05Mar Affordable camera bag by APE.
Camera bags are like pizza, everyone likes something different. I’ve tried 3 or 4 flavors and found that I currently like Ape Cases. For around $40 you get yourself a case that has room enough for 6 lenses, 2 camera bodies, and random extra hardware. The case is also water resistant and has plenty zippers and snaps to close the main compartment. I’ve been giving this the road test for over a year and it has held up quit well. No broken zippers or snaps and all the netting and Velcro still works great.
I originally started out with one of those big Lowepro Backpacks, but I soon realized that a backpack doesn’t really work well for me. I now carry 2 of these Ape Cases, one for audio and miscellaneous gear, the other for lenses Cameras and batteries. The lowepro Backpack probably had more space but by the time I loaded it all up, I found myself having to unpack it to get to random bits i needed that had settled to the bottom of the pack. I also find that having 2 smaller bags, makes me think more about what equipment I really need to bring with me.
After more then a year of use, I’m still very happy with this bag. The price is right the build is good and the inside is brightly colored yellow. Those are all pluses in my opinion.
A point of caution I will mention if you’re in the market for a bag, is that a huge bag that holds all of your lenses and gear might seem like a good idea. But if you stop and think about it, you might consider the fact that all of your equipment is in one place. That means if the bag is lost, stolen, dropped, or ripped open while in transport, you’ve effectively reset your camera equipment list of things to buy. Also, if your collection is large enough, you’ll end up lugging around a 30 or 40 pound bag of camera gear.
I’ve always felt like traveling with the minimum makes me think more creatively about the equipment I have. Plus less time spent loading and unloading will give you more time to do what you came to do in the first place, film.
July 13th, 2011 at 9:24 am
[…] up a lot of space. A 5 inch monitor on the other hand fits nicely into a single lens pouch in my Ape Case. Secondly I usually need a field monitor for its ability to adjust and position not for its size. […]
September 4th, 2011 at 8:23 pm
[…] had good luck with my APE cases over the past few years and I was looking for a lighter smaller replacement for this plywood box. […]
November 11th, 2012 at 9:30 pm
Love the look of this; though it seems it’s nearly doubled in price since your post. Shoot! Not as great of a value, but I’m curious whether you’ve still got this and how it’s holding up. Thanks
November 12th, 2012 at 8:39 am
I still use 2 of these bags. If you are looking to get a better deal on them check ebay, used camera bags can be very affordable.