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Mirrorless shoulder/messenger bag suggestions?

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Raptor_Fan76

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I’m curious to know what shoulde/messenger bags people are using for their Z system?

I’ve been researching a few... some models that have caught my eye:
  • Think Tank Signature 10
  • Tenba DNA 10
  • Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L
I’m looking for something relatively compact that can transport my Z6 with a lens attached plus two other lenses (currently that’s the 50 S, 24-70 S and soon the 35S - I’ve decided to stick with native lenses - but eventually I’ll be adding the 24-70 2.8 S) and possibly my SB-700).

The smaller the size I can get away with the better. I like the Peak Design Messenger bag, but found even the smallest model too bulky for my tastes.

Bonus points awarded for having zipper access on top so that you don’t need to set the bag down or fiddle with buckles to remove the camera or a lens.

Any experience with the above bags you can share would be welcome, along with any other suggestions for bags I haven’t thought of.
 
Raptor_Fan76 said:
I’m looking for something relatively compact that can transport my Z6 with a lens attached plus two other lenses
Click to expand...
I use a Domke F10 JD bag made with their RuggedWear fabric for my APS-C system. It might be too small for a Z6 and three lenses, not sure.

I like it a lot—Domke keeps their padding thin and flexible, and the RuggedWear fabric 'breaks in' after moderate use and becomes fairly supple. The bag conforms to my body fairly well—i.e. curves around my hip a little bit and doesn't stick out like boxy lump, as so many over-padded, over-structured camera bags do. (The bag is also available in canvas, but the canvas is thick and makes the bag stiffer.)

I'm not crazy about the buckle closure, but there's also a big velcro flap closure, which is what I use when I'm shooting. That gives reasonable security and quick access to the interior of the bag at the expense of a loud velcro ripping noise every time I open the flap.

 
You might want to take a look at the thread below where I asked a similar question:

Approaches to bags for a Z kit

I haven't yet bought a new bag - currently making do with a couple of my existing ones (don't all photographers have a closet full of bags?) - but I'm still on the lookout for something closer to optimal for days and trips when I'm using only the Z and a couple of other lenses and maybe a flash.
 
Raptor_Fan76 said:
I’m curious to know what shoulde/messenger bags people are using for their Z system?

I’ve been researching a few... some models that have caught my eye:
  • Think Tank Signature 10
  • Tenba DNA 10
  • Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L
I’m looking for something relatively compact that can transport my Z6 with a lens attached plus two other lenses (currently that’s the 50 S, 24-70 S and soon the 35S - I’ve decided to stick with native lenses - but eventually I’ll be adding the 24-70 2.8 S) and possibly my SB-700).

The smaller the size I can get away with the better. I like the Peak Design Messenger bag, but found even the smallest model too bulky for my tastes.

Bonus points awarded for having zipper access on top so that you don’t need to set the bag down or fiddle with buckles to remove the camera or a lens.

Any experience with the above bags you can share would be welcome, along with any other suggestions for bags I haven’t thought of.
Click to expand...
Think Tank recently had a great sale on the Signature 10 bag (1/2 off!). I bought it. It looks great and is built well. However, your statement caught my eye:

"Bonus points awarded for having zipper access on top so that you don’t need to set the bag down or fiddle with buckles to remove the camera or a lens."

The problem I have with this bag is that the buckles for the main flap are kind of noisy when unattached. I typically keep the main flap unfastened when I'm actively shooting but the metal buckles rattle against their attachment point in this configuration and it is annoying. Everything else about the bag is fine.

If you have a nearby store that stocks it, my advice would be to try it out in a store with some of your gear before making a decision.

-Kelly
 
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As long as you are not using the adaptor most bags will be ok but with the adaptor, every bag I have things do not fit now with the adaptor on.
 
None of the above, I don't have anything that says it's a camera bag. A second-hand messenger bag from the local thrift store costs $15, then get some inserts. Work great as I travel all around Europe and Asia.
 
Thanks everyone for your suggestions... they sent me down some great rabbit holes.

Kelly, I saw that Think Tank sale at the time and I’m so mad at myself that I didn’t pull the trigger when I had the chance.

I think I may have landed on the Tenba Cooper 13 Slim... a touch bigger than I was hoping (and bigger than their DNA 10), but to @nightstreet’s point, ideally a camera doesn’t look like a camera bag. It has a bit of the style of the Think Tank Signature with the bonus zipper on top I was hoping for.

Cheers to all for chiming in.
 
I use the Thin Tank Suburban Design 20. I can fit all the gear you listed and it’s not too big.
 
[IMG width="400px said:



Raptor_Fan76, post: 62152668, member: 820193"]
I’m curious to know what shoulde/messenger bags people are using for their Z system?

I’ve been researching a few... some models that have caught my eye:
  • Think Tank Signature 10
  • Tenba DNA 10
  • Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L
I’m looking for something relatively compact that can transport my Z6 with a lens attached plus two other lenses (currently that’s the 50 S, 24-70 S and soon the 35S - I’ve decided to stick with native lenses - but eventually I’ll be adding the 24-70 2.8 S) and possibly my SB-700).

The smaller the size I can get away with the better. I like the Peak Design Messenger bag, but found even the smallest model too bulky for my tastes.

