26.10.2013

I have searched for a long time for the Perfect Camera Bag. What are the criteria I use? Well, roughly these:>not look like a camera bag>not be green>hold a camera with lens attached and one other lens>hold purse, keys, passport, 'phone and other odd bits and pieces>be light, strong and at least weather- (if not water-)proof>be comfortable slung across a shoulder>not make the owner look like she escaped from a Ray Mears expeditionSo - yes, it does look a bit like a camera bag, but nowhere near as much as those hulking great backpacks that look like you could probably put Ansel Adams in them.It is not green. It is black. But inside it is green. Actually, it's quite a nice shade of deep, deep green.And the outside is a simple black, fittings are chromed and the leather is not PU but clearly comes from a dead animal.Yes - it holds a Nikon D7100 plus 12-24mm,18-70mm and 35mm and there's STILL room for purse, passport, keys and bits and pieces. This came as a real surprise. When I opened the box, my immediate reaction was 'Oh no - it's not big enough!' but happily I was wrong. I am slightly in awe of the capacity of this thing. It comes lined with the removable and well-padded Billingham Pro Insert which seems initially rather bulky, but my camera with whatever lens I leave attached is just swallowed by it, barely bulging the bag at all.The insert comes with two long and two short velco-edged dividers. The velcro strips are possibly the velcroiest velcro I have ever come across - they seem to stick to everything! Getting the fit right becomes quite exhausting as you rip them out and try and move them just a little bit. But, conversely, when you have finally managed to place them just where you want them, you know they're going to stay put. Actually, I haven't found a use for the two smaller ones - the two full-size ones provide perfectly adequate division and protection.There are two front pouches. These are held closed by fairly robust metal poppers over which the leather straps also fasten. The pockets are expandable as they are partially closed by two more metal poppers. To be honest, I would rather keep my purse within the main bag as I am not totally confident in the security of the external pockets. This does perhaps mean sacrificing some space that would otherwise hold a lens but I can live with that. As you may have gathered, I am not one of those intrepid photographers who take everything but the kitchen sink with them, preferring instead to travel as light as possible through townscapes, the only jungle being the urban one. If a decent cup of coffee is not within a few minutes reach, forget it. Saying that, this bag feels easily strong enough to cope with the rigours of even the most gritty urbex-pedition or ruin-porn 'splore.It is remarkably light while still feeling very rugged. Black canvas, thick leather edging, metal fasteners, webbing shoulder strap, very substantial top carrying strap all feel reassuringly solid, but this does not mean that you are hauling around some armoured monster - an excellent balance between practicality and functionality really. With the Billingham Leather Shoulder Pad attached, slinging it across a shoulder even fully-packed does not turn you into Quasimodo.One small improvement I would make would be to include a small, stitched-in strap with clip to attach keys to. I have a tiny Kipling bag that has this feature and I find it very reassuring to clip my keys into the bag. But this is a fairly small niggle. Passport and other flat objects are easily held in the zip-secured back pocket so that covers pretty much everything.And finally - style. Well, obviously that's a rather personal matter but for me, this bag looks the biz. The fact that you can remove the padded insert means that it is perfectly possible to use it as something other than just a camera bag. The overall size means that it is simply a practical, generally useful and, in my opinion, stylish bag. Not a boy scout or worthy mountain-climbing documentary maker in sight!Of course if you were to venture into the wild, wet, cold and cow-poo covered outdoors, you would probably not experience the only other slight niggle I have with the bag - the material is (rather like the mega-velcro inserts) really good at picking up fluff. O.k. I know, I should get the vacuum-cleaner out more often.This is the nearest I have got to The Perfect Bag. And it really has made a difference to my photography in that I now do actually take out more kit with me - because it is easy, comfortable and practical to do so.Edit: 04/11/13. Got caught in a thunderstorm so can now confirm that it is water-proof. :-)

