Is it worth it buying a branded/more expensive bag?

pajodublin

Since adding to my kit over the summer, I now carry around 2 cameras, several lenses etc etc.
The bag I use is just too small so looking to upgrade.
I was just wondering do others think it's worth going down the Lowepro/Manfrotto route?
For bags that fit the bill I'm looking at €200+.
I can get a half decent no name bag for one third of the price.

Looking for opinions. Thanks
Pat

peckerhead

Would you consider secondhand? I bought my LowePro Slingshot 200 for about £25 incl. delivery on the UK eBay site. It was immaculate.

AndersLimpar

I would say it is worth paying that bit more. I've had cheapies which all fell apart or tore after not much use so I bit the bullet and bought a Think Tank Airport something bag. Have it for years now and still as good as the day I bought it.

Buy cheap buy twice etc.....

Paulw

Buy once, buy right. Sometimes when you buy cheap, the quality is not there and you end up having to buy another.

I have a few different Lowepro bags, and have them years. All still in great working condition. Well worth the investment.

magicbastarder

apart from the longevity of the bag itself, it may be worth considering the calculation with the value of the contents in mind. not that a strap breaking is going to be too probable, but consider other things like waterproofing. not much point in saving money on the bag if it costs you in damage to the kit a more expensive bag may have helped alleviate.

Cameraman

If you use it a lot - it's generally worth it. The construction quality - especially zips/wheels/waterproofing is usually better (and sometimes guaranteed for life)

However, I've never found a single bag that worked for every situation, so a mix n match approach might be best.

Highly recommend anything from Think Tank though.

Ben D Bus

I'm never too happy wearing branded bags out and about (especially where I work!) if they suggest expensive kit inside - laptops & cameras being the obvious ones.

I tend to use a couple of decent smaller bags - a case to hold camera with one lens fitted, and other lens cases as necessary. And then I pack them into my standard Jansport backpack.

But I just use bags to move from A to B, I don't need easy access to what I'm carrying.

pajodublin

Thanks all. I've my eye on a manfrotto bag I'll buy this week.

Same bag in the camera shops is 180 and only 80 on Amazon. Crazy the price difference

Nforce

Another +1 for the Lowepros...I've a few of them too and the built in waterproof cover has been a godsend on several occasions. Worth throwing a couple of silica gel packs into the bag too.

CelticRambler

I acquired a Lowepro bag when I bought a 70D secondhand. It's lovely ... but I rarely take it out with me, partially for the security reasons hinted at by Ben_D_Bus and partially because it's only good enough for a body, some lenses and a few other bits and bobs. Most of the time, I use a cheap garish rucksack that I can wear on my back, on my front or carry in one hand. And I can shove my lunch (or Christmas presents) in it too.

flyingsnail

I have a Lowepro Rover AW II thats about 7-8 years old that looks a bit battered but is still going strong. I love that it doesn't scream camera bag. Bottom half is camera bag and fits a body + 3 lens and the top half is regular backpack. Paying for the quality is really worth it.

CabanSail

I picked up a backpack bag quite a few years ago. It is good quality but without the brand name. Less than half the price of the known brands. Having said that it did have a fault after a couple of years of use but was replaced under warranty without a hassle. The upgraded version was even better.

Look for quality not just a high price.

Tiriel

pajodublin wrote: »

Thanks all. I've my eye on a manfrotto bag I'll buy this week.

Same bag in the camera shops is 180 and only 80 on Amazon. Crazy the price difference

What bag are you looking at? I'm in a similar enough position, have a bag but it's too small now and need to upgrade.

pajodublin

Tiriel wrote: »

What bag are you looking at? I'm in a similar enough position, have a bag but it's too small now and need to upgrade.

I ended up going for the Manfrotto Redbee 210.
£75 on Amazon. Cheapest in any of the camera shops I saw it for was €175.

georgefalls

pajodublin wrote: »

I ended up going for the Manfrotto Redbee 210.
£75 on Amazon. Cheapest in any of the camera shops I saw it for was €175.

That is a good looking bag.
I use a Lowepro 'Pro Runner 300 AW'. Similar sort of size, had it a few years now and its been through all weathers. Still looks as good as new.

Silva360

The best day pack I have ever bought is the Jack Wolfskin acs photo pack.

It takes a camera, 24-70 f/2.8, 70-200 f/2.8, filters, tripod, water, paclite jacket, food. Very comfortable and has a waterproof cover stored beneath. .

It was on sale for £50.00 in the summer with another 10% off for signing up to the newsletter. Absolute bargain. I can't see it on their website now, but this is the slightly bigger version:

http://www.jack-wolfskin.co.uk/acs-photo-pack-pro/2003132-6000.html

My dream bag is an f-stop Tilopa, but as F-Stop bags are the worst company I have ever had the displeasure to deal with I will forego that dream (ordered 'in stock' bag. Took money on order. Chased them up a month later and they said it was not in stock and would not be in stock again - Satori bag -, took two more months and multiple emails to get money back).