Searching or researching a new camera bag can be both enlightening and a grueling experience.   It seems my gear is continuing to grow and  my shoulders and neck are oh so feeling the pain. Also, I have some trips planned so I thought this might be a good time to invest in a rolling bag designed specifically for camera gear.  After a quick look on line, I realized I better figure out exactly what I am looking for in this bag to be able to narrow down my choice.

Here was my criteria for a camera bag:

1) Had to be a rolling bag.

2) Wanted one I could work out of and did not require laying the bag flat and totally unzipping to access gear.

3) Had to accommodate my computer in addition to camera bodies and lenses.

4) I didn’t want anything too big. The bigger the bag, the more stuff I will shove into it and then I will have problems getting the bag into the overhead compartment on the plane.

5) I wanted some way to attach my tripod.

I had remembered reading something in my NAPP (National Assoc. of Photoshop Professionals) magazine about  “Think Tanks Airstream”. I like those guys and value their opinion. Unfortunately, when I looked at the bag, I realized I would have to totally unzip the bag to retrieve any gear. Also accommodating a computer required purchasing an additional case.

Next, I researched Lowepro and their line of rolling bags. The Pro Roller Attache X50 looked interesting with its two bags in one concept and it had been highly rated in an article I had read. However, after a closer look I realized my camera (a full frame camera) and gear would really be a tight squeeze. The bag was just too small.

I also realized accommodating a tripod with any these bags just wasn’t an option. I guess that goes into checked luggage.

I currently use a Tamrac bag and I like it, but unfortunately their rolling bags just seem to large.  I also looked at several other manufacturers and back packs and was beginning to get a bit discouraged when I remembered about Jill-E Designs camera bags. I currently own one of their  bags and I have always been impressed with their quality and style. Sure enough, there it was, the Large Rolling Bag, and it was love at first sight. A cute, stylish bag with a zipper on top to allow easy access to my camera gear and computer. And best of all, three color choices. I hope it looks as good in person as it does on the internet!

I have to make an update to this post, because unfortunately I had to return the beautiful red Jill-E Bag. It was just a bit too big and heavy for my needs. If however, my need was to wheel a lot of equipment to a location and leave it parked as I worked from the bag, the bag would of been perfect. It was very well made and stylish. Hope this helps!

One last word, what a special day it is; Feb 29. Once every four years we gain an extra day to make art and have fun!

Thanks for reading and more of my work can be viewed at susanmcanany.com.