The black USA UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag from Vanguard is designed to carry and protect a digital SLR camera body with an attached lens (up to 70-200mm f/2.8),3-4 extra lenses, a flash unit, and accessories. It also holds a laptop computer with a wide screen up to 15". However, if nothing else is put inside the bag, it will accommodate a 17" laptop. The bag is made from 1000 denier polyester ripstop and 1680 denier polyester, with orange 150 denier polyester and velvet interior for visibility plus lightweight, durable closed cell foam interior. There is an expanding system with extra super-soft thick padding and it has a completely customizable large interior. It has a Rapid Access System with top and front retrieval points and the bag expands with an easy zipper motion and shrinks back down when the extra room is not needed. There are 4 exterior pockets under the flap and a front zippered thin pocket for tickets or passport. A removable raincover with storage pocket under the flap protects the bag from inclement weather. It is carried by a handle or a removable, adjustable shoulder strap with non-slip pad. An adjustable strap is included that easily slips over luggage trolleys.
| Material |
Exterior: 1000 denier polyester ripstop and 1680 denier polyester Interior: 150 denier polyester and orange velvet Interior: Closed-cell foam |
| Type of Closure |
Quick-release buckle Touch fastener Zippers |
| Exterior Dimensions | 17 1/2 x 8 7/8 14 1/8" (44.5 x 22.5 x 36cm) (LxWxH) |
| Interior Dimensions | 15 x 4 1/8 x 11" (38 x 10.5 x 28cm) (LxWxH) |
| Tripod Holder | No |
| Accommodates | 15" laptop; if nothing else is placed in the bag, it will hold a 17" laptop |
| Carrying/Transport Options |
Carry handle Shoulder strap |
| Weight | 3.57 lbs (1.62kg) |
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Reviewed by 15 customers
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Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
The lining is well padded and allows for many configurations. It could handle two DSLRs or one with about four lens. It is deep enought to hold a DSLR with a 70-200mm lens attached and the camera can be quickly accessed through the top zippered opening. Very good attention to detail in manufacturing.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
I wanted a messenger-style bag that could hold two DSLR bodies, three lenses, a flash and other junk that you collect. Although the Vanguard bag isn't perfect, everything fits but it's a bit of a squeeze, the bag is good enough to meet my needs. I especially like the "positive" latching devices (better than velcro) and the "reach in" zipper top.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
First off, let me start by saying that I'm not a professional photographer by any means, I'm a college student and simply wanted a bag of some kind that I could take with me anywhere and use to take my camera with me, as well as hold my Asus Transformer Prime (which is roughly 10 inches) (in the 15" laptop compartment), notebooks, textbooks, etc. It fits all of it and even more if I wanted it to due it's expandable design. A zipper that runs length wise starting on the right side if you're looking at it from the front, continuing under along the bottom, and back up on the left hand side, which allows the bag to be expanded a couple of inches, I'd say about 3 or 4, even with the photo compartment inside. Then, if you don't need, want or can fit everything you need or want plus the camera, you can pull the whole orange photo compartment out and use it just like a regular messenger bag! Really nice design feature.
Also the topmost zipper that gives you full access to your stuff without actually opening the bag (a plastic buckle and velcro) is a really nice feature as well. It's also extremely well padded inside, even without the photo compartment inside. The metal strap loops are also extremely durable, so you should't have to worry about it snapping, just be mindful of how much you're actually carrying. The back of it i.e. the side against your back/side has a big zipper pocket (it's use I can't really identify, probably if you're not using the padded laptop compartment?) and an open top and bottom mesh binding. The leather luggage tag is a nice touch too, it adds a bit of upper class flair, I have yet to use it though.
My only gripe (and it's really minor) with this bag is the rain cover, which let me say is a really unique feature for a messenger bag to have. I know I'll be using it a lot this year since I go to college up in Oregon. It just took me a couple minutes to figure out how it actually goes on, (start at the bottom and work it up then velcro around the strap mounts) and I doubt I'll be able to fit it perfectly flat and square back into the pouch, that's actually part of the bag, and just folds inside itself and clips inside the bag. As a slight tangent, it's really good for travel as well. I flew back to school with it and it fit perfectly under the seat in front of me! VERY good job Vanguard!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
I use it for my engagement sessions, it feels well manufactured, rough but elegant, it is well distributed and fits good amount of equipment plus it does not look big from the outside
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
After having tried and returned many bags, I've now been using the Vanguard for months. And I must say: this thing is near perfect. If you live in NYC or any other large city, you don't want a bag that screams "camera bag", and this fits the bill. It's no larger than my laptop bag, yet it holds my two 7Ds and lenses with ease--and my 17" laptop as well if the expander is unzipped (I would suggest using a 15" or smaller laptop with it, though, as the 17" is a might tight fit.)
