(OT) Billingham camera bags - need opinion

Hi everyone,

In my search for the perfect camera bag, I've come across the Billingham brand. This mob seems to make some very nice camera bags! I was just wondering if anyone here uses a Billingham bag, and what you think of it. Would you recommend it? Do you think it's worth the price premium over, say, a Lowepro?

I am looking at something the size of a 306 Press Top, or the 335 (I was looking at the 445 at one stage, but would like to keep weight on one shoulder to a minimum. I have the Lowepro Commercial AW should I need to carry ALL my gear on one shoulder). Is there any advantage to either model, or is Billingham just a notch above the rest, whatever model you buy?

Just so you know where I'm coming from: I have the Lowepro Commercial AW for the big on-site jobs, the Mini Trekker for trekking all day, and the Stealth Reporter 600 for a shoulder bag. I like the Stealth Reporter, but would like something a little better. The Billingham bags seem to offer that "something a little better"! The search for a perfect camera bag goes on...

Well obviously there is no such thing as a perfect camera bag, as with cars, motorbikes, boats etc you need different ones depending on what you want to do on any particular occasion. I have tried many shoulder bags but have been using a Billingham bag for the last 7 years. The initial cost may have been higher than other bags, but then other bags would have fallen to pieces years ago. I carry one body (either an Eos 1N or D60) 17-40 L USM, 100-400 L IS Speedlight 550X, various batteries, filters diffusers and other junk, sometimes I wish I could get two bodies in but then the weight would be extreem. It is comfortable and practical, very hard wearing and always gets onto the aircraft as hand luggage. It has improved with age the leather is now soft and supple yet the bag has remained waterproof. All in all an excellent buy. Hope this helps.

Neil

Thanks for the reply, Neil! Much appreciated! What model Billingham have you got?

I got the 445 today! What a great bag! I'm stuffing things in it now, looks like this will be all the bag that I will need. It's not too large, and it's not small either. I can only carry it half-full or fill it up for the big jobs.

I love the fit and finish - I am a sucker for well-made stuff! This bag looks like it will last forever! I'll let you know how we get along after I've had a chance to carry it around for a few days...