I was recently sent a Manfrotto Pro light 3 in 1 – 26 backpack from Manfrotto Australia to try out as I was looking for a smaller bag to carry a smaller kit or some extra gear in the car for longer trips and all night, night photography shoots.
The Manfrotto 3 in 1 – 26 is a versatile pack that can be worn in a number of ways, traditional backpack, cross over backpack and left or right sling style bag, here is some information/specs from the Manfrotto website,
Cabin Luggage
This bag fits the standard to be used as carry-on luggage. (Due to ever changing restrictions, check with your carrier prior to departure)
External Tripod Connections
This bag comes with the option and proper connections to attach your tripod externally.
Flexi Dividers
These custom designed dividers have the option to fold out of the way when needed or to be pulled out to protect your equipment in special situations.
Interchangeable Dividers
Both modular and easy to use, these dividers allow you to custom fit the inside of your bag around your gear by creating the exact size compartment for you need.
Rain Protector
Included fold-out protector which, when installed, creates a barrier between the wet outside and dry inside of your bag.
Water Repellant
A specially applied coating to the fabric makes it resistant to moisture.
Camera Protection System
Manfrotto’s CPS – Camera Protection System has been specifically engineered and laboratory tested to garantee the highest level of protection and shock resistance where it really counts.
Tablet Compartment
Dedicated compartment for tablet
Trolley Connection
For easy wheel along transportation simply slide the designated strap connector over any standard trolley or luggage handle.
UV Protection
The silver side of the included rain protector will deflect direct sunshine and prevent your digital gear from overheating.
| Weight | 1380 g |
|---|---|
| Collection/Series | Pro Light |
| Types of Gear | Mirrorless, Professional DSLR, Videocamera |
| Number of Lenses | 5 |
| Tripod Connection | Yes |
| Storage for personal items | Yes |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Nylon, RipStop, Synthetic Fabric |
| Type of Bag | Backpack |
| Camersa Insert Dimensions | 23 x 16 x 25.5 cm |
| Compatible CSC camera models | Canon EOS M5, Fujifilm X-Pro2, Fujifilm X-T1, Fujifilm X-T10, Fujifilm X-T1 IR, Fujifilm X-T2, Olympus OM-D E-M10, Olympus OM-D E-M10 II, Olympus OM-D E-M10 III, Olympus OM-D E-M1 II, Olympus OM-D E-M5 II, Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7, Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85, Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4, Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8, Sony Alpha 7 II, Sony Alpha 7R II, Sony A7R III, Sony Alpha 7S, Sony Alpha 7S II, Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH5, Fujifilm X-T20, Sony Alpha 9 |
| External Dimensions | 26 x 26 x 46 cm |
| Internal Dimensions | 23 x 16 x 42 cm |
| Laptop Compartment Dimensions | 22.5 x 1.5 x 29.5 cm |
| Personal Compartment Dimensions | 23 x 16 x 16 cm |
First impressions
When I first received this bag from Manfrotto like all new photography gear I had a good look over it, at it’s features, at it’s construction and materials used. The bag is made to high standard and feels like it could take years of use, buckles, zips, clips are all good quality.
In use
I found using the pack as a standard backpack with top and bottom compartment rear access to suit me best, I guess I’m just used to a backpack, I found this comfortable while walking and also on my bike, unfortunately though there is no chest buckle so I wouldn’t use it as a pack on any technical rides.
As mentioned above the pack can be configured in multiple ways, traditional backpack, cross over backpack and right or left sling. I quite like sling style bags when walking around the city, it keeps your gear safe but also easily accessible when you want to use it, so I think I will reach for this bag in that situation. I did try it this way and it felt comfortable and access was good when the internal compartments were set up to suit.
In crossover backpack style the pack is more secure and can be accessed very similar to a sling bag, unclipping one strap allows you to swing the bag around for access. I really need to try the bag in this configuration on my mountain bike as it could be quite a good compromise between being secure, comfortable and easy to access.
There are multiple zippered pockets on the outside of the pack, two on the front, two on the side, one side pocket being allocated to the bags waterproof cover, the bag is made of a water repellent material but you do need the cover in heavy rain. These pockets are fairly small and suited to items like your phone, keys, remote shutter release etc. The bag also has provision for carