Fishing/Waterproof Camera Bags

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grayer

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Jul 2, 2013
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Hey guys, just like most of you I'm sure, I am really into photography. And I'm getting tired of bringing my iPhone along with me for the photos when fishing. I have a Canon t3i and I'm looking to get a bag to bring along with me that is waterproof and would be safe to bring along with me wading or sometimes on the boat. What do you guys use? And could you recommend anything for me? Just curious. Hope everyone is having a great holiday season.

Cheers
 
If you are even more serious, I would suggest an underwater housing.

I have a Canon Powershot A620 from almost 10 years ago and bought an underwater housing for it. Use it so many times for wading and also snorkeling...and the odd times I fish in kayaks and canoes. Never have to worry about your gear getting wet. In fact, when I have it, I try to take underwater release shots if the water is clear enough.

Just another option to think about.
 
The housing is the ideal way to go but will also cost you a pretty penny. To get those half submerged camera shots you will also need a wide angle lens to get the ideal shots. At this point we are talking in and around a couple grand. The bags get mixed reviews. From my understanding you want to pick up an Ewa Marine but be VERY careful using them. Apparently cold weather makes them brittle and you have to be careful what lens you use as it could scratch the lens cover on the bag. I don't have experience with either but have done a little bit of research. If I had the money I'd be getting myself a housing plus the additional lens to complete the package... however at this point in time I'll be grabbing a waterproof point and shoot - Nikon Coolpix AW110 for around 300 bucks.
 
Awesome, I appreciate the responses. I do a lot of video when with a friend or 2, then make videos after a certain trip and love to snap pictures when I have found a great spot with an even better view. I was looking at the Simms dry creek day pack, looks great for a day o the water, and water resistant! thanks for the input guys

Cheers
 
:lol: Whoops - you mean a bag to carry around the camera while you are fishing. There was a thread just recently about this, I'll try to find it for ya.
 
Fellas, you all need to check out the Smith Fly Digi-Pouch. This thing revolutionizes camera bags for the river. It is a very effective dry pouch fitted for a DSLR for a VERY reasonable price. I plan to buy one for the opener this year :) I know Louis Cahill of Gink and Gasoline uses one, reviewed it, and loves it!

The bag:
http://www.smithfly.net/2012/09/20/digi-pouch/

The review:
http://www.ginkandgasoline.com/fly-fishing-photography/the-smithfly-switch-belt-and-digi-pouch-fly-fishing-gear-that-i-cant-live-without/
 
That bag looks sick - I'd like to know how it works out for ya Madoc - typically I have my camera hanging off my shoulder and if the weather is crap its in my backpack in a ziploc or two.
 
MadocFlyGuy said:
Fellas, you all need to check out the Smith Fly Digi-Pouch. This thing revolutionizes camera bags for the river. It is a very effective dry pouch fitted for a DSLR for a VERY reasonable price. I plan to buy one for the opener this year :) I know Louis Cahill of Gink and Gasoline uses one, reviewed it, and loves it!

The bag:
http://www.smithfly.net/2012/09/20/digi-pouch/

The review:
http://www.ginkandgasoline.com/fly-fishing-photography/the-smithfly-switch-belt-and-digi-pouch-fly-fishing-gear-that-i-cant-live-without/
But it's still just a dry bag. I don't know about this one but if you read the 'fine print' on other 'dry bags' they do not claim to be watertight over any significant length of time.
 
Knuguy said:
But it's still just a dry bag. I don't know about this one but if you read the 'fine print' on other 'dry bags' they do not claim to be watertight over any significant length of time.
If you're looking for something you can submerge for an extended period of time, yes, you're absolutely correct in assuming that the dry bag isn't functional for this. I don't think you'll find an item that will meet your criteria if you want a bag that you can let sit on the bottom of a river for 2 minutes (unless you're willing to pay $$$$$$$$$). If you want something that you can keep your camera in and have it sit underwater for extended periods of time, then as others mentioned, a housing is your best option (again, $$$$$$$, but at least this way you can take underwater dslr shots).

I've done a fair amount of reading on the Smith Fly product, and for me, it serves the purpose as a functional bag that can attach to a wading belt that keeps your camera handy, and dry so long as you don't take it diving. If you're looking for assurance that a brief spill in the drink won't kill your Canon, then this is a cost effective option.

Either that, or as Dozer said, just pick up a cheaper waterproof point and shoot.
 
Knuguy said:
But it's still just a dry bag. I don't know about this one but if you read the 'fine print' on other 'dry bags' they do not claim to be watertight over any significant length of time.
Exactly. And you can get a Seal Line dry bag (which I bet is the US company they collaborated to produce that product) for much less money ($20 or under). None of the dry bags quarantee 100% waterproof. It only allows short term submerge capability up to a certain depth (different bags provide different submerge and time factor).

My Seal Line Baja 5 has a D-ring that you can attach to other fixtures (with a carabiner clip for example) for easier access. If you use the MOLLE webbing, you still need to reach behind you all the time to take the bag off your backside to access the camera anyways.

Even with my dry bag and point and shoot Canon, I wouldn't risk a mid-river wading situation when taking shots. I always go back to shallower water or even get back to shore to take pics for myself and other. With a $1000 camera on the line plus lens, would you risk a mid-river wading shot? I don't know about you, but I like to move around to take pictures from different angles...that's pretty typical when you try to frame a shot. A misstep onto an algae covered rock or boulder or a step into an invisible hole or submerged branch and you can go for a soaking...and so much for a dry bag that is not holding your camera in that situation...

That's why I said above...if you are REALLY serious about it, you should consider a housing...
 
MuskieBait said:
Exactly. And you can get a Seal Line dry bag (which I bet is the US company they collaborated to produce that product) for much less money ($20 or under). None of the dry bags quarantee 100% waterproof. It only allows short term submerge capability up to a certain depth (different bags provide different submerge and time factor).
For sure you can get cheaper dry bags - this one has just been altered to also be wading belt friendly, which is why I'm assuming its more expensive.
 
MuskieBait said:
Even with my dry bag and point and shoot Canon, I wouldn't risk a mid-river wading situation when taking shots. I always go back to shallower water or even get back to shore to take pics for myself and other. With a $1000 camera on the line plus lens, would you risk a mid-river wading shot? I don't know about you, but I like to move around to take pictures from different angles...that's pretty typical when you try to frame a shot. A misstep onto an algae covered rock or boulder or a step into an invisible hole or submerged branch and you can go for a soaking...and so much for a dry bag that is not holding your camera in that situation...

That's why I said above...if you are REALLY serious about it, you should consider a housing...
At the end of the day, definitely agree with this.
 
My worry about the bag being "wader friendly" is that it will need to be built really well and not peel apart after a year of bushwhacking.
 
Dozer said:
My worry about the bag being "wader friendly" is that it will need to be built really well and not peel apart after a year of bushwhacking.
Again, based solely on what I've read of reviews, and not my own experience, it apparently succeeds at this.
 
If they develop the bag with Seal Line, this should be a decent bag. My Seal Line is going onto its 11th year without any issue. I use it almost religiously whenever I'm fishing/camping/traveling. It has been in -30C while icefishing and 40C in the tropics. No issue after so many years of use.

I use it not only for my camera but my keys, phone, wallete and in some cases my passport as well. That's how much I trust the bag.
 
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