| author |
Steve Losh <steve@stevelosh.com> |
| date |
Fri, 24 Jul 2015 18:49:24 -0400 |
| parents |
(none) |
| children |
(none) |
{% extends "_post.html" %}
{% hyde
title: "Bag Review: National Geographic A2540"
snip: "A great little shoulder bag for holding a DSLR kit."
created: 2015-07-24 18:42:00
%}
{% block article %}
I posted this review on Imgur and Reddit a few days ago, but figured I would
blow the dust off my blog and post it here too.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-01.jpg)
I got this bag a few months ago. I've used it to shoot around town and
flown/traveled with it a couple times. At first I wasn't thrilled with it, but
I've warmed up to it now and really like it.
I bought it at [the Geographic Bags site][natgeo] for about $50 new. It's
sometimes [on Amazon][amazon] if Nat Geo is out of stock (affiliate link).
I use it for two main things: a day bag for walking around town, and a "personal
item" on a plane where I load it down with all my camera gear to save the weight
in my carry on.
[natgeo]: http://www.geographicbags.us/midi-satchel-for-personal-gear
[amazon]: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003WE9MGO/?tag=stelos-20
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-02.jpg)
I like the branding/styling a lot. I'm pretty sure Nat Geo licenses the
branding to Manfrotto to actually make the bags, because when mine came the
return address on the shipping label was a Manfrotto warehouse.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-03.jpg)
The construction is really nice. The stitching seems pretty solid, if a bit
uneven in places, but this is meant to be a working bag, not a piece of art.
The leather bits seem hearty. The buckles are okay (not amazing, but good
enough for the price).
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-04.jpg)
Attachment points for the strap are solid. The strap is not removable,
unfortunately, but at the price I'd rather have a solid, permanent strap than
a removable one with flimsy connections.
The strap itself is fine. It's strong and I don't see it breaking any time
soon. It's a little bit thin, so if you load the bag down a lot it can start to
dig into your shoulder a bit. Luckily...
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-05.jpg)
There's an optional shoulder pad you can buy for the strap.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-06.jpg)
It's got nice thick padding, and velcros around the strap.
(Please excuse the cat hair in all the photos).
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-07.jpg)
I use it when I've got more than a couple of pounds in the bag to save my
shoulders. When I'm using it as a day pack I take it off.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-08.jpg)
The back handle is great for carrying it if you're wearing a backpack, yanking
it out of places, etc.
There's also a little strap on the back -- it's designed for sliding the handle
of some rolling luggage through it so it can rest securely on top. The
stitching on the velcro bit on it is fraying a bit for me. I don't really care
because I never use it anyway.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-09.jpg)
There are two small, sleek pockets on the front. They're not huge, but they'll
hold something wallet or small notebook-sized.
I wouldn't keep a wallet in them though, because they're too easy to
access/pickpocket.
For day trips I generally use them to hold lens caps while shooting, for lens
cleaning cloths, etc. When I fly I use them to hold a polarizer and neutral
density filters (77mm filters, in their plastic cases, will fit nicely (not
pictured, sorry, I forgot)).
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-10.jpg)
Once you unbuckle the top flap there's still a zipper protecting the contents.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-11.jpg)
The flap has some nicely patterned fabric to break up the brown.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-12.jpg)
The front pouch is good for holding some small stuff. It's got dividers for
holding really thin things like pens and notebooks.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-13.jpg)
The inside lining is nice and bright so it's easy to find small things.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-14.jpg)
The bag itself has one big main compartment. There's one small padded divider
flap with a velcro bit to hold it down.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-15.jpg)
It doesn't hold very much, but it's enough for a Kindle or small book.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-16.jpg)
The bag also comes with a padded insert included. It's got the same pattern as
the other bits of the bag.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-17.jpg)
There's a thin handle for yanking it out of the bag if you need to.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-18.jpg)
Same golden lining.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-19.jpg)
There's a padded divider inside that divides the insert into roughly 1/3 and 2/3
sections. It's got a fold sewn in so you can fold it over a lens to protect the
top if necessary.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-20.jpg)
That divider can be removed if you want to just use the whole space of the
insert. I never do.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-21.jpg)
Nestled inside the main bag. It looks pretty snug...
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-22.jpg)
But it doesn't take up quite all of the bag -- there's still room next to it for
something.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-23.jpg)
That's it for the bag itself. Let's pack it!
