Recommend a bag for Sony A6000 w/ kit lens + SEL35F18

Tigerman82 · Mar 23, 2014

I've preordered Sony A6000 camera with the kit lens and plan on ordering a bag for it. The problem is that where I live the selection of camera bags is really poor. Therefore I'm ordering the bag online. The A6000 will be my only camera and I need the bag for general storage and for indoor/outdoor use where I walk around and quickly take pics of anything that interests me. My criteria for the bag are as follows:

*As compact as possible (without sacrificing the easy of use)

* But with protection from bumps and moisture

* Should not look like a camera bag

* Room for A6000 with kit lens attached + 1 additional lens (SEL35F18) (I'm not planning on buying additional and/or big lenses)

* Would be nice to have a place to put my mobile and wallet for a while

* Price 40-120$

My current top choice is Domke F-5XB in Limited Edition Olive (I can get this for just over 90 dollars). However, I wonder if it's too roomy for my needs. Then there's the Think Tank Mirrorless Mover -range which are not as low-key. Then there are cheaper bags from LowePro, Case Logic and even Sony, but they don't seem to have the same level of design meets functionality as for example Think Tank bags have.

Please advice!

Photofunster · Mar 25, 2014

Tigerman82 said:
I've preordered Sony A6000 camera with the kit lens and plan on ordering a bag for it. The problem is that where I live the selection of camera bags is really poor. Therefore I'm ordering the bag online. The A6000 will be my only camera and I need the bag for general storage and for indoor/outdoor use where I walk around and quickly take pics of anything that interests me. My criteria for the bag are as follows:

*As compact as possible (without sacrificing the easy of use)

* But with protection from bumps and moisture

* Should not look like a camera bag

* Room for A6000 with kit lens attached + 1 additional lens (SEL35F18) (I'm not planning on buying additional and/or big lenses)

* Would be nice to have a place to put my mobile and wallet for a while

* Price 40-120$

My current top choice is Domke F-5XB in Limited Edition Olive (I can get this for just over 90 dollars). However, I wonder if it's too roomy for my needs. Then there's the Think Tank Mirrorless Mover -range which are not as low-key. Then there are cheaper bags from LowePro, Case Logic and even Sony, but they don't seem to have the same level of design meets functionality as for example Think Tank bags have.

Please advice!

Hi,

Well that bag looks ok, http://www.domkebags.co.uk/blog/limited-edition-domke-f2-f5xb/

Yes, but I'm pretty sure there would be a better bag, that would hold more and probably look a little better too.

What about the Domke F-803? More room, and better organized...

Loading…

www.tiffen.com

Chas

zackiedawg · Mar 28, 2014

I bought a bag for a similar purpose to use with my NEX-5N, and will be using it for my A6000 as well when it arrives. My main goal was a bag that was as small as possible, but could JUST squeeze the camera with one mounted lens, and two other lenses. I bought the Tamrac Zuma Compact, and it's been very good:

http://www.tamrac.com/products/zumacompact/

It will just barely squeeze the NEX with kit lens mounted, plus my 10-18mm lens, plus a very small Voigtlander 35mm F1.4 lens and zip closed nicely, with essentially no spare room inside. The front zipper area will hold small thin items - an extra battery, memory cards, pen, etc.

If you only intended to carry the body + kit lens and one other lens, you could use the extra lens slot in the bag for a smartphone, sunglasses, etc.

It was only $32, so a good price - it's well padded enough for minor bumps and scuffs, and water resistant enough to survive soakings on water rides and Florida rainshowers.

LeeStG · Mar 28, 2014

I've looked at that Tamrac myself a few times.
Curious if it's possible to remove that Tamrac label.

Hate having camera bag labels on my bags.

Photofunster · Mar 28, 2014

LeeStG said:
I've looked at that Tamrac myself a few times.
Curious if it's possible to remove that Tamrac label.

Hate having camera bag labels on my bags.

The best, and most creative method I ever read, was from here, about 8 years ago.

Using Biohazard Stickers...

Loading…

www.dpreview.com

So these are appropriate for them: http://www.zazzle.ca/biohazard+bags

Particularly like this roomy one:

Loading…

www.zazzle.ca

Hahaha, yeah, you may lose your gear with that method.

