The world of photography involves much more than just getting a camera and pointing and clicking, there is a myriad of different types of camera and accessory out there. No sooner have you got a new camera do you find you need bigger and bigger memory cards to take advantage of the bigger megapixel levels, a tripod to allow better shots, a printer, software of various types and more lenses and before you know it whole rooms are filled with camera-related toys. It stands to reason then that you need something to keep all your stuff together when you are at home and out and about and that's why there's a whole range of camera bags out there, from tiny belt bags for compacts to huge backpacks that can hold an SLR, lenses and even laptop and tripod.
Usually when you think of equipment bags you think Lowepro, who are leaders not only in the camera bag market but in other outdoor pursuits too. But they aren't the only bag company out there, Crumpler and Berghaus are other examples and so is Tamrac - which released its Fall (Autumn to us limeys) product line-up at Photokina, with a few new bits of kit.
Express series
A new range of camera bags have been introduced with the Express series, which have been designed to keep your camera protected while offering quick access and (most importantly to some) style. There are six models in the range for everything from SLR down. The Express 8 is a backpack with three parts, a top compartment for personal items, the bottom part is padded and can hold an SLR with attached lens and another lens and flash (the lens being up to 3˝ inches, you would be hard pressed to fit an ultra long super length zoom in one) and the front and side pockets are for smaller items. In this bag and the 5 and 6 there are adjustable dividers so that you can make a perfect fit for your cameras.
The Express 6 is slightly smaller but whereas the 8 was a bag with personal space for clothes, the 6 is just for a camera - holding an SLR with up to 5˝ attached and 2 lenses, small flashes or other accessories. Both front and back have a zippered speed pocket for access and there is a side pocket for phone. The 6 is a “messenger bag” (although some call it a man-bag) and has a padded shoulder strap. The Express 5 is also a messenger bag and in following the trend is even smaller than the 6, being able to hold an SLR with a lens up the 3˝ inches attached and accessories. The rest of the features are the same as the 6.
The Express 3, 2 and 1 are cases for compact cameras and can either be carried like a wallet, around the waist with a belt loop or over the shoulder. 3 is a horizontal design while 2 is upright, so its up to preference which one you have, and 1 is thinner for mobile phones. All three have elastic sides so they contract and expand to the size of your camera, the insides are foam padded and there is a magnetic clasp. The big pull of the Express series is that it is finished in suede, to underline its style, and as you can expect they are available in different colours. The 8, 6 and 5 come in Black and Khaki (with Desert Gold suede on the khaki) and the 3, 2 and 1 come in Black, Red, Desert Gold and Light Blue.
Adventure Series Hip Pack
The Adventure series of cases has a new hip pack for holding compact cameras, but its more than suitable for mp3 players and mobile phones. It is foam padded inside with two pockets and has a double zipper for easy access. It comes in Black/Grey, Grey/Red and Camo/Black. The Adventure series is a set of cases that is camera friendly but doesn't make it so obvious that the bad has an SLR in it - a problem with Lowepro bags, everyone knows that there is a camera inside it.
Camouflage
At Photokina, Tamrac were especially keen to show off their new bag colour scheme, which is a camouflaged green and black so you can blend into the forests and jungles better - so your bag is safe from the odd lion and tiger at least. It has a modern twist with a blocky pixelated pattern, and will be available in the Adventure series and T series now.
SpeedRoller
Finally Tamrac has released its SpeedRoller 1 model which is a wheeled carry-on case for 2 SLRs with lenses, additional lenses, and other accessories, and a foam padded front pocket is there for laptops. The outer shell is made out of rigid, ballistic nylon for protection, and the dividers inside can be adjusted so all your equipment can be tucked up nice and snug. It only comes in black.
Pricing and Availability
Tamrac mainly sell through intro2020 in the UK so you will have to get in touch with them for pricing. Other local independent stockists can be found here
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