15 Best DSLR Camera Bags
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We’ve all seen different lists of camera bags over the years. But they all have different uses for different times. A DSLR camera bag with the most pockets might be great for carrying extras. But it might be bulky and not very stylish when you’re meeting clients. Or a stylish bag might look good, but it isn’t practical for travelling.
One of the most important aspects is knowing whether the bag will fit your specific needs.
This list of the 15 best DSLR Camera bags of 2020 will not only list the best camera bags out there today. But will also give you a heads up on whether it suits your style of photography.
Let’s jump in!
What is the best DSLR camera bag?
Whether you’re traveling to the rainforest for National Geographic, or heading to your cousin's birthday party on the other side of the country, you’ll need to have the best DSLR camera bag for travel that not only protects your equipment, but is light enough to carry and can hold all the accessories you’ll need. But what is the best DSLR bag for travel?
The Best DSLR Camera Bags
- Manfrotto Noreg Camera Messenger-30
- Think Tank Photo Airport International™ V3.0
- Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW
- Tenba Shootout 32L Bag
- Manfrotto Advanced Active Backpack II
- The Lightyear
- Think Tank Photo Turnstyle® 20 V2.0
- The Gogh
- Billingham Hadley Pro
- Wotancraft Trooper (L size)
- Think Tank Retrospective 30 V2
- Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13 V2
- AmazonBasics Convertible Rolling Backpack
- Vanguard Supreme 53D Hard Case
- Ape Case Shoulder Bag (ACPRO1600)
1. Manfrotto Noreg Messenger-30
Style: ★★★☆☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
Buy camera bag →
A versatile messenger DSLR camera bag for travel with plenty of features for any travel requirement.
The Noreg Messenger-30 DSLR camera bag by Manfrotto has plenty of options to suit any travel need. With a separate small DSLR bag (for when you’re on the go) and a detachable laptop sleeve that’s big enough for a 15” laptop, it’s perfect for the airport. It also fits airline regulations (When the laptop sleeve is removed) so you can travel safe in the knowledge that your precious cargo is by your side at all times.
Being a ‘Manfrotto’ product, there’s always consideration for a small tripod in the form of straps at the front which can be covered by the oversized waterproof lid. The camera can also be accessed via a zipper at the front, removing the need to unbuckle the lid, making for very easy access.
This DSLR camera bag is great if you travel light and need to change to a small DSLR camera bag, for more convenience once you reach your hotel, making it one of the best DSLR camera bags for travel.
Pros: Versatile bag with detachable laptop sleeve.
Cons: Limited space and only allows small tripod.
Manfrotto Noreg Messenger-30 Quick Specs
- Price: $149
- External size: 40 x 27 x 17 in
- Weight: 3.09 pounds
- What Fits: DSLR, 2-3 lenses, 15” laptop, iPad, flash/audio gear
- Color: Grey
2. Think Tank Airport International V3
Style: ★★★☆☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
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Keep on rolling
A roller DSLR camera bag beautifully designed with frequent flyers in mind. The Think Tank Airport International V3 bag is a great DSLR camera bag for travel, built for pro photographers and although it is one of the priciest, you certainly get what you pay for. As well as being able to accommodate a couple of gripped DSLR bodies and lenses as large as 500mm f/4, there’s space to hold a 15” laptop and 10” tablet and a tripod on the side.
This is the perfect DSLR camera bag for travel if you’re a frequent flyer and your photography doesn’t demand you travelling to extreme locations, where you need to access your equipment on the fly. It’s well padded and is suitable for carry-on.
Pros: Beautiful, solid build. Robust and carry on compliant.
Cons: Expensive and is heavier than other travel bags.
Think Tank Airport International V3 Quick Specs
- Price: $399.75
- External size: 53.3 x 35.6 x 20.3 in
- Weight: 11.46 pounds
- What Fits: DSLR, 2-3 lenses, 15” laptop, iPad,
- Color: Black
3. Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW
Style: ★★★☆☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
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The perfect bag for hiking
Not every traveller flies to their destination. That’s why the Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW is the best DSLR Camera bag for travel. Whether you’re walking across the country or hiking to find the perfect landscape photo, you won’t need to leave anything behind as you can hold up to 2 DSLRs and up to 8 additional lenses. There are separate access points on the top, rear and both sides of this camera bag backpack, meaning you can access your camera quickly and easily, so you won’t miss that ‘once in a lifetime’ shot. Its comfortable fit means it’s perfect for long walks and a waistband is added for stabilizing support too.
