Review of Billingham Hadley Small Shoulder Bag

[Silas]

This review is prepared for fellow friends who intend to purchase the Billingham Hadley Small shoulder bag but can't find much details about what or how much it can hold.

I had wanted to get a sleek, dressy bag for formal occasions when I needed to take photos (cam + 1 lens + flash) while dressing well. In the process of trying to find the perfect sleek black bag, I decided on the Hadley Small, Black/Black, but I had difficulties finding pictorial reviews on the forum. The only way I could find out it the bag was suitable was to go to a shop to try it out, so I decided to put together this pictorial review to help others save the trip to the shop. My review will be largely done via pictures.

I bought the Canvas version as the shop only had canvas for the colour i wanted and not because i have any preference for canvas over fibrenyte.

My first impressions of the bag were that it was really sleek and classic looking. The material was sturdy and felt tough. The inserts were thick and sturdy too.


Bag came in dust bag


Frontal View


Billingham Leather Logo


Canvas Material Texture


Tag at the Side of the Bag

 

[Silas]

Quick Release Buckle


Quick Release Buckle Secured


Quick Release Buckle Unsecured


Quick Release Strap Released


Closer Look at the Quick Release Strap

 

[Silas]

Bag with the Quick Release Straps Released


Pleats on the Main Flap




Interior Lining of Bag


Insert

 

[Silas]

Space behind Insert


Space fits an iPad 2 with Casing




Button to hold Insert in place

 

[Silas]

Insert is Removable


Bag without the Insert


Insert comes with 1 Tall and 2 Short Partitions


Using a Partition from another Bag so I can put my Camera with Lens Attached Facing Down


Inner Stitching behind the Signature Badge

 

[Silas]

The Signature Badge


2 Front Pockets




Front Pockets are Expandable

 

[Silas]

Product Description & Serial Number


Bag Fits a 580II


Bag fits a 5D +35L & 580II


Bag fits a 5D & 35L & 580II


Bag fits a 5D & 35L & 24-70

 

[Silas]

Nickel Strap Lug


The Straps were not seasoned and stiff so they tend to open up when i put the bag down the 1st time i used the bag. (I experienced the straps opening up every time i put the bag down) To fix this problem, I purchased the SP40 Shoulder Pad


SP40 Shoulder Pad

 

[Silas]

Underside of the Shoulder Pad


Shoulder Strap with the Shoulder Pad Attached


The colour of the SP40 matches Beautifully


The Stuffed Bag

 

[Silas]

This bag can hold 1 camera with lens attached with another small lens and a flash in its main compartment. The 2 front pockets can hold miscellaneous items like filters, extra batteries, wallet and etc.

The shoulder pad is sold separately, its a good to have item but not a must have for this bag since the amount of gear is not that much. However, when I do carry my iPad with my camera, it really helps lessen the load on my shoulder.

The downside of this bag is its price. I will not recommend it to those working on a tight budget.

Hope my review is useful for friends who intend to buy the bag but have no idea what and how much it can hold.

*Disclaimer* Please do not ask me for the price i paid or where to buy or where is the cheapest, you can do your own homework

 

[Hinata76]

Got my question answered!! Always wanted to know is it able to fit a iPad!

 

[ed9119]

thanks for the effort in putting up this great review Silas !

 

[Silas]

Got my question answered!! Always wanted to know is it able to fit a iPad!

Glad that the review answered your question.

 

[Silas]

thanks for the effort in putting up this great review Silas !

Most welcome!

 

[ahboyboy]

Does the shoulder pad really lessen load from your shoulder? i'm using hardley pro now.

 

[Silas]

Does the shoulder pad really lessen load from your shoulder? i'm using hardley pro now.

In my opinion it does, especially when i am carrying cam + lens + flash + ipad. I also have the Hadley Pro and i use a shoulder pad with it too.

 

[bojee]

Thank for the review. Now my dilemma is whether to get the black or khaki version. LOL

 

[Silas]

Thank for the review. Now my dilemma is whether to get the black or khaki version. LOL

You're welcome, why not get both? LOL!

 

[nivlac]

Any idea where to get additional inserts?

Thanks

 

[Silas]

Any idea where to get additional inserts?

Thanks

As i mentioned, I won't be sharing anything about purchasing related matters, this review is restricted to the content above. You can try calling the shops that carry the brand to check. cheers!