The black ACPRO1900 Digital SLR and Laptop Backpack from Ape Case may be small in stature but it's sure large on function. Within its 14.0 x 16.75 x 7.5" (35.6 x 42.5 x 19.1 cm) frame is a backpack that will hold enough gear to keep you going for a long time. The interior is rated to hold your DSLR with a 70-200 f/2.8 attached as well as another 4-5 lenses, accessories as well as your 14.0" Laptop (35.6 cm) laptop held in its own padded and secured compartment. A touch fastened tab holds the laptop in place. However, it doesn't stop there. Zippered storage compartments can be used for small stuff like filters, cables, adapters and memory cards.
The bag is made with a tough water-resistant nylon exterior and also comes with a built-in, pull out rain cover that can be rapidly deployed when you're caught in a rain storm. An adjustable harness system allows the bag to be tailored to your body and the sternum strap keeps it balanced while walking.
Inside, there are multiple movable Hi Vis yellow dividers that can be configured to fit your gear and that also help illuminate the interior when in low light. As mentioned, there's a separate computer compartment as well as a large mesh accessory pocket for filters, maps, cleaning cloths or business cards. That is complimented by another cleverly placed zippered pocket within the back flap. Inside that area you can store more accessories like cables, pens and adapters.
For the nature photographer, there's a handy tripod holder comprised of a tuck-away pocket for the feet and adjustable strap for the legs. Water bottle holder and hidden cell phone slot finish off this well-priced and full-featured pack that is backed by Ape's lifetime warranty against manufacturer's defects.
| Material | Water-resistant nylon |
| Type of Closure | Zippers |
| Exterior Dimensions | 14.0 x 16.75 x 7.5" (35.6 x 42.5 x 19.1 cm) |
| Interior Dimensions |
10.5 x 14.5 x 5.0" (26.7 x 36.8 x 12.7 cm) Laptop compartment: 10.5 x 12.0 x 1.5" (26.7 x 30.5 x 3.8 cm) |
| Tripod Holder | Yes |
| Waist Belt | Yes |
| Carrying/Transport Options |
Adjustable harness Sternum strap |
| Weight | 5.1 lb (2.3 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
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Most Liked Positive Review
Large, but do think first!
I have a Canon 60D in here, a 70-200mm F4/L lens, a 50mm prime, a 15-85mm on the camera, a small Sony handycam, speedlight, and a pair of Sennheiser ...Read complete review
I have a Canon 60D in here, a 70-200mm F4/L lens, a 50mm prime, a 15-85mm on the camera, a small Sony handycam, speedlight, and a pair of Sennheiser wireless units (transmitter/receiver) in the main compartment. The 70-200 works in the supplied lens bag; in an Onyx case it will not fit (on the side of the camera itself.)
In the zip-up internal is found a Tascam pocket recorder (used for on-camera stereo microphone setup; works great), cables, memory cards, microphones for the Sennheiser units and such. Side pockets hold batteries and chargers.
But there are challenges. This is BARELY big enough for this load of gear, and I suspect I should have bought the 2000. I may still buy a 2000 and keep this one for those (rare) times I have to fly.
If I didn't carry the Handycam it wouldn't make that much difference; that only frees up one small slot plus some battery space. Yet I may wind up doing exactly that too.
The problem will come if you need a backup body with you, or want a grip on that camera. A T3i with a grip fits -- barely. A 60d with a grip WILL NOT without contortions. My Lenovo X220 fits in the laptop pocket. A larger laptop WILL NOT.
Comfort and such is fine; I've lugged it and have no complaints. Build quality is good and the ability to move the dividers around to do whatever you need is excellent. The side loops work well and I've used them to carry (vertically) a larger tripod that won't sling reasonably on the bottom.
For the guy with one body and a couple of lenses, or a gal who is of smaller frame, this is probably an ideal size. You MIGHT get away with this being considered your "personal item" on a plane, allowing a carry-on luggage item AND this in the cabin -- that will NOT work with the 2000 as it definitely exceeds limits (this bag is right on the line for American and some others.) Note that the 2000 technically exceeds carry-on limits on DEPTH for most airlines and that can cause severe problems if you're forced to gate-check your expensive gear!