Pros: Multiple access points and a removable waist belt. You can carry lots of equipment.
Cons: Can be bulky if full and heavy if at full capacity.
Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW Quick Specs
- Price: $269.95
- External size: 13.7 x 10.6 x 19.2 in
- Weight: 5.73 Pounds
- What Fits: 2 DSLR, 8 lenses, Tripod, 15” Laptop, 10” Tablet
- Color: Black
4. Tenba Shootout 32L
Style: ★★★☆☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
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The perfect "everyday" bag
The Tenba Shootout Backpack 32L is a large Camera bag backpack, but it can carry a LOT of gear. With up to 2 DSLRs, 8 lenses a tripod, laptop and tablet, this is the DSLR Camera bag you need if you want variety in your travel photography. Although it can be pretty heavy, the design features a robust aluminum frame and straps that make the weight evenly distributed to the back and hips, which makes it the best DSLR camera bag for travel.
With access to the laptop compartment from the outside zipper and a host of compartments enabling you to store everything you need for your hike, this DSLR Camera Backpack will see you through.
Pros: Front and side access, large and spacious. You can carry lots of equipment.
Cons: Heavy if at full capacity and side access is to one side only.
Tenba Shootout 32L Quick Specs
- Price: $250.91
- External size: 15 x 19 x 9 in
- Weight: 6 Pounds
- What Fits: 2 DSLR, 8 lenses, Tripod, 15” Laptop,
- Color: Black
Best camera bags for street photography
Street photography is getting more and more popular and photographers will find any chance to whip the camera out and capture the perfect lighting on a building or person. Having the right DSLR camera bag is essential to be able to hold your equipment and have the easy access you need to grab your camera for the right moment
5. The Lightyear
Style: ★★★☆☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
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The anti-theft bag
With an anti-theft opening and magnetic buckle for convenience and security, the Lightyear is perfect DSLR camera bag for taking your photography to the street. As well as looking stylish, this bag has plenty of features including a built-in USB charger and lots of space for a tripod, lenses, laptop and tablet.
Pros: Waterproof and anti-theft. Convenient with a USB charger.
Cons: No quick access.
The Lightyear Quick Specs
- Price: $165
- External size: 28 x 15.5 x 17 in
- What Fits: DSLR, 3 lenses, 15” laptop, tablet
- Color: Grey, Khaki, Green
6. Manfrotto Advanced 2 Active Backpack
Style: ★★★☆☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
Buy camera bag →
A spacious bag with space for your gear and essentials
The active backpack by Manfrotto is both comfortable and has a great capacity for all of your gear. If you’re out all day and need space for your batteries, there’s room in this DSLR camera bag and then some. There’s also room for a 14” laptop and a small tripod, if you’re trying to get a long exposure shot. Its fabric is water-repellent too, so you can ensure your gear is safe and secure, whatever the weather.
Pros: Spacious interior with a water-repellant material. Comfortable to carry.
Cons: Holder is only for small tripods.
Manfrotto Advanced2 Active Backpack Quick Specs
- Price: $109.99
- External size: 18.1 x 11.4 x 7.2 in
- Weight: 2.75 Pounds
- What Fits: 2 DSLR, 3 lenses, small tripod, 14” Laptop,
- Color: Black
7. Think Tank TurnStyle 20 V2.0
Style: ★★★☆☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
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A great sling small DSLR bag with super fast access
The Turnstyle 20 by Think Tank is a small DSLR bag, designed to give you the easiest access to your camera and lenses. This cute DSLR camera bag is perfect for when you’re exploring a new city and don’t want to carry a large backpack with you as it is quite a small DSLR camera bag. It’s also ideal for that quick access for when you need to take the shot ASAP. Its lightweight material means it won’t weigh you down throughout the day so you can spend more time thinking about how to get the perfect shot and less time thinking about how sore your feet are.
Pros: Spacious interior and lightweight. Easy access to gear.
Cons: No holder for tripods and weight is uneven.
Think Tank Turnstyle 20 V2.0 Quick Specs
- Price: $99.75
- External size: 9.2 x 17.3 x 5.4 in
- Weight: 1.1 Pound
- What Fits: 1 DSLR, 2 lenses, tablet,
- Color: Blue, Grey
Best stylish camera bags
Why are camera bags so expensive? Sometimes, having the most stylish DSLR camera bag can get heads turning and people talking, which is worth the price tag alone. If you’re at a party or a wedding and want to ‘look the part’, these bags are definitely for you.
