National Geographic Medium Shoulder Bag Review

[<AkulA>]

I was out at some waterfalls yesterday, and I had to explain to about 10 different people that, no - I don't shoot for National Geographic, LoL.

I also catch a lot of crap from fellow photographers at school for the logo, LoL.

Another thing I could see wrong, is that in the bad part of town, or a 3rd world county - people will recognize National Geographic, and think there a lot of really expensive stuff inside (and usually there is!) If there was something else, or no patch at all - it would just look like a regular courier bag. I'm thinking of covering mine.

[Pinto]

Another thing I could see wrong, is that in the bad part of town, or a 3rd world county - people will recognize National Geographic, and think there a lot of really expensive stuff inside (and usually there is!)
Just say that it's full of old National Geographic magazines. :lol:

[71kgb]

Actually this was something that was discussed earlier in the thread.

Must have missed that one somewhere along the line. My apologies.

My solution was put the pouch that comes in the bag at one end and use the spare divider at the other

The one I had did not come with any dividers other than the 'box' insert.

[<AkulA>]

The one I had did not come with any dividers other than the 'box' insert.

Mine was the same as yours...

[Pinto]

Must have missed that one somewhere along the line. My apologies.



The one I had did not come with any dividers other than the 'box' insert.

I think the OP was referring to extra dividers left over from other bags. I have done the same on different bags.

[spyraling]

I have been eyeing this bag for a few weeks because of this thread. (Originally I had my sight set on the Crumpler 7 million dollar home.) I found the National Geographic medium shoulder bag at adorama through amazon yesterday for only $85. It was $100 everywhere else I looked. So I made the purchase today. I can't wait for it to arrive!

[Pinto]

I have been eyeing this bag for a few weeks because of this thread. (Originally I had my sight set on the Crumpler 7 million dollar home.) I found the National Geographic medium shoulder bag at adorama through amazon yesterday for only $85. It was $100 everywhere else I looked. So I made the purchase today. I can't wait for it to arrive!

I too have been looking at this bag for awhile. I have the small and the midi and like them both. I hope however, that you are aware that people who have ordered this bag report that the 16.5"X7.8"X11.8" dimensions that are published everywhere are incorrect, and the actual dimensions are 13"x 8"x 11".

[TMR Design]

I've been looking at this bag myself. I currently have a Lowepro Micro Trekker 200 and it's great but I've discovered over time that the backpack really only works for me if I'm hiking or out on a walk as opposed to shooting an event, parade, fair, etc. I change lenses quite a bit and the backpack just doesn't cut it for that.

So now I'm in search of a bag and since my gear has changed and grown in size I have different needs.

There are so many bags out there and the problem is I like to touch and feel things before buying. I do have a local store that has some bags but not the assortment I would want to check out. They do have NG and Lowepro primarily.

Trying to find the right bag is so hard. The NG bags keep catching my eye. I don't know how I'll decide, but I'm not in a real hurry, so I'll keep on reading and see what other people think. I've read so many "what bag to get" threads it's a little overwhelming.

[Citizensmith]

Been using my NatGeo Medium on vacation and its been great. I've had my camera, 24 2.8 and 85 1.8 in the pouch, and then vacationy stuff (kids jackets, souvenirs, snacks, drinks, whatever) in the other part of the main body. Maps, passports, tickets and such went in the big back pocket, and then 1st aid kit, pens, phone, in the front zip pockets.

It really did work great, and was left untouched by a group of Paris pickpockets that got two wallets from our group. The only negative with the bag is that the shoulder strap does get uncomfortable with heavy weights. I added a padded strap from my Crumpler bag and it made a big difference and perfectly manageable.

[spyraling]

...the 16.5"X7.8"X11.8" dimensions that are published everywhere are incorrect, and the actual dimensions are 13"x 8"x 11".