I really love the way the bag stays in place. The shoulder pad is very comfortable, and the no-slip rubber keeps it where it should be. If I had any gripe at all, it would be that there aren't a couple straps to lash a tripod to it. So, I added my own! A couple velcro strap loops put through each of the shoulder strap's metal rings and I'm now sporting it with my tripod when need be. I've walked around the city for 14+ hours like this with the bag hanging from my shoulder, and felt comfortable the entire time.
If there's a better messenger-style bag out there, I've never seen it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
Body and 3 lenses and lots of extras, not even the extra zipped area opened yet! Great quick in from the top zip!
Yahoo!!!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
I bought this bag to use when I was in a more crowded place, like concerts. It has actually surprised me and become my primary bag. First this is a good looking bag. It doesn't yell Camara Bag. It is very well made solid in every respect. The padding is excellant I have no worries about getting damaged gear. Love that they include plenty of dividers and the little flaps to allow me to comfortably stack items without fear of damage. Plenty of room too for my D7000 with vertical grip with lens attached, two other pro lenses, cleaning kit, and I still have room left over.
The only two things I can comment on the not so great side are
1. The name tag thingy should be business card sized and sewn into the top of the bag. As it comes, it's kinda cheap and gets in the way.
2. They really need to make me one of these bags in Black Leather, just sayin :)
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
I originally looked at the smaller bag (nr 36) but after comparing the two in the store, I went for this one. I don't regret it.
I intend to use it as a computerbag at work and want to be able to carry both a computer, adapters and camera and then still be able to add some "extra stuff". This bag seems to swallow everything.
After buying it in the store in NYC, I went for a walk (to shop and shoot pictures) bringing my canon350 with a 24-70 lense, a waterbag, a jacket and a sweater tucked away in the bag. After a while I had shopped 3 pair of jeans, 2 pair of childrens shoes, 1 pair of size 12 shoes, 4 pair of children jeans, 4 t-shirts, 3 books... All in the bag!
It is possible to expand the bag with a sturdy zipper which makes it very roomy, and if you keep the zipper zipped it's no bigger than your ordinary laptop-bag. I think a laptop-bag is more descriptive of the bag, than camerabag.
I have no problem seeing have to fit my canon 350, canon 24-70, Tamron 28-300 canon 18-35, flash, 15" laptop as well as my panasonic camcorder together with a book or some document if i want to.
The bag is great for citytraveling when you need a shoppingbag as well as camerabag...
The pros are:
The strap is very comfortable, the bag is nicely equipped with pockets for memorycards, passport, and so on. It has a sufficient raincover (for city use anyway). It's good looking, yet discrete. The quality seems to be high, and the bag looks to handle "rough handling". It's expandable. It has a "top entry zipper" for easy acces. The size makes it very versatile. It has four rubberpins underneath which protects it from dirt when you place it on the ground.
The only things not "perfect" are:
1. The top entry access zipper goes the wrong way so that when you carry the bag over the shoulder the zipper is almost behind your back, making it easier than necessary for pickpocketers.
2. The strap for the "click-lock" on the front is a bit short, so that if you have VERY large things in the bag it won't click so you'll have to settle for the velcro locking.
3. The computer compartment inside the bag don't go from side to side. It leaves an inch of air on each side which means that small things seems to end up there, and then they are hard to access without removing the computer, at least if you have big hands like me.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
I looked very hard for a good everyday bag to bring to work that would house my 15-inch laptop and many other things like my lunch, coffee mug and even gym gear when needed. Standard messenger bags fail at this miserably, but it so happens that bags intended for camera/laptop are perfect.
Out of the bunch of camera/laptop bags the Vanguard family is amazing. It has many pockets and compartments to store things big and small. I was originally turned off by the neon orange on the inside but realized how much it helps when looking for stuff in low-light conditions.
Love the zipper on top that gives you quick access to the inside without having to open the main flap.
One of my favorite features is that it's actually expandable; a zipper that runs all along the outside of the main body allows it grow and hold even more stuff.
