There were a ton of individual nominations in this week’s Co-Op, but it’s time to close the aperture a bit and focus in on the favorites. Check out the finalists below, and don’t forget to vote at the bottom of the post.
Peak Design Everyday Messenger
Just going to throw this out there but: Peak Design Everyday Messenger. I’ve tried a lot of bags in the past and this is by far the most well thought out, versatile, and useable one I have come across. - camhabib
Having recently purchased this bag to be my ultimate to-go bag for photography and work, i’ve been using it for a month now.
I usually carry Nikon D750 with 24-120mm f/4 lens as a versatile everyday choice for lens (+ small 50mm) and a Mac Book Pro Retina 15", iPad mini, and some of accessories, cables, charges, etc.
Bag itself is extremely well made, easy to carry around, loads of smart options for storage. Its very stylish and pleasing to use, not speaking about safe place for gear.
I have some grunt when traveling for a shoot with more robust gear. When mounted on lens (lets say my 24-70 for shooting) camera bulks out at the top of the bag, making it not that stable and hardish to close - on a limit of what a bag can take. With flash and several lenses (70-200mm added for instance) it stretches the limit of what bag can safely carry. Wider lens (especially 14-24) is very tight fit. To be fair, closing clip is very very good and clips or magneticly connects in various places.
If you have mirrorless setup it works wonders, on bulky, pro-level dslr end i would recommend trying it before purchase. Fitting all in can be a challange.
Still this is my best and most versitile messenger bag to date and i prefer to carry it for casual shooting and traveling. Hiking with it could be tough for some, though. Belt straps are available (with clever tri-way or around belly connections available) but for big guy, parhaps with some rugged clothes on it may not fit. For good walk or hike backpack could be more suitable.
For me, final verdict is 9/10. Great versitile bag that i can carry for hours at a time.
Pro’s: Material quality, design, comfort, versatility, atention to detail
Con’s: Not that stable in upright position with gear in it, bulky dslr’s and lenses need some tetrising around. - Boris Mihajlovic
ThinkTank Retrospective 7
Big enough to hold a DSLR/mirrorless + 2 small/medium lenses + some other stuff, but no so big that you’re tempted to put more stuff in it than you could comfortably carry. Very durable, lots of pockets, ideal for a day out, or even just as an everyday messenger-style bag (this is what I use mine for). - Andy F
This beast packs a days work of gear in a fairly inconspicuous bag, so if you are on the street you aren’t shouting STEAL ME. I’ve had mine for seven years now, day in day out carry, I’ve worn through the outer lining from friction at the corners and on the flap but the bag is still rock solid. Worth every penny, I really need to buy a new one, my current one looks like it’s been in the wars. - Dave
Lowepro Passport Sling
Big enough to fit a DSLR, a 15-200mm lens, my wallet, a bottle of water, and anything else I need for a day trip to a museum. Spare pockets inside fit small things like my lens pen, extra batteries, memory cards, and a side zipper expands to fit more. I take this instead of a camera bag and a purse and I’m so happy.
I’ve switched to a mirrorless system now, so the bag weighs almost nothing. Just an excuse for more lenses, I guess. - palehorsevictoria
Seconded - I carry a Nikon D5500, 18-55 kit lens, 70-300mm VR and 35mm f1.8 prime lens. It’s a bit of a squeeze but I’ll usually carry my camera outside the bag so a lot of the time I can fit in my Rode Videomic and Zoom H1 instead. Really happy with the bag. - The Scotsman4
Domke F-5XB Shoulder & Belt Ruggedware Bag
I have the non-ruggedwear version of this bag (it was on sale!) and I love it! I use it with my Olympus E-M10 II and four lenses. And two lenses, and extra batteries, battery charger, and a backup battery for my phone. When I’m just out and about, I carry a bit less. - Dolphinjon
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