style and Function | |
10 | Poler Elevated Camera Cooler Bag | ![]() | A Multifunction Bag for Outings |
Puluz's Outdoor Dual Shoulders Backpack Camera Bag is a bag that can make you feel comfortable. Its straps are soft, and it has a shoulder harness for when you need to participate in activities. It's an adjustable storage case that can fit a camera and 2-3 extra lenses.
This backpack is highly recommended if you are someone who loves carrying all their gear at once. The padded interior has pockets where you can stash your hard drives and SD cards. It also has a strap for your tripod on the outside. You can carry all these, and more, comfortably on your back.
Lowepro's Adventura TLZ 20 II is a camera pouch made for easy and convenient traveling. It is designed for a mirrorless camera and its kit lens. The interior is soft with padding to support your camera. It also has additional pockets for your sd card or extra battery.
This is the perfect product for those who prefer bringing only one camera without a change of lens. The shoulder straps are also padded to make it more comfortable. It is light, so you won't feel the weight even if you are roaming around for a long time. This is also great for tourists because they can keep some of their personal things inside.
This is the ultimate protective bag for your camera and gear. Vessel's CC1 Trolley Hard Case is made to keep your equipment safe against the harshest conditions. It can protect your gear from dust and debris. This hard case also has an IP67 waterproof rating which means your case can survive through torrential downpours.
This is the camera bag you should invest in if you are someone who takes photography seriously or just someone who really wants the best for their gear. The inside of this case is padded with foam and can be customized however you want it to be. You can also choose if you want padded dividers in place of pick and pluck foam.
Gouache brings the amazing craftmanship of Marikina Bag Makers in their Rennell Camera Bag. Made of cotton canvas, this stylish bag has 3 padded dividers for your camera and some extra lenses. It has a polycanvas lining that makes the bag water-repellent. In addition, its shoulder straps are padded to make it feel more comfortable.
This is a highly recommended product if you want to have a unique and sturdy bag. This camera bag is individually handcrafted by amazing craftsmen, so no bag is the same. The bag is secured by leather straps and has pockets where you can store your sd cards. The tablet compartment is also padded for additional safety.
Lowepro's trolley bag, the PhotoStream RL 150, can take you and your gear anywhere. It's a great bag to travel with because it can carry a lot of equipment. It's also the perfect size for a carry-on bag, regardless of which airline you fly. Because it's a trolley, you don't have to worry about having a hard time carrying your larger lenses.
This is a worthwhile investment if you like traveling prepared with all the gear you need. You can also fit in a 15-inch laptop if you need to. The bag is light enough that you can still take advantage of the remaining weight if you need to fly in a plane. It also has handles for when you need to carry your gear.
Shoulder bags are great camera bag designs, and Andoer's Cuboid-Shaped DSLR Camera Shoulder Bag proves this. It's convenient to get your equipment out, and it's easy to carry extra lenses. The inside is padded, so your gear is safe wherever you go. It can repel some water because of its polyester material, but there is a rain cover that you can use if the weather is too harsh.
This is a great product for any photographer, amateur, or pro. However, carrying a load on one shoulder for too long can be straining, so make sure to pack lightly. This camera bag is also useful even if you don't have a change of lens because you can just put your things. This bag can fit an SLR, DSLR, or mirrorless camera.
This Multifunction Digital Camera Bag is a sling bag that can accommodate 1-2 cameras with a change of lens. It comes with a breathable chest strap to help balance and secure the bag. There is also a pocket where you can put your things and some camera accessories. Additionally, there is a side strap where you can easily attach your tripod.
This is a product for people who wants easy access to their camera. The bag features side access where you can conveniently grab your camera whenever you need to. The fabric is also waterproof, which makes this a bag you can bring with you on your adventures. It's also lightweight, so you wouldn't have a hard time carrying it.
This list isn't complete without a bag specially made for carrying an action camera. We all know how in-demand these cameras are, and even these cameras are built to be tough, they still deserve a great bag. Telesin's Universal Hard Case for Action Cameras is something that can fit 2-3 cameras and their accessories without any problem.
The case can accommodate most action cameras, and it's really a product worth buying if you're someone who likes bringing your GoPro for adventures. With the adjustable compartments, even a small digital camera and its accessories can fit. In addition, this case is lightweight and can be kept inside your bag.
Camera bags shouldn't just be stylish, they should also be useful. This vintage-looking bag exudes style and function. It is made from genuine natural leather, so you can definitely count on this bag in terms of durability!
The inside of the bag is constructed with neoprene, a material that's resistant to corrosion and different environmental factors. It also includes ample pocketsー2 side pockets, front compartment, back pocket, and a memory card slot. Since Ni QUA offers customization for this bag, this also makes it a great gift idea for the photography enthusiasts in your life.
Poler's Elevated Camera Cooler Bags are their classic multifunction bags. This bright piece is a camera bag and a cooler. It has an adjustable and removable padded compartment for your camera. It's made of tough polyester material with seam-sealed liners so nothing can leak.
Think of the possibilities. If this bag can keep a drink's temperature, then your cameras would be in a controlled temperature and environment. Aside from this, it's a product that people who like multifunctional items would love. It's a great camera bag to bring into picnics, outings, or get-togethers.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Yes, you can, although you might have to make some adjustments to ensure that your camera won’t get damaged in a regular bag. A good way to do this is to use a camera cube, a foam cube with dividers and pockets for storing camera equipment. You can also use accessories like wraps, lens cups, and felt pouches. The goal is to keep your gear protected from damage and movement while inside a regular bag.
This should be sufficient for beginners with relatively little gear. However, as your gear collection grows, it’s best to upgrade to a dedicated camera bag.
Detach the parts of your camera whenever possible to avoid putting stress on the mounting threads. You can also remove your battery if you are not going to use your camera right away. Make sure that your items fit into the compartments in the bag snugly to avoid jostling them around and rubbing against each other.
It’s also a good idea to place your camera with the lens to the side instead of pointing downwards to prevent them from getting damaged in case the bag falls on the ground. Lastly, use silica gel packs to protect your camera against moisture damage.
Aside from your camera, make sure you have the top essentials every photographer needs when shooting, such as:
Cameras are fun little technologies that are just fun to bring anywhere. To maximize the use of your camera bag, why not look for more gear? Check out the links below to see more.
10 Best Waterproof Cameras in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Photographer and Graphic Artist
10 Best Tripods in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Photographer and Graphic Artist
10 Best Drone Cameras in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Photographer and Graphic Artist
Author: Angelica Sy
Reviewed by: Photographer and Graphic Artist, Kenneth Aballa
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Puluz|Outdoor Dual Shoulders Backpack Camera Bag
No. 2: Lowepro|Adventura 20 II
No. 3: VESEL|CC1 Trolley Hard Case
No. 4: Gouache|Rennell Camera Bag
No. 5: Lowepro|PhotoStream RL 150
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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