Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)See full pictorial review here http://www.cambags.com/nikon/d70/shoulder/tamrac_5534_adventure_messenger_4_frames.htm
Though I've owned several bags over the years, like a typical photographer, I'm always adding more and searching for the perfect bag. Of course this is a misnomer in itself. Anyway, recently I've decided to go the two bag route, one bag for all my gear and travel (to get my gear where I'm going) and one day bag for when I get there, something that can be packed empty into a suitcase.
After much research I thought I had settled on the perfect combination, a Domke F-803 for day use and a Think Tank Airport Antidote for all my gear and as a carry-on (I've not ordered this yet but all reviews point to satisfaction!). The first bit of the plan was to pick up the Domke F-803.
I had looked at one briefly in a store and knew I liked the simplicity and utilitarianism, both big plusses to me. I ordered it and was fairly disappointed. The Domke was pretty much everything I had anticipated except for a couple things; it's too thin (front to back) and the included insert is too tall. Both of these variables negated using my Nikon D70s lens down,
the bag does not accommodate the height of the camera (front to back) nor the thickness (the body sticks out of the top of the bag). Obviously some
of this could be remedied by a shorter insert, it would still however be a tight squeeze front to back.
This led me to another search and I found the Tamrac Adventure Messenger 4. The dimensions were similar to the Domke with the exception that the Tamrac
was at least an additional 1.5" front to back. This difference alone was enough to make a considerable difference. Also, in contrast to the single
insert included with the Domke, the Tamrac has a multiple segmented divider system, typical of Tamrac bags, this made it very easy to adjust the bag to
fit my D70s with 18-70mm lens down with ample room on either side for additional lenses or other gear. The build on the Tamrac is not as simple
or utilitarian as the Domke's canvas, but it serves the same purpose being very pliable, still looking fairly non-descript (it looks like a standard
messenger bag) and lighter than the canvas to boot.
So far I've easily packed the following:
- D70s w. 18-70mm lens down center
- 50mm 1.8
- Medium Rocket blower
- Several filters 67-77mm range in cases
- 2x SB-600 strobes
- Cleaning gear, cloths, etc.
- Memory cards
I could fit at least 1-2 additional lenses plus other smaller gear as I've
not used either the front zipper pouch nor the back pouch. There is also a
cell phone size pouch on the right side of the bag that I've not used yet.
Plusses:
- Small enough for a day bag but big enough to carry quite a lot.
- Nice fabric, supple, conforms to body
- long strap for wearing cross shoulder
- good padding, not too thick though (i.e. low bulk factor)
- quick release buckle, easy one-handed operation
- small amount of velcro on flap, keeps the bag shut but isn't obtrusive
- price, half the price of the Domke
- covert, doesn't really look like a camera bag
Neutrals (I don't really have any minuses), there are only a few:
- the buckle works well but I prefer the brass snap of the Domke
- probably not as tough as canvas but time will tell
- not as utilitarian as I like, I prefer the Plain Jane Domke look and feel
That's it. Overall, I'd have to say this is as good a bag as I've found in a long time. For people who like shoulder bags I'm glad the makers are
finally sidling up to thinner deeper bags in the messenger style. For additional reference I've also owned a Crumpler 7 Million Dollar Home which
was, to me, over padded, heavy and very stiff.
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Tamrac 5534 Adventure Messenger 4 Camera Bag (Gray/Black)Sleek and hip, Tamrac's new Adventure Messenger 4 has a comfortable slim profile for navigating life while safely and discretely transporting your photo gear.This slim-profile messenger bag is great for carrying a digital or film SLR with a zoom lens up to 6 inch attached, several additional lenses, a flash and accessories.The Speed Flap Top opens to reveal adjustable, foam-padded internal dividers that provide a custom fit to camera equipment.The zippered front pocket, full-length zippered Speed Pocket on the flap and an open pocket in back provide extra storage for accessories, manuals and personal items.A side pocket is perfect for carrying a cell phone or MP3 player.A shoulder strap and EasyGrip carrying handle provide convenient carrying options, while the Piggy-Back Pocket allows the bag to be slipped over the handle of rolling luggage.You can add Tamrac accessories to the shoulder strap using the attachment slots for our Strap Accessory System products.
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