30.7.2016

This bag screams quality from the get-go. I don't know how many product reviews, both writing and video I looked through before finally coming to the decision to buy this bag. This is what I looked for when purchasing my camera bag; it had to satisfy these requirements:1) Had to look good and not like a camera bag i.e. the toploaders from Lowepro or the boxier type of bags i.e. Peak Design Everyday Messenger. Whilst the Khaki / Tan version may look better on its own, it's rather eye-catching - I wanted something unassuming and this bag is both that and sleek.2) Had to be waterproof - not to the point that it can be submersible but it has to be able to withstand heavy rain without needing to have an extra raincoat cover on it like a lot of the bags on the market...I mean, what's the point? Whether you choose FibreNyte or canvas it doesn't really matter (there are some subtle differences like the weight and how they age) because both will have their "impermeable butyl rubber" bonded to the fabric to make it waterproof.3) MOST IMPORTANTLY, it has to fit my gear. It's hard to buy a bag without physically being there and testing it and sometimes just looking at the inner dimensions are not enough since some have more flexibility than others. So this is where a lot of video reviews come in. The main requirement here is to fit my camera WITH LENS ATTACHED + HOOD IN SHOOTING POSITION. Most reviews only show storing a camera with the hood reversed... again what's the point? And reviews showing storing a camera body + 70-200mm lens can be helpful but this usually a lot longer than what I need (25cm?). Others mention removing the insert and storing either horizontally or vertically (then you have little to no padding?!). So after going through a lot of them, I decided to also message Billingham on FaceBook and they were very helpful.- Canon 5DSR + peak design bottom mount + EF 24-70 F/4L + Hood: measures around 152mm x 125mm(with bottom mount) x 200mm(with lens and hood in shooting position)- Canon Speedlite 600 EX-RT- Cables / batteries / lenses / other accessories- The website says "Internal DimensionsW340mm (13⅜") x D80mm (3⅛") x H270mm (10⅝")" so clearly there isn't enough depth but the employee reassured me that it would be fine as you will just use some of the width to extend the depth.And indeed it does! The monster of the flash can be taken out of its pouch and stored on the smaller side area I've created with their removable inserts to make room for a 70-200 or two stacked smaller lenses (separator padding provided). It can also be put in one of the front pouches with a snug fit. The back zip compartment is useful for more storage and there is even space to fit my 13.3" MacBook Air inside between the back of the bag and camera padding... albeit just! I don't think it will be able to fit a full frame DSLR with a battery grip - for that you may want to have a look at a different bag in their lineup.I highly recommend this bag and am looking forward to using it in the future to come. You really do pay for what you get, which is still relatively cheap considering the value of the gear inside.

28.12.2015

Like most of us who do photography I have a number of camera bags and each one has its uses for certain things. I was going to be doing some travelling and wanted something a little more discrete and stylish. I have a Think Tank Retrospective 10, which was a little too bulky for my needs for the trip; however I was able to get nearly just as much in the Billingham and for it to still remain fairly compact.Whilst the bag will best suite those who intend to use smaller cameras, I was able to carry the following:In the main section (removable insert) - middle slot, a Canon 5D Mk3, with 24-105 lens attached (including hood, reversed) - and either side of the camera, a 17-40 lens and either a 24 TSE lens or Fuji X100S.Both lenses had a Lee Filter adapter ring attached. This was naturally a cosy fit and it's a bit difficult to remove the lenses when the camera is still in the bag, but the majority of time when I want one of the other the lenses I will already have the camera out of the bag. With such a combination the bag does bulge a bit, but only in the centre; this is the great thing about this bag, it shapes itself to accommodate the contents rather than having a boxy construction.In the front pockets I was able to carry battery and card holders, cleaning cloths, remote cable release, and either a set of Lee filters or a small pair of binoculars.During in flight travelling I carried an iPad in the space between the removable insert and the rear of the bag and tickets etc in the zipped pocket at the back.Additionally, on my walkabouts, I sometimes carried a tripod, IN THE BAG! This was a Sirui T-005X, which, due to its compact size, fitted on top of camera in the main section; the removable insert has a fold over padded lid which then allowed the tripod to sit on top of the camera without scratching it. The bag's main flap was then just folded over the whole thing (with the straps set to their maximum position) fully covering the tripod and contents and nobody could tell that there was a tripod in the bag.The Billingham is well built and lightweigjht and I experienced no problems when carrying it with all the aforementioned gear. The thing I would say however, along with many others, is that it is a shame Bellingham do not include the shoulder pad; I already had a very old Billingham bag and was able to use the pad from that, even though it was a little too large. If you are going to carry a large quantity of gear then get the pad.I bought the black canvas version and so far find it to be robust and smooth to the touch; you do get a bit of lint being attracted to the material, but this isn't too problematic. All in all I am very happy with the bag, for the purpose for which I acquired it; if you need to carry more gear then there are better options, but if travelling light, and wanting something that doesn't look too much like a camera bag (to the uninitiated at least) then it cannot be bettered!

