Whether you’re a pro or beginner photographer, at some point you’re going to need a bag to carry your camera and gear around in. But really, that could be anything from a trendy little leather bag where you keep your smartphone or compact camera for quick-draw street photography to a crazy durable pro backpack for the extreme landscape and nature photographer. It all depends on your needs.
Sure, style plays a big part in the new-camera-bag-purchasing decision, but before you just jump in, there are a few things you should ask yourself first:
- What kind of equipment do I need on my shoots or photo walks?
- How much additional storage do I need for my gear?
- Do I need space for a laptop or tablet?
- Do I need weather-proofing or extreme durability?
If you don’t need extra space for a laptop, tripod, or a number of other bits and bobs, then you’ll probably be good with a simple sling bag or messenger bag style. And that’s where it gets fun because with these types of bags and cases you can get some seriously nice, fashionable leather designs.
Best Leather Camera Bags & Cases:
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1. ONA The Bowery Camera Messenger Bag
This antique cognac leather bag is great looking and has room for one camera and one small lens or accessory. It comes with a removable/adjustable strap, secure tuck-clasp closure, and side weather flaps to protect your gear.
For photographers who are looking for a stylish and functional leather camera bag for their DSLR or mirrorless equipment, ONA offers a great solution with The Bowery bag. The featured option here is the Antique Cognac Leather bag, but there are other colors to choose from too, including a rich Dark Truffle Leather.
The Bowery bag is a great choice if you’re only looking to carry just enough equipment for one shoot. Because of this bag’s compact size, it’s not ideal for hauling around a ton of lenses or camera bodies, but it’s a comfortable and attractive way to carry your gear for a few hours.
This camera bag is handcrafted with Italian-tanned leather and beautiful antique brass accents and offers plenty of room for a variety of equipment. The interior of the bag can comfortably hold one DSLR with an attached lens, as well as one additional lens, but there are another five exterior pouches that can hold more gear if needed.
You’ll also impress clients with the professional look of the ONA leather DSLR bag, making this a great option for photographers who shoot a lot of weddings or other special events.
Still, landscape photographers who have to deal with changing weather conditions and will be spending a lot of time outdoors might want to consider a larger, more durable bag. But there is no question that The Bowery is one of the best leather camera bags available, especially where style is concerned.
2. MegaGear Torres Genuine Leather Camera Messenger Bag
This stylish unisex bag is made with premium all-natural high-quality Italian leather. Its multifunctional design works for one mirrorless, instant, or DSLR camera with 1-2 lenses, and small electronic devices.
This beautifully crafted MegaGear Torres leather camera messenger bag comes with a lower price tag than the ONA Bowery bag but doesn’t sacrifice on style – or usefulness.
The advanced shockproof lining on the inside makes this leather camera bag one of the best options out there since it provides plenty of protection for your valuable camera gear.
While the small, removable configuration does somewhat limit the amount of gear you can carry, you can still fit the basics and a few extras in the bag. But photographers who enjoy having a variety of lenses to choose from will find themselves having to pick lenses to leave at home.
The design of this bag is professional and vintage-looking, so you’ll feel confident carrying it to prestigious events or on high-profile shoots. Many reviews add that this bag looks even better with use. Scuffs and scratches to the bag’s soft leather serve to enhance the retro style this cross-body bag showcases.
3. Jill-e Designs Jack Leather Camera Bag
The Hudson all-leather camera bag features a beautiful Colombian leather exterior. It has a compact design and adjustable strap for comfortable cross-body or over-the-shoulder wearing. The downside is the space is limited.
The Jack Camera Bag by Jill-e Designs provides stylish protection for a limited amount of equipment, making this DSLR bag ideal for quick shoots where you don’t want to be weighed down with a bunch of gear. Made with high-quality Columbian leather and great hardware fittings, the bag’s slim and attractive design means you won’t look like you’re carrying a camera bag. But you will feel confident that your camera will be safe.
You’ll be able to carry your camera body, one additional lens, and some personal items, like your phone and your watch – more than enough for an afternoon photoshoot or walk. While you will have to really narrow down which equipment you want to bring along, it’s nice to have a smaller bag that won’t be a burden if you’re traveling or spending a lot of time on foot.