Yeah, I came across that info while researching the bag. I'm looking at a tape measurer in front of me right now and the 13" to 16.5" is kind of a big difference. However, looking at all the pictures I've found here and elsewhere of the bag loaded with gear, I'm pretty happy with what it looks like it can hold. One of the main reasons I chose this bag over the Crumpler is all the pockets it has. I like pockets. :)

[Pinto]

Been using my NatGeo Medium on vacation and its been great. I've had my camera, 24 2.8 and 85 1.8 in the pouch, and then vacationy stuff (kids jackets, souvenirs, snacks, drinks, whatever) in the other part of the main body. Maps, passports, tickets and such went in the big back pocket, and then 1st aid kit, pens, phone, in the front zip pockets.

It really did work great, and was left untouched by a group of Paris pickpockets that got two wallets from our group. The only negative with the bag is that the shoulder strap does get uncomfortable with heavy weights. I added a padded strap from my Crumpler bag and it made a big difference and perfectly manageable.

Glad you like it. I ordered one before I discovered the dimensions error. Should be here tomorrow. I have the small and the midi, figured I'd get the entire set.
Bags will be the death of me.

[pooky125]

Because of this post, I went and bought one. I love it. It's a little big for my needs but it gets the job done in a pinch.

I live in Oregon and was a little leary about it surviving with the weather here. Needless to say, after yesterday, all worries are completely gone. I was out at one of the local waterfalls taking pictures out on the rocks, and slipped in with it unzipped. I walked away pretty banged up, but the camera and lenses worked great. Not a scratch anywhere. A little water splashed on, but nothing that will do long term damage.

[Citizensmith]

Because of this post, I went and bought one. I love it. It's a little big for my needs but it gets the job done in a pinch.

I live in Oregon and was a little leary about it surviving with the weather here. Needless to say, after yesterday, all worries are completely gone. I was out at one of the local waterfalls taking pictures out on the rocks, and slipped in with it unzipped. I walked away pretty banged up, but the camera and lenses worked great. Not a scratch anywhere. A little water splashed on, but nothing that will do long term damage.

Good to hear, glad you and your kit are OK too.

[spyraling]

Because of this post, I went and bought one.

Me, too! I will soon be broke if I continue reading these forums here. ;)

I've had my bag for several weeks now, and I absolutely love it! It is a little roomy when I don't carry all of my kit with me, but currently that spare bit of room is occupied by some Cup O'Noodles, a can of Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup and an 8-pack of mini Reese's Crispy Crunchy Bars. It's nice having room for other things sometimes.

[KeithLaFaille]

I just want to chime in and sing praises for this camera bag. I brought it out for the first time this past Friday and it worked beautifully. In it I carried a 20D w/grip, 70-200 F/2.8L IS, 1.4x Canon Tele, 16-35 2.8L II, and miscellaneous gear all day with no problems at all. After about six or seven hours of walking around the weight of the gear did start to take it's toll on my shoulder, but the well padded strap did its part very nicely.

I also managed to test out the padding of this bag when the bag with all the above mentioned contents in it tipped and fell approx 4 feet to the asphalt ground. I carry the bag with the main flap flipped over and against my body for easy access to the main compartments and this is how the bag was when it fell, landing flap down. Everything survived as though nothing had happened so even though the bag appears to be somewhat sparsely padded, it was more than adequate to save me from a potentially expensive "oh ****" moment.

Great bag, highly recommended.

K

[dahl]

I was out at some waterfalls yesterday, and I had to explain to about 10 different people that, no - I don't shoot for National Geographic, LoL.

I also catch a lot of crap from fellow photographers at school for the logo, LoL.

Another thing I could see wrong, is that in the bad part of town, or a 3rd world county - people will recognize National Geographic, and think there a lot of really expensive stuff inside (and usually there is!) If there was something else, or no patch at all - it would just look like a regular courier bag. I'm thinking of covering mine.

That's what I'm thinking too.

Many seem to be into the whole "look at me" with lenses etc.
I have travelled in very poor places and would love to bring a black L lens one day or this bag, which look I love. But NG is known everywhere, so natives can act differently.
I could cover up the logo if needed, so it's not a big deal.

I want to get this bag, is it really true it isn't weather proof one bit?

It's either this bag or Crumpler 7 Million Dollar Home (I wonder if that's weather proof.)