8. The Gogh
Style: ★★★☆☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
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A beautifully stylish DSLR camera bag when you want to impress.
The Gogh is a beautifully designed DSLR camera bag with a durable canvas and full grain leather giving a vintage look and feel. It’s perfect for when you have a meeting with a potential client and want to add a touch of class to your photography business. Apart from the ‘show off’ factor, the Gogh also has plenty of space for your camera, lenses and batteries.
Pros: Beautiful, handcrafted design. Easy access to gear.
Cons: No holder for tripod.
The Gogh Quick Specs
- Price: $135
- External size: 10 x 14 x 4.9 in
- What Fits: 1 DSLR, 2-3 lenses, batteries
- Color: Black, Light grey, Army Green, Khaki
9. Billingham Hadley Pro
Style: ★★★☆☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
Buy camera bag →
A stylish and classic shoulder bag
The Hadley Pro by Billingham is another classy DSLR camera bag, reminiscent of a school satchel, although this contains better gear. It’s durable and fully waterproof material means this small DSLR bag is also perfect for any weather. The beauty of this bag is how customizable it is on purchase. With the choice to add additional pockets to the front and side, you can really make this bag your own. The rear, zipped pocket is ideal to stow away your tablet.
Pros: Beautiful, slimline design.
Cons: Can initially be pricey with additional costs for extras.
Billingham Hadley Pro Quick Specs
- Price: $220
- External size: 13.7 x 4.7 x 11.8 in
- Weight: 2.4 Pounds
- What Fits: 1 DSLR, 3 lenses, tablet,
- Color: Tan, Black
10. Wotancraft Trooper (L)
Style: ★★★☆☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
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A rugged and handsome shoulder bag
The Trooper by Wotancraft is a beautiful and rugged DSLR camera bag. Able to withstand any weather, thanks to its water and abrasion resistant close-weave corduroy/canvas body. This bag looks better the more it’s used. Apart from looking like you’re about to venture into the Aztec jungle to find a missing monkey head, you’ll be able to pack a lot inside and in its 2 side pockets, 2 front pockets and rear pocket with a rolling luggage handle slot. The straps at the top allow you to carry a tripod on top, something a lot of shoulder camera bags don’t have.
Pros: Customizable interior with easy access to gear. Durable design and tripod holder.
Cons: Heavy on price.
Wotancraft Trooper (L) Quick Specs
- Price: $289
- External size: 19.7 x 8.3 x 11.8 in
- Weight: 3.7 Pounds
- What Fits: 1 DSLR, 2 lenses, tablet, tripod
- Color: Olive Green, Vintage Grey
Best camera bags for wedding photography
If you’ve ever been a wedding photographer, you’ll know how much equipment you need and how quickly you need it. From quickly changing lenses, to hoarding a small army of batteries. You need your gear with you at all times. But what is the best DSLR camera bag?
11. Think Tank Retrospective 30 V2
Style: ★★★☆☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
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Rugged, stylish and silent.
The Think Tank Retrospective 30 V2 has a little bit of everything. It’s durable and can take a few knocks, but it’s also soft and versatile enough to be hidden so it isn’t in the way. The best feature about this cute DSLR camera bag are the silencing tabs, which means you can open the bag without making any noise. Perfect for wedding shoots. It also has a comfortable strap which is ideal if you’re carrying it around all day and it comes in a variety of colors, which means you can mix and match to compliment your suit for the day.
Pros: Spacious interior and lightweight with easy access.
Cons: No holder for tripods. Can be expensive.
Think Tank Retrospective 30 V2 Quick Specs
- Price: $199.75
- External size: 16 x 10.5 x 7.5 in
- Weight: 3.8 Pounds
- What Fits: 1 DSLR, 2 lenses, tablet,
- Color: Blue, Grey
12. Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13 V2
Style: ★★★☆☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
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A smart and adaptable messenger bag.
The Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13 has always been a firm favorite, now the V2 is released, they have taken on the already popular design and made this stylish DSLR camera bag even better. There is space enough inside to hold some essential extras (Tissues for the brides Dad, an extra shirt if it’s a hot day) along with your camera kit. The spring-loaded flap has four fastening points, which means you can really pack a lot into this bag.