Eh yikes, another entry stinks, as its ideal was thee phony dirty diaper bag! ;-)

Chas

Tigerman82 · Mar 28, 2014

I decided to not to go with Domke bags after all. The F-5XB, while extremely popular, has noisy velcro and a not-very-functional pocket for accessories. The F-803 is indeed better organized but the design is too retro.

The Tamrac seems to be functional but there's just something I don't like about it.

I looked into Crumpler's bags and am currently considering either the 4 million or the 5 million dollar bag (black/gunmetal/red interior). I like the design and from what I've understood the protection and build quality should be excellent. It seems that I could fit A6000 w/ lens attached plus one lens snugly in the 4MD while the 5MD would give me room for e.g. flashgun (which I most likely am not going to get). I think the 4MD is more of my size.

Photofunster · Apr 2, 2014

Have you ordered your bag?

I was wondering if you had decided and placed your order, or found one in a shop that you could buy and try.

Chas

Tigerman82 · Apr 2, 2014

Photofunster said:
Have you ordered your bag?

I was wondering if you had decided and placed your order, or found one in a shop that you could buy and try.

Chas

--
D800, AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR, B+W Clear MRC 77mm, AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR, Sigma DG UV 77mm,
SB-910, WG-AS3, ME-1, Lexar Professional 600x 64GB SDXC UHS-I 90MB/s*, 400x 32GB SDHC UHS-l 60MB/s*
Vanguard ALTA PRO 263AT, GH-300T, SBH-250, SBH-100, PH-22,
Lowepro S&F Deluxe Technical Belt and Harness~Pouch 60 AW 50 AW & 10, S&F Toploader 70 AW, LC 11x26cm
FE, NIKKOR 2-20mm f/1.8, OPTEX UV 52mm, Viivitar Zoom 285,
Kodacolor VR 1000 CF 135-24 EXP DX 35mm, rePLAY XD 1080P

Well I am about to order the bag but am still doing some last minute thinking. I decided that I want a bag that fits the A6000 w/ kit lens attached and also sunglasses, mobile phone and keys. Even though I don't like the look of Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 20, the interior dimensions of that bag (based on the product pictures) seem perfect: http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/mirrorlessmover10.aspx

I decided to look for a more appealing model with those measurements. I decided to stick with Crumpler as their bags are well-made, nice-looking and don't look like camera bags. One thing to be aware of is that here in Europe Crumpler has different models (for example no Million Dollar Home -models). Instead they got bags like these:

https://www.crumpler.eu/index.cfm?seite=photo-sling-bags&productID=7895&sprache=EN

https://www.crumpler.eu/index.cfm?seite=photo-sling-bags&sprache=EN&productID=8098

https://www.crumpler.eu/index.cfm?seite=photo-sling-bags&sprache=EN&productID=7983

These are all nice-looking bags. I decided to eliminate the Banana Cube as it looks like a device bag. I also eliminated the Light Delight bag as it has no divider (keeping sunglasses and camera separate) and, based on the light design, less padding. So I decided to go with the Jackpack 1500 which is the closest thing to 3 MDH or 4 MDH. I also decided that for extra lenses and accessories I'm going to buy a cheap Amazonbasics backpack or messenger bag, and use the Crumpler for when I just want to go out and take pics.

It would be amazing if those Crumplers would have a pocket for a water bottle and a pocket on the backside but I guess you cannot have everything. Btw, all of those Crumpler bags are dirt cheap on Amazon UK.

Photofunster · Apr 2, 2014

Check these guys out too.

http://apecase.com

Maybe see the shoulder and messenger series of cases.

They seem to have some nice looking bags.

Chas

--
D800, AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR, B+W Clear MRC 77mm, AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR, Sigma DG UV 77mm,
SB-910, WG-AS3, ME-1, Lexar Professional 600x 64GB SDXC UHS-I 90MB/s*, 400x 32GB SDHC UHS-l 60MB/s*
Vanguard ALTA PRO 263AT, GH-300T, SBH-250, SBH-100, PH-22,
Lowepro S&F Deluxe Technical Belt and Harness~Pouch 60 AW 50 AW & 10, S&F Toploader 70 AW, LC 11x26cm
FE, NIKKOR 2-20mm f/1.8, OPTEX UV 52mm, Viivitar Zoom 285,
Kodacolor VR 1000 CF 135-24 EXP DX 35mm, rePLAY XD 1080P

Tigerman82 · Apr 9, 2014

Thanks for the tip! I went with Ape Case AC520G. http://apecase.com/products/messenger-cases/ac520g-envoy-compact-messenger-case-2/#.U0VBMq1_tbk I couldn't get the deal on Crumpler Jackpack 1500 and rethought. As the divider in Jackpack 1500 seems to be non-adjustable, I couldn't have put put my mobile and sunglasses in the main compartment. So I decided to look elsewhere.

