HOW TO CHOOSE A GOOD BACKPACK FOR YOUR SLR CAMERA (AND HIT)

There are endless accessories in the world of photography that you can use to give a different look to your photographs, to achieve hundreds of different effects, to take sharper photographs or to add light in those situations where you need it, but there is only one which brings them all together: a good backpack or photo bag. The case, bag or backpack to move the photographic equipment are much more important accessories than most photographers believe since, within these, they move and protect all the tools and accessories necessary to carry out the photograph. The camera, lenses, flash and accessories are too expensive to neglect the way you take them with you to make your shots. That is why paying special attention to the way you do it becomes very important. In today's article you will see not only the importance of a good backpack for your SLR camera and the different types of these, but also, you will know the fundamental aspects to consider when choosing the next backpack for your camera Photographic The security of your equipment depends on it: Are you going to miss it?

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO HAVE A GOOD BACKPACK FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT?

Is there anything more precious for a photographer than your camera? In the material world, probably not, that is why, the more secure and safe it is, the better. The backpacks and bags for cameras are not just a way to store and transport your equipment in a comfortable way, but also are the main way to protect your photographic equipment when you go out with him. The scratches, the blows, the dust and even the thieves will be on the lookout for your camera and equipment as soon as you decide to go out to take some photographs, that is why, the more you are safe from these threats, the quieter you can take your photos. While you can use almost any bag, backpack or shoulder bag to transport your equipment, not all of these will guarantee the desired protection. Backpacks specially designed for photographers are usually robust, with padded compartments and even waterproof so as to guarantee both comfort and safety.

The backpack will help you protect your equipment.

TYPES OF BAGS AND BACKPACKS

There are plenty of options on the market that you can choose, according to your needs, to store, transport and protect your equipment. Given so much variety, it is important that, before going out to buy your next backpack for your SLR camera, think what use you intend to give it, under what situations (adverse weather, photography in the city or in a studio, etc.) and In addition, the amount of equipment you plan to put inside. That is why, so that you can get a better idea of ??the options available to you, I have prepared a short summary with the main models from which you can choose, in order to achieve a balance between comfort and use: 1. Cover: as the name implies, the covers are a very good option when moving and protecting your camera. Its size will not allow you to save anything more than a camera with its objective, a memory card and the occasional cable but, if you are looking to carry little weight with you, the covers are an ideal option. Its main advantage is the possibility of quickly unhooking your camera to hunt a great photograph.

Case or case

2. Shoulder bags: this type of bags, somewhat larger than the covers, will allow you to not only transport your camera, but also the occasional lens and its corresponding accessories. A good shoulder bag should have enough padding to protect your camera, divisions to keep your equipment organized and pockets that allow you to store the smallest material. Its shape and size may vary depending on the manufacturer but almost everyone has something in common: the possibility of loading your equipment hanging from one of your shoulders in a practical and safe way. Anyway, try not to overload it too much, since, when you put all the weight on one shoulder, you can experience fatigue and back pain if you carry it for others.

Shoulder bag

3. Shoulder Bag : these backpacks are halfway between a shoulder bag and a backpack for your SLR camera as they seem to take the best of both: an excellent way to transport your equipment and the comfort to access it whenever you you need to take a picture without having to take it off your back (it rotates easily). Unlike regular backpacks that have two “handles” or straps so that you can distribute the weight between both shoulders, these shoulder bags carry a single strap that will cross your chest.

Shoulder strap with side closure.

4. Backpack: Backpacks are the ideal way to move your equipment in a safe, practical and comfortable way. Its larger size with respect to bags and shoulder bags will allow you to take with you all the accessories that you think are convenient. Although you can use almost any backpack for this purpose, those specially designed for photography, when coming padded, with divisions and some even waterproofed, will allow you to do it in a safe way. Its two straps will allow you to distribute all the weight of it on your shoulders and back, so they are ideal for long days of work or adventure. Its main disadvantage: if you want to take out your camera or an accessory, you must take it off your back.

backpack for your SLR camera

5. Rigid suitcases or briefcases : if you have to carry a large amount of equipment, a rigid suitcase or briefcase will be the ideal option for you. These briefcases are used, mostly, by professional photographers who, due to the large number of cameras and lenses they need to carry out their activity, a backpack or bag does not guarantee the space and security they need to do so. Despite being the ideal way to move and protect your equipment, it is usually the least used mode.

Suitcase or hard case with wheels

WHAT ARE THE MOST RECOMMENDED BRANDS?

There is as much variety of models as of these manufacturers, so your choice will not be easy, especially if you take into account that, almost any bag and backpack can be used easily converted for use in photography. Anyway, here is a short list of the most popular manufacturers of bags and backpacks, which means that they are not the only ones:

Lowpro
Tamrac
Kata
CaseLogic
Vanguard
Bestek

Each of the brands that I just told you have a lot of different models of cases, bags and backpacks of excellent quality, but remember: they are not the only ones. So that you can lean towards one manufacturer or another it is important that, when checking the bag or backpack, pay special attention to the quality of the seams, the zippers and the fabric with which they are made. If these appear to be of poor quality or poorly resistant, it is best to keep looking. The last thing you want to happen is that, in the middle of a walk, a belt or zipper is broken, spreading all your equipment on the ground. If you have spent a lot of money on your device, try not to spare when it comes to getting a bag or backpack, since the integrity of your device will be at stake.

Safety first.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE NEXT BACKPACK FOR YOUR CAMERA?

Now that you know what are the different alternatives available in the market and which are the main manufacturers of these, surely you have already got an idea of ??the type of bag you need to move and protect your equipment. The time has come to make that idea a reality! Then I have prepared a ready with 9 aspects that you should not overlook if you want to succeed in choosing your next photo backpack: 1. The use that you are going to give it: it is important that you keep in mind what types of practical photography to choose a bag or backpack that best suits the situations in which you will take your photos. It is not the same a backpack to go on an adventure through a forest or mountain than another to travel the streets of a city venturing into " urban photography ." Depending on the use you are going to give it, a case, a bag or a backpack will be of greater or lesser help. When choosing a backpack, it is important to be clear about the equipment you will need to take with you. 2. The equipment and accessories: as I just told you, it is not the same to transport a camera with a lens mounted on it, than to take the camera with you, a pair of lenses, a flash, a laptop, etc. The size, weight and quantity of items that you are going to take with you is determining the type and size of the bag or backpack you need to transport them.

Think well what use you will give

3. Compartments, divisions and pockets: you should pay special attention to this aspect since, the quantity and quality of divisions of your bag or backpack is what will guarantee that your equipment does not move and hit inside your bag or backpack. It is very important that each compartment securely secure each accessory and protect it from possible shocks. Again, it will depend on the use you are going to give the amount of divisions and pockets that you need to occupy during use. Many backpacks and bags allow, through the use of velcro, adapt the different divisions to the size and shape of the objectives or accessories that you want to take with you. The thicker and more padded they are, the better protected they will be.

Make sure they are comfortable and resistant.

4. The weight of the backpack: this is another aspect that you cannot ignore since, to the weight of all the equipment that you carry with you, you must add the weight of the backpack or bag that you carry with you. Contrary to what it may seem to you, photographic backpacks can be very heavy on their own since the materials with which they are made add a lot of extra weight. Your back and shoulders will be grateful that you consider them at the time of your choice. 5. Security: almost nowhere in the world will you be exempt from the fact that a friend of others can open your purse or backpack and take something that does not belong to him. The easier it is to open them, the greater the chances that something will fall or be stolen from them and even more so, if it is backpacks where you do not always have your load in sight. Inside your backpack you will carry very expensive equipment so, try not to be too flashy. Being cautious never hurts, so I recommend that, in addition to paying attention to these aspects that I have just mentioned, read the following article: " Tips to Prevent the Theft of your Camera ".

Some backpacks bring a protective net.

6. The comfort: the more you are at the time of taking your photographs, the better the results you achieve with these, so you must ensure that the backpack you are going to choose is not a hindrance. Finding a comfortable, lightweight, resistant and secure backpack is very difficult, but finding a balance between all these features is not so much, it will only be enough to make a good previous analysis of the use you are going to give it, to define the type of bag or backpack that best suits it. 7. The resistance and durability: As I mentioned before, the last thing you want is that, while you are taking a photographic walk, a strap or zipper is broken and all your equipment ends up hitting the ground or if it rains, your camera will get wet. That is why the strength and durability of the materials with which they are manufactured, the quality of the zippers and seams, etc., are essential to prevent your camera, lenses and accessories from being ruined. Keep in mind that there are backpacks designed to go on adventures that are more resistant and waterproof than those that were designed for more everyday and less extreme use. Again, everything ends up depending on the use you are going to give it. 8. Style: Although fashion is something completely secondary when choosing a backpack that will accompany you in all your photographic adventures, it may be more important for you. If you are one of those people, do not worry as there are endless designs for you to choose. Also, with a little imagination and style you can easily build your own. How? Reading the following article: “ Bricofotografía: How to Mount Home Photographic Accessories ”.

Security and style

9. The price: all the aspects you just read are conditioned by the latter: the price. The best way to save money when buying a bag or a backpack is to analyze well what will be the use that you are going to give it so as not to pay for benefits that you will never end up using. If you do not plan to go on an adventure, it makes no sense to spend a fortune in a bag for that purpose. Now, once you have defined this aspect, try not to skimp on expenses. The cost of a quality backpack is rather an investment, in security for your equipment and in quality for your photographs as it will allow you to work more comfortable and relaxed.

Don't go crazy! Choosing will not be so complicated

I can't think of a better way to finish this article than quoting Alexa in the article “ Very Useful Accessories for Your Next Photo Trip ”:

“The most important thing is that it is comfortable, light and that allows you to manage quickly when taking out or storing the camera, lenses and others. If it has different compartments so you can have everything organized, much better, and if it is waterproof, it would almost be perfection. If it's not perfect, don't worry, but organize it well and try to get the best out of the one you have. ”

Mario's Note: In case of guidance, in my case I went through 3 or 4 backpacks before finishing the one I currently use and with which I am delighted . A Lowepro Hatchback . You can have it in blue or black . I hope that today's article has been useful for you. If so, do not forget to share it on social networks and recommend it to your friends and colleagues