Manfrotto BeFree DSLR Camera Photographer's Messenger Bag - Black

I have two Manfrotto camera bags. This one and a smaller version. To honest and fair in this review, the smaller one is excellent in design and quality. I have used it regularly for over twelve months and it has not once faltered. I was so pleased with it that I then purchased this item (Manfrotto BeFree DSLR Camera Photographer's Messenger Bag - Black) as I wanted something that I could get a little more kit into.The layout of the bag is great and comfortable to carry your kit in when out for the day etc. However, I have now noticed that the stitching is coming apart at the points at which the strap enters the bag and thus secures! Rather alarming when you have a few thousand pounds worth of gear suspended from your shoulder! Have I over packed the bag you may ask? I generally carry a Nikon D500 and D850 with a 80-400mm & 24-70mm respectively, flash gun and a few filters etc. No lap top / tablet, tripod or anything of any weight. I also generally use the bag to transport the kit to the venue (In the car) and then tend to walk around with only one camera & lens in the bag and the other to hand.In summary. A bag with lots of potential but poorly stitched together in the areas that matter most. Would expect far better from a trusted brand and for the price. Now looking for a alternative.

Choosing a suitable camera bag to hold the gear you need AND for it to fit comfortably on you while trying to accomplish your chosen shoot on the day is one of life's little headaches for the enthusiast photographer like myself. After many backpacks/bags later with varying degrees of love & hate I have finally come across this messenger bag by Manfrotto. Apart from the well padded bullet proof material the design of the bag itself is very stylish & comfortable to wear. Also very spacious with quite a few zipped deep mesh pockets on the inside designed for all the little extras you'll need to carry around that day.Bottom half of this bag will easily fit a full frame body with a 70-200mm lens with hood fitted giving you equal space on top (or vice versa) for other lenses etc.Definitely a good comfortable messenger bag for a days shoot carrying just the right amount of kit you need. Don't go overboard with kit otherwise you'll defeat the purpose of this bag and you'll end up taking everything you own in a backpack.The one and only design fault I've found, the carrying handle could've been placed more central on the top cover. Bag doesn't hang right when lifting by the handle. Bag is angled towards your leg when lifted :-(

I keep buying camera bags but always end up finding fault (too big, too small, not enough space, difficult to use) but I think I've finally found one that's right.I have a DSLR and a Mirrorless Compact and in some circumstances want to carry both together. With this bag I can get both in and an extra lens for each. I can probably mix and match and use the bag just for the DSLR with an extra lens and the flash.I do have another much smaller bag for just the Compact on it's own.There's room for bits and bobs in the various pockets and the flexibility of using the zip on the top means that accessibility is good too.Okay, you can't get everything in but for a day or two out (I was on a 2 day cruise) I had more than enough room to be very flexible.

Seems well made. It is slightly smaller than expected, but the next size up looks massive. Can fit a small/standard size dslr (without power drive attached) with zoom lens fitted, two prime lenses, (one on top of the other), and a flash gun in the bag. Comes with a weather cover, but no obvious place to store it (fits in one of the end pockets if folded right) my Samsung S3 mobile fits in other end pocket. Front pocket is big and good for filters, cloths etc. Basically, a good bag for museums, NT houses etc as it is narrow.

Incredible value for the price I paid (£26.98). Good size, good separators although you can add more. Should last for years.Came back from the Photography Show where Manfrotto were selling it at a discount for £80 so when I looked it up on Amazon and saw the price, almost fell over myself clicking the 'Buy' button.Recommended, even at the full price to be honest

Camera bag number 58 in the collection and a great addition. Good quality, lots of great features for an affordable price.EOS R, 70/200 f2.8, 16/35 f4 and 18/35 f1.8 carried comfortable with accessories without an issue.Highly recommended.

There is nothing I don't like about this bag .. where I had to struggle to arrange everything in my previous bag, with this beauty there is a designated space for all my camera equipment and additional space for other stuff. Best bag I've ever owned.

The top is not what I expected . It could be a bit stiffer material & it does not carry well in the hand.