13 Best Crossbody Camera Bags for Photographers | Sunny 16

13 Best Crossbody Camera Bags for Photographers

Camera handbags too often wear the same old look. Generally, camera bags are composed of the same materials or take on that same, boxy shape-- it’s hard to find a practical bag that’s actually, well, attractive. 

But, I promise you, they’re out there.

We’ve searched the web for crossbody camera bags that will suit your photography needs and stylistic desires. So you don’t settle for a camera bag that undermines function for fashion, or vice versa.

With our catalog of the 13 best crossbody camera bags on the market, we’ve listed out the camera bags that are beautiful on the outside and utilitarian on the inside; so you can carry your gear with confidence. 


The 13 Best Crossbody Camera Bags of 2021

  1. Jo Totes Hanover
  2. Kelly Moore The Libby 2.0
  3. Purple Relic DSLR Camera Bag
  4. Jo Totes Siena Bag
  5. ONA The Savannah II
  6. Epiphanie Cortina Bag
  7. Lola Noir by Gatta
  8. Compagnon “the unique” Bag
  9. House of Flynn Everyday Bag
  10. POMPIDOO Lima Camera Bag
  11. Fig Bags: The Waterloo
  12. MegaGear Torres Mini
  13. Oberwerth Kiki Camera Bag

Crossbody Camera Bags

Ever wonder how to carry a camera in a purse? It’s simple. Assess which bag is right for you based on certain features or aspects of the bag. Once you’ve got a good idea of what your needs and wants are, pick the camera bag that fits those needs and let the purse do the work. 

1. Style

You want style, but not to the point where it takes away from the kind of function you need in your bag. Take a Monogram YSL camera crossbody bag for example; they’re widely loved, beautiful, high-end bags... but are they practical to carry your gear? 

While you’re scrolling through this list, it’s also important to keep in mind what kind of style you’re looking for.

Are you looking for bold colors? Or muted tones? Tassels? Clasps? Are you in the market for a Vegan leather bag or are you looking for a canvas look?

It’s important to consider these questions so you can assess which bag will best suit your taste.


2. Security

When travelling with valuables, it’s vital to feel comfortable and confident that your gear is safe. Security features, whether you’re travelling to Europe or walking around your hometown, are important when buying a camera bag.

Whether you prefer zippers over magnetic clasps, or discrete, interior pockets over visible, exterior pockets, make sure you know what features will make you feel secure. 


3. Size

Size is a big one here. It determines how much gear and everyday essentials you’ll be able to carry around. Consider your photography needs and lifestyle. 

Are you looking for a camera handbag to carry your small mirrorless or do you need room for a DSLR body and a few additional lenses? Do you need a slip pocket for your tablet? What about pockets for your phone, keys and wallet? 

Keep size in mind so you can determine which bag will be spacious enough to pack everything you need. 


4. Budget

While some of these bags are affordable, some can be pricey. If you’re looking to spend money, consider what factors will make your spending worth it.

Are you looking for high-end, weather-proof leather? Or just a casual crossbody camera bag that’ll serve as just that?

Regardless of your budget, we’ve got a bag in here that’ll suit every price range. 

Let’s jump in!


1. Jo Totes Hanover Bag

The Pros: This camera crossbody is a spacious, sleek black bag made to carry multiple lenses in style. Built to weather it all, the Hanover is composed of premium-grade, water-resistant nylon and black leather. Though it can hold a lot, the Hanover is lightweight and built for the travelling photographer. The interior contains three adjustable pads and a padded camera box with two mesh pockets. The pads and camera box are both removable, allowing this stylish camera handbag to easily convert to a spacious, everyday bag within seconds. The multiple exterior and interior pockets allow you to carry more than just your gear, and stay organized, wherever you go.


The Cons: While this bag is sleek and made of premium materials, it may be too simplistic for those looking for something more quirky. 


Style: ★★★★☆

Build: ★★★★☆

Ease of Use: ★★★★☆

Value: ★★☆☆☆

Overall: ★★★★☆ 

Jo Totes Hanover Bag Quick Specs

  • Price: $119
  • External size: 14 x 12 x 6 in
  • Weight: 2 lbs
  • What Fits: Camera body, 2-3 lenses, a flash, 13” laptop, other small essentials
  • Color: Black

2. Kelly Moore The Libby 2.0

The Pros: This vegan leather camera crossbody is a carry-it-all bag. It features a whopping nine pockets; three on the interior and six on the exterior, so you can keep your essentials easily accessible or safely packed inside. The interior is padded and carries padded, removable dividers to securely fit any and every size lens. Depending on the day, you can sport the Libby 2.0 as a crossbody, a shoulder bag or a roller bag. It’s vegan-friendly, Cambrio material is both abrasion and water-resistant, making this a travelling photographer’s dream.