27.12.2010

First I'd like to point out the great service from Hawks Photo Video.I ordered this bag on december 20, it arrived today (december 27) in perfect condition in a plain cardboard box (with lots of scotch on it ;) )I sent them a message prior to ordering this bag, and I didn't have to wait too long for an answer. I was worried that with the current chaotic weather conditions in europe (in my country Belgium and also in Britain) there would be quite a delay and it wouldn't arrive on time for my planned trip. They assured me they would do anything to send it as quickly as possible, using the fastest delivery system... And they were as good as their word. (it came by plane no less).

4.1.2017

The absolute ultimate in quality. I owned a Hadley for more than 20 years. It went everywhere with me, when I wasn't carrying a full load of gear in my Billingham 445. Stupidly I sold it a few years back thinking that I didn't need it anymore. What a mistake!Eventually, I realised that I really missed it when on holiday and around town. The only thing that my original bag was lacking was a handle. Hey Presto, this bag has a very neat handle for when you need it. It also has a zip compartment at the back for documents. Useful if you're carrying your passport on you.I'm using a Nikon CSC these days, but I've also got a couple of prime lenses. (70-300mm and 85mm Macro)

8.12.2010

I have been searching for a new camera bag for quite a few months. I have a canon 60d along with a 15-85 lens and also the 430EX speedlight.I have been looking for a small comfortable bag, good looking bag that would take all this equipment. Because I like to store my camera in horizontal position I found that lots of camera bags were not suitable.The Billingham is perfect, the camera fits perfectly in the horizontal position and with the lens attached take up maybe able half of the space. The bag comes with two full lens dividers and two smaller ones. I have the two larger dividers to create a space for my speedlight and it leaves me with another space for an additional lens when I get one

24.9.2014

There is an old saying that quality is what is left long after you've forgotten what you paid for it. The Hadley Pro is, simply, superb.Everything about it speaks quality, and craftsmanship. It is light, but tough. The webbing is sewn in properly, the stitching is professionally good, the handgrip on the top is easy to hold, with a rigid inner former, and the leather straps on the front are quick release for easy access to the inside and to the front pockets. There is a detachable padded inner liner, with velcro-edged dividers to create up to three compartments, with additional padded dividers to allow items to be stacked inside a compartment. There's also a zippered rear pocket,

2.10.2015

Absolutely love this bag. I was in two minds about ordering this or the Hadley Small, but to play it safe I went with this, the bigger version.I wanted a bag that could hold my Olympus OMD kit, plus the odd bits and bobs, and look great as well as last for a long time. This bag ticks all those boxes and then some.My kit consists of an Olympus OMD EM5, 12-40mm pro, 17mm f1,8, Nissin i40, 3 spare batteries, spare memory cards, lens cleaning cloth and clip on flash. This all easily fits in the bag and leaves me an emty slot plus an empty pocket. I use these for snacks, water, wallet, and other bits and pieces. As well as this, there is the zip back pocket good for documents or an Ipad,