I like using this bag as my "personal item" on a plane. It's small enough to
fit under the seat, and if I put all my camera gear in it I save a ton of
weight/space in my carry on (I never check bags).
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-24.jpg)
I shoot with a Pentax K5 II with a battery grip and L plate. Unfortunately this
bag isn't large enough to hold a gripped, L-plated DSLR with a lens attached
ready to go, so you've got to store the body separately.
In practice this isn't a huge deal. I can take out the camera and carry it with
its strap as I shoot, and use the bag to hold the spare lenses. Then
I disconnect them once I'm finished shooting. It's a bit more work, but worth
it for the space savings.
If you don't have a battery grip, the camera CAN be stored with a lens attached
in the camera insert.
If you want to keep a gripped & L-plated DSLR with a lens attached in a shoulder
bag, the Think Tank Retro 10 is a beefy bag that will work. It's a lot bulkier
though, so it's best suited for non-flying.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-25.jpg)
Three lenses that cover everything I need right now. 16-50mm, 50-135mm, and
200mm, all constant f/2.8 and weather sealed like the body.
Sometimes I don't bother with the 200mm, which frees up a lot more space. Or
sometimes I take a few primes, which also frees up space. I just wanted to show
the max you could cram into the bag for this review.
I'll probably ditch the 50-135 and 200 once the 70-200mm comes out for more
savings.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-26.jpg)
The two big lenses go in the insert, the smaller one goes outside.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-27.jpg)
Close the insert lid.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-28.jpg)
I like to have just a bit of extra padding, so I grab an extra divider from
another bag.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-29.jpg)
It lays on top of the end cap of the small zoom, just for some extra cushioning.
I'm probably just paranoid.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-30.jpg)
I can't fly without headphones or I go insane. I like keeping them in my
personal item because it's easier to get them out once you're on the flight
without fucking around with the overhead bin.
I use Marshall Monitors. I know they're big and bulky, but I can't stand using
earbuds for more than an hour or so at a time. These fold up nicely and have
a couple of other features that are really nice, so for me they're worth the
space.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-31.jpg)
I nestle them on top of the small zoom.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-32.jpg)
The body goes on top of the camera insert and big lenses.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-33.jpg)
I tuck the strap (Black Rapid Metro) between the body and headphones. I could
store it separately, but I have the carabiner loc-tited shut so it'll never,
ever come off.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-34.jpg)
Next necessity for flying: Kindle!
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-35.jpg)
I could save a bit of space by ditching the case, but I like it...
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-36.jpg)
It fits well behind the divider in the main section.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-37.jpg)
Main section packed!
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-38.jpg)
A few other miscellaneous things.
Sometimes I charge both batteries the night before and ditch the charger. It
depends on how long I'm traveling for.
I like to have my sunglasses in my personal item to use as a makeshift sleep
mask. Not quite a good as a dedicated one, but since I'm bringing them
anyway...
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-39.jpg)
This is a pretty tight fit, but it does fit.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-40.jpg)
Front packed!
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-41.jpg)
The straps buckle (barely).
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-42.jpg)
The main fabric of the bag seems like it wouldn't be too bad in the rain, but
I bought a rain cover for a National Geographic backpack, so I figured I'd try
it on this bag too.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-43.jpg)
It fits.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-44.jpg)
It's a bit loose because it's designed for a backpack, but you can cinch it up
with the elastic cord and it does the job.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-45.jpg)
It'll fit in the front pocket too.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-46.jpg)
Time for the final verdict. United's site says a personal item should fit
within 9" x 10" x 17".
We're good on the short dimension.
(Cardboard boxes to prove I'm not cheating.)
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-47.jpg)
About half an inch past 10". I doubt I'll ever get called out on that
(especially since we have room to spare in the other dimensions), but it'll
squish a bit if absolutely necessary.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-48.jpg)
Plenty of room to spare on the wide dimension.
[](/media/images{{ parent_url }}/full/nat-geo-a2540-49.jpg)
That's it! Obviously you can mix and match stuff as needed (swap a lens for
a flash or water bottle, etc).
I hope this was helpful! I'm quite happy with this little bag. It's great for
just walking around town, or turning my personal item into a brick of camera
gear to free up room in my carry on.
{% endblock article %}