[pooky125]

The canvas isn't weatherproof, but the nylon inside the camera case holds water well, so I'm willing to bet it would hold water out pretty well to. Not to mention, it has a zippered cover over the camera compartment, where the 7 MDH doesn't. If you really need a weatherproof bag, maybe you should be looking into the Lowepro Dryzone series...

[dahl]

The canvas isn't weatherproof, but the nylon inside the camera case holds water well, so I'm willing to bet it would hold water out pretty well to. Not to mention, it has a zippered cover over the camera compartment, where the 7 MDH doesn't. If you really need a weatherproof bag, maybe you should be looking into the Lowepro Dryzone series...
That's great news.
I'm not planning to shooting in a rainstorm or anything like that, but I would like a bag that can handle the elements.
It's between the 7MDH, 6MDH and the NG bag, I think I have to look at the pictures again.

I posted my gear in another thread, but I'll repeat it here:

I don't have a lot of gear, but I would like to get a bag, I don't have to replace in a year or two. I plan to buy more lenses.

I have:
- XT with a grip
- EF 28-135
- EF 50mm Compact Macro
- old EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6
- 430EX Speedlite
and all the small extras like cards and a charger.

I also shoot video, so I also need room for Sony HDR-HC3 and a small mike.

Is the NG large enough for for a couple of lenses more?

[dahl]

SpiltPickle, any chance of you reposting the photos of your bag from the first post?

[dicktay]

Dahl.
No problem with your still camera gear.... in the main compartment. The video camera gear may fit in the laptop area however I do not see any more room for another couple of lenses.

Mine will hold along with the lens hoods..
(1) Canon 40D with Canon 70-300 IS lens attched (in the inner bag).
(2) Tokina 100 F2.8 Macro
(3) Tokina 12-24.
(4) Canon 350D (no grip) with 17-85 IS lens attached.
(2/3/4) are beside the insert with bubble wrap and some old Lowepro inserts for extra padding.

In the laptop comparment ar two 580 EX flash guns + STE-2 flash controler + Canon remote/timer controler for the 40D

The outside pockets have spare batteries/memory cards polarising filter etc.

I wouldn't normally carry all this as it is very heavy.

[_aravena]

Weatherproofing was my problem and being in Fla you don't have to shoot in the rain to get soaked. It can bright as anything outside and storm will come, with the sun shining. I throw my camera in the bag and pull over the AW cover. Safest bet. I've done it a couple of time on sunny days and going to concerts. One way or the other, if you go to a destination, you're going to be outside at some point.

Lowepro has won me save the 7MDH which i'll throw a bag over if I must from Point a to B but I love that bag. If anything I can't sell it because A) I got the best deal ever B) G/f actually won't let me 'cause she knows how much i like it despite what she wants and knows what the money would go to.

So, eh. It has withstood some good rain elements though and if you're not like me and let the flap close all the way with the folds to go in, your gear will be quite protected till you find shelter.

[dahl]

Brad, have you seen this?:

http://www.supporthexperience.com/


BTW, I think this bag may be the one. :)

Thanks for the link.
Any info on this bag is welcome.

[dahl]

Hmmm... I can't make up my mind.

First it was between the NG bag and the 7MDH and now it's between the NG bag and the Domke F-804.

[Jon]

Hmmm... I can't make up my mind.

First it was between the NG bag and the 7MDH and now it's between the NG bag and the Domke F-804.
If you're looking at the F-804, also check out the F-7 Double AF. About the same size as the F-804 but has 2 outside end pockets and comes with a set of inserts.

[bhanu2217]

I Bought this bag today. Its spacious and i am loving it.

[bacchanal]

I just picked up one of these bags after reading the comments here. I was looking for something a little bigger than my Domke F-6, but not that much bigger. The National Geographic 2475 fits the bill nicely. It appears to be about the same width and depth as the Domke but is taller and quite a bit roomier inside, allowing me to store my 135L w/ hood attached if necessary. The canvas on the 2475 isn't as heavy as on the Domke, but the 2475 makes up for it w/ more interior padding, the option to use a zippered top pouch, and the included shoulder pad!

My only complaint is that the laptop pouch isn't big enough to store my 14" laptop. I can fit the laptop in the main compartment if necessary, but that requires a little more creativity with my lens arrangement.

