You need a good bag that will protect the contents and also be easy to carry and access. There are three main types of bags that are popular today.

The first is the shoulder bag. This type of bag is better for short outings rather than longer ones. Because the bag hangs on one shoulder it can put a strain on your back after a period of time. To help alleviate this problem you can switch it from shoulder to shoulder every few minutes. This however can be irritating as well.

Look for a bag with lots of internal space and adjustable partitions to accommodate the camera body and lenses. It should also have a large opening for easy access. Some come with large external pockets that are perfect for carrying extra batteries, filters etc.

The second type is the backpack. This type has many advantages and is very popular with a lot of photographers. They are great for longer outings because they distribute the weight more evenly. With the bag on your back you do not have to worry about setting it down on the ground where it is less secure. You will also have your hands free for getting that shot or reading a map.

This type also has adjustable compartments to hold your equipment securely, with a large opening to allow for very easy access. There are some that even come with a pocket for your laptop. One disadvantage is that to access your equipment you will need to remove the bag from your back. This minor inconvenience is a small price to pay for the security and comfort of a backpack.

The third type is a rigid camera case. This is more of a specialty type and is not as popular as the shoulder bag or backpack. The biggest advantage is that they are very secure and provide terrific protection. Most have foam inserts that can be custom cut to fit your equipment perfectly. If you do a lot of traveling where you need to check your bag then this is a great choice.

The biggest disadvantage is that they are more difficult to carry which makes them a poor choice for hiking excursions.

Essential features.

First look for a bag that has easy access and plenty of adjustable sections with lots of padding to keep your equipment safe and secure. You also must be able to make the bag comfortable to carry on long outings. Therefore it must have wide adjustable straps and adjustable pads to keep them from cutting into your shoulders.

Make sure the bag is waterproof. You do not want the rain or snow to soak through and damage your camera. Setting it down on the wet ground can also cause a problem if the moisture penetrates the bottom of the bag.

The bag must also be able to take some abuse. Hiking and other outdoor activities can be rough on you and your equipment. Make sure the fasteners such as clips and zippers are sturdy and can take some punishment. If a fastener fails and your equipment falls out it can cause a lot of damage. What to include in your bag.

Of course you want to keep the weight of the bag down as much as possible while giving yourself the widest range of equipment. The following list I would consider as basic essentials.

· Camera body

· Tripod

· Shutter release cable

· A macro lens or close up kit

· An 18-55 mm zoom lens

· A 55-200 mm zoom lens

· Spare batteries

· Extra memory

· A skylight filter

· A polarizing filter

· A lens cleaning kit

· The cameras manual

There are some other items that you may want to include depending on the circumstances of your outing. For example, a compact rain poncho if the weather looks like it might turn. Maybe you are photographing birds, which would make a pair of binoculars a good choice.

Remember cover all the bases but try to keep the weight down. A small amount of extra weight can have a big effect over the course of a long outing.

Summary.

Make sure the bag you choose has plenty of room and is easy to access. It must be comfortable to carry on long outings and provide good protection from the weather. Do not carry any equipment you are not going to use. This will just put extra strain on you and the camera bag. Remember the most important part of photography is to take a lot of shots and have a great time.

By: Terry Girard

For more great articles and photography information, including tips and techniques see my web site. http://www.ultimate-photography-tips.com This is a must visit on your photography adventure.

Author: Terry Girard

Author Bio: Terry Girard is a eminent columnist. Terry likes to write articles about this subject.