Photo Bag Reviews

For those who travel far and wide there’s nothing to beat the convenience and comfort of a roller camera case. With a roller in tow, instead of a heavy pack on your back or a bag hanging off your shoulder, you’re likely to arrive feeling less fatigued. In this roundup we’ll take a look at a good sampling of roller bags that are especially constructed for photographers.

For years I’ve evaluated camera bags, photo backpacks and other camera carry solutions using a multi-point matrix that considers characteristics like comfort, durability, accessibility and protection. Once in a while a bag comes along with features that blow apart my sophisticated chart. Introducing Shimoda, a line of photo backpacks that demand a whole new classification. 

Drive any highway in North America and you’ll surely see the Thule logo on an automobile roof rack, bike carrier or ski bracket. What you may not know is that the widely popular maker of computer cases and camera packs, Case Logic, is part of the Thule Group. Today we look at the Kontrast Pro DSLR Backpack, the latest addition to their complete lineup of camera bags. 

There’s a new trend in camera carriers that appeals to photographers who want to look chic while still maintaining the core functionality of the bag. In terms of style they are at polar opposites to rugged backpacks or gear-laden roller bags, yet even the most stylish camera bag has to carry gear in a practical and organized fashion. That includes being built to withstand the rigors of being jostled or bumped in crowds, and being constructed to protect against spilled drinks, or rain at the very least. At the same time, the ideal bag should be built to carry everything we may need on a shoot, and then some.

To say that the photo backpack category is a little crowded is like saying that a few people try to board the subways in Tokyo during rush hour. If you’ve ever been to the Land of the Rising Sun and attempted to take mass transportation around 1800 hours (6pm) you know what I mean. Hand-to-hand combat is easier, but probably no harder than trying to find a niche for a new product in this overpopulated photo accessory category.

We are amazed by the wide variety and overall affordability of the camera cases and bags that have earned their place among the Best Sellers on the Amazon website. All have been rated at 5 (or 4.5) stars by purchasers, and they cover a broad array of purposes—from Drone to DSLR. So we’ve selected a cross-section—all priced under $30—to represent the collection.