Billingham recently released a new “Sage FibreNyte / Chocolate Leather Hadley Pro 2020” camera bag and sent me one to review.
It’s been a little while since I last reviewed Billingham camera bags so let’s have a look at it in detail.
Billingham, but you probably know that already, is an English manufacturer of high-quality camera bags established since 1973. Initially their bags were fishing bags but Billingham soon found out New York photographers were using them as camera bags. That was a defining moment for Billingham’s founders and a new direction presented itself.
One may consider them as pioneers in their field with 50 years of experience making camera bags and fine tuning them as years went by to benefit the end user: the photographer.
What I have always liked about Billingham is their confidence in their product. Billingham bags remain fairly unchanged but instead regularly upgraded. They bring out new bags and sizes but overall anyone can pick any Billingham bag and know that it is a Billingham bag from the fabric used, the stitching and overall style.
Call it a reassuring consistency and a testament to brilliant design.
When I first started shooting in 2008, I already had my eyes on Billingham bags. Since then I have tested many other brands and to be honest, Billingham has remained as my first choice as they combine quality manufacture and longevity, good design. It feels like a family owned brand from how they market themselves but also from my interactions with their lovely team.
They are not trying too hard to conquer the world, but that’s ok, I get tired of companies always wanting to expand and grow and make more money with inferior products.
What I mean is I’d rather support an English brand which doesn’t take shortcut to profit more.
So what about the bag itself?
The Billingham Hadley Pro 2020 I am reviewing today is their latest messenger bag but really an upgraded version of their classic. The new colourway is called Sage FibreNyte / Chocolate Leather, which could well be the best camera bag for outdoor photographers, such as me for example.
Billingham describe it on their website as follows:
“An upgraded version of our popular, Hadley Pro Camera Bag. Fits most DSLRs (without a battery grip) or almost any mirrorless camera and 2-4 small-to-medium sized lenses with accessories (inc 70-200mm lens not attached to the camera). Made in England with 3-layer waterproof fabric and real leather.”
I already love this bag for any outdoor photography, be it urban street photography or nature photography.
It is smart enough to use on shoots, for example events such as weddings, great for travelling and equally as comfortable and in its element when out shooting fungi in the deepest darkest forests.
The sage colour allows it to blend nicely anywhere while the brown or chocolate leather is thick and will guarantee the bag lives a long life of intensive us. Furthermore, Billingham offers a 5 year manufacturer warranty which is a testament to their passion and belief in what they do and sell.
Add to this the gold /brass metal fittings and this is really a stunning bag that will get attention from other photographers in the know. However it is also inconspicuous enough to allow you to blend in.
The bag offers ample space indeed. In there I fit a full frame mirrorless camera with a small 50mm lens attached, my DJI Mini 3 Pro drone and DJI RC remote controller. In the back pocket, one can fit a tablet and the front pockets will house all your spare batteries and some ND filters.
Of course with messenger bags the weight can add up quickly and it will feel heavier on one shoulder than a backpack where the weight is on both shoulders. However messengers are more practical than backpacks when getting things in and out of repeatedly. There are trade-offs in most camera bags, it depends really on personal preference.
A messenger bag is probably smarter looking than a backpack when on a photography job.
In terms of price, the Billingham Hadley Pro 2020 in Sage FibreNyte / Chocolate Leather is fairly priced at £276 at the time of writing.
You can purchase yours here, note I do not make any commission from this, it’s just my honest recommendation:
Billingham Hadley Pro 2020 in Sage FibreNyte / Chocolate Leather
If you are looking for a smaller bag, why not consider the Billingham Hadley Small Pro I also reviewed?
And that’s it for me, one beautiful, well-thought bag that is made in England and for which I think you pay a fair price considering the craftsmanship that goes into it and how long you are likely to keep it for.
Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or experience with Billingham bags, I’d love to hear other photographers’ experience with Billingham bags.
Until next time,
Nico
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