We’re guessing a chic and high-quality leather camera bag is hanging in every jet-setting celebrity’s impressive closet. After all, if we want to capture all the fun of press junkets in exotic places and vacations on private islands, it has to be done with style.
Luckily, there are plenty of leather camera bags that look like a million bucks for those of us who don’t have private islands but still want to capture life’s moments on film!
A good camera bag’s function is to organize and protect your photography equipment while making it easy to carry wherever you choose to roam. The team at L&L has rounded up seven leather camera bags that fit the bill, and they do it with style in spades.
We’ll also throw a little education your way on how to shop for a quality bag. So sit back, relax, and get ready to do some shopping!
Camera Bag Types
What kind of camera are you traveling with? This will most likely make a difference in what bag you choose.
We stuck with DSLR bags for the most part because that’s the most common type of camera people use (even though some camera-nerds would say DSLR cameras are becoming obsolete), but a mirrorless camera bag and an SLR camera bag are included on the list, too.
Mirrorless Cameras – These are smaller than DSLR cameras, so the casing inside your bag should fit accordingly to protect a more compact camera. You’ll probably need an additional pocket or two for extra batteries, as they tend to burn through them pretty quickly.
DSLR Cameras – They’re not as compact as mirrorless cameras, so you’ll need a larger bag for your DSLR camera and its’ lenses. DSLR cameras range from smaller models to larger, professional-grade cameras. It’s helpful to know roughly the dimensions of your camera when choosing a DSLR bag.
SLR Cameras – Are often not much different in size from DSLR cameras, but some are more compact and sleek in design. This factors into how large your camera bag will need to be, of course. Again, estimate the dimensions of your camera before bag shopping.
Other Cameras, Other Bags – There are specialty bags for aerial imaging drones and video camera bags, bags designed to accommodate a tripod, and more. Those are for another article, though. We’re trying to keep it simple here.
Best Leather Camera Bags
1. Vintage Italian-Inspired Satchel Bag and DSLR Lens Case
The quality of the stitching and hardware on this handmade leather camera bag makes it look so expensive. I like to think it’s what a Ferrari interior would look like if it was a camera case.
It’s just as practical as it is beautiful, too. The strap is adjustable and padded for comfort. The interior features a movable main compartment, so your camera and lens will fit in safe and snug. It also features front and side pockets and interior pockets for all of your stuff, including your memory card, additional lens, and cell phone, of course!
Dimensions: 23 x 16 x 34 cm
2. Vintage-Style Hunter Leather DSLR Camera Bag
by Scaramanga
You can personalize this stylish and rustic shoulder bag with your camera enthusiast’s initials, making it a great gift option. And who doesn’t love the look and feel of hunter leather, right? Plus, it’s known for its durability.
The bag features abundant space for all of your stuff (two external zippered compartments and two internal pockets). The removable padded insert fits a DSLR camera and two lenses. We love that the shoulder strap is removable if you’d like to carry it with the top carry handle instead.
Dimensions: 29 x 15 x 21 cm
3. Torres Genuine Leather Camera Messenger Bag— Mirrorless Compatible
by MegaGear
This gorgeous cross body bag also features a removable, adjustable shoulder strap, so you can choose how you’d prefer to carry it. Its shock-resistant lining protects your camera, and the closures keep it secure inside the bag.
Inside pockets, front pockets, and side pockets ensure you’ll never need to carry more than one bag during your travels! It comes in multiple stunning colors, so you can show off your unique style too. Best of all, it’s made from high-quality Italian leather so you know it’s going to last forever. Just don’t leave it behind on the train!
Dimensions: 11.8 x 7.87 x 4.72 inches
Available Colors: Black, Brown, Blue, Maroon, Mink, Olive
4. Personalized Leather Camera Bag— For SLR Cameras
This handmade sun-tanned leather camera bag looks so classic and is also functional. We doubt it’ll ever go out of style (and you’ll have it forever).
