A Quick Review of the Manfrotto Unica VII Messenger Bag

[chngpe01]

I was looking for a replacement for my old Lowepro messenger bag for quite a while, but couldn't find one I like.

Yesterday I was at Shriro, to loan their Profoto Bac Pack for the "Ganbatte Japan - Wishes For Japan" project (see here: http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/threads/873801-The-Vision-of-Ganbatte-Japan-Wishes-from-Singapore for this coming Sunday 10 Apr). I chance upon this bag when they were unboxing their new products for their showroom (Shriro Singapore - has been appointed the authorized dealer for Manfrotto apperals and bags - new products by Manfrotto.

The bag in question is the Unica VII Messanger Bag - (the specs can be found here - http://www.manfrotto.com/product/8615.85655.35011.0.0/MB+SM390-7BC/_/Unica_VII_Messenger_Bag_Cord ). I finally found what I wanted. As it was the only piece in Singapore for the moment, I had to persuade and threaten ;p etc until they relented to sell me this bag. I became about $160 poorer.


The bag when fully loaded with stuff - notice the metal buckle? looks cool. And the subtle manfrotto logo lines on the top flap

small logo at the side and the zipper

The back with a zip compartment for notes.

 

[chngpe01]

A peek into what it holds. There is a top zipper for quick access into the bag from the top - a useful feature for me when quick access to my stuff while on the move is needed.

Now this is what I like about this bag:

It can hold a 17" MBP, a DSLR (Nikon D3s), a 24-70mm f2.8 lens(w/o hood), a 14-24mm f2.8 lens. And the side can hold: a magic mouse, CF card reader, 500gb 3.5"hdd, CF card casing and have enough space for some loose items.



Yes, at the bottom compartment, there is still space for a 70-200mm f2.8 lens and a SB 900 flash with diffuser.

The padding for this bag is not excessive and bulky - that's suits my preference. Overall the sewing is good and sturdy, good workmanship and the price is reasonable for its looks and functionality (to my taste).

Even my dog loves it :lovegrin:

 

[watsup]

The "hinge" between bag and shoulder strap seems to be made of plastic. Not sure how much load it can take. I once had a messenger bag in which the "hinge" gave way and the whole bag came crashing down. Lucky no valuables inside :bsmilie:

 

[skyguy]

the bottom compartment is a unique and useful feature... not all sling bag have this feature... it fully utilise the space, making the bag more sch bag like (rectangular) than camera bag (cube)

 

[wmayeo]

Nice dog you have.. I mean the new bag...

 

[Niedermayer]

thinking of getting a black version of this bag too. can fit a nice small tripod in the lower compartment without having to carry a back pack or hanging it outside the bag.

 

[ortega]

Can a gitzo1541t fit into the bottom compartment?

 

[jnet6]

Can a gitzo1541t fit into the bottom compartment?

Looks like is able to fit, the tripod compartment length is 40cm which is just nice for gitzo GT1541T.

 

[aireth]

I just got the Unica V but I suppose the interior is almost exactly the same. Any idea what's the divider with the loops for? I'm also disappointed that 2/3 of the interior doesn't have the surface for velcro to attach to.

 

[Niedermayer]

I just got the Unica V but I suppose the interior is almost exactly the same. Any idea what's the divider with the loops for? I'm also disappointed that 2/3 of the interior doesn't have the surface for velcro to attach to.

Can you put a4-sized books in the main camera compartment of the bag? from the dimensions in the website, it seems like it's not going to.

 

[aireth]

Can you put a4-sized books in the main camera compartment of the bag? from the dimensions in the website, it seems like it's not going to.

Sure you can, the depth is just nice for A4 if you put the books in with the spine downwards but the divider will have to be moved a lil more to accommodate the length. The Unica VII will even be longer but same depth. I don't have a laptop but i carry magazines around in the laptop area which is deeper than the main compartment's depth is taken up by the tripod compartment below where i usually stow my flash and Beercan. The main compartment is taken up by my hoodie sweater and camera body with lens. Pls don't look at the B&H dimensions which is totally wrong.

 

[moon04]

Where can I purchase this bag? Thanks.

 

[dis28]

Where can I purchase this bag? Thanks.

here the link

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/threads/885104-Manfrotto-Camera-Bags-www.Sgcamerastore.com

 

[JacePhoto]

looks good. does it come with the puppy?

 

[kenniken]

nice review. thanks.

 

[Picture Perfect]

Would be great if you got a picture to show the Internal Tripod compartment.

 

[cleonbus]

Would be great if you got a picture to show the Internal Tripod compartment.

2nd post,3rd picture...

 

[kelvinau]

Te aunty at Cathay Photo told me the bottom compartment very useful - can keep umbrella!

 

[Necroist]

This bag looks really good.

I'm slightly concerned by the plastic hinge too. Has anyone done a weight test?

 

[baggiolee]

can it fit a D700/D7000 (with batt grip) with 70-200 f2.8 attached?