Do be aware that the main compartment is behind TWO zippers. Good for protection from the elements but this is NOT a "quick draw" sort of case.
The only shocker for me is how fast the darn thing filled up! :-)
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
waist harness less than ideal
My purpose with this bag was to fit a Canon 7d body, battery grip, three primes (100mm, 50mm, 28mm), two flashes, three pocket wizard units, an external USB hard drive, ...Read complete review
My purpose with this bag was to fit a Canon 7d body, battery grip, three primes (100mm, 50mm, 28mm), two flashes, three pocket wizard units, an external USB hard drive, and a macbook air. These items fit, but barely.
On the upside, I love the bright yellow interior. It made organizing my (all black) gear inside faster and easier. I also like the separation and padding between the main compartment and the laptop compartment, and the ability of the laptop compartment to fold out for easy scanning at an airport.
On the downside, this pack does not comfortably fit a 7d with battery grip. That is, it fits, but seems awkward. I worry that it will press against the laptop. Furthermore, having owned and used packs targeted at campers and climbers, the waist harness is quite a disappointment. The images do not show you that the waist harness is a mesh with no padding, and on my small (5'4'') frame the harness is high enough up that it does not distribute the weight to my hips. This also means that when fully loaded, I find myself leaning forward slightly, since the weight is too high on my back. I haven't tried it, but I doubt I want to spend all day wearing this in the field.
Takeaway: for a quick in-town commute or someone mainly using it for the three blocks between location and vehicle parking, this might work well. I spend too much time out and on my feet for this pack to work.
Reviewed by 10 customers
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Ape Case ACPRO1900 Digital SLR and Laptop Backpack (Black):
I shoot a lot of bands and nature photography. This product is great for my long day shoots. It carries everything I need and keeps me organized.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Ape Case ACPRO1900 Digital SLR and Laptop Backpack (Black):
Just the right size for all my gear! Easy to find things inside the bag
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Ape Case ACPRO1900 Digital SLR and Laptop Backpack (Black):
At [$] you can't be it. At first, quality seemed a bit questionable, but honestly, it works just fine! We're not rough on our stuff, so it should hold up for a long time. We're able to fit a 50mm 1.4, 85 1.8, 50 1.8, 70-200 IS II, two Canon 430EXII's, two Canon 50D, a computer, flash cards, diffusers, Radio Poppers, chargers, extra batteries, cables... the list goes on! Tons of room in this bag. For $10 more you can get an even larger one if you need that extra room. If you're looking for a bag with tons of room for a great price, this is it!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Ape Case ACPRO1900 Digital SLR and Laptop Backpack (Black):
I have my Canon 5D Mark II with 3 lenses in varying weights and sizes and I am getting ready to travel. Knowing that I am only allowed a certain amount of carry-on, I was desperately looking for something sturdy and easy to carry as I'm also traveling with my 9 year old. I'm able to pack everything! I can reconfigure the inside to whatever I need. My computer fits fine. The front pockets can get a little tight so getting your hand in there for little things can be a problem when the inside is full, but it doesn't bother me that much. I am very happy with this purchase.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Ape Case ACPRO1900 Digital SLR and Laptop Backpack (Black):
I have a Canon 60D in here, a 70-200mm F4/L lens, a 50mm prime, a 15-85mm on the camera, a small Sony handycam, speedlight, and a pair of Sennheiser wireless units (transmitter/receiver) in the main compartment. The 70-200 works in the supplied lens bag; in an Onyx case it will not fit (on the side of the camera itself.)
In the zip-up internal is found a Tascam pocket recorder (used for on-camera stereo microphone setup; works great), cables, memory cards, microphones for the Sennheiser units and such. Side pockets hold batteries and chargers.
But there are challenges. This is BARELY big enough for this load of gear, and I suspect I should have bought the 2000. I may still buy a 2000 and keep this one for those (rare) times I have to fly.