Thorough inside padding keeps your SLR camera secure, as well as your chargers and extra lenses. It features an extended, adjustable shoulder strap and three outside pockets. You can have this bag embossed with initials, a personal message, or a name to personalize it.
Dimensions: 22 x 29 x 12 cm
5. Camera Backpack for Travelers
Great for adventures in photography, this camera backpack has padded straps, making it comfortable to carry around all day. It’s versatile enough to take everything you need to be prepared, too. The entire lining is water-resistant and features eight padded divisions for organizing your gear. There are plenty of nooks and crannies for your essentials, also.
We love that this bag features a waterproof pocket for wet or dirty clothes. It’s such a useful feature for the photographer who wants to get that nature shot, no matter how muddy they’ll get!
6. Full Grain Leather DSLR Briefcase Camera Bag
One bag to rule them all! This is a DSLR camera bag that’ll hold your accessories and lenses. It’s also designed as a messenger bag to carry literally everything else you’d typically need to cart around when you’re not snapping photos. We’re talking a laptop compartment, zippered pockets, and interior pouches to keep it all organized, too.
The top-grain leather exterior will withstand the elements (and the test of time). The interior is lined with padded, soft fabric to protect all your stuff.
7. Allison DSLR Bag (Great Camera Bag For Women)
by Jo Totes
From the outside, it looks like a fashionable handbag. On the inside, this soft, feminine bag keeps your camera, lenses, and additional accessories protected and organized with four re-arrangeable velcro pads.
It features exterior zippered front pockets and back pockets and interior pockets, including a padded, zippered pocket for your iPad.
Buyer’s Guide to Find the Perfect Leather Camera Bag
As with any high-dollar purchase, it’s essential to know your stuff before you shop. Here are some things to look at when you’re choosing a quality and stylish camera bag.
Leather Lingo
If you’re choosing a leather bag (all of the bags on our list are real leather), knowing what you’re working with is key.
Full-Grain/Top-Grain Leather – Look for a bag with a “full-grain” or “top-grain” leather tag. It’s durable enough to withstand years of use and gets even more beautiful over time.
Genuine Leather – Genuine leather is often scrap leather layers glued together, so it may wear out faster. Although a soft genuine leather bag is a thing of beauty.
Hardware
Take a look at how the buckles and clasps are stitched into the leather. If the workmanship seems a little shoddy, best to pass.
Check the function of any zipper on the bag. Again, if they’re not sewn in evenly and securely, your bag will likely fail on you sooner rather than later in other parts, too. Also, opt for metal hardware. Plastic clasps, zippers, or buckles won’t last.
Straps
Easily adjustable straps are best, and you should try on your camera bag if possible before purchasing to ensure it’s a good fit for your posture and height. Padded straps are a lifesaver if you’ll be lugging your camera around all day.
Check how the straps are attached to the bag. Metal rivets reinforced with strong stitching will hold up to lots of weight better than stitching alone.
Features for Convenience
Most camera bags come equipped with extra pockets and pouches, so you don’t need to carry another bag for essentials like phones, wallets, and passports.
Of course, the most essential feature for a camera bag is a padded interior with a padded divider to protect your camera and lens(es). If you find one with movable partitions, even better.
The Perfect Gift
Confession: I’m not good at taking pictures. In fact, I’m rubbish.
Luckily, I happen to be married to someone who’s not only great at it but is a prolific photographer. Seriously, thank goodness he never misses a perfect moment; otherwise, I wouldn’t remember what my kids looked like when they were babies.
That’s parenting at its finest, folks.
Needless to say, after this list, I’ll be winning at Christmas this year. One could even say it’s in the bag. (Ahhh, puns.) Well done, you talented L&L shoppers. Thanks for makin’ me look super thoughtful.
Hopefully, we’ve given you some gift inspiration for your favorite photographer too! We’ll bask in the glow of how great we are on Christmas morning together.
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