Tenba Messenger Camera Bag (Olive Green)

Comments about Tenba Messenger Camera Bag (Olive Green):

As a photojournalist, I need a way to carry a variety of lenses and other gear with me. This bag allows me to have my three or four main lenses, in a convenient location. With the zipper top, it allows me to quickly switch out a 24-70 for an 85. The side pockets provide me space for little extras, which leaves my pants pockets less full.

Comments about Tenba Messenger Camera Bag (Olive Green):

I bought mine used from B&H. It's a competently constructed bag, but what struck me was the careful thought that went into the design. For example, on a lot of bags the carry handle is sewn onto the top flap, which means that if you're in a hurry and pick it up without latching or zipping it shut, the bag flops open and you have to stop and shut it so your stuff doesn't fall out. Not so with this bag. The handle is a separate item that latches onto the same metal fittings as the shoulder strap, so the bag stays balanced when you pick it up. The shoulder strap is wide and well padded, and it's curved so it doesn't saw into your neck when you're wearing it messenger-style.

Other reviewers have mentioned the hide-the-velcro flap and the quick-access zipper on the top -- both good. The strap for attaching the bag to the handle of a rolling suitcase is a nice touch. Macho goes right out the window when you're just trying to get from one end of DFW to the other.

It seems like there's a place for everything. I keep a Pentax K-5 with a 18-55mm zoom, 55-300mm zoom, 55mm prime, with room for another short zoom, a flash, and other odds and ends that are on my wish list. The outside pockets are big and roomy, with smaller zippered pockets hidden inside. One of the pockets has another little pocket accessible by zipper from the front. Good spot for a flask. There's also a pocket in the flap and several more under the flap. An embarrassment of pockets.

No negatives to speak of. Highly recommended.

Comments about Tenba Messenger Camera Bag (Olive Green):

Ordered this bag along with 3 others to figure out which model I liked the best. I love the zipper for quick access while on the go and the silent close flap. I also like the fact that it had a ton of room with a removalble insert. I did send it back because it was a little to big and I did not like the strap. I am a large guy and the bag did not hang right when I put it over my shoulder or carried it like a messanger bag. Also the strap was to padded and was just to bulky.

Comments about Tenba Messenger Camera Bag (Olive Green):

This replaces two bags. I love how it holds lenses and strobes vertically, so its easy to find anything in the bag.

Comments about Tenba Messenger Camera Bag (Olive Green):

This is the best camera bag I have ever found, that isn't on wheels!!! It is versatile, has the best compartments, easy to get into. I have been looking for a camera bag for 3 years and this one finally suits me!!!! Thanks Tenba!!!

Comments about Tenba Messenger Camera Bag (Olive Green):

The bag itself has an extremely professional quality build and fit out. The size is quite deceiving, meaning it can be packed lightly and the bag looks smaller than it is or you can load it right up and the bag still seems only marginally bigger. Currently have the following in it comfortably - Canon 7D, 17-55, 70-200, 50mm. 2 x 430ex, Rode pro video mic, lens hood for the 70-200 and 17-55. Plus all the accessories - cleaning gear, spare cf cards, grey cards, remote shutter control, nd filters.
The shoulder strap is very well padded and contoured to fit. The other plus is the smaller handle is not mounted via the top flap which means you can leave the bag open and still carry it without having to continually zip/clip the bag up.

There are also dedicated pockets for keys/phone etc with easy access while carrying.

Comments about Tenba Messenger Camera Bag (Olive Green):

I absolutely love this bag. It holds everything you could want for a days worth of shooting. I can fit 3 lenses (10-24mm f/3.5-4, 50mm f/1.8, 55-200mm f/4-5.6), a flash, Nikon D300s with lens attached (17-70mm f/2.8-4), extra batteries, lens hoods and a few odds and ends without having to squeeze everything in. I didn't think that I would use the top zipper as much as I have. It really is reassuring to know that you can grab your camera without having to risk exposing everything you have to the world. It is a bit on the high end for price, but once you use it, you won't worry about why you spent the money.

Comments about Tenba Messenger Camera Bag (Olive Green):

This camera bag is lightweight and easy to carry, but at the same time holds plenty of equipment with good protection. Many equipment pockets and other smart solutions. Strong materials and good build quality. The only negative I can think of is the logo and reflective stripe on the front flap, which detracts from the overall look, but these can be easily removed with a small knife (which I did immediately after receiving it).

Comments about Tenba Messenger Camera Bag (Olive Green):

I am a recent convert to Tenba products, having bought the Laptop Messenger, Large at B&H. Impressed with the quality, I ordered the Messenger Camera Bag, which have actually already returned. That is not, however, a comment on the quality of this bag at all.

The bag is well built, as I have come to expect for Tenba products, well laid out, and with some very nice features, such as a fold-over flap that prevents the velcro closure on the top flap from making noise when you need the bag to be quiet, and a zipper on the top of the flap for easy access to your gear without opening the top flap. Padding inside is more than sufficient, and yet the bag is very lightweight. There are enough extra pockets for all of the little odds and ends as well.

I returned the bag because it isn't big enough for my needs. I was expecting a bit larger size, and it just won't carry a pro-sized DSLR AND the Nikon 70-200VR along with 2-3 other lenses, and that was what I was expecting to carry. In fact, while the Laptop Messenger is tall enough to take the 70-200, the Messenger Camera Bag is not, so if you are planning to tote this big lens, plan to have the top sticking up above the padding.

The price is just right on this bag, esp with the frequent $20 rebates that Tenba seems to run, but it didn't work for me as my intent in buying it was to carry more gear than it is designed for.

