With spring in the air and the world reopening again, street photography is poised to make a major comeback. For anyone chomping at the bit, now’s the time to prepare.
The key to choosing a suitable camera bag for street photography can be neatly summed up in the familiar phrase “travel light.” Needless to say, the same goes for travel photography. In both of these leisurely pursuits, you don’t want to be weighed down by excessive loads of gear while you’re wandering but still have something to snugly carry it in – and instant access to whatever you require the moment you need it, along with protection from the elements and other unscripted shocks along the way.
We’ve rounded up five of our top-selling camera bags for street and travel photography. They’re as practical as they are stylish, and any one of them would make great company on your next solo excursion into the streets, at home or abroad.
Peak Design Everyday Sling 3L – Ash
San Francisco-based Peak Design takes great pride not only in the quality of its products but also in the company’s socially conscious approach to manufacturing. First launched in 2016, their Everyday Sling bag was recently overhauled based on feedback from loyal customers, resulting in a lighter, more streamlined design. Marketed as “the ideal minimalist one-camera bag,” it’s easy to see why the Everyday Sling remains a perennial favourite. Compact but with enough room for a single camera body and lens plus a few accessories, it can also be worn comfortably as a hip bag out in the field and during your commute.
Features
- 0.45kg weight
- Nylon/canvas material
- FlexFold internal divider
- Weatherproof exterior shell
- Two large and four small internal stretchy pockets
- Two external carry straps
Benro Element S10 Shoulder Bag – Black
Probably better known for its extensive range of tripods, monopods and heads, Benro also manufactures a comprehensive range of camera bags in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. The compact and highly affordable Benro Element S10 shoulder bag makes our Top 5 list for its ability to accommodate a mirrorless or small DSLR camera body with the lens attached for quick-draw convenience, plus a well-padded interior for an added layer of protection. There’s also plenty of room in its stretchy mesh inner side pockets and under the lid for all those little extras, like memory cards, spare batteries and cables. The comfortable top handle and adjustable shoulder strap give it a couple of nice finishing touches.
Features
- 19.5x17x13cm exterior
- 13x17x15cm interior
- Fits camera body with lens attached
- Padded main compartment and mesh side pockets
- Handle and adjustable shoulder strap
Tenba
New York City-based Tenba is known for one thing and one thing only: innovative well-crafted soft-sided camera bags for the most discerning photographers. It’s no coincidence – and no wonder – that three of its products round out our list of top sellers.
Tenba Messenger DNA 11 Graphite
The Messenger DNA 11 was designed to withstand the rigours that New York City bike messengers typically face, but with an interior that’s thoughtfully optimized to protect even the most delicate cameras, lenses and gear. With a pedigree like that, you know that this has got to be good. A tapered front flap provides superb weatherproof coverage, and the patented Quick Access zipper lets you swiftly and securely swap out cameras and lenses without even opening the front flap. Nylon construction keeps the whole thing nice and lightweight.
- 33x24x19cm exterior
- 30x23x18cm interior
- 1.1kg weight
Tenba Cooper 13 Slim Messenger Bag – Grey
Built with the finest materials and hardware for long-term durability and weather resistance – including a waxed-cotton canvas exterior with pebbled-leather accents – this bag exudes affordable luxury. It can easily hold a mirrorless camera with up to five lenses or a compact DSLR with up to three. You can access the interior through a top-zippered opening or the near-silent Velcro-fitted front flap.
- 37x 27x14cm exterior
- 34x24x9cm interior
- 1.2kg weight
Tenba DNA 16 Slim Messenger Bag – Black
Designed for everything from urban exploration to adventure travel, this supple but sturdy messenger bag can hold a mirrorless or DSLR camera with up to six lenses (including an attached telephoto zoom up to 200mm) as well as a flash and additional accessories. Thanks to its seam-sealed waterproof base, you can safely place the bag on a wet surface, worry-free, even for extended lengths of time.
- 40x30x14cm exterior
- 37x29x10cm interior
- 1kg weight
