Sometimes when you’re out and about, you just want to be able to take photos of the world around you.
You want to be able to capture a specific moment of time to remember it forever.
That’s a little bit tricky to do when you’re carrying a camera around in your hands all day, especially when you’re on the move.
It’s not like you could ride a bicycle when you have no hands free!
A camera sling bag can be beneficial for this because you will have an easy way to carry your camera around with you without it getting damaged. The main issue is that it can sometimes be tricky to choose one, as there are so many different makes and models on the market.
Thankfully, we’re here to help. Here are just a few of the best camera sling bags out there. We’ve also written a handy buyer’s guide to help you to narrow down your decision.
Best Camera Sling Bag – Comparison Table
Best Camera Sling Bag – Reviews
If you’re looking for a highly versatile sling bag, the vanguard Alta Rise 43 Sling is certainly a fantastic choice.
This bag offers you an impeccable amount of storage – it’s roughly the same size as your standard backpack but it instead offers all of the ease of access you would expect from a sling bag.
The exterior of the bag measures 265 x 450 x 200m, so it is a little bulky as far as sling bags go but it’s worth it for all that it offers. The bag has a bunch of front and fear padding meaning that weight shouldn’t be even remotely difficult to carry.
It comes with interior dividers too that are colored yellow for easy access. It has both a normal side access point and an opening top and front panel.
The bag is very comfortable to carry due to the thickly padded shoulder straps. It will give you great value for money and it’s made out of durable materials.
It also comes with a bunch of small accessory slots and pouches, and you can even set up a tripod externally onto tougher mounting points on the one side.
- Ease of accessibility.
- A lot of storage.
- High value for money.
- Offers versatility of both a backpack and a sling bag.
- Somewhat bulky.
This camera sling bag is perfect for shooting pictures when out on the go. The Mindshift Gear PhotoCross 13 has been designed to be durable and features water resistant materials.
It even has rain resistant zips too, so even without the raincover it comes with you will be well protected from the rain.
The bag has plenty of storage space and the shape is wide. This means that you can carry a larger DSLR without much trouble. You could also carry a tablet inside if you want to edit on the go.
It comes with mounting points on the front of the bag and some straps that you can use for a travel tripod.
The bag features a lightly padded shoulder strap that is wide so it distributes weight well. It has a good amount of breathability and carrying it is an enjoyable, comfortable experience. There’s even a waist strap so you have even more support.
- Comfortable.
- Good quality outer materials.
- Decent weather protection.
- The dividers inside are somewhat flimsy.
This bag comes in three sizes in total, so you can choose what you want based on the amount of storage room you need. It comes with a sizeable main compartment that’s ideal for putting a DSLR in. There’s also a handy pocket for storing a bunch of accessories.
The bag is incredibly durable, so it’s perfect for life out on the road. It consists of nylon materials on the exterior which means that it works well for the wet weather.
It’s comfortable to carry too because it has a wide strap that has been well padded for extra comfort. It feels very stable when you carry it.
If you are concerned, the bag has a waist strap that makes it a little bit more secure too so you don’t need to worry about it falling off your shoulder.
The bag is not without its downsides though.
The bag doesn’t come with any handy side pouches or mounting points that would allow you to be able to carry a tripod or a bottle. This is a basic feature that a lot of other bags offer so we were a bit disappointed to see it omitted here, but it’s otherwise a decent choice.
- Durable.
- The height might be slightly lower than your average Manfrotto tripod, so this might be the perfect affordable tripod for studio-based photographers.
- Comfortable to carry.
- Decent accessory storage space.
- It isn’t able to carry a tripod.
The Case Logic DSS-101 is a fantastic camera sling bag that you are going to love. It comes with a bunch of handy features that are ideal for carrying your camera and other accessories.
It’s simple to access your bag due to the sling design, and it comes with a bunch of different compartments. These are perfect as it means you can access all of your gear easily.
You could use the compartments to put in all of your accessories too. You can even adjust the divider walls as needed. The bag comes with a little interior zipper pocket where you can put valuables such as your phone and wallet.
Furthermore, the bag is very comfortable to carry. It comes with a wide shoulder strap that has thick padding, so even if you are carrying a lot you won’t feel it too much.
You could be going on a hike and it will barely affect you at all. It even comes with a tripod or monopod side adjustment feature, and a weather hood which is perfect for rainy days.
- Comes with a weather hood.
- Well organized.
- Comfortable to carry.
- None.
AmazonBasics bags are some of the best bags out on the market for people who are on a budget, and this is certainly a great choice for someone looking for a high quality camera sling bag that they can rely on.
The bag will provide you with more than enough space so it’s ideal for carrying a wide range of accessories. It’s been designed to be durable so you will know that your money is well spent on a product that will last.
It’s great for carrying heavier loads, so you can put your DSLR in here without many issues. It has a compartment on the top that has been designed for you to hold things such as chargers or even your smartphone.
The bag is easy to carry due to the padded shoulder straps and back rest. It even has spaces where you can clip on things like carabiner hooks and straps for a tripod. You can rotate it easily too which is just what you need from a camera sling bag.
- Decent amount of space.
- Comfortable to carry.
- Good for people on a budget.
- It’s not large enough for a laptop.
Best Camera Sling Bag: A Buyer’s Guide
Why Opt for a Sling Bag?
There are all sorts of bags out there for cameras, from rucksacks to sling bags and everything in between, but why get a sling bag in particular?
Well, a sling bag is perfectly convenient for the photographer on the move. These bags are easy to access as the camera will likely be positioned on your side and they are incredibly lightweight.
If you’re riding a bicycle for example they keep the camera out of the way while your hands are on the handles.
