Tips for Giving the Perfect Camera Bag Gift

If you have a friend who’s heavily into photography, a camera bag is always a great gift idea.  Photographers, whether they’re amateurs or pros, are always looking for another bag for their cameras and gear.  They may want one for carrying all of their gear to a major photo shoot, another one for streamlined carrying and a third one for those in-between times.  Giving someone a great new camera bag will tell the recipient you understand how important photography is to them and that you support their hobby or career.

The most important thing you need to know is what kind of bags they already have and what kind they could use.  If you have the chance, take a look at the camera bag they’re using when they’re with you.  Is it a huge bag with lots of pockets that is slung over the shoulder, or a smaller bag that straps around the waist?  

Ask a few questions to get some more information.  Do they have any other camera bags?  Does the one they’re using have any limitations or drawbacks?  Do they wish they had one that was arranged better inside?  Most camera buffs love to talk about their gear so you should be able to get a pretty good feel for what kind of camera bag would fill in the gap for them.

Some things to look for when shopping for a camera bag include:

•    Wide, padded straps are always best.  It makes carrying a camera bag easier and more comfortable.  
•    If you are buying a bag large enough for the camera, lenses and some attachments, make sure you get one with dividers inside that will keep things in place and cushion the individual components.
•    For even more versatility, consider a camera bag with movable dividers that can be rearranged depending on which camera and gear the recipient wants to use on any given day.
•    Consider the elements.  Does your friend use their camera outside or in damp conditions?  If they are nature photographers or sports photographers, it’s almost inevitable that the bag will get wet.  Having a zip closure with oversized teeth will reduce the chance of the zipper sticking when it is wet or dirty.
•    Look for added protection such as a fold-over flap that keeps the zipper covered.
•    Does your friend shoot a lot of action pictures?  Look for a camera bag that zips open from both sides. This provides quick access for using the camera on the fly.
•    An inside pocket that snaps or zips closed is a nice safety feature for keys or other personal items.
•    Water resistant materials are more practical than the luxurious and tempting leather versions.  Keep in mind that while a leather camera bag might look great indoors, if the photographer goes anywhere at all that is dirty, dusty or damp, a leather camera bag will quickly get ruined.
•    Be sure to read the warranty included with the bag.  These will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the top camera bag manufacturers will usually offer a lifetime warranty against defects.

If you’ve compared different brands and styles of camera bags and still aren’t sure what to get, consider talking to a friend of the person you’re shopping for.  He or she may have great suggestions that will help you find the perfect camera bag for the ideal gift.

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