The Cons: This bag is big and bulky, so if you’re looking for a crossbody camera bag that will carry just your small mirrorless, a few tiny essentials and not much else, keep scrolling.


Style: ★★★☆☆

Build: ★★★★★

Ease of Use: ★★★★★

Value: ★★★☆☆

Overall: ★★★★☆ 

Kelly Moore The Libby 2.0 Quick Specs

  • Price: $249
  • External size: 17 x 6 x 12 in
  • Weight: 3.8 lbs
  • What Fits: Camera body, 2-5 lenses, 15” laptop and 10” tablet, a book, other small essentials
  • Color: Saddle brown

3. Purple Relic DSLR Camera Bag

Crossbody Camera Bag - Purple Relic Yellow Purse

The Pros: With a pop of yellow, this vegan leather crossbody camera bag will have you feeling vibrant and adventurous. Designed to appear as a high-end handbag and built to carry your gear and weather it all--this is a great option for wedding shoots, city shoots, and gigs where you need to blend in with the crowd. Durable and chic, this bag contains a removable padded insert with three adjustable compartments to fit your camera, lens and other essentials. The shoulder strap is also removable, so you can sport this crossbody as a handbag too.

The Cons: It’s bright yellow and may not be a suitable crossbody camera bag for those in search of a more modest, muted look.


Style: ★★★★★

Build: ★★★★☆

Ease of Use: ★★★★☆

Value: ★☆☆☆☆

Overall: ★★★★☆ 

Purple Relic DSLR Camera Bag Quick Specs

  • Price: $75
  • External size: 13 x 9 x 6 in
  • What Fits: Camera body with lens attached, one additional lens, and other small essentials
  • Color: Yellow

4. Jo Totes Siena Bag

The Pros: The Siena is Italian leather crafted and features satin brass hardware that give this crossbody camera bag a timeless look. Not too small nor too big, this bag is the perfect size; fitting your DSLR with the lens attached, an additional lens, and your everyday essentials. The interior pads and tablet insert are adjustable and removable, so you’re free to organize your bag your way. The bag also features multiple pockets, two zippered and one located under the front flap, so you can decide what items you want accessible and what you want safely packed away. You can sport the Siena as a crossbody camera bag purse or as a camera handbag.

The Cons: This bag won’t cut it for those who need to pack more than just their camera and an additional lens. 


Style: ★★★★☆

Build: ★★★★☆

Ease of Use: ★★★★☆

Value: ★★☆☆☆

Overall: ★★★★☆ 

Jo Totes Siena Bag Quick Specs

  • Price: $150
  • External size: 11 x 8.25 x 5.25 in
  • Weight: 3.25 lbs
  • What Fits: Camera body with lens attached, one additional lens, and other small essentials
  • Color: Brown

5. ONA The Savannah II

Best Crossbody Camera Bag - Ona Savannah Bag

The Pros: The Savannah II is one of ONA’s best. This Italian leather crossbody camera bag is handcrafted and made to carry your mirrorless camera and go-to lens in style. It’s quilted, padded interior assures that your gear is in good hands. There’s a back slip pocket for a small notebook or a few back-up SD cards. The strap is adjustable and the padded wrap is removable, so you can easily turn this camera crossbody into an everyday bag. It’s refined, yet elegant look makes this bag a perfect match for any outfit or any occasion.

The Cons: This won’t be a good option for those who need their crossbody camera bag to carry more than just a small mirrorless and an extra lens. It’s also a bit pricey for a camera bag that won’t hold much gear.


Style: ★★★★★

Build: ★★★☆☆

Ease of Use: ★★★★★

Value: ★★★☆☆

Overall: ★★★★☆ 

ONA The Savannah II Quick Specs

  • Price: $159
  • External size: 9 x 8 x 4 in
  • Weight: 1.4 lbs
  • What Fits: Mirrorless camera body, 1-2 lenses, and other small essentials
  • Color: Sahara brown

6. Epiphanie Cortina Bag

 

The Pros: The Cortina is a great camera crossbody for those seeking an affordable, stylish camera bag. This compact bag is best suited for light travels. The Cortina is handcrafted and made of full grain leather; appealing to many with its beautiful, rustic look. Epiphanie even offers the option to choose between a leather strap or an embroidered strap to give your bag a unique touch. The padded basket on the interior invites you to pack your camera and a couple of extra lenses; or you can remove the basket and use this bag as an everyday bag. The exterior contains two slip pockets and a large zippered pocket for a notebook or any extra essentials.

