Messenger style bag - which ?

andyred

andyred

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Hi

I'm looking for a messenger style bag for carrying a 5d I I with sat 24-105 lens attached.

Been looking - don't need a large bag, just a good quality bag that'll allow the body / lens to be easily carried when some extra protection needed - struggling to try to work out what's what...

Anyone use something similar and any suggestions of what to look at ?

Cheers
 
There is the Peak Design one which is most comfortable when treated as a sling and belted up at the hip too, but it is also a laptop bag too.

My current favourite is the Crumpler proper roady and i have the 7500 which should take the 5D with large lens.
http://www.crumpler.eu/proper-roady-photo-sling-7500-mahogany

With the cross body strap, the weight is transferred off the shoulder.
 
I have "a few" bags and I always go back to this when I just want to take the 7D with 24-105 or 100mm macro.
I know it's advertising Canon with the logo and many people will :rolleyes:, but if it's just camera and lens this is good https://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-100EG-Custom-Gadget-Bag/dp/B000X9HW5O

If you have a Curry's near you they sell them for 25.
 
I have a thinktank retro 7, I can fit a 6D with 24-70 and then take the 70-200 or a flash as well. It's not a traditional looking bag either. I don't like the crumpler bag designs as of late but I have an American one from a few years ago, good quality and well padded if you like their stuff.
 
Sandokan said:
There is the Peak Design one which is most comfortable when treated as a sling and belted up at the hip too, but it is also a laptop bag too.

My current favourite is the Crumpler proper roady and i have the 7500 which should take the 5D with large lens.
http://www.crumpler.eu/proper-roady-photo-sling-7500-mahogany

With the cross body strap, the weight is transferred off the shoulder.
Click to expand...

Cheers, will have a look - pity the local Crumpler shop in Manchester has shut...

What's the padding like around the bag / base ?
 
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jonoooo125 said:
I have a thinktank retro 7, I can fit a 6D with 24-70 and then take the 70-200 or a flash as well. It's not a traditional looking bag either. I don't like the crumpler bag designs as of late but I have an American one from a few years ago, good quality and well padded if you like their stuff.
Click to expand...

Thanks, just had a quick google - that looks very nice (not sure wife will pay that much though for a present).

What's the padding like around the bag / base ?

Cheers A
 
I've had the crumpler proper ready for a while, it's decent bag but not without its faults.
It could do with a side pocket, a mesh one would do, something to hold a bottle of water.
Also really needs a zipper to close it, only has a couple clips, great for easy access for you and a thief .
 
MrDrizz said:
I've had the crumpler proper ready for a while, it's decent bag but not without its faults.
It could do with a side pocket, a mesh one would do, something to hold a bottle of water.
Also really needs a zipper to close it, only has a couple clips, great for easy access for you and a thief .
Click to expand...

Thanks for that, good to have a short review.

What's the padding like around the bag / base ?

Also it looks like it's of a softish construction ?

Cheers A
 
I'd say the padding is a little thin, well thinner then others I've tried but good enough. Could do with more on it's Base, but I've not experienced any damaged gear and I've kick the bag across a road.
It's as soft as any other bag I guess, it is well made. If you need a bigger one have a look at the 9000.
 
MrDrizz said:
I'd say the padding is a little thin, well thinner then others I've tried but good enough. Could do with more on it's Base, but I've not experienced any damaged gear and I've kick the bag across a road.
It's as soft as any other bag I guess, it is well made. If you need a bigger one have a look at the 9000.
Click to expand...

Thanks :)
 
andyred said:
Thanks, just had a quick google - that looks very nice (not sure wife will pay that much though for a present).

What's the padding like around the bag / base ?

Cheers A
Click to expand...

There's not much, it's just the thick material, the base has a very thin layer but I got lots of dividers and put one under each lens for a bit extra protection, I don't throw it around though and knowing it isn't well padded, I place it down rather than drop it, I've had it almost 4 years and I'm very happy with it, it is the bag I use the most too. It also looks like the day I bought it.

Actually, 1 annoying feature, obviously not a deal breaker, it leans forward because I have all my extras in the front pockets but I'm use to it now I guess. I can fit my iPad in the back too, if you want to take a tablet.
 
