Tenba Messenger Bag (Large) Review with Pictures

When my eyes were first opened to the camera bag market, I would buy bags that I thought were cool or had cool features. At one point, I had about 8 bags (some that served the same function and held the same equipment). As time went on and I got more serious about actually shooting, my bag collection changed a little. I sold almost all of those previously mentioned bags and now I buy a bag for a specific use or to hold specific equipment. My Domke F4-AF and F7-AF are excellent bags to shoot out of. My Pelican 1564 is my home base for everything when I'm not using a bag. The need for the Tenba arose from going to and from my office with my Vaio notebook and one 40D with 70-200 f4L IS attached as well as another lens or two, a flash, some batteries, memory cards, etc. For a while, I've been using two bags - a Hartmann leather briefcase and the Domke F4-AF. I started a 365 Photo Per Day Project on my blog and I learned quickly that I need to have the camera with me at all times. So instead of continuing to use 2 bags, I looked for a good one for the above items. Enter the Tenba Large Messenger...

nice one, i love mine, although i dont have the camera pouch accessory, i only use mine now if just carrying the laptop and if carrying other gear i use the lowepro stealth report 650AW, its a little heavy and strains the shoulder/back on long walks but fits a hell of alot, the tenba however is so comfortable i have never had an issue with it

Sorry a little bit off topic, but how do you like your Kindle?

-Keith

would a 5d2 with grip fit in this bag or is it going to be tight?

prerunnerboy27 wrote in post #7929982
Sorry a little bit off topic, but how do you like your Kindle?

-Keith

Love it. It's the second generation and well worth it.

jeromego wrote in post #7930042
would a 5d2 with grip fit in this bag or is it going to be tight?

I'm almost positive that the 40D gripped and 5D2 gripped are the same size (or at least very close). Here are some pictures with a 40D gripped in the bag. It works well WITHOUT the laptop, but I think it's too tight with it. The bag closes, but there's a bulge. However, if you had a smaller notebook, it would work great because I think the edge of the notebook would be below the grip of the camera.

40D Gripped with 70-200 f/4L IS mounted and Sony Vaio SZ791N inside.

For reference, what are the dimensions of your Vaio?

Wilt wrote in post #7932565
For reference, what are the dimensions of your Vaio?

12.25" x 9" x 1"

Widescreen 13.6" Notebook

Excellent review and photos. I am pleased with my Tenba bag, good quality and well-made!

Has anyone seen the small and large bags side by side? According to Tenba's website there is only a 1 inch difference between them. Is that a typo?

Thanks,
dan

dan j wrote in post #7953083
Has anyone seen the small and large bags side by side? According to Tenba's website there is only a 1 inch difference between them. Is that a typo?

Thanks,
dan

That's not a typo. They are so close it's very hard to even tell the difference. The only thing the extra inch accommodates is a larger notebook.

Bummer, and what a waste! I'm still trying to decide, but if I go Tenba I guess I'll go with the large since it'll take my XPS laptop.

dan

How waterproof are these bags??

adrian5127 wrote in post #8116549
How waterproof are these bags??

I think the material is water resistant, but that's it. Mine hasn't seen much rain, but when it does, the drops tend to bead and roll off of the bag. I'm sure they have coated the outside with some kind of repellent.

Very impressive! That bag is very stealth... it makes me want to spend more money.