The Cons: This bag can’t hold too much gear and won’t successfully protect your valuables from the elements. This crossbody camera bag is more of a city day bag, and less of a travel bag. 


Style: ★★★★★

Build: ★★★☆☆

Ease of Use: ★★★★☆

Value: ★☆☆☆☆

Overall: ★★★★☆ 

Epiphanie Cortina Bag Quick Specs

  • Price: $99
  • External size: 11 x 5 x 9 in
  • Weight: 2 lbs
  • What Fits: Camera body with lens attached, one additional small lens, and other small essentials
  • Color: Brown

7. Lola Noir by Gatta

The Pros: Clean and chic, this Gatta bag is a popular go-to for leather crossbody camera bags. It’s a great size for casual use; comfortably holding your DSLR or Mirrorless camera with 1-2 additional lenses and leaving just enough room for your phone and a small notebook. If you’re searching for a stylish, lightweight camera crossbody with just enough room to hold your favorite camera and go-to lenses, the Lola Noir is a great option. 

The Cons: This camera bag is a small purse crossbody that won’t hold much. It’s magnetic closure snap may not appeal to those who value utmost security when handling gear (i.e. a zippered closure).


Style: ★★★★☆

Build: ★★★☆☆

Ease of Use: ★★★★☆

Value: ★★★☆☆

Overall: ★★★★☆ 

Lola Noir by Gatta Quick Specs

  • Price: $139
  • External size: 10 x 7 x 5 in
  • Weight: 1.7 lbs
  • What Fits: Camera body with lens attached, 1-2 additional lenses, a small notebook and phone
  • Color: Black

 

8. Compagnon “the unique” bag

The Pros: Compagnon’s bag, “the unique” is custom-made for the modern photographer. This bull leather crossbody camera bag is spacious and sleek. Depending how you organize it, there’s enough room to store your 1-3 camera bodies, up to four lenses, your laptop, a water bottle, some snacks and your everyday essentials. Wear this bag as a crossbody or as a handbag; either way, you’ll love the way this bag makes transporting loads of gear look so good.

The Cons: This could be overwhelming in size if you’re not looking to carry all of that gear. It’s also a bit expensive and doesn’t seem to hold up against the elements; so it may not be the best travel bag out there.


Style: ★★★☆☆

Build: ★★★☆☆

Ease of Use: ★★★★☆

Value: ★★★★☆

Overall: ★★★☆☆ 

Compagnon “the unique” Bag Quick Specs

  • Price: $383
  • External size: 14.6 x 6.9 x 12 in
  • Weight: 3.6 lbs
  • What Fits: 1-3 camera bodies, up to 4 lenses, your laptop, a water bottle, some snacks and your everyday essentials
  • Color: Black

 

9. House of Flynn Everyday Bag

The Pros: House of Flynn’s Everyday Bag is a large, bucket-style leather crossbody camera bag that can comfortably hold 2 cameras, additional lenses, your laptop and extra essentials with it’s organizational insert. It’s genuine brown leather build makes for a sturdy bag and a rustic, natural finish. You have the option to choose between distressed leather or non-distressed, depending on the look you’re going for. This bag can be used both as a shoulder bag and as a crossbody camera bag. 

The Cons: This is a huge bag and may not be the most efficient or lightweight choice for gigs that keep you on your feet. While this bag is charming, it may be too casual to sport at wedding gigs or photoshoots that call for a more clean-cut, elegant look. It’s also fairly expensive.


Style: ★★★☆☆

Build: ★★★★☆

Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆

Value: ★★★★☆

Overall: ★★★☆☆ 

House of Flynn Everyday Bag Quick Specs

  • Price: $319
  • External size: 16 x 5.5 x 16.75 in
  • What Fits: 1-2 camera bodies with lenses attached, 1-2 additional lenses, 16” laptop or tablet, and other small essentials
  • Color: Vintage brown

 

10. POMPIDOO Lima Camera Bag

Crossbody Camera Bag - POMPIDOO Lima Camera Bag

The Pros: Made of vintage Italian bovine leather, the Lima is as close to a designer camera crossbody bag as one can get without sacrificing functionality. This petite, chic bag can be sported as a camera handbag, as well as a crossbody. The padded interior features a zipper pocket for your small personals and valuables, as well as a dedicated pocket for your phone. The two padded dividers located inside are removable, so you can transform this camera handbag into an everyday bag whenever you’d like. In addition to the Hazelnut brown and Dolphin gray, this bag also comes in Aqua (featuring blue and white tones) and Nougat (featuring cream, brown and gray tones) if you’re looking for more character. 

