I started out by purchasing a camera bag from Amazon. I didn’t know what to really look for when deciding what camera bag to get so o got the bag that had a high rating with several other Amazon customers reviews.

As of right now, I have a Nikon 5600 with several lenses both prime and kit. My camera came with two kit lenses as I added 3 more over a two year period. I’ve added a Nikon Speed Flash and other miscellaneous items.

I’ve outgrown my current Altura Photo Camera bag. To be honest the Altura bag felt on the cheap side of quality. I always had a slight bit of doubt my equipment wasn’t as secure as it could have been due to the bag.

What camera bags do you recommend that’s the best bag for the buck?

Thanks for your help!

Allen

Our bags are very expensive Billingham models, and I would not consider throwing one out. I've also had other pricey bags over the years, holding everything from 4x5 to Nikon 35. I would never throw out a bag for some scattered sand as you describe. When disaster has struck in the past, I've done this:

1) Remove all liners, partitions, and other removable components from the bag.

2) Shake thoroughly, holding it upside down and banging it against a solid surface. Use a compressor or canned air to blow along all of the seams, and repeat the above.

3) Vacuum the interior thoroughly using a high power HEPA filtered vacuum. I have a small model that I use for electronics and photo equipment, but you can use a regular household vac, as long as it has a narrow nozzle.

4) Wipe down the inside with a damp, lint free cloth. Allow to dry, and vacuum one more time.


I've never damaged a piece of gear by reusing a bag after this treatment. I'm not about to throw out a $400 bag without good cause, but, as someone above said, you're probably more likely to get dirt or sand into your gear outside the bag than in it after a thorough cleaning.


Good luck!

Andy

PS: Not all canvas bags are washable - a thorough trip through the washer can shrink the fabric, destroy the waterproofing, rust the hardware and do other damage. Unless it says "washable" on the bag, that's one thing I'd try to avoid.

I'm sure we've all heard this a few times at least...and I'm wondering about the verious ways we respond to those well-meaning comments. Often our 'inner voice' is saying, "Hey, I took that photo, I selected the lighting, composition, timing, exposure, etc...the camera was just the tool I used...!" Our better angels usually come to the rescue with some version of, "Thank you, very much", but I'd like to hear the reactions or responses from others.

Who hasn't heard the snappy come-back that goes something like..."Shakespeare wrote some great plays, he must have had a very good typewriter..!"