Proliferation of Bag Manufacturers

[CLAdictic]

Years ago I used bags manufactured by Tamrac or Lowpro, Domke. I used them and they got abused, used and exposed to elements. I still have them and they are fully serviceable. I found that I was needing a new bag for a new camera. I got on the internet and entered camera bags, wow. I don't know how many came up but I was dizzy looking at all of them. In the end I went with a Domke bag, why I owned one, used one. Are all these manufacturers making money? How many ways can you slice a pie chart of customers and producers?

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I have Domke and several Tamrac. Tamrac is much more durable than Domke. From my long term user experience. One Tamrac I have came used and it is as old as big tape camcorders.

But who would put their 8K USD M10 with 14K APO in under 200 usd camera Tamrac bag.
Where are plenty who needs to make a statement with bag, with or without Leica.
It must sounds like something close to British aristocrats or something Italian.

Once I'll get rich, I'll get my Porta Brace camera bag... This is the statement among professionals like me.

 

[Andrea Taurisano]

.. I got on the internet and entered camera bags, wow. I don't know how many came up but I was dizzy looking at all of them...

I think your impression is right, but it is for just about anything, not only camera bags. Was it the explosion of e-commerce itself that stimulated the proliferation of products and brands, suggesting that the whole world was there for them to take, if only they got started? Perhaps.

 

[JeffS7444]

For companies like Peak Design who know how to effectively promote their wares on crowdfunding sites, there seems to be a great deal of money to be made: 12M+ USD in Kickstarter pledges for bags, 12M+ for their travel tripod and $850K+ for a camera strap. Bags, straps and tripods themselves are almost commodities, but good storytelling (which PD does) is gold.

 

[jsrockit]

In the end I went with a Domke bag, why I owned one, used one. Are all these manufacturers making money? How many ways can you slice a pie chart of customers and producers?

It all depends on if you want functionality or fashion... cheap or expensive... luxury, handmade, etc etc. Do they all make money? All of them...? no. But all of the big ones sold in B&H etc... probably. Many people on this forum alone own several bags.

 

[paperino]

If you are not searching for a vintage one, I suggest Think Tank brand

 

[Rob-F]

If you are not searching for a vintage one, I suggest Think Tank brand

Yes I have added some Think Tank Retrospective bags to my collection. I seem to like the various little compartments. I also have Tamrac and Domke. I agree with Ko.Fe. that Tamrac is very good, though I give Domke a higher rating than he does. They are certainly the fastest bags to work out of.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

Indeed, there are so many brands now!
I get a laugh from some of the brand names of the cheapies on Amazon.

I have tried many major brands over the years but always come back to Domke.
They make uncomplicated quality bags (in USA, no less) of all sizes shapes and colors.
There's a Domke bag to meet nearly any photographers needs.

And no I don't work for Domke etc. I'm just a satisfied long time customer...

Chris

 

[rfaspen]

Hmmm. Before reading this thread I looked over at my two main bags (the ones I use on daily basis, I have others deep in the closet). ---- Domke and Tamrac. Then I read here about these two.......

 

[KismetSky]

I've had two Domke bags and both of them had different hardware parts start to rust. Tiffen support just says to avoid moisture. Anecdotal I know, but none of my other bags from other brands have any issues (Billingham, Peak Design, Kata, Filson, Chrome, ONA).

 

[Archlich]

I just hope Domke can take time to update some of its classic line up, instead of churning out an unpopular new line...

 

[zuiko85]

Find my bags at either Value Village or, less often, Goodwill. Usually Tamrac, or some no name nylon bag, small to medium sizes. Most I’ve paid is $5 or $6.
Also you can find smaller cases for lenses and such.
Hardly ever carry a bag when out with camera, mostly used to segregate stuff.
Just cannot see paying $100-$200 for a bag, picked up my EM10 last year for $200.
I do look for bags that have handles and removable shoulder straps.
Yeah, I know it’s a cliche, but if I just need to carry an extra lens or some other doo-bob I prefer a vest with cargo pockets.

Edit; when messing around with 4x5 (homebuilt contraptions with found lenses or pinhole) that require a tripod anyway, then cloth grocery bags with a simi-stiff bottom are ideal, at least for me.

 

[chipgreenberg]

I've had two Domke bags and both of them had different hardware parts start to rust.

This hasn't happened to me and one of my Domkes is 12 years old and has been through the washing machine a few times.