The Cons: This camera handbag is fun, spirited and high-end, but it isn’t practical for the travelling or the adventurous photographer. While it’s functional, it’s more focused on style. So photographers in search of a bag that will be durable and supportive during any and all occasions won’t find comfort in the Lima.


Style: ★★★★★

Build: ★★☆☆☆

Ease of Use: ★★★★☆

Value: ★★★☆☆

Overall: ★★★☆☆ 

POMPIDOO Lima Camera Bag Quick Specs

  • Price: $290
  • External size: 9.6 x 7.1 x 3.9 in
  • Weight: 1.5 lbs
  • What Fits: Camera body with lens attached, one additional lens, your phone, passport and credit cards
  • Color: Dolphin Dreams (dark gray)


11. Fig Bags: The Waterloo

Crossbody Camera Bag - Fig Bags Waterloo

The Pros: The Waterloo is a half-moon styled leather crossbody camera bag that will accommodate a casual day of shooting. It’s baby blue color and gold hardware make this bag pop with excitement. It may not be an Alexa crossbody camera bag, but it does make practicality look luxurious. The cushioned shoulder strap adds some comfort to your travels. The interior has an adjustable divider, and internal zip pocket, and a pocket designed to hold your backup SD’s.

The Cons: This bag won’t fit much gear and is not water-resistant, so it won’t withstand the unpredictable rainy days you may find yourself in.


Style: ★★★★☆

Build: ★★★☆☆

Ease of Use: ★★★★☆

Value: ★★★☆☆

Overall: ★★★☆☆ 

Fig Bags: The Waterloo Quick Specs

  • Price: $256
  • External size: 4.4 x 8.5 x 7.8 in
  • What Fits: Camera body with lens attached, one additional lens, and other small essentials
  • Color: Sky blue

 

12. MegaGear Torres Mini 

The Pros: The Torres Mini is an affordable leather crossbody camera bag that will best suit the photographer who’s in the midst of adding to their gear collection; or the photographer who’s searching for something casual and less discrete--though its  vintage look is timeless, and hard to not love. The Torres Mini can serve as a women’s or men’s crossbody camera bag. It’s lightweight and compact, so it’s best used for small travels. The interior is built with shockproof lining to keep your gear safe. 

The Cons: The buckle closure may be a bit of a hassle to go through each time you want to access or store your camera. Along with that, this bag will not function as a gear-heavy bag. 


Style: ★★★★☆

Build: ★★★☆☆

Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆

Value: ★☆☆☆☆

Overall: ★★★☆☆ 

MegaGear Torres Mini Quick Specs

  • Price: $99
  • External size: 8.5 x 7.5 x 4 in
  • Weight: 1.18 lbs
  • What Fits: DSLR or Mirrorless body with lens attached, 1-2 additional lenses, a few small essentials
  • Color: Blue

 

13. Oberwerth Kiki Camera Bag

Crossbody Camera Bag - Oberwerth Kiki Camera Bag for Women

The Pros: The Kiki bag is best described by Oberwerth, as “young, uncomplicated and lightweight.” Looking for a Coach camera bag? This is the next best thing. The simply sporty look to this cowhide leather crossbody bag will certainly appeal as an everyday grab-and-go bag. This will best suit a photographer who doesn’t need much equipment to carry much. Petite and compact, the Kiki doesn’t waste an ounce of space and is best fit for a casual day of photography. If you’re looking more for luxury and less for functionality, the KiKi may be the one for you. 

The Cons: This just passes as a camera bag, so the Kiki won’t cut it for advanced photographers or those who need more than just a small point-and-shoot on them. It’s far too expensive for what little it offers as far as camera gear goes. 


Style: ★★★☆☆

Build: ★★★☆☆

Ease of Use: ★★★★☆

Value: ★☆☆☆☆

Overall: ★★★☆☆ 

Oberwerth Kiki Camera Bag Quick Specs

  • Price: $383
  • External size: 8.7 x 7.1 x 3.1 in
  • Weight: 1.08 lbs
  • What Fits: A small point-and-shoot and a few small essentials
  • Color: Black

 

Up Next: The Best Camera Bag Purses

We’ve shown you the best crossbody camera bags, where style and function meet in the middle. Interested in learning about the best camera purses? Check out our list of the best camera bag purses

The Best Camera Bag Purses →

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.