Bonus points awarded for having zipper access on top so that you don’t need to set the bag down or fiddle with buckles to remove the camera or a lens.

Any experience with the above bags you can share would be welcome, along with any other suggestions for bags I haven’t thought of.
Click to expand...
I like these:




Normally, I have my camera (s) out and 2 or three lenses in the bag. Just barely big enough for a camera and 2 extra lenses. Zipper on top provides easy access and they are relatively cheap
 
Raptor_Fan76 said:
Thanks everyone for your suggestions... they sent me down some great rabbit holes.

Kelly, I saw that Think Tank sale at the time and I’m so mad at myself that I didn’t pull the trigger when I had the chance.

I think I may have landed on the Tenba Cooper 13 Slim... a touch bigger than I was hoping (and bigger than their DNA 10), but to @nightstreet’s point, ideally a camera doesn’t look like a camera bag. It has a bit of the style of the Think Tank Signature with the bonus zipper on top I was hoping for.

Cheers to all for chiming in.
Click to expand...
You said the Design Peak Messenger was too bulky, but they make a 13 inch version, like the Tenba. If you look on eBay, you can get refurbished bag directly from Design Peak for a fraction of the cost.
 
nightstreet said:
None of the above, I don't have anything that says it's a camera bag. A second-hand messenger bag from the local thrift store costs $15, then get some inserts. Work great as I travel all around Europe and Asia.
Click to expand...
Which is, in part, (also light weight, wears & travels well, no velcro) why the Domke 803 has been my bag of choice for years:
 
Last edited:
Raptor_Fan76 said:
I’m curious to know what shoulde/messenger bags people are using for their Z system?

I’ve been researching a few... some models that have caught my eye:
  • Think Tank Signature 10
  • Tenba DNA 10
  • Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L
I’m looking for something relatively compact that can transport my Z6 with a lens attached plus two other lenses (currently that’s the 50 S, 24-70 S and soon the 35S - I’ve decided to stick with native lenses - but eventually I’ll be adding the 24-70 2.8 S) and possibly my SB-700).

The smaller the size I can get away with the better. I like the Peak Design Messenger bag, but found even the smallest model too bulky for my tastes.

Bonus points awarded for having zipper access on top so that you don’t need to set the bag down or fiddle with buckles to remove the camera or a lens.

Any experience with the above bags you can share would be welcome, along with any other suggestions for bags I haven’t thought of.
Click to expand...
I picked up a used ONA Bowery messenger bag in tan on ebay for $100 (Amazon $149). Very happy with it, carrying a Zeiss 2/25, Voigtlander 58/1.4, the FTZ and my Z7. I usually travel with a larger bag, which stays behind as I head out for the day with 2-3 lenses, batteries, etc., in the ONA bag and the camera on my strap. Highly recommended... and doesn’t attract too much “gringo tourist” attention.
 
The Hadley is the best combination or usability, functionality and low key but not out of place appearance I’ve found yet. It is waterproof (not water resistant), light weight, well protected with a removable liner and adequately customizable dividers. It’s totally functional as a camera bag but you can take the liner out and use it as a shoulder bag too.

It’s a bit pricey but you only need to pay once as it’s built like a tank. I purchased a black on black model though I had planned for another color and am quite glad with what I received. It is understated and doesn’t look like a camera bag.
 
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Rail2trail said:
The Hadley is the best combination or usability, functionality and low key but not out of place appearance I’ve found yet. It is waterproof (not water resistant), light weight, well protected with a removable liner and adequately customizable dividers. It’s totally functional as a camera bag but you can take the liner out and use it as a shoulder bag too.

It’s a bit pricey but you only need to pay once as it’s built like a tank. I purchased a black on black model though I had planned for another color and am quite glad with what I received. It is understated and doesn’t look like a camera bag.
Click to expand...
Nice looking bag. :)
 
some photo guy said:
Which is, in part, (also light weight, wears & travels well, no velcro) why the Domke 803 has been my bag of choice for years:
Click to expand...
Have you found any particularly good inserts and/or dividers for the F-803. I have one, which came with a single insert (the FA-280), and I'm looking for some good additional ideas for partitioning up the interior.
 
peripheralfocus said:
some photo guy said:
Which is, in part, (also light weight, wears & travels well, no velcro) why the Domke 803 has been my bag of choice for years:
Click to expand...
Have you found any particularly good inserts and/or dividers for the F-803. I have one, which came with a single insert (the FA-280), and I'm looking for some good additional ideas for partitioning up the interior.
Click to expand...
Maybe obvious, but Domke's FA-230 is what I have in one of my 803's.
 
The Z7 with 24-70 S and also up to 3 smaller lenses (one on FTZ) fits in my PD Sling 10l. But at a squeeze, if I pack the 300 PF means total of 3 lenses.

This works but the PD needs the means to quick detach the sling. How can PD who make such an excellent system for Q-R of camera straps mess this up?! IMHO the designers are a mite too smug at their rapid success, and need to do more thorough research. The new Travel line backpack system is a case in point. Key features missing. I feel these criticisms are valid given the prices for these items.

Also any bag that is so well made also looks too smart for some locations, where a less sleek looking bag will be overlooked as a target etc....

This is always the same impasse - the search for the perfect camera bag(s). None exists!
 
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