Also, lifetime warranty doesn't hurt.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
Just got back from Italy and this bag worked perfect. [...], every element of design added to its usefulness. One of the best features is the trolley strap at the back so you can sling it on your suitcase instead of your shoulder. It held everything I need and more. Brought a Nikon D7000 body with an 18-200mm zoom(fit in the bag perfect with the lens attached), Brought a 35mm and 50mm lens, brought a battery grip,photo book, second large book, cleaning kit, wires, adapters, filters, flash, diffuser, and other odds and ends. Plenty of pockets to organize everything and a nice top zipper to grab your stuff in an instant. Even appreciated the safety latch so someone else does not grab your stuff through the zipper. Great padded shoulder strap and overall the bag looks nice.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
I don't work from a studio so I'm on the go with my equipment constantly. This bag allows me to have what I need when I need it, with easy access. It is also very lightweight but at the same time durable. I have had many bags but this is by far my favorite!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
I'm not a professional photographer, so I don't carry my stuff around in a big case with ten lenses. This bag offers a great way to carry the essentials without being obvious. This is by far the best feature for me. I knew if I didn't like my bag, or if it was too bulky I wouldn't carry it. And we all know you can't take pictures if you don't have your camera.
With this, I can carry my camera, an extra lens or two, laptop, and the odd flash or other accessories if need be. It's got quality materials and is all kinds of functional.
If you want to nit-pick, a few straps on the bottom for lashing a tripod would be nice, but if you need that, maybe go with a bigger bag.
And it's true, the velcro on the internal dividers could be stronger. In my case, once it's configured, I'd just secure it with a little needle and thread (easily removed if you change your mind). But I also suspect it will get stickier once it gets a little wear on it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
Better than slingshot 200aw, Better than Velocity8 for someone with my # of gear.
The Velocity is even more useful than the Slingshot, which is rather useless if you have a zoom of just about any length. I really wanted to like the Velocity8, but hard to access the side lens' without a zipper side access.
I have a 50 and a 17-35 on either side, with the 70-200IS on the camera in center. I use a 5Dm2, so this is no problem. I also added a flash on top of the one lens parted by a nice thick black pad. Laptop 15" (thick old junk dell) fits right in. Then I slide the 80LED in the fron pocket under the flap. and batteries about 12 AA, and 1 extra for the camera. I looked at the Tamrac, it looks dated and a bit video geary. I looked at the Tenba, and I saw 2 latches in the front and I steared clear. There are a few advantages this bag has over others...
I carry my bag almost daily. Yes maybe too much gear for daily, but if I dont have these prime pieces, might as well not carry any of it....So
Why this bag over others...
1. The front has 1 latch,nice! and is helped keep close with verlco while shooting. Love the top access(as others).
2. the bag expands a little as it has a zipper keeping it compact, so if you dont have the laptop, you zip it up.
3. It actual looks good! and I like how the strap is hindged. I also like the smart zippers and magnet which actually works.
4. I DONOT have to switch a lens back just to put the camera away.
How many times do you get out the zoom, or other lens and cant fit the gear back in the bag without reconfiguring things? With this and its 3 easy access slots you dont have to.
The only con I have is the velcro inside as the other reviewer mentioned. It isnt strong enough.
They should fix this, but I would still get this bag over others.
Best of all this is more comfy on my shoulder than the others. (Velocity always slides to the hard latch part on my shoulder, and its hard to push it behind you. I DONT wear it across chest. I guess those are designed for cross chest, but on that size, it should be just as good on the shoulder, but they are not. Who puts it across the chest every time they are getting in and out a car as a daily?
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
Needed a briefcase-like bag for a 2-week business trip with weekend sightseeing in Belgium. Used to hold Canon 7D with battery grip, 24-70 f/2.8L and 70-200 f/4L and a Dell 14-inch laptop...plus all of the power bricks, adapters and cables for laptop, cell phone and GPS.
I also evaluated the Tenbo large Messenger, Tenbo ShootOut Photo Courier, and the Lowepro Classified 250AW. The Vanguard UpRise-38 Messenger was the hands-down winner for me.
It has a much much flatter profile than the Lowepro and has a discrete look that doesn't scream "photo gear inside." This allows me to use it as a briefcase. The removable photo gear insert allows me to quickly convert the interior of the bag to accommodate paper files and other office work while keeping the photo gear organized, contained, and secured in the hotel safe.
