3 Critical Features You Need When Selecting a Gadget Bag
http://www.phdweblogs.net/articles/24254/1/3-Critical-Features-You-Need-When-Selecting-a-Gadget-Bag/Page1.html
Dan Davenport
For an illustrated version of this article, go here Dan Davenport has been involved in photography for more years than he cares to think about. He taught photography and developed the Minolta School of Photography which evolved into The Maxxum Experience photo education seminars. He wants photographers to take the best photos they can and encourages them to proudly display their work. By Dan Davenport
Published on 10/1/2008
As you grow in photography, you will accumulate many tools that you use in creating great photos to enlarge and display around your home: tripods - table top and full size, filters, lenses and lens accessories, light reflectors, flash, the occasional light meter, etc And as you range far afield taking photographs, you will definitely need a convenient way to carry and manage these accessories, Here are the top three features to look for as you select this most critical accessory
As you grow in photography, you will accumulate many tools that you use in creating great photos to enlarge and display around your home: tripods - table top and full size, filters, lenses and lens accessories, light reflectors, flash, the occasional light meter, etc. And as you range far afield taking photographs, you will definitely need a convenient way to carry and manage these accessories, Here are the top three features to look for as you select this most critical accessory.
#1 - Easy to Carry. There are three main styles of gadget bag.
The traditional "over the shoulder" type bag that opens at the top for convenient access without putting the bag down in difficult situations, and it can be swung around to your back as you actually take pictures.
Next, the "belt type." This is very handy, but usually only good for smaller cameras and more limited collections of accessories. However, there are several "cone shaped" pouches that can be used on belt systems that keep larger cameras with long lenses "quick draw" ready for those quick shots. And the extra pouches can accommodate other lenses and accessories, also keeping them fingertip ready.
The "backpack type" bags will carry the most equipment, though they are a bit more difficult to access. These larger bags also usually have ways to carry full sized tripods built in, along with a complete array of camera gear, plus a sandwich to tide you over as you go through your photographic day - or evening. Some even have room for a laptop computer so you can offload images as you go about your photographic adventure.
#2 - Easy to Access. In many ways this is controlled by the number of pieces that you carry, and how often you have to handle and change them. A bag that is divided into separate compartments will keep your gear organized and at your fingertips ready for use - and better protected. Your own shooting style will help you determine how you want to access your equipment, but it should always be trouble free. Remember that caught straps can lead to dropped equipment.
#3 - Effective Padding. Definitely one of the most important factors. There should be enough padding to protect your valuable camera and its accessories (you wouldn't want a critical lens or accessory to get banged and broken just when you want to use it for that great shot), but not so much that it adds significantly to the weight and bulk that you have to carry. You may even consider two bags, one for moving equipment with lots of padding, plus a more lightly padded bag for actually walking around and shooting.
Within these three basic styles are an almost infinite number of variations and combinations. As you do your research, you will probably find that you will wind up with several different bags to use for different photography adventures. The important thing is to have the equipment you need easily at hand to create those great photos that you will proudly display around your home.
#1 - Easy to Carry. There are three main styles of gadget bag.
The traditional "over the shoulder" type bag that opens at the top for convenient access without putting the bag down in difficult situations, and it can be swung around to your back as you actually take pictures.
Next, the "belt type." This is very handy, but usually only good for smaller cameras and more limited collections of accessories. However, there are several "cone shaped" pouches that can be used on belt systems that keep larger cameras with long lenses "quick draw" ready for those quick shots. And the extra pouches can accommodate other lenses and accessories, also keeping them fingertip ready.
The "backpack type" bags will carry the most equipment, though they are a bit more difficult to access. These larger bags also usually have ways to carry full sized tripods built in, along with a complete array of camera gear, plus a sandwich to tide you over as you go through your photographic day - or evening. Some even have room for a laptop computer so you can offload images as you go about your photographic adventure.
#2 - Easy to Access. In many ways this is controlled by the number of pieces that you carry, and how often you have to handle and change them. A bag that is divided into separate compartments will keep your gear organized and at your fingertips ready for use - and better protected. Your own shooting style will help you determine how you want to access your equipment, but it should always be trouble free. Remember that caught straps can lead to dropped equipment.
#3 - Effective Padding. Definitely one of the most important factors. There should be enough padding to protect your valuable camera and its accessories (you wouldn't want a critical lens or accessory to get banged and broken just when you want to use it for that great shot), but not so much that it adds significantly to the weight and bulk that you have to carry. You may even consider two bags, one for moving equipment with lots of padding, plus a more lightly padded bag for actually walking around and shooting.
Within these three basic styles are an almost infinite number of variations and combinations. As you do your research, you will probably find that you will wind up with several different bags to use for different photography adventures. The important thing is to have the equipment you need easily at hand to create those great photos that you will proudly display around your home.