[_aravena]

Hm, I keep looking at this bag an it's $83 on Amazon right now. If I can only sell the Smuggler I just got. I really like it because it's thin unlike the 7MDH and taller. Any pics of people wearing it?

[dicktay]

See Post #15 in this thread.

[aselley]

I just got this bag and have to say it's simply great. It secures my gear and has enough pockets to keep my gear organised and keep me happy.

Like others have said it will only hold my MacBook in an upright position but the flap will still close.

And on my first outing with it (to a Zoo) I did get asked twice if I worked for NG. :-)

[goldcanon]

I don't think hemp is water resistant.

[Jon Foster]

This thread is pretty old now. Who here still has one of these bags? And how well has it held up over time? Is it still a recommended bag to get? I'm actually looking at the large (2477) bag but there aren't many reviews out there for them.

Jon.

[Citizensmith]

Still have mine, and its one of my three bags in regular service. The niche it has filled (and very well) is the 'want to take photos, but not necessarily the primary reason for the trip' bag. I'll throw a body and a couple of lenses into the padded cell inside the bag. The rest of the space then gets taken over by whatever else I'm doing, so binocs and bird books, or travel stuff, or whatever.

When it comes to traveling, when you have other assorted crap to carry, this bag is definitely my go to. The somewhat secure, hidden pocket that sits against your body when you are carrying it is great for passports, tickets and such.

So still love it, still recommend it, just don't use it quite the same way I originally did.

[Jon Foster]

Thanks for the update.

Jon.

[Davd901]

I've had the medium NG2475 bag for about a month now and use it constantly. I made my own foam inserts; everything stays in its place and looks pretty good.

[Jon Foster]

I have the large bag on the way. I'm hoping it's as large as everyone says too. I shot the renaissance festival this weekend and ran out of water and money long before the day ended. I'm hoping to be able to carry a few water bottles in the bottom on the bag for backup just in case...

Jon.

[Pinto]

I have the large bag on the way. I'm hoping it's as large as everyone says too. I shot the renaissance festival this weekend and ran out of water and money long before the day ended. I'm hoping to be able to carry a few water bottles in the bottom on the bag for backup just in case...

Jon.

And apparently a bigger compartment for more money? :lol:

[VoodooChileCG]

I have had the medium bag for almost a year now and I have to say that it's great. I love the "Indiana Jones" look it has. Honestly, I use it as a day bag to carry a change of clothes in after work more than as a camera bag. It's very easy to remove the camera insert and just have a real spiffy messenger bag. Very durable too.

[Jon Foster]

And apparently a bigger compartment for more money? :lol:

If I only needed a bigger bag to carry money in!

My (large) bag showed up today. It's hanging in the garage drying right now. I sprayed the first coat of waterproofer on it a few minutes ago. I'll spray another coat on it in the morning before work. Hopefully it will be dry by the weekend so I can try it out.

I wasn't sure I wanted to keep it when I opened it up. My wife doesn't care for it's looks and she thinks it's huge. I'm pretty sure it will hold most of the items I want to carry except light stands, umbrellas and a tripod.

I think I'll also post a review on it later after I've used it for a week or two.

Jon.

[Rocktoe]

I love the 2475 Medium bag! Mine can hold a gripped XSi with a Sigma 17-70mm attached, a flash, a Sigma 150-500mm Bigmos, a 85mm 1.8, a 50mmm 1.4 and a 70-200mm 2.8 as well as a rocket blower, a lens pen, memory cards and readers, battery chargers and other random items... and I haven't even filled up the top pockets. It's just so much more practical than my old 7MDH, it's crazy!

[SpiltPickle]

Still using mine here. Has held up fantastic! Looks almost as good as new and I've carried it all over the place.

[Jon Foster]

I shot with the large NG bag for the second time yesterday. I carried the bag for 9+ hours in partial sun, light rain and a few down pours. I guess the bag held up ok. There were a few small spots where the water soaked through the waterproofing but it did very well under the circumstances. More than once the rain was so heavy I couldn't shoot and had to take cover under a tree and twice I needed to find a roof to stand under. It did get heavy but I had most of my flash gear with me too.

Jon.