The one complaint I have is that the Canon 7D with battery grip is a tad large and consequently, it creates a slight bulge in the bag profile. With the battery grip removed, the bag lays perfectly, but then the grip is obviously useless.
The Vanguard UpRise-38 comes with an extra strap that I am guessing allows you to also have one around your waist. I've seen this deployed in other messenger bags to keep the bag from flopping around or perhaps to help transfer the weight of a sling bag to your hips. Unfortunately, the only logical place to attach this extra strap is the very same anchor points used for the shoulder strap. If used simultaneously in this fashion, cinching the extra strap arond your waist will cause the bottom of the bag to stick out, so I'm not sure this was the intended purpose.
Nonetheless, I am very pleased with this bag and have come to recognize the great value of Vanguard products.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
Perfect in size and very comfortable. The only complain: inside separators velcros are not holding well to the sidewalls of camera compartment. Expect some shifting.
Displaying reviews 1-15
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 15 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-15
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
The lining is well padded and allows for many configurations. It could handle two DSLRs or one with about four lens. It is deep enought to hold a DSLR with a 70-200mm lens attached and the camera can be quickly accessed through the top zippered opening. Very good attention to detail in manufacturing.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
I wanted a messenger-style bag that could hold two DSLR bodies, three lenses, a flash and other junk that you collect. Although the Vanguard bag isn't perfect, everything fits but it's a bit of a squeeze, the bag is good enough to meet my needs. I especially like the "positive" latching devices (better than velcro) and the "reach in" zipper top.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
First off, let me start by saying that I'm not a professional photographer by any means, I'm a college student and simply wanted a bag of some kind that I could take with me anywhere and use to take my camera with me, as well as hold my Asus Transformer Prime (which is roughly 10 inches) (in the 15" laptop compartment), notebooks, textbooks, etc. It fits all of it and even more if I wanted it to due it's expandable design. A zipper that runs length wise starting on the right side if you're looking at it from the front, continuing under along the bottom, and back up on the left hand side, which allows the bag to be expanded a couple of inches, I'd say about 3 or 4, even with the photo compartment inside. Then, if you don't need, want or can fit everything you need or want plus the camera, you can pull the whole orange photo compartment out and use it just like a regular messenger bag! Really nice design feature.
Also the topmost zipper that gives you full access to your stuff without actually opening the bag (a plastic buckle and velcro) is a really nice feature as well. It's also extremely well padded inside, even without the photo compartment inside. The metal strap loops are also extremely durable, so you should't have to worry about it snapping, just be mindful of how much you're actually carrying. The back of it i.e. the side against your back/side has a big zipper pocket (it's use I can't really identify, probably if you're not using the padded laptop compartment?) and an open top and bottom mesh binding. The leather luggage tag is a nice touch too, it adds a bit of upper class flair, I have yet to use it though.
My only gripe (and it's really minor) with this bag is the rain cover, which let me say is a really unique feature for a messenger bag to have. I know I'll be using it a lot this year since I go to college up in Oregon. It just took me a couple minutes to figure out how it actually goes on, (start at the bottom and work it up then velcro around the strap mounts) and I doubt I'll be able to fit it perfectly flat and square back into the pouch, that's actually part of the bag, and just folds inside itself and clips inside the bag. As a slight tangent, it's really good for travel as well. I flew back to school with it and it fit perfectly under the seat in front of me! VERY good job Vanguard!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
I use it for my engagement sessions, it feels well manufactured, rough but elegant, it is well distributed and fits good amount of equipment plus it does not look big from the outside
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
After having tried and returned many bags, I've now been using the Vanguard for months. And I must say: this thing is near perfect. If you live in NYC or any other large city, you don't want a bag that screams "camera bag", and this fits the bill. It's no larger than my laptop bag, yet it holds my two 7Ds and lenses with ease--and my 17" laptop as well if the expander is unzipped (I would suggest using a 15" or smaller laptop with it, though, as the 17" is a might tight fit.)
I really love the way the bag stays in place. The shoulder pad is very comfortable, and the no-slip rubber keeps it where it should be. If I had any gripe at all, it would be that there aren't a couple straps to lash a tripod to it. So, I added my own! A couple velcro strap loops put through each of the shoulder strap's metal rings and I'm now sporting it with my tripod when need be. I've walked around the city for 14+ hours like this with the bag hanging from my shoulder, and felt comfortable the entire time.
If there's a better messenger-style bag out there, I've never seen it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
Body and 3 lenses and lots of extras, not even the extra zipped area opened yet! Great quick in from the top zip!