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if you want padding the retro range are not for you, as has been said its pretty much just the outer material. any quality non camera bag has similar levels of protection. that said they are good bags-just a bit floppy:D
 
jonoooo125 said:
There's not much, it's just the thick material, the base has a very thin layer but I got lots of dividers and put one under each lens for a bit extra protection, I don't throw it around though and knowing it isn't well padded, I place it down rather than drop it, I've had it almost 4 years and I'm very happy with it, it is the bag I use the most too. It also looks like the day I bought it.

Actually, 1 annoying feature, obviously not a deal breaker, it leans forward because I have all my extras in the front pockets but I'm use to it now I guess. I can fit my iPad in the back too, if you want to take a tablet.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that. Might see if I can find somewhere that stocks one to look at
 
niko said:
if you want padding the retro range are not for you, as has been said its pretty much just the outer material. any quality non camera bag has similar levels of protection. that said they are good bags-just a bit floppy:D
Click to expand...

Yes, this is why I was asking re padding - not after lots and lots or a rigid or large camera bag, just something that is discrete in size, but offers some more padding than a 'normal' bag would do. :)
 
Double padding at the base of the Sony. Single padding elsewhere- plus wherever you put dividers.
 
Horrible things, tried a few, weight distribution is all wrong, hard to get camera out when wearing them and let's be honest they are a bit dodgy looking.

Much prefer a light rucksack with an insert to carry the camera. If I want to wander with the camera I use Optech backpack connectors http://optechusa.com/reporter-backpack.html weight is spread evenly and not on my neck
 
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Coyon said:
Double padding at the base of the Sony. Single padding elsewhere- plus wherever you put dividers.
Click to expand...

Cheers.

Just been looking at the images available of it - difficult to work out if the camera / lens would be top / bottom or lying on its side.
 
tijuana taxi said:
Horrible things, tried a few, weight distribution is all wrong, hard to get camera out when wearing them and let's be honest they are a bit dodgy looking.

Much prefer a light rucksack with an insert to carry the camera. If I want to wander with the camera I use Optech backpack connectors http://optechusa.com/reporter-backpack.html weight is spread evenly and not on my neck
Click to expand...

Been using my camera bag recently, but if I'm just wanting to take the camera and lens out, it's a bit on the large and def bulky side (although offers excellent protection), hence why I was thinking of a messenger style type of bag, looked at some of the lowepro bags as well, but difficult to work out from their info if it'll do what I want.

Even looked at one from Peak design (as mentioned above) and some of the Billingham range, but ...
 
Been using my camera bag recently, but if I'm just wanting to take the camera and lens out, it's a bit on the large and def bulky side (although offers excellent protection), hence why I was thinking of a messenger style type of bag, looked at some of the lowepro bags as well, but difficult to work out from their info if it'll do what I want.
Click to expand...

That''s why I tried a shoulder bag, but got very uncomfortable after a while, with strap on one shoulder kept slipping off (unsecure too) Strap across body safer, but not comfortable, also not great all that weight on one side.
Camera specific rucksacks I agree are very bulky and heavy hence the reason I use a lighter and better fitting hiking rucksack with the straps I mentioned earlier. Plenty of camera bag inserts on Amazon and Ebay, decent protection and just get dropped into the rucksack.

I had exactly the same outfit as you and it was for me too weighty for a messenger type bag, didn't find it easy wrestling it in and out of a bag hanging at my side either.

Whole performance of lugging weighty gear about got me down in the end and swapped the lot for a Fuji X-T1 and lenses, still use the rucksack though.

One vital feature is to carry a water bottle in an outside pocket, if you want to try it I have a brand new one of these in Black https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lowepro-Passport-Sling-Shoulder-Camera/dp/B0039NLS3I which will never get used, you are welcome to it for postage cost (is that OK mods, it's a gift not a sale)

Seemed a good idea at the time, but just not for me I've decided, anyway good luck and pm me please if you want the bag
 
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I've been looking at the matin balade on eBay as a thinktank alternative for exactly this use.
 
tijuana taxi said:
That''s why I tried a shoulder bag, but got very uncomfortable after a while, with strap on one shoulder kept slipping off (unsecure too) Strap across body safer, but not comfortable, also not great all that weight on one side.
Camera specific rucksacks I agree are very bulky and heavy hence the reason I use a lighter and better fitting hiking rucksack with the straps I mentioned earlier. Plenty of camera bag inserts on Amazon and Ebay, decent protection and just get dropped into the rucksack.

I had exactly the same outfit as you and it was for me too weighty for a messenger type bag, didn't find it easy wrestling it in and out of a bag hanging at my side either.

Whole performance of lugging weighty gear about got me down in the end and swapped the lot for a Fuji X-T1 and lenses, still use the rucksack though.

One vital feature is to carry a water bottle in an outside pocket, if you want to try it I have a brand new one of these in Black https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lowepro-Passport-Sling-Shoulder-Camera/dp/B0039NLS3I which will never get used, you are welcome to it for postage cost (is that OK mods, it's a gift not a sale)

Seemed a good idea at the time, but just not for me I've decided, anyway good luck and pm me please if you want the bag
Click to expand...


Thanks.mate, dropped you a message - def worth a try :)
 
Serious padding to main area and takes my 1DX MKII plus 100-400 mkii and a flash gun plus batteries and even a small extra lens.
No external pockets but has decent hooks for adding stuff plus also very serious padding around the sling top shoulder part and both bottom parts of strap at hip.
Plus double large loops for belt if wanted.
Manfrotto Professional Sling Bag 30
There are various sizes and the last number denotes the size.
The 30 is the size I have and bought from York Cameras (in York) £64 plus register on Manfrotto for extra guarantee.
There is a smaller NX size for a tenner less or a much bigger 50 for £90 approx extra.
Here's Manfrotto page showing details. But the padding is immense truly thick and they even call it;
  • Camera Protection System
  • Exo-tough construction protecting from impact
  • High performance materials
 
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Billingham Hadley pro , will do you forever and can be easily used as a general bag aswell
 
Stuart I have the 550 pro for 15 plus years now.
Still not a sign of wear or even a scuff.
Why did I get another bag?
Not enough padding, yes there is some, particularly the base is as good if not better than any other.
It's the sides that lack impact protection and even the inner dividers are thin.
But for style and the wow factor from those that know.
And yes extremely adaptable as a normal bag.
 
stumac said:
Billingham Hadley pro , will do you forever and can be easily used as a general bag aswell
Click to expand...

Thanks, had a look on line at them the other day and they did look nice, hoping to see if a local camera shop has some in to be able to look at them
 
ONA leather bags are pretty nice. Pricey but nice.
 
andyred said:
Thanks, had a look on line at them the other day and they did look nice, hoping to see if a local camera shop has some in to be able to look at them
Click to expand...
I have one and carry a 5d with 25-105 plus another lens and flash gun which still leaves the front pockets free
 
Just to confirm - the bottom of the Crumpler Real Roady 7500 is not thickly padded. It is fine for me though as I am not in the habit of dropping it. One good design is that even if the flap is open amd you pick it up by the handle, it does not tip forward and nothing falls out.

It is big enough to carry a FF mirrorless with Nikon 58/1.4 attached, Zeiss 25/2.8 in ZF, and Leica 90/2 Apo and Leica 35/2 along with adaptors, spare batteries, filters. But no outside pocket for water etc.

I read and saw photos of an Ona bag whose leather strap came off with the weight of camera equipment.
 
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Sandokan said:
Just to confirm - the bottom of the Crumpler Real Roady 7500 is not thickly padded. It is fine for me though as I am not in the habit of dropping it. One good design is that even if the flap is open amd you pick it up by the handle, it does not tip forward and nothing falls out.

It is big enough to carry a FF mirrorless with Nikon 58/1.4 attached, Zeiss 25/2.8 in ZF, and Leica 90/2 Apo and Leica 35/2 along with adaptors, spare batteries, filters. But no outside pocket for water etc.

I read and saw photos of an Ona bag whose leather strap came off with the weight of camera equipment.
Click to expand...

That's great, thanks. Good to know there is some padding and yes, think the design of the handle allowing you to pick up without having to fasten the flap could be a bonus...

Thanks :)
 
Just so many to choose from, more old bags than the cast of Loose Women, dread to think how many I've had (bags not loose women)

Gave up now, my last bag is on its way to Andy and settled on a hiking rucksack with insert, changing to a much lighter Fuji CSC system helped a lot too
 
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