The Best Camera Shoulder and Messenger Bags

A typical camera shoulder bag or messenger bag is ideally designed for speedy and convenient access to your camera, lenses, laptop, and other accessories. That speed and convenience are all in pursuit of getting that perfect photo just in the nick of time. But more than that, it must have ample security and protective features to keep your expensive gear safe from pickpockets and damage. Out of all the sub-type options of camera shoulder bags, the only real question is, should you opt for a backpack, shoulder bag, rolling case, sling bag, or holster bag?

This quick guide is what, in my opinion, are the best camera shoulder and messenger bags that fit a photographers’ lifestyle. Ideal for street photographers and urban adventurers, these camera shoulder bags come with a wide variety of features you’ll likely find useful at one point or another:

• Anti-theft features
• Adjustable storage capacity
• Capacity for compact cameras or full DSLR-sized gear
• A dedicated laptop and iPad compartments
• Impact resistance
• Stylish design
• Built-in weather-resistance
• Airline carry-on compatibility
• Removable interior compartments
• Multiple pockets with waterproof zippers

Of-course those are just a few of the amazing features you should be looking for when shopping for a camera shoulder bag. Don’t forget to check out the quality of materials, the brand-name reputation, as well as considering exactly how you’ll be using this bag.

1. Tenba Messenger DNA 11 Camera and Laptop Bag

Tenba DNA 11 is a camera and laptop bag with ample storage space for your mirrorless camera with up to 5 lenses or a DSLR with up to 3 lenses. Likewise, it has a dedicated laptop compartment that fits an iPad, tablet, MackBook Air, or any laptop of up to 11″. The bag anchors into position using its adjustable security strap with connecting D-rings at the back. Its convenient magnetic lips offer a fast slide release for easy access to the inner sections. And, its water-resistant, reversible rain cover, coupled with a water repellent exterior coating, offers ample protection from the elements on your typical day out in the field.

2. ONA – The Union Street

Are you looking for the ideal messenger camera bag for your DSLR with storage for up to three lenses, a 15-inch laptop, smartphone, memory cards, keys, rechargeable batteries, stationery, and cables? The Union Street Camera Messenger bag from ONA is a high-quality pick. This canvas bag features zippered pockets at the front for your small accessories, and a 15-inch dedicated laptop compartment, roomy camera space with five removable internal dividers, and dual tuck-lock buckle closure. This design ensures your camera gear stays safe despite any sudden jostling of the bag. The padded shoulder straps prevent fatigue as you shoot for extended hours in unfamiliar locations.

3. Peak Design 13″ Everyday Messenger Bag v2

If you are a traveling photographer or an urban commuter, here is an EDC messenger bag created by Trey Ratcliff, a professional photographer, to adapt to your lifestyle and gear. This bag features rigid multi-panel construction that maintains its shape despite the weight or odd shape of your photography gear. This incredibly well-designed camera shoulder bag has a main compartment with a quick access top zipper for your camera and accessories. An additional laptop compartment serves as a document or tablet sleeve. And, its color-coded stitching keeps your gear organized for a smooth workflow. The most unique thing about this bag is Peak Designs’ patented origami-inspired dividers that maximize the bag’s versatility and eliminate as much dead or useless space.

4. Hadley Pro Camera Bag

When you get any of the nine versatile colour options of the Hadley Pro Camera bag, expect a triple layer of waterproof canvas with a touch of full-grain leather and brass fixings on the exterior. Count yourself lucky if you get the Sage FibreNyte with Camo Front/ Chocolate Leather one, for it sells out as fast as it appears on the market. And, there is an excellent reason for this. Apart from its clean and elegant design, it accommodates a Canon or Nikon 70-200mm lens. The bag’s removable padded insert allows you to shift from camera to casual gear in a flash. Its adjustable front pockets and zippered back pockets are great for your batteries, wallet, phone, or keys. And, it uses QRS front straps that you can secure or release using one hand. Made in England, the bag is available for worldwide shipping via UPS.

5. Nikon Large Pro Camera Bag

The Nikon Pro Bag is a large camera bag for your complete camera kit when you know you’ll need to bring a lot of gear with you. The Nikon bag features a durable nylon and polyester blend exterior covering a padded main compartment. The interior space can accommodate a full-sized DSLR and up to a whopping seven lenses.

Its lined interior dividers keep all these and other photography accessories organized and visible even in low-light situations. Next, there are zippered pockets underneath the front flap that are easily accessible via dual quick-release buckles. Don’t let the Nikon logo turn you off. This is a very well-made, versatile, and large shoulder camera bag.

6. ONA Bowery Camera Bag

When searching for a discreet camera bag for your small gear, take a quick gander at the ONA Bowery Camera bag. Likewise, if you have other luggage, you can secure your camera into this bag before slipping it into your main luggage. Indeed, this bag relies on a padded interior and detachable dividers to keep your digital SLR camera, lens, and accessories organized while on a street photography outing. Indeed, it is the ideal camera bag for a wedding photo session, for it will fit all your gear without getting cumbersome.