I looked at Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 10 again but I just couldn't get over the style. Plus, it does look like a camera/device bag. I also looked at Domke F-5XA but the style slightly too retro and the fact that it has only open pockets is a turn-off.

The Ape Case looks to be a winner. It's got style and it doesn't look like a camera bag. You can take off the insert and use it as a regular bag. There are pockets with zippers for personal stuff. It looked a bit too big at first (bare in mind I haven't actually got it yet) but using a tape measure it's roughly the same size as my girlfriend's smallish handbag. The only thing that bothers me a little bit is that the padding might not be as rugged as with Domke/Crumpler etc. On the other hand, it's got plenty 5-star reviews on both Amazon and BHPhotoVideo with people using it with expensive DSLRs. You would think that the padding is at least adequate.

boose44 · Apr 9, 2014

Tigerman82,

Thanks for the update. Also looking for new bag for a trip this summer that doesn't scream "camera!!".

Please post how you like it after yoo get the bad, will you?

I bought a Think Tank Urban Disguise 40 V2.0 which is too big and way too overkill.

Tigerman82 said:
Thanks for the tip! I went with Ape Case AC520G. http://apecase.com/products/messenger-cases/ac520g-envoy-compact-messenger-case-2/#.U0VBMq1_tbk I couldn't get the deal on Crumpler Jackpack 1500 and rethought. As the divider in Jackpack 1500 seems to be non-adjustable, I couldn't have put put my mobile and sunglasses in the main compartment. So I decided to look elsewhere.

I looked at Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 10 again but I just couldn't get over the style. Plus, it does look like a camera/device bag. I also looked at Domke F-5XA but the style slightly too retro and the fact that it has only open pockets is a turn-off.

The Ape Case looks to be a winner. It's got style and it doesn't look like a camera bag. You can take off the insert and use it as a regular bag. There are pockets with zippers for personal stuff. It looked a bit too big at first (bare in mind I haven't actually got it yet) but using a tape measure it's roughly the same size as my girlfriend's smallish handbag. The only thing that bothers me a little bit is that the padding might not be as rugged as with Domke/Crumpler etc. On the other hand, it's got plenty 5-star reviews on both Amazon and BHPhotoVideo with people using it with expensive DSLRs. You would think that the padding is at least adequate.

Tigerman82 · Apr 9, 2014

boose44 said:
Tigerman82,

Thanks for the update. Also looking for new bag for a trip this summer that doesn't scream "camera!!".

Please post how you like it after yoo get the bad, will you?

I bought a Think Tank Urban Disguise 40 V2.0 which is too big and way too overkill.

Tigerman82 said:

Thanks for the tip! I went with Ape Case AC520G. http://apecase.com/products/messenger-cases/ac520g-envoy-compact-messenger-case-2/#.U0VBMq1_tbk I couldn't get the deal on Crumpler Jackpack 1500 and rethought. As the divider in Jackpack 1500 seems to be non-adjustable, I couldn't have put put my mobile and sunglasses in the main compartment. So I decided to look elsewhere.

I looked at Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 10 again but I just couldn't get over the style. Plus, it does look like a camera/device bag. I also looked at Domke F-5XA but the style slightly too retro and the fact that it has only open pockets is a turn-off.

The Ape Case looks to be a winner. It's got style and it doesn't look like a camera bag. You can take off the insert and use it as a regular bag. There are pockets with zippers for personal stuff. It looked a bit too big at first (bare in mind I haven't actually got it yet) but using a tape measure it's roughly the same size as my girlfriend's smallish handbag. The only thing that bothers me a little bit is that the padding might not be as rugged as with Domke/Crumpler etc. On the other hand, it's got plenty 5-star reviews on both Amazon and BHPhotoVideo with people using it with expensive DSLRs. You would think that the padding is at least adequate.

Click to expand...

Will do!

Photofunster · Apr 9, 2014

Hi,

Say, you're most welcome bud! I'm happy something that I had suggested, was a bag that suited your current and near future needs. I hope you get plenty of safe and many happy days use out of it. That's nothing like what I could ever use. Just not my style, but if it makes you feel more secure, by not identifying or advertising electronics, ok.

