Which camera and lens backpack is the best?
There’s no denying that photography can be an incredibly expensive business. Whether you do it as a hobby or a professional career, it’s pretty easy to splash thousands of dollars on the latest lenses, camera bodies, or accessories.
So just throwing your gear in a makeshift backpack before going to a photoshoot will definitely not be enough. To keep your camera and lenses as safe as possible while still being easily accessible, you’ll need a good quality camera backpack.
The Lowepro Flipside 300 AW III Backpack is a great choice if you need a backpack that can take a beating without compromising your gear.
What to know before buying a camera and lens backpack
Consider what equipment you want to take
When you travel with photographic equipment, you rarely have the camera body and only one lens. There are other gadgets and accessories to consider, in addition to lenses that will be best suited for your trip.
So finally, the right backpack because you will be determined by the equipment. You might decide to take just a few lenses, but you want to pack a laptop, chargers, a flash, and maybe an SD card reader. If so, a backpack with more storage for smaller items will be great.
However, you’ll need a roomier backpack if you’re packing half your lens collection, a secondary camera body, and other miscellaneous accessories. accessories and gadgets. If you also have a tripod, you will need a place to store it.
The main compartment is customizable
While backpack size largely determines what you can and can’t pack on your trip, the main compartment is often customizable. There are multiple padded interior walls with velcro at the ends so you can move them around and around to create more space.
Depending on how they are designed, some of the walls are easily manipulated to conform exactly to the shape of your camera body or lens. This creates a snug fit that not only protects it from bumps, but also ensures that it doesn’t vibrate inside.
Sustainable materials are essential
There’s no point buying a backpack that looks great but falls apart on the first mission. Look for a backpack made from durable materials that don’t tear easily. And even if it does, it shouldn’t allow your lenses or camera to fall off.
The same goes for any fasteners, zippers or buckles. Nothing is scarier than your world in slow motion as backpack straps fail and your expensive gear crashes to the ground.
What to Look for in a Quality Camera and Lens Backpack
Front zipper for easy access
When speed is essential, you can’t afford to fumble with buckles, clasps or rummage through your bag. That’s why a good quality camera backpack has an easily accessible front compartment with a sturdy zipper. This allows you to grab your gear quickly, and there’s no need to shift gears.
Some backpacks do this differently by designing the lid to open fully. It’s a great alternative if you want to put down your bag, open it and have all your gear immediately.
Waterproof
As a photographer, you will never know when you will be caught in the rain. But just because your clothes are wet doesn’t mean your gear should suffer the same fate. And it’s not just in thunderstorms either. If you decide to take your camera backpack on a hike and you slip, your bag may end up in a river or stream.
A good quality backpack has a special lining inside to protect your camera and lenses from getting wet. If it doesn’t have a liner, it should at least be covered with a water-resistant material that will buy you enough time to retrieve your bag or protect you from the rain.
Lots of padding
Photographic equipment is heavier than most people realize. The camera body alone weighs a few pounds, and when you pair it with multiple lenses, it can quickly become an unbearable burden.
That’s why a good quality backpack has thick padding on the shoulder straps and the carrying handle. Some larger bags may even have some form of back support so that the weight is distributed evenly.
How much you can expect to spend on a camera and lens backpack
The average price of a camera backpack depends on the manufacturer, bag size and material. An affordable backpack with a modestly sized main compartment sells for $30-$40. However, a larger backpack with padded shoulder straps and a water-resistant coating sells for $100-$300.
Camera & Lens Backpack FAQs
Can you also fit a drone in there?
A. It depends on the size of the main compartment and the configuration of the dividers. If you plan it carefully, you might be able to fit a drone in the backpack if you pack one less lens.
Can you take a camera backpack on a plane?
A. In most cases you can do this, but it is advisable to check with the airline first. Usually, the airline will have no problem if they respect the dimensions of the hand luggage.
What is the best camera and lens backpack to buy?
Top backpack for camera and lens
Lowepro Flipside 300 AW III Backpack
What do you want to know: A sturdy backpack is a great option for keeping your gear safe and dry.
What you will love: The back panel opens completely so you can put it on the floor. The internal compartments are customizable and it has strong padding on the shoulder straps.
What you should consider: It has limited space for small gadgets.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon
Best camera and lens backpack for the money
Amazon Basics Backpack for SLR Cameras and Accessories
What do you want to know: This backpack is an affordable option for protecting your camera and lenses.
What you will love: The spacious interior is customizable with multiple padded walls, ample space for small gadgets, and thick foam padding on the shoulder straps and hipbelt.
What you should consider: It’s big enough to protect a camera body and up to two lenses, but carrying more will be difficult.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Vanguard Alta Sky 66 Camera Backpack
What do you want to know: This backpack is a great choice if you want to keep your lens attached to your camera but safe at the same time.
What you will love: With thick foam padding inside, this outdoor backpack has two quick access openings. There are several smaller pockets, a slot for a 9 inch tablet and heavy duty loops.
What you should consider: The included rain cover is not large enough to cover the backpack when a tripod or drone is attached.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon
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Charlie Frippwritten for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their buying decisions, saving them time and money.
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