There is also a zipper compartment at the rear so you can even carry your 13 or 15 inch laptop and edit in-between courses during the wedding dinner. The durable fabric means this bag is weatherproof, so even if the big day is ruined by rain for the happy couple, it won’t ruin your gear.
Pros: Spacious interior with easy access and good security.
Cons: Can be expensive if on a budget.
Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13 V2 Quick Specs
- Price: $219.95
- External size: 15 x 10.6 x 4.7 in
- Weight: 2.4 Pounds
- What Fits: 1 DSLR, 3 lenses, laptop,
- Color: Grey
13. Amazon Basics Convertible Rolling Backpack
Style: ★★★☆☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
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Convert easily from Backpack to Roller Bag
Amazon make a lot of camera bags and most of them are really durable. The Amazon Basics Convertible Rolling Camera Backpack is certainly one of them. With plenty of space inside for your DSLR and up to 6 lenses, a flash, batteries, charger and laptop. The exterior has holders on the side for your tripod, so you can take everything with you if you’re away for a day or two. The best thing about this backpack is that it converts to a rolling case with a telescopic handle in the padded back, so even if you’ve got a lot of equipment, you won’t have to carry it around all day.
Pros: Spacious interior with easy access. Convertible to rolling from camera bag backpack. Good price.
Cons: Accessibility is limited. Short handle and heavy when carrying.
AmazonBasics Convertible Rolling Camera Backpack Quick Specs
- Price: $113.53
- External size: 15.3 x 21.8 x 10 in
- Weight: 9.4 Pounds
- What Fits: 1 DSLR, 6 lenses, laptop, tripod
- Color: Black
Best DSLR camera bags for studio photography
You might be thinking ‘why would I need a camera bag in my studio?’ But even when you’re static, it’s good to make sure your equipment is safe and secure and if you know how to organize a DSLR camera bag, your gear is there when you need it.
14. Vanguard Supreme 53D Hard Case
Style: ★★★☆☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
Buy camera bag →
A tough, large case, capable of holding plenty.
The Vanguard Supreme 53D Hard Case is the ultimate case to hold your precious gear. If you want to keep your camera(s) secure and have your lenses organized, then this is the case for you. Not only is it tough and durable it is also dust-proof and water-proof (should you ever get flooded). If you need to move the case from one part of your studio to the other, the extendable handle and wheels makes transporting your gear hassle free.
If you need to take a trip with your gear, this case also has an automatic pressure release valve to cope with changes in air pressure and altitude.
Pros: Removable interior with Easy access. Waterproof and tough material.
Cons: Heavy to lift when full.
Vanguard Supreme 53D Hard Case Quick Specs
- Price: $236.74
- External size: 24.8 x 20.5 x 9.4 in
- Weight: 17.24 Pounds
- What Fits: 2 DSLR, 11 lenses, Flash
- Color: Black
15. Ape Case (ACPRO1600) Extra Large
Style: ★★★☆☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
Buy camera bag →
A versatile case good for traveling, great for the studio
The Ape Case ACPRO 1600 is a great shoulder bag with plenty of space inside for your DSLR and Lenses, as well as a separate padded sleeve for your laptop. This is great for when you’re shooting on the move, such as taking family portraits on location or headshots for actors.
What makes this case ideal for studio photography is the interior Hi-Vis yellow lining. Sometimes, when the only light source is beaming on your subject, it can be hard to rummage around a camera bag to find your cleaning cloth or lens hood. This bright interior makes it so much easier to find what you’re looking for in poor light conditions.
Pros: Bright interior with easy access. Portable and a good price.
Cons: No Tripod holder.
Ape Case ACPRO1600 Shoulder Bag Quick Specs
- Price: $78.59
- External size: 18.5 x 8.5 x 11.2 in
- Weight: 4.15 Pounds
- What Fits: 1 DSLR, 2-3 lenses, Laptop, Tablet
- Color: Black
The best camera messenger bags
So what's the bottom line?
Choosing the right DSLR camera bag can be confusing and time-consuming. Hopefully, this list has helped to make that decision a little less daunting, so you can go back to doing what you do best; taking those awesome photos!
Do you have one of the bags listed? Want to share your opinion? Let us know in the comments below!
Only looking for one type of camera bag? Check out this definitive list of the best camera messengers bags!
