Photo Bag News

You all know the story of Jim Domke, the Philadelphia photojournalist who nearly 40 years ago (1975) developed a camera bag to suit his own needs and in the process created a product family that’s sold nearly one million units and is used by photographers around the world. If you stay interested in photography long enough, sooner or later you’ll own a Domke. Or two. 

Last year Lowepro launched the ProTactic Series of gadget bags. They immediately earned high marks in my book because they are durable, highly functional and provide superb protection for the gear inside. Initially just two bags, the lineup has grown to six in total, three backpacks and three shoulder bags. Here’s a quick rundown on what they’re all about. 

Camera straps have evolved over the last 50 years from pencil-thin leather strips secured by gaudy stud-like rivets to inch-wide fiber belts that brazenly scream out the name of the camera brand they’re attached to. Oh, I’m not objecting to the flexible billboards that camera makers laughingly call straps and deliver with digital SLRs, but I personally prefer something a bit more civilized—and less ostentatious—especially when it’s going to be hanging around my neck.

What’s in a name? Would a luxury leather camera bag by any other name not feel as lavish? If it’s beautifully styled and meticulously manufactured, does anyone really care what it’s called?  

I found a lot to like in this stylish new shoulder bag—and a few nits to pick, too. So which is it? Beauty or the Beast? Read on and form your own conclusion.

If you think the name Advanced Rear is a little confusing, wait until you wade through the entire Manfrotto Advanced photo backpack lineup which includes models named Advanced Active, Advanced Travel and my overall personal favorite, the Advanced Gear photo backpack. The good news is that aside from the goofy naming system, I can’t find anything else wrong with them. These are beautifully designed, very well made and look like they’ll last a lifetime. But I’m getting ahead of myself…