Get out there now and enjoy it...

Chas

Photofunster · Apr 9, 2014

"Thanks for the update. Also looking for new bag for a trip this summer that doesn't scream "camera!!".

Please post how you like it after you get the bag, will you?

I bought a Think Tank Urban Disguise 40 V2.0 which is too big and way too overkill."

Hi,

Holy Molly, did you ever get into a large carry all... When you said overkill, I was thinking that you had found something way too expensive. That's a bag to carry gear across the globe, but not across the city... ;-)

Oh well, you may as well plan a safari now, or a nice trip to Greenland. You certainly have the bag for it.

Nice that they offer these shoulder straps for a nominal fee, they should have been included. http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/shoulder-harness-v2.asp

These don't look all that comfortable, maybe for a short distance.

So you are still seeking a decent bag...

What requirements do you mostly need and look for?

Chas

--
D800, AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR, B+W Clear MRC 77mm, AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR, Sigma DG UV 77mm,
SB-910, WG-AS3, ME-1, Lexar Professional 600x 64GB SDXC UHS-I 90MB/s*, 400x 32GB SDHC UHS-l 60MB/s*
Vanguard ALTA PRO 263AT, GH-300T, SBH-250, SBH-100, PH-22,
Lowepro S&F Deluxe Technical Belt and Harness~Pouch 60 AW 50 AW & 10, S&F Toploader 70 AW, LC 11x26cm
FE, NIKKOR 2-20mm f/1.8, OPTEX UV 52mm, Viivitar Zoom 285,
Kodacolor VR 1000 CF 135-24 EXP DX 35mm, rePLAY XD 1080P

boose44 · Apr 10, 2014

I bought the bag -- funny they all seemed smaller at the store! Yeah, that's right, I actually held it in my hands before purchasing!

And you're not too far off about the carrying across the globe part -- it's for a trip to Europe this July.

As it is now, I'm actually leaning on keeping the ThinkTank for carry-on, and then using a smaller bag for a day uses. Since we are mostly going to be on the road in towns and cities, I'm leaning towards something like the Tarmac Apache 2.

Or the ApeCase cited above.

Thanks for asking!

Bruce

Photofunster said:
Hi,
Holy Molly, did you ever get into a large carry all... When you said overkill, I was thinking that you had found something way too expensive. That's a bag to carry gear across the globe, but not across the city... ;-)

Oh well, you may as well plan a safari now, or a nice trip to Greenland. You certainly have the bag for it.

Nice that they offer these shoulder straps for a nominal fee, they should have been included. http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/shoulder-harness-v2.asp

These don't look all that comfortable, maybe for a short distance.

So you are still seeking a decent bag...

What requirements do you mostly need and look for?

Chas

--
D800, AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR, B+W Clear MRC 77mm, AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR, Sigma DG UV 77mm,
SB-910, WG-AS3, ME-1, Lexar Professional 600x 64GB SDXC UHS-I 90MB/s*, 400x 32GB SDHC UHS-l 60MB/s*
Vanguard ALTA PRO 263AT, GH-300T, SBH-250, SBH-100, PH-22,
Lowepro S&F Deluxe Technical Belt and Harness~Pouch 60 AW 50 AW & 10, S&F Toploader 70 AW, LC 11x26cm
FE, NIKKOR 2-20mm f/1.8, OPTEX UV 52mm, Viivitar Zoom 285,
Kodacolor VR 1000 CF 135-24 EXP DX 35mm, rePLAY XD 1080P

Photofunster · Apr 10, 2014

Quite honestly, I stumbled across the APE case website totally by fluke. But they do seem to carry a few decent bags that would be most suitable for many fellows, photography needs. Please post how you like it, when and if... I'm Lowepro committed myself. Their products are of high enough standards and quality for my basic needs. I'm thankful I can travel locally, to buy these bags and cases.

A plus for me lugging my heavier gear is Knowing it is protected, from bumps and scrapes anyway.

I wish that I had a major trip in the works! Just as yours is, are you excited mucho? Wow, you must be looking forward to a time.

Chas

ZX11 · Apr 11, 2014

LeeStG said:
I've looked at that Tamrac myself a few times.
Curious if it's possible to remove that Tamrac label.

Hate having camera bag labels on my bags.