16.2.2011

Hello!I just wanted to say I bought this camera bag second hand from Amazon, and I was a little skeptical at first because in all the reviews I had seen, the reviewers were carrying a small film SLR. I bought this bag as an upgrade to act as a lightweight day camera bag to carry the bare essentials, as I also bought a 580 exII flash and needed to fit it in.I received it today, and I have to say I'm extremely please with it. I can carry the following very comfortably, with the camera body and mounted lens pointing downward.Full frame 5D mk1 with 24-70 f2.8 mounted (and hood facing in).70-300mm IS f4-5.6 (with hood facing in)50mm 1.4 (in front pocket)580 exIII was actually surprised I could fit all of this gear in,

17.1.2010

I got one of these to carry my bits and pieces on the train to work - backpacks just look wrong with a suit, while courier bags don't appear particularly secure or weather-proof. My first impressions are that it is a really well thought-out, well made product. The size is large enough to carry the essentials, without being so big you are tempted to put too much in. Having said that, it seems strong enough to carry heavy loads, if you do want to fill it up.It is not cheap, but when you see the quality you will see why. You are also paying for a high-quality, tailor made camera insert, which makes it a bit of a waste if you don't intend using it as a camera bag. I bought mine from Morris Photographic,

25.12.2013

Wanted one for years and decided each time that its just to expencive.So I now have aproximatley 15 camera bags off varinig quality. Most of them are good. But some how not great. I bought the bag to use. some love the style, I have little interest in that and usability is my interest.So how is it then. Well stuning. It fits perfectley. holds the gear I want. Does not look like a camera bag. Its plenty bid enough for a take everywhwere bag with limited kit. I would recomend you try it if you can find a stockist. I was woried that I needed the large, but this is just right for my daly carry.No its not big enough if you want to take the full landscape / wedding kit,

22.6.2012

I originally ordered the hadleysmall which was too small so upgraded to the pro, which is perfect for my needs.I wanted something that I could use for city breaks where I probably don't want to lug around all my kit but still have a few options available, but also have a bag that doesn't scream camera bag at potential thieves and could double as a handbag/satchel if needed. The Hadley pro fits the bill perfectly.I can fit my Nikon d700 (a fairly bulky body compared with some dslrs) with a lens attached plus a couple of lenses. There is even room for a long lens plus a couple of wide options. And still space for my purse, phone, kindle etc or a flash if I'd wanted.

15.4.2019

A bit of context first.I work as a professional photographer and have 6 other Billingham bags or varying sizes. I bought this Hadley Pro to carry a couple of extra bits that wouldn't fit into my other bags, or for documents and Macbook Pro when on a client visit. For these tasks I would say the bag is perfect. Well made and durable like all Billingham bags.That said, there is no way you would get a pro bodied camera and lens in there, without at least separating them. I knew this when I bought the bag. I only mention it because I would have someone to read a glowing review and buy this bag as their only camera bag (unless they were shooting mirrorless perhaps).

20.1.2014

...but I absolutely love it. I've used it for c. 6 months now and I haven't considered getting another bag since it arrived.I usually use it with an E-M1 + Oly 75mm + Leica 25mm. It can carry two more m4/3 lenses and a compact in each of the front pouches; it's deceptively large. The strap on the top is extremely handy when travelling. It offers absolute protection from rain and collisions and looks fantastic.Billingham sell this bag in three colours (Khaki, Sage and Black), and two materials (Canvas and FibreNyte). All look excellent, but my buying decision went as follows:Colours(a) Black – discrete but looks too much like a laptop bag.(b) Olive – Kind of liked, but just felt a bit too stuffy.(c)

5.3.2018

I love this bag. Good size for my needs, and is very versatile. I can fit an enthusiast DSLR with standard zoom, (Nikon D7200 and Sigma 17-70 f2.8 -f4), a couple of prime lenses (50mm f1.4, 20mm f2.8), and a flash inside, and various accessories in the front pockets, including GoPro Hero 6 and Jobo clamp/minitripod. I can even fit a MacBook Pro 13inch at a push. Rear pocket only really good enough for travel documents or A5 size brochures etc, not big enough for A4. Take out the camera insert and it transforms into a great satchel. Great for street photography. Also great for travel, carrying a camera and couple of primes, plus guide books, notebooks, pens and travel documents.

Billingham Hadley Pro Camera Bag - Reviews

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