National Geographic Medium Shoulder Bag Review

<AkulA> wrote in post #3297925
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.)

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...

pooky125 wrote in post #4121875
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?

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

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.

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.

SoundsGood wrote in post #2658364
Brad, have you seen this?:

http://www.supporthexp​erience.com/


BTW, I think this bag may be the one.

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

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.

dahl wrote in post #4209998
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.

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

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.

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?

See Post #15 in this thread.

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.

I don't think hemp is water resistant.