One thing to keep in mind though is that the bag’s strap is made of nylon, not leather. The nylon strap does make the bag somewhat less comfortable to carry around. But this is quickly addressed with a padded cover or even a new leather strap that can be attached to the hooks on the side of the bag.
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Apart from the not-so-good nylon strap, it’s a great compact bag that allows you to carry your DSLR or mirrorless camera and some additional equipment in style.
4. ONA The Prince Street Camera Messenger Bag
This bag is super high-quality and has a good-looking design. It’s handcrafted with top-quality Italian leather. And it’s nice and big – it can fit 1 DSLR camera with lens attached, 1-2 additional lenses, 1 iPad or 11-inch laptop.
The silhouette of a refined messenger bag makes the The Prince Street camera bag by ONA a popular option for fashionably-minded photographers. The handcrafted Italian leather offers a well-traveled aesthetic, and the slim design of the bag makes it comfortable to carry around. Still, you’ll have room for a camera with an attached lens, up to two additional lenses, a laptop or tablet, and some other personal items.
For those who prefer to carry a bag instead of strapping it over their shoulder, the Prince Street bag does feature a removable top-grab handle. Or if you do prefer the strap, thanks to this bag’s practical design, you can use it as a messenger bag without worrying about it being too bulky and awkward.
Photographers who need to have a wide selection of equipment with them will feel limited by this bag, which requires you to be choosy about which lenses you bring on a shoot. Still, there is plenty of space in the flexible, open-design interior to accommodate many configurations.
Other than the space limitation, this bag could stand to have a better well-designed top handle, with a D-ring, to enable efficient and effective swiveling. However, it’s a small gripe about an otherwise ideal camera bag. There’s no question that ONA camera bags are some of the best leather DSLR bags available.
5. Topixdeals Vintage Camera Bag
This sturdy little camera case is made of premium quality PU leather, with one main compartment to hold a camera and multiple pockets for spare batteries, chargers, cables, and other accessories.
Crafted with premium PU leather, this soft brown leather satchel features a scratched-up vintage look with lots of texture and is highly durable and versatile. With a high-quality alloy buckle and bottom rivets, the Topixdeals Vintage Camera Bag is a solid solution.
It has an adjustable interior divider with padded, shock-absorbing cotton lining so you can make sure your gear is secure and protected. And with one main compartment, the divider, and extra side pockets, you can hold your DSLR or mirrorless camera, along with a few necessary accessories.
For the photographers looking for a cheap alternative, the Topixdeals camera bag is a great leather option that doesn’t break the bank. You’ll get the stylish vintage design without the high price tag.
And the best part is, the case is waterproof, which is not usually an available feature for leather designs. Mind you, this is PU leather, so don’t expect authentic luxury leather!
6. MegaGear Leather Camera Case
This case is a highly affordable option made of high-quality leather and designed to fit compact cameras like Panasonic Lumix, Sony Cyber-shot, Nikon P340, L28, and Canon S120. It’s perfect for on-the-go shooting for a hobbyist photographer.
For the compact camera users out there, this is a no-brainer! Designed for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII, DSC-RX100 IV, DSC-RX100 III, Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45, ZS50, TZ57, TZ70, Nikon P340, L28, and Canon S120 cameras, the MegaGear Leather Camera Case is the perfect bespoke solution at a low price.
The snug fit of your camera in the padded case provides extra protection as it eliminates the chance of gear moving around and getting scratched or banged up. And the small size makes it super convenient and easy to access your camera without fumbling around.
The MegaGear case is not for the long-haul, far-trekking landscape photographer who needs a lot of equipment, but it is a nice, simple option for the hobbyist photographer. Or for the camera-toting mom and dad who love vacation and family snapshots.
It’s a lightweight case with rugged protection and it looks great. What more can you ask for in a simple, budget option?
Choosing the Best Leather Camera Bag or Case for Your Needs
While these leather camera bags might be some of the better-built ones you can find, they might not be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s important to find the right camera bag to suit your photography needs, to make sure you can work efficiently.
Spend some time thinking about what you want from a bag or if you just need a small case. Either way, don’t be afraid to invest in a quality product. Not only will your camera bag protect your valuable equipment, but it will also make a statement to clients about what kind of photographer you are.
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