Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)***** November 23, 2009: See addendum at the end of the review
This is a very useful day bag-style camera bag.
It is absolutely perfect for something the size of the smaller Digital Rebels (XT, XTi, etc.) with a mounted walk-around lens such a Canon 17-85mm IS or a Tamron 17-50mm f2.8.
For something like the size of a 20D or Nikon D300, it is a *tiny* bit snug, but still fits pretty darn well with a lens mounted.
You even have room for another lens (NOT something like a 70-200 f2.8L--the bag is not big enough for that), but something like a 50mm prime or another wide zoom, AND an external flash. Might be snug, but it WILL fit.
Of course, this would also work with with compact point-and-shoot and range finders--these smaller cameras will leave you more room for other stuff.
Access is easy, as the top flap closes securely with brass snaps. Inside the main compartment, there's a separate padded camera case with a top flap, and it is held securely in the main compartment with velcro.
There's a fold-away zippered rain cover for when you're on the move but don't need super fast access to your gear. When you need quick access and you don't need the rain cover, there's a handy velcro strap that will keep it securely in place and folded out of your way.
There are two pockets on the front of the flap secured by velcro for quick access to small items (think cleaning cloths, business cards, etc.) and two pockets on the front of the bag underneath the flap secured by zippers (for keys, pens, a phone, memory cards, wallet, etc.)
There's also a flat, zippered compartment in the rear where you can keep maps, passports, and notebooks, and other documents.
Overall, the compartments are plentiful, useful, easy to access, and you can tell that a lot of thought went into the bag's design.
Of course, one of the factors that attracted me to it was the "cool" factor, and yes, I think the bag is quite cool (that's probably one of the reasons you're looking at it anyway, right?) It doesn't disappoint in that deparment--nor does it disappoint in any others.
It would be nice of the bag were just 2" wider. It would let the space on the left and right side of the SLR really breath and allow some room for those carrying L lenses.
The bag's color is a little bit greener in hue than the khaki that you see in photographs of the bag.
These are merely nitpicks, though, and doesn't take away from the great design in the form and functionality of this beautiful bag.
******Addendum:
I traveled to Hawaii on a 7-day honeymoon with this bag, carrying a Canon EOS 20D, a Tamron 17-50mm f2.8, and a Sigma 55-200mm lens, plus CF cards and extra batteries, cleaning cloths, etc. Camera and lenses were on the snug side but fit nicely and securely. I felt confident that my gear was protected.
All the pockets and flaps described above are amazingly useful when you're on a trip, on the go. I used each compartment to its fullest not only for gear, but for brochures, wallets, cell phones, boarding passes, and all the other stuff you end up with when you're on a trip involving an airline flight. I'm very happy with how well designed this bag is; easy, instant access to the stuff you need right away.
STILL highly recommended.
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National Geographic NG 2345 Earth Explorer Midi Shoulder BagThe Earth Explorer Midi Shoulder Bag (2345) is an everyday, functional shoulder bag that will hold all your personal gear along with a camera or camcorder. The bag features designated protective zones that safeguard the delicate equipment within. 1. Designated removable insert provides protection for a midi digital/SLR camera, point-and-shoot camera, or mini DV camcorder and separates your photographic gear from your personal items. 2. Padded panel can be folded out to reinforce the bag's bottom. 3. Two large front pockets for media accessories and personal items. 4. Two small external pouches to fit phone and MP3 player. 5. Rear concealed pocket for storage of documents, etc. 6. Special connecting loops on the sides of the bag to tie additional gear to the exterior of the bag. 7. Wide padded shoulder strap. 8. Roll-away, zipper-sealed flap for ultimate protection. 9. Quick-snap buckle for easy access to your equipment.
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