camera bag recs?

[jubilee]

Hi!
After a far too long wait for my new camera to arrive, it is finally here and all parts are working!!! Yay!!!!
Now I need a way to carry this thing around... can anyone recommend a camera bag? I would like to keep it as small as possible, but big enough to carry my things.
I have a Nikon D5500, 18-55 mm lens, 40 mm macro, flash and that's about it. I guess a pocket to carry a couple filters and an extra battery or memory card might be good too. I don't anticipate buying a 3rd lens in the near future (I say that now lol) so I am okay with a tight fit.
thanks!

 

[table1349]

Everything you will every want to know about virtually every camera bag made. http://www.cambags.com

 

[JoeW28]

First, don't buy anything unless you try it on first. Especially for stuff like messenger bags, slings, holsters, small camera bags, how they ride on your is critical.

Second, how are you going to shoot? That sounds like a simple question but it isn't. If all you're looking for is something to safely carry gear from point A to point B, than a camera pack/or a daypack with an insert is fine (waterproof if you'll be hiking outdoors). Using camera gear while in a car (like a safari trip)..then I'd go with a tactical vest. Street photography then I'd go for a sling (so you can easily pull out your camera or swap lens on the go...taking off a backpack in order to access a camera or swap out a lens is a nuisance). You're going to carry your camera everywhere along with your laptop or iPad...get a messenger bag. You're going to take hikes or camp overnight--get an insert for a bag (so it will hold your camera gear PLUS a layer of fleece, a tarp, your food for the day, your water, first aid kit). HOW you use it (or how you shoot) matters a lot.

Third, I think that unless you're going to be shooting indoors all the time, you're going to acquire a lens that is at least 200mm. You'll use it for birds, sports, street photography when there is some distance but you want to reach out and touch someone. So leave room for that.

 

[jubilee]

Thanks to you both!!

Gryphonslair99-- thanks for the link, I got lost in it last night and found some good options.

JoeW- I think that you are right that I need to look and feel the bag. That's why this has been so hard to do online-- the internal measurements are often similar on two bags, but then the comments and descriptions have completely different statements on what the bag is actually capable of holding. I am leaning towards a messenger or sling bag. Mostly I would be carrying it around the city. I do love to hike and camp, but lets be honest... I live in Dallas; the furthest I ever will find myself from my car is about an hour and it would most likely be on a loop trail. This area is a nightmare for the country kid in me. Most of the shops are closed today, but I think I'll drive over and see what they have at the one camera store that is open this afternoon.

 

[table1349]

Jubilee. Here are some simple directions to go look at bags.

First get on BELT LINE DR.

All directions in Dallas start with "get on Belt Line Dr."

 

[kalgra]

Camera bags are hard I think until you really know your self your gear and what you will shoot and how. Im still very new and already I have 6 different bags and use a different one depending on the occasion. I think im at a place where I can get rid of at least two now but IMO there is not one camera bad that will work for all occasions. Most likely you will end up with more than one.

These are the three I like best and use the most.

Street/travel:
Lowepro Edge 250 AW Sling
Lowepro Slingshot Edge 250 AW (Black) LP36899 B&H Photo Video

Hiking:
Manfroto OfRoad Hiker 20l
Manfrotto Off road Hiker Backpack (20L, Gray) MB OR-BP-20GY B&H

Everyday bag because I always gotta have my camera with me:
ThinkTank retrospective 7
Think Tank Photo Retrospective 7 Shoulder Bag (Sandstone) 714

 

[EIngerson]

I like the Ape Case 2000. Great all around bag, very durable.

Ape Case - Camera Cases and Accessories | ACPRO2000 Digital SLR and Laptop Backpack

 

[jubilee]

Jubilee. Here are some simple directions to go look at bags.

First get on BELT LINE DR.

All directions in Dallas start with "get on Belt Line Dr."

Haha! That's true for the suburbs! I stick close to central Dallas and pretty much don't go north of 635, so if I ever find myself on Belt Line I am probably lost!

 

[jubilee]

You all have been more than helpful! I have looked at more variety of bags today than you can imagine!!
I actually have a back pack type bag similar to the one that Elngerson recommended. It is currently acting as a storage unit for my film equipment. I also have an old Tamrac shoulder bag that has more than earned its retirement. For now, I am trying to get back into the rhythm of carrying a camera with me as much as possible so small is best. I know I'll probably end up with more than one so I can have what I need depending on the occasion. And once I get back into it, I don't doubt that my film cameras will find their way out of that pack as well

 

[jubilee]

Well, I ordered a tenba mini messenger bag. It's very nice, a pretty blue, and has lots of pockets and it seems like the equipment will be very well protected. However, this MINI bag has room for a 13" laptop!!!! This is way too big for me so it will be going back. I could easily fit a 2nd dslr and multiple additional lenses along with any accessories I could think of as well as a wallet.
So- even though this is not great for my needs, I do want to tell anyone looking that it is a very nice bag and much more spacious than it appears online.
So my pretty little new Nikon will be making its home in my 15 year old Tamrac bag for the foreseeable future. It works. It might not be pretty, but it works.