7. Ruggard Commando Pro 65 DSLR Shoulder Bag

The Ruggard Commando Pro 65 DSLR Shoulder Bag comprises a spacious 13″ laptop compartment accessible via a zippered lid with a convenient quick-release front flap. Inside the main compartment are four removable dividers for optional casual carry.

Its padded shoulder straps balance the weight of the typically heavy professional camera gear you’ll be lugging around for a fatigue-free experience. Additionally, the bottom section has rubber feet and a removable rain cover, keeping moisture and dirt off your camera gear. This bag includes easily accessible mesh pockets under the lid and extra rear and front pockets for your memory cards.

8. ONA – The Bowery Camera Messenger Bag

The ONA Bowery Camera Bag is a compact camera bag that doubles up as an insert bag for larger non-camera bags. It features a water-resistant field tan waxed canvas covering its main compartment for DSLR lens. The interior uses closed-cell foam padding for optimum protection. And, its detachable strap saves on space when used as an insert.

9. Lowepro Nova 170 AW II Camera Bag

The Lowepro Nova 170 is your go-to bag for carrying a smaller amount of photography gear on your daily outings. It features adjustable pockets on the sides, front, rear, and interior, keeping your gear organized and safe. It’s padding at the top handle, shoulder strap, and dividers protect you from fatigue and shields the equipment from damage. And, its water-resistant cover will keep your stuff safe from the weather elements. Holding up to one DSLR and two lenses, this shoulder camera bag may not be the largest, but what it trades for in size, it makes up for in ultra-portability.

10. Vanguard VEO RANGE36M NV Shoulder Bag for Mirrorless / CSC Camera

The Vanguard VEO is a shoulder Bag for a Mirrorless/CSC Camera and 13″ laptop. It features padded insert dividers and cushion straps for protection and smooth movement. More so, it relies on a dual buckle system for safety. The bag’s overall design optimizes weight distribution for fatigue-free use. One of the great things about this bag is that its shape doesn’t immediately scream, “Hey, I’m a camera bag with expensive gear, come and rob me!” Hence it’s a bit more of an incognito option if you’re shopping for a great shoulder camera bag.

11. Domke F-2 Original Shoulder Bag

This shoulder bag from Domke is a spacious messenger-style camera bag with resilient yet breathable canvas construction. The Domke achieves a balanced space-to-size ratio to accommodate up to 2 DSLR cameras with ten lenses in its main compartment. That’s a tremendous amount of space.

Its remaining five compartments include four sections with detachable padded inserts, dual side pockets, and an extra dual front pockets. So if you’re the type of photographer that needs to carry around copious accessories and gear, this is the dream bag for you. Laptop, clothing, stationary, flashes, it’ll all fit in there. Its removable hand carry strap gives you the option of a top handle or shoulder strap carry.

12. Think Tank TT6876 Bag Vision 15 Camera Shoulder Bag

Think Tank is a reputable brand that makes bags known to last for a lifetime. And, its Vision 15 over-the-shoulder camera bag is no different. This polished bag is your go-to carry for laptops of up to 15″, 10.5″ iPad Pro, 70 mm camera, a smartphone, and more. It uses durable materials like YKK RC Fuse zippers and metal hardware to withstand harsh treatment by outdoor enthusiasts and professional photographers heading out into rough environments.

13. Domke F-5XB Shoulder / Belt Bag

The F-5XB is a lightweight, water-resistant shoulder bag for your camera and accessories. It’s made of a waxed canvas with a durable, heavy-duty construction, ideal for the city and out in the backcountry. More so, its adjustable shoulder strap remains intact once you adjust it to your custom fitting. Falling smack dab in the middle of the size spectrum, this Domke bag will fit one SLR + two lenses in the zippered, padded main compartment.

14. Lowepro STREETLINE SL 140 Camera Bag

Lowepro is one of the most iconic camera accessory brands. And they continue to flex their muscle with this collapsible slim bag ideal for your 11-inch laptop, tablet, compact camera, headphones, memory cards, smartphone, wallet, light jacket, and keys. It uses a sling-style ideal for commuters on a train, metro, or bus. The bag has durable leather grab handles with adjustable shoulder straps for a custom fit at the back or shoulder. Its exterior uses the 3X PU weather and abrasion coating, keeping your valuables dry when cycling on a rainy day.

15. Think Tank Photo Vision 13 Shoulder Bag

Here is another Think Tank shoulder bag for working photography professionals or serious amateurs. The Vision 13 shoulder bag comprises a 13″ laptop compartment, a tablet pocket, three detachable interior dividers, and a tripod holder. Its main compartment includes a zippered lid and an overlying front lap for security against thieves and harsh weather protection. And, you can use the outer slip pockets for your notebooks, maps, or documents. You can expect the total capacity from this shoulder bag to be one DSLR camera + 2-4 lenses.