Comments about Tenba Messenger Camera Bag (Olive Green):

As a photojournalist, I need a way to carry a variety of lenses and other gear with me. This bag allows me to have my three or four main lenses, in a convenient location. With the zipper top, it allows me to quickly switch out a 24-70 for an 85. The side pockets provide me space for little extras, which leaves my pants pockets less full.

Comments about Tenba Messenger Camera Bag (Olive Green):

I bought mine used from B&H. It's a competently constructed bag, but what struck me was the careful thought that went into the design. For example, on a lot of bags the carry handle is sewn onto the top flap, which means that if you're in a hurry and pick it up without latching or zipping it shut, the bag flops open and you have to stop and shut it so your stuff doesn't fall out. Not so with this bag. The handle is a separate item that latches onto the same metal fittings as the shoulder strap, so the bag stays balanced when you pick it up. The shoulder strap is wide and well padded, and it's curved so it doesn't saw into your neck when you're wearing it messenger-style.

Other reviewers have mentioned the hide-the-velcro flap and the quick-access zipper on the top -- both good. The strap for attaching the bag to the handle of a rolling suitcase is a nice touch. Macho goes right out the window when you're just trying to get from one end of DFW to the other.

It seems like there's a place for everything. I keep a Pentax K-5 with a 18-55mm zoom, 55-300mm zoom, 55mm prime, with room for another short zoom, a flash, and other odds and ends that are on my wish list. The outside pockets are big and roomy, with smaller zippered pockets hidden inside. One of the pockets has another little pocket accessible by zipper from the front. Good spot for a flask. There's also a pocket in the flap and several more under the flap. An embarrassment of pockets.

No negatives to speak of. Highly recommended.

Comments about Tenba Messenger Camera Bag (Olive Green):

Ordered this bag along with 3 others to figure out which model I liked the best. I love the zipper for quick access while on the go and the silent close flap. I also like the fact that it had a ton of room with a removalble insert. I did send it back because it was a little to big and I did not like the strap. I am a large guy and the bag did not hang right when I put it over my shoulder or carried it like a messanger bag. Also the strap was to padded and was just to bulky.

Comments about Tenba Messenger Camera Bag (Olive Green):

This replaces two bags. I love how it holds lenses and strobes vertically, so its easy to find anything in the bag.

Comments about Tenba Messenger Camera Bag (Olive Green):

This is the best camera bag I have ever found, that isn't on wheels!!! It is versatile, has the best compartments, easy to get into. I have been looking for a camera bag for 3 years and this one finally suits me!!!! Thanks Tenba!!!

Comments about Tenba Messenger Camera Bag (Olive Green):

The bag itself has an extremely professional quality build and fit out. The size is quite deceiving, meaning it can be packed lightly and the bag looks smaller than it is or you can load it right up and the bag still seems only marginally bigger. Currently have the following in it comfortably - Canon 7D, 17-55, 70-200, 50mm. 2 x 430ex, Rode pro video mic, lens hood for the 70-200 and 17-55. Plus all the accessories - cleaning gear, spare cf cards, grey cards, remote shutter control, nd filters.
The shoulder strap is very well padded and contoured to fit. The other plus is the smaller handle is not mounted via the top flap which means you can leave the bag open and still carry it without having to continually zip/clip the bag up.

There are also dedicated pockets for keys/phone etc with easy access while carrying.

Comments about Tenba Messenger Camera Bag (Olive Green):

I absolutely love this bag. It holds everything you could want for a days worth of shooting. I can fit 3 lenses (10-24mm f/3.5-4, 50mm f/1.8, 55-200mm f/4-5.6), a flash, Nikon D300s with lens attached (17-70mm f/2.8-4), extra batteries, lens hoods and a few odds and ends without having to squeeze everything in. I didn't think that I would use the top zipper as much as I have. It really is reassuring to know that you can grab your camera without having to risk exposing everything you have to the world. It is a bit on the high end for price, but once you use it, you won't worry about why you spent the money.

Comments about Tenba Messenger Camera Bag (Olive Green):

This camera bag is lightweight and easy to carry, but at the same time holds plenty of equipment with good protection. Many equipment pockets and other smart solutions. Strong materials and good build quality. The only negative I can think of is the logo and reflective stripe on the front flap, which detracts from the overall look, but these can be easily removed with a small knife (which I did immediately after receiving it).

Comments about Tenba Messenger Camera Bag (Olive Green):

I am a recent convert to Tenba products, having bought the Laptop Messenger, Large at B&H. Impressed with the quality, I ordered the Messenger Camera Bag, which have actually already returned. That is not, however, a comment on the quality of this bag at all.

The bag is well built, as I have come to expect for Tenba products, well laid out, and with some very nice features, such as a fold-over flap that prevents the velcro closure on the top flap from making noise when you need the bag to be quiet, and a zipper on the top of the flap for easy access to your gear without opening the top flap. Padding inside is more than sufficient, and yet the bag is very lightweight. There are enough extra pockets for all of the little odds and ends as well.

I returned the bag because it isn't big enough for my needs. I was expecting a bit larger size, and it just won't carry a pro-sized DSLR AND the Nikon 70-200VR along with 2-3 other lenses, and that was what I was expecting to carry. In fact, while the Laptop Messenger is tall enough to take the 70-200, the Messenger Camera Bag is not, so if you are planning to tote this big lens, plan to have the top sticking up above the padding.

The price is just right on this bag, esp with the frequent $20 rebates that Tenba seems to run, but it didn't work for me as my intent in buying it was to carry more gear than it is designed for.