If I didn't carry the Handycam it wouldn't make that much difference; that only frees up one small slot plus some battery space. Yet I may wind up doing exactly that too.
The problem will come if you need a backup body with you, or want a grip on that camera. A T3i with a grip fits -- barely. A 60d with a grip WILL NOT without contortions. My Lenovo X220 fits in the laptop pocket. A larger laptop WILL NOT.
Comfort and such is fine; I've lugged it and have no complaints. Build quality is good and the ability to move the dividers around to do whatever you need is excellent. The side loops work well and I've used them to carry (vertically) a larger tripod that won't sling reasonably on the bottom.
For the guy with one body and a couple of lenses, or a gal who is of smaller frame, this is probably an ideal size. You MIGHT get away with this being considered your "personal item" on a plane, allowing a carry-on luggage item AND this in the cabin -- that will NOT work with the 2000 as it definitely exceeds limits (this bag is right on the line for American and some others.) Note that the 2000 technically exceeds carry-on limits on DEPTH for most airlines and that can cause severe problems if you're forced to gate-check your expensive gear!
Do be aware that the main compartment is behind TWO zippers. Good for protection from the elements but this is NOT a "quick draw" sort of case.
The only shocker for me is how fast the darn thing filled up! :-)
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Ape Case ACPRO1900 Digital SLR and Laptop Backpack (Black):
This is really a nice back pack. It's well made, lots of room, nice looking. The only thing I can complain about is it's depth. I have a canon 7d and with the battery grip on, it's a really tight fit, so much so that when I fly I would not leave the battery grip on for fear of damaging the pop up flash. I don't worry so much just carrying it around and in my truck.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Ape Case ACPRO1900 Digital SLR and Laptop Backpack (Black):
I used it when I traveled to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. Worked great for storing backpack on airplanes and buses.
Nothing was damaged going through airport security screaning.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Ape Case ACPRO1900 Digital SLR and Laptop Backpack (Black):
I received this backpack for Christmas. I was not sure whether to ask for the ACPRO1900 or ACPRO2000 because of the size difference. I have a Nikon D90 and a D80 and several lenses including my prized 28-210 2.8 and a flash. Everything fits great. I carry an ipad and sometimes my 14" HP and both fit just fine. This thing is loaded with features but the yellow interior is my favorite. I didn't really get that until I got the pack and put my grear in it. Wow, what a difference compared to my LP case that I outgrew which is dark grey inside. The Ape paople should make a bigger deal about the included rain cover. I really didn't realize it came with one, and I like that it is attached so I can't lose it, which I would definately do. This thing seems really well made which is great because it's about $100 less than the other case I was considering.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Ape Case ACPRO1900 Digital SLR and Laptop Backpack (Black):
This backpack is incredible! It has so much room! Some may say it's heavy, but it's only as heavy as the equipment.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Ape Case ACPRO1900 Digital SLR and Laptop Backpack (Black):
My purpose with this bag was to fit a Canon 7d body, battery grip, three primes (100mm, 50mm, 28mm), two flashes, three pocket wizard units, an external USB hard drive, and a macbook air. These items fit, but barely.
On the upside, I love the bright yellow interior. It made organizing my (all black) gear inside faster and easier. I also like the separation and padding between the main compartment and the laptop compartment, and the ability of the laptop compartment to fold out for easy scanning at an airport.
On the downside, this pack does not comfortably fit a 7d with battery grip. That is, it fits, but seems awkward. I worry that it will press against the laptop. Furthermore, having owned and used packs targeted at campers and climbers, the waist harness is quite a disappointment. The images do not show you that the waist harness is a mesh with no padding, and on my small (5'4'') frame the harness is high enough up that it does not distribute the weight to my hips. This also means that when fully loaded, I find myself leaning forward slightly, since the weight is too high on my back. I haven't tried it, but I doubt I want to spend all day wearing this in the field.
Takeaway: for a quick in-town commute or someone mainly using it for the three blocks between location and vehicle parking, this might work well. I spend too much time out and on my feet for this pack to work.
Displaying reviews 1-10