16. Manfrotto Noreg Messenger 30 for DSLR / Mirrorless & Action Cameras

If you own a DJI Mavic Pro, an Action Camera, DSLR, or a Pro Platinum Drone, the Manfrotto Noreg Messenger 30 will fit your camera, 15″ laptop, a 9″ tablet, and all those other items. Further, this camera and gear bag employs a modular system, allowing you to disassemble the bag and carry each compartment as standalone sleeves. Oddly enough, it’s also available in a backpack version.

17. ONA Bond Street Leather Camera Bag

Whether you’re a man or woman that considers themselves a photography aficionado while wanting to look good while practicing your art, perhaps you’re looking for a more stylish and sexy camera shoulder bag. The ONA Bond Street Leather fits that description to a tee. Made from gorgeous genuine leather in an antique cognac color theme, this bag has a laptop compartment with adjustable and removable interior dividers using a closed-cell foam style for optimum protection. Its tablet pocket will fit an iPad mini or a Kindle. And, its slip-in rear pockets are excellent for a phone, camera batteries, and memory cards.

18. Domke F-803 Messenger Bag for Camera Gear

The F-803 from Domke is a water-resistant messenger bag retailing in a camouflage military green. It features a main compartment for your camera and additional cargo pockets for your accessories. And when carrying considerable gear, its reinforced top handle will protect your shoulder from injury or fatigue.

19. Manfrotto Manhattan Messenger Speedy 30 Camera Bag

The Speedy 30 from Manfrotto is a spacious messenger bag, ideal for an urban commute or regular street photography outings. Here, you can carry a medium-size DSLR, three lenses that include 70/200 mm f/2.8 lens, a 14-inch laptop, a 9-inch tablet, and accessories. It is also a bike-compatible bag, with a stabilizer strap for tackling a bumpy stretch. And, its ergonomic shoulder strap keeps you comfortable despite the size of your gear.

20. ONA Prince Street Camera Messenger Bag

The ONA Prince Street Camera Messenger Bag fits a Rangefinder, DSLR, 11-inch laptop, a mirrorless camera, and two extra lenses. It relies on its padded interior dividers to keep your gear intact and undamaged. Further, there is an adjustable top grab handle and padded shoulder straps for comfortable carry. But what truly sets this camera shoulder bag apart from the rest is the handcrafted water-resistant waxed canvas that is complemented with full-grain leather details. That results in a gorgeous look that you can be proud of wearing every day.

21. Kelly Moore Bag Luna Vegan Day Bag (Walnut)

Is it a day-bag? Is it a camera bag? Why not both?! The Kelly Moore Bag Luna Vegan Day is a basket bag with dual laptop compartments. It fits an 8-inch camera lens, two tablets, a smartphone, accessories, and a full-sized DSLR. The slip-in interior zippered pockets are excellent for your confidential documents, wallet, and memory cards. And, its messenger flap is reinforced protection against pickpockets.

22. Think Tank Photo Mirrorless Mover 20 Camera Bag

If you have odd-shaped camera gear, the Mirrorless Mover 20 Camera bag from Think Tank might be the ideal shoulder bag to protect your equipment in the field. This bag uses adjustable padded insert dividers to achieve a custom fit to any gear. More so, it uses durable zippers and metal grips to keep all contents intact when on the move. It is your ideal bag for a Sony A6500 w/ 55mm f/1.8, Canon M100 with a 15-45mm, or the Olympus OMD EM5 Mk2.

23. Manfrotto Windsor Camera Reporter Bag

The Manfrotto Windsor Camera Reporter Bag is comprised of a water-repellent nylon exterior, attractive brown leather accents, and a robust tartan lining that protects a user’s DSLR or mirrorless camera. More so, you can remove the padded inserts and convert the bag into an EDC bag. And, its leather straps are resilient against harsh handling. With a stylish, checkered interior lining, this shoulder camera bag can hold up to a full-size DSLR, three lenses, and all the usual accessories.

24. Tenba DNA 15 Slim Messenger Bag (Black Special Edition)

This is the all-black camera, messenger bag of your dreams. Ok, it comes in stylish cobalt and graphite colour as well, but if you have a 15″ or 16″ laptop and a digital SLR of up to 70-200 f/2.8, consider picking up this bag. It is a discreet bag for any professional photographer. Here, you have ample cushioned storage for your camera and lenses within the main laptop compartment. The removable padded insert will fit your extra tablet, lenses, flash, and accessories. A tapered flap covers all these gear and is accessible via a convenient hook and loop closure with magnetic clips. Should you need extra space, reach for the dual side pockets and four front slip-in pockets for your phone, wallet, or business documents.

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