Yahoo!!!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
I bought this bag to use when I was in a more crowded place, like concerts. It has actually surprised me and become my primary bag. First this is a good looking bag. It doesn't yell Camara Bag. It is very well made solid in every respect. The padding is excellant I have no worries about getting damaged gear. Love that they include plenty of dividers and the little flaps to allow me to comfortably stack items without fear of damage. Plenty of room too for my D7000 with vertical grip with lens attached, two other pro lenses, cleaning kit, and I still have room left over.
The only two things I can comment on the not so great side are
1. The name tag thingy should be business card sized and sewn into the top of the bag. As it comes, it's kinda cheap and gets in the way.
2. They really need to make me one of these bags in Black Leather, just sayin :)
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
I originally looked at the smaller bag (nr 36) but after comparing the two in the store, I went for this one. I don't regret it.
I intend to use it as a computerbag at work and want to be able to carry both a computer, adapters and camera and then still be able to add some "extra stuff". This bag seems to swallow everything.
After buying it in the store in NYC, I went for a walk (to shop and shoot pictures) bringing my canon350 with a 24-70 lense, a waterbag, a jacket and a sweater tucked away in the bag. After a while I had shopped 3 pair of jeans, 2 pair of childrens shoes, 1 pair of size 12 shoes, 4 pair of children jeans, 4 t-shirts, 3 books... All in the bag!
It is possible to expand the bag with a sturdy zipper which makes it very roomy, and if you keep the zipper zipped it's no bigger than your ordinary laptop-bag. I think a laptop-bag is more descriptive of the bag, than camerabag.
I have no problem seeing have to fit my canon 350, canon 24-70, Tamron 28-300 canon 18-35, flash, 15" laptop as well as my panasonic camcorder together with a book or some document if i want to.
The bag is great for citytraveling when you need a shoppingbag as well as camerabag...
The pros are:
The strap is very comfortable, the bag is nicely equipped with pockets for memorycards, passport, and so on. It has a sufficient raincover (for city use anyway). It's good looking, yet discrete. The quality seems to be high, and the bag looks to handle "rough handling". It's expandable. It has a "top entry zipper" for easy acces. The size makes it very versatile. It has four rubberpins underneath which protects it from dirt when you place it on the ground.
The only things not "perfect" are:
1. The top entry access zipper goes the wrong way so that when you carry the bag over the shoulder the zipper is almost behind your back, making it easier than necessary for pickpocketers.
2. The strap for the "click-lock" on the front is a bit short, so that if you have VERY large things in the bag it won't click so you'll have to settle for the velcro locking.
3. The computer compartment inside the bag don't go from side to side. It leaves an inch of air on each side which means that small things seems to end up there, and then they are hard to access without removing the computer, at least if you have big hands like me.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
I looked very hard for a good everyday bag to bring to work that would house my 15-inch laptop and many other things like my lunch, coffee mug and even gym gear when needed. Standard messenger bags fail at this miserably, but it so happens that bags intended for camera/laptop are perfect.
Out of the bunch of camera/laptop bags the Vanguard family is amazing. It has many pockets and compartments to store things big and small. I was originally turned off by the neon orange on the inside but realized how much it helps when looking for stuff in low-light conditions.
Love the zipper on top that gives you quick access to the inside without having to open the main flap.
One of my favorite features is that it's actually expandable; a zipper that runs all along the outside of the main body allows it grow and hold even more stuff.
Also, lifetime warranty doesn't hurt.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
Just got back from Italy and this bag worked perfect. [...], every element of design added to its usefulness. One of the best features is the trolley strap at the back so you can sling it on your suitcase instead of your shoulder. It held everything I need and more. Brought a Nikon D7000 body with an 18-200mm zoom(fit in the bag perfect with the lens attached), Brought a 35mm and 50mm lens, brought a battery grip,photo book, second large book, cleaning kit, wires, adapters, filters, flash, diffuser, and other odds and ends. Plenty of pockets to organize everything and a nice top zipper to grab your stuff in an instant. Even appreciated the safety latch so someone else does not grab your stuff through the zipper. Great padded shoulder strap and overall the bag looks nice.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
I don't work from a studio so I'm on the go with my equipment constantly. This bag allows me to have what I need when I need it, with easy access. It is also very lightweight but at the same time durable. I have had many bags but this is by far my favorite!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
I'm not a professional photographer, so I don't carry my stuff around in a big case with ten lenses. This bag offers a great way to carry the essentials without being obvious. This is by far the best feature for me. I knew if I didn't like my bag, or if it was too bulky I wouldn't carry it. And we all know you can't take pictures if you don't have your camera.