Furthermore, camera sling bags feature a main shoulder strap that you wear across the body, and this is ideal for helping to distribute the weight properly. You can change from wearing the camera on your back to on your side depending on what’s most convenient.
You don’t even need to take the bag off in order to get your camera out, and you don’t need to worry about potentially missing the perfect shot because of that.
Camera sling bags usually come with nice, soft padding on the inside, they are durable and are able to resistant things like rain and water. There are some that even come with handy organizers and easy to reach access points.
These kinds of bags come in a range of different sizes, and some of them are even the size of a backpack. Not only that but camera sling bags look trendy, and can come in a wide range of different designs.
Key Considerations
There are a number of different things to keep in mind when it comes to buying the best camera sling bag.
You don’t want to buy just any old sling bag, so you will need to keep these things in mind to make sure that you are getting the best bang for your buck.
Type of Camera
If you’re carrying a lightweight camera, you are better suited to a sling bag. If you have a much larger camera then a backpack will be a better choice.
If you still want to use a sling bag, then you will need to consider options that are designed specifically to be used with larger cameras and kits.
Weight
The whole point of buying a bag is to make life easier and to help free up the hands so you can do other things. It kind of defeats the purpose if you end up buying a camera sling bag that weighs so much.
Look out for bags that are made out of more lightweight materials such as nylon. Nylon is also very durable which is what makes it such a good choice.
Some bags may be extra durable but also exceptionally heavy, so it’s important to remember this when making your purchase. Try and find something both lightweight and durable to give your body a bit of a rest!
Comfort Factors
If your bag is slightly more heavy than average, you’re going to want to make sure that it’s at least comfortable to carry. This is where certain reinforcements can come in handy.
Look for bags that feature padded straps and ones with a back panel made out of soft materials, as this will help to ensure that you don’t feel the pressure of the weight on your back.
You can also look for options that have wide shoulder straps as these distribute pressure a little more easily too.
Strap Versatility & Ease of Access
Sling backpacks are designed to be used in a number of different ways, such as on the back or on the side. Because of this a lot of bags comes with a number of strap options. It’s important to clarify whether the extra sling straps come with the bag.
Not only do bags have the rotation feature, but some also come with extra zipper or flap compartments that help you to access your gear much more easily. You should certainly be looking for bags that allow you easier access too.
Compartments
Your bag may be incredibly spacious, but if it isn’t well organized you may have to dig through your camera bag for ages to get it out without knocking the rest of your belongings onto the floor, which is certainly not ideal.
In this case, it’s important to look out for bags that have handy organization features. Things like removable and adjustable dividers in the main part of the bag are particularly handy.
In addition, look out for bags that come with mesh pouches and zippered pockets as this will let you access your smaller items more easily. Perfect for storing a phone or a wallet.
Design
If you’re going to be carrying your camera around with you on a regular basis, it’s only natural that you would want to get a design you feel happy wearing all the time. Thankfully camera sling bags can come in a wide range of different colors and designs.
Want something more unique?
You can get some with funky patterns and unique colors. If you want something a little more subtle that’s also an option, as there are bags in basic neutrals such as white, black and more. There’s no need to settle for something you won’t like when there are so many options out there.
With that being said, don’t choose a camera sling bag based only on the design, as you may end up with something that has poor durability or it may not be waterproof. Functionality first, aesthetics second. We promise, this is certainly the best way to buy a camera sling bag.
Weather Resistance
In your camera sling bag, you will be carrying one of your most important pieces of equipment: Your camera! Cameras are usually not cheap and we’re willing to bet that you want it to last quite some time.
Unfortunately though, If you tend to shoot outdoors with your camera you may end up getting caught in a rain or snow storm. This can be a little catastrophic to say the least if you find yourself with a soaked and broken camera.
Not only that, but you don’t want to have a wet bag draped across your chest either, because that’s just not fun.
In that case make sure that you’re looking out for camera sling bags that provide you with some amount of water resistance. You don’t need anything too waterproof though, as those materials may not feel nice against your body.
Basic water resistance and durability should be more than enough.
Durability
On the subject of durability, you need to be making sure that your camera sling bag is one that can stand up to the test of time – not all bags are up for the task!
The last thing that you want is to buy a cheap bag to save yourself money to then only need to replace it a few weeks later because the original one has broken. You may as well spend a little bit more money to get a bag that is going to last.
With that being said, you don’t need to spend a small fortune on a bag, just make sure that you’re paying for a bag with high quality, durable materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Carbon Fiber Tripod For My DSLR?
You should check the weight of your DSLR unit before buying your tripod, as the load capabilities of the tripod might not be suitable for the camera.
You also want to factor in whether you’ll be buying accessories such as LED lights and telephoto lenses, both of which will contribute greatly to the weight of your camera.
If your ball head cannot support the weight of your camera, you might find that it starts drooping to the floor, which will be a pain to have to keep correcting.
Why Is A Carbon Fiber Tripod Best For My Shooting Style?
If you are taking photos in the great outdoors, then you’ll want a tripod that can withstand all weather and terrain conditions. Carbon fiber is very resistant to most terrains and, as it is not made out of metal, it will not rust in the rain.
Clip locks on a tripod might be tricky if you are planning on photographing on the beach, as sand can get trapped in the mechanisms and jam your tripod legs.
If you are doing nature photography, you might want to get a tripod that has multiple leg adjustments, as most wildlife photography is conducted very low to the ground.
What Is The Right Weight For A Tripod?
Hiking up a mountain with a heavy tripod can be a literal drag, whereas a tripod made from very lightweight and cheap material might not stand a chance of holding even in the lightest of breezes.
With a carbon fiber tripod, you have the luxury of both a lightweight body and a sturdy base.