Both of my bags have Tamrac labels that can be removed. They are simply patches that are sewn around the edges. One bag's patch is a simple cloth embroidery patch sown on and the other bag's (Velocity 7z) is one of those rubber moldings stitched around the edge.

LeeStG · Apr 11, 2014

ZX11 said:
LeeStG said:

I've looked at that Tamrac myself a few times.
Curious if it's possible to remove that Tamrac label.

Hate having camera bag labels on my bags.

Click to expand...

Both of my bags have Tamrac labels that can be removed. They are simply patches that are sewn around the edges. One bag's patch is a simple cloth embroidery patch sown on and the other bag's (Velocity 7z) is one of those rubber moldings stitched around the edge.

Thank you very much!

Tigerman82 · May 13, 2014

I now have the A6000 and the Ape Case AC520G... And boy am I happy. I couldn't have picked a batter camera bag. The best thing about this bag is its versatility. You can take the insert off and transform it into a very attractive messenger bag with plenty of space and zipped pockets for everything. Even with the insert inside the bag, it doesn't look like there's an expensive gadget inside. The olive color and the red stripes on the strap make this bag look very cool: down to earth yet cool and fresh. The size of the bag is perfect: it can fit books and a large camera, yet it's pretty much the size of a small-to-average ladies' handbag. I have the A6000 with the kit lens on in one of the three compartments (which you can modify) of the insert and it still has plenty of space for two lenses and accessories.

The main compartment is zipped and has the camera insert which has decent padding. The yellow color of the compartment makes it easy the locate everything. The bag has five smaller pockets, all of them zipped, which are very handy. The shoulder cushion on the strap is very comfortable. I've heard some complaints about the loudness of the material of the bag, but the only instance I hear any "swishing" is when I'm in a quiet room and move very slowly (and even then it's not distracting).

I went through a lot of alternatives trying to find the perfect bag: the Domkes, the Crumplers, the Timbuktus, the Lowepros and the ThinkTanks. None of these bags had all of the features I wanted: a camera bag that has a lot of zipped pockets, that can be used as a regular bag, that looks fresh without looking expensive or like a camera bag and that is large enough to fit a mirrorless camera with lens but small enough to not limit movement or comfort. I guess it could have a water bottle holder and I guess the camera insert could be on the level of Domke and Crumpler paddingwise... But still, this is one amazing bag.

h2odog · May 18, 2014

Tigerman82 said:
I now have the A6000 and the Ape Case AC520G... And boy am I happy. I couldn't have picked a batter camera bag. The best thing about this bag is its versatility. You can take the insert off and transform it into a very attractive messenger bag with plenty of space and zipped pockets for everything. Even with the insert inside the bag, it doesn't look like there's an expensive gadget inside. The olive color and the red stripes on the strap make this bag look very cool: down to earth yet cool and fresh. The size of the bag is perfect: it can fit books and a large camera, yet it's pretty much the size of a small-to-average ladies' handbag. I have the A6000 with the kit lens on in one of the three compartments (which you can modify) of the insert and it still has plenty of space for two lenses and accessories.

The main compartment is zipped and has the camera insert which has decent padding. The yellow color of the compartment makes it easy the locate everything. The bag has five smaller pockets, all of them zipped, which are very handy. The shoulder cushion on the strap is very comfortable. I've heard some complaints about the loudness of the material of the bag, but the only instance I hear any "swishing" is when I'm in a quiet room and move very slowly (and even then it's not distracting).

I went through a lot of alternatives trying to find the perfect bag: the Domkes, the Crumplers, the Timbuktus, the Lowepros and the ThinkTanks. None of these bags had all of the features I wanted: a camera bag that has a lot of zipped pockets, that can be used as a regular bag, that looks fresh without looking expensive or like a camera bag and that is large enough to fit a mirrorless camera with lens but small enough to not limit movement or comfort. I guess it could have a water bottle holder and I guess the camera insert could be on the level of Domke and Crumpler paddingwise... But still, this is one amazing bag.

I couldn't agree more. This is a fanastic bag, so deceiving with what it can fit. It is a pleasure not having the noisy velcro flaps to open. The zippered compartments and the easy to remove padded insert come in very handy. I use it for my EM-10 with a 9mm Fisheye 25 1.8 , 40-150, and it also fits my Sony RX100II. There is room for extra batteries, as well a a variety of other accessories. Great bag!

Recommend a bag for Sony A6000 w/ kit lens + SEL35F18

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