With this, I can carry my camera, an extra lens or two, laptop, and the odd flash or other accessories if need be. It's got quality materials and is all kinds of functional.
If you want to nit-pick, a few straps on the bottom for lashing a tripod would be nice, but if you need that, maybe go with a bigger bag.
And it's true, the velcro on the internal dividers could be stronger. In my case, once it's configured, I'd just secure it with a little needle and thread (easily removed if you change your mind). But I also suspect it will get stickier once it gets a little wear on it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
Better than slingshot 200aw, Better than Velocity8 for someone with my # of gear.
The Velocity is even more useful than the Slingshot, which is rather useless if you have a zoom of just about any length. I really wanted to like the Velocity8, but hard to access the side lens' without a zipper side access.
I have a 50 and a 17-35 on either side, with the 70-200IS on the camera in center. I use a 5Dm2, so this is no problem. I also added a flash on top of the one lens parted by a nice thick black pad. Laptop 15" (thick old junk dell) fits right in. Then I slide the 80LED in the fron pocket under the flap. and batteries about 12 AA, and 1 extra for the camera. I looked at the Tamrac, it looks dated and a bit video geary. I looked at the Tenba, and I saw 2 latches in the front and I steared clear. There are a few advantages this bag has over others...
I carry my bag almost daily. Yes maybe too much gear for daily, but if I dont have these prime pieces, might as well not carry any of it....So
Why this bag over others...
1. The front has 1 latch,nice! and is helped keep close with verlco while shooting. Love the top access(as others).
2. the bag expands a little as it has a zipper keeping it compact, so if you dont have the laptop, you zip it up.
3. It actual looks good! and I like how the strap is hindged. I also like the smart zippers and magnet which actually works.
4. I DONOT have to switch a lens back just to put the camera away.
How many times do you get out the zoom, or other lens and cant fit the gear back in the bag without reconfiguring things? With this and its 3 easy access slots you dont have to.
The only con I have is the velcro inside as the other reviewer mentioned. It isnt strong enough.
They should fix this, but I would still get this bag over others.
Best of all this is more comfy on my shoulder than the others. (Velocity always slides to the hard latch part on my shoulder, and its hard to push it behind you. I DONT wear it across chest. I guess those are designed for cross chest, but on that size, it should be just as good on the shoulder, but they are not. Who puts it across the chest every time they are getting in and out a car as a daily?
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
Needed a briefcase-like bag for a 2-week business trip with weekend sightseeing in Belgium. Used to hold Canon 7D with battery grip, 24-70 f/2.8L and 70-200 f/4L and a Dell 14-inch laptop...plus all of the power bricks, adapters and cables for laptop, cell phone and GPS.
I also evaluated the Tenbo large Messenger, Tenbo ShootOut Photo Courier, and the Lowepro Classified 250AW. The Vanguard UpRise-38 Messenger was the hands-down winner for me.
It has a much much flatter profile than the Lowepro and has a discrete look that doesn't scream "photo gear inside." This allows me to use it as a briefcase. The removable photo gear insert allows me to quickly convert the interior of the bag to accommodate paper files and other office work while keeping the photo gear organized, contained, and secured in the hotel safe.
The one complaint I have is that the Canon 7D with battery grip is a tad large and consequently, it creates a slight bulge in the bag profile. With the battery grip removed, the bag lays perfectly, but then the grip is obviously useless.
The Vanguard UpRise-38 comes with an extra strap that I am guessing allows you to also have one around your waist. I've seen this deployed in other messenger bags to keep the bag from flopping around or perhaps to help transfer the weight of a sling bag to your hips. Unfortunately, the only logical place to attach this extra strap is the very same anchor points used for the shoulder strap. If used simultaneously in this fashion, cinching the extra strap arond your waist will cause the bottom of the bag to stick out, so I'm not sure this was the intended purpose.
Nonetheless, I am very pleased with this bag and have come to recognize the great value of Vanguard products.
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Comments about Vanguard UP-Rise 38 Messenger Bag:
Perfect in size and very comfortable. The only complain: inside separators velcros are not holding well to the sidewalls of camera compartment. Expect some shifting.
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