Photography by Tom Zeman - Quest for the Perfect Bag -- Part 2

A lot has changed since I first wrote about this subject in 2003. For one, I have switched completely over to digital photography, and haven’t shot a single roll of film since. Also, improvements in lens technology have reduced the number of lenses I carry. Lenses are smaller, lighter, and cover an expanded range of focal lengths, while still providing as good or even better image quality.

These developments have totally changed the way I pack my gear, and bag makers have been quick to respond to the changing marketplace. Designers now include features specifically geared toward digital. Special pockets and compartments hold flash cards and batteries. Many have spaces integrated to hold laptop computers, as well. The old names are still around, and we’ve seen some new players enter the market.

Of all the bags I wrote about in the original article, all of them have been sold, except for one. I still have the Lowepro Topload Zoom Pro AW, but it hasn’t been used in some time, having been largely replaced by the Tamrac 5605 Pro 5. The 5605 lets me carry one camera with lens attached, plus an additional lens, flash, and accessories.

For times when I want to carry everything the 5605 carries, plus an additional camera body, I use the Tamrac 5608 Pro 8. It’s like the 5605’s slightly bigger brother. I added a Tamrac S-114 Camera Bag Harness to make carrying a little easier. The 5608 has worked really well for me on trips where I’m going to be on foot all day, and want the security of having the second body with me in case of problems. (Yes, this does happen. One camera failed on me while in Greece, and I was able to switch to the second body and complete the trip.) In this role, it carries my basic gear, plus my personal items for the day.

The big bag category is where the biggest changes have occurred. For a few years I used one of Moose Peterson’s MP-1’s, but this has since been retired. Now I’m using a ThinkTank Airport Addicted. ThinkTank is one of the new names around, having been founded by former Lowepro designers. Their products are of extremely high quality, using innovative materials and professional photographers in the design process. The Airport Addicted will carry all of my gear, including the Sigma 300-800mm/f5.6, AND a laptop computer. Naturally, this makes for a pretty hefty package, but it does eliminate the need for a separate computer bag. Usually I leave the computer gear in the hotel once I’ve arrived to lighten the load.

As you can see, I’m still using a mostly three bag system, but the bags themselves have completely changed since 2003. Changes in my equipment needs and the improved features offered by bag makers have allowed me to find a system that meets my current requirements more closely. The downside it that I now I have a closet full of bags that are retired. (My wife has been bugging me to get rid of them to clear up some space, so they’ll probably be appearing on Ebay soon.)

The bottom line is that choosing the right bag is like any other equipment choice, and is highly subjective. Just as one can rarely get by with just one lens, you’ll probably wind up with more than one bag, unless you want to carry everything with you everywhere you go. (Once upon a time, I used to do that, and maybe I’ve gotten a little older, so I no longer choose to.) No bag is perfect, but like camera technology, bag technology evolves, and one of the new designs may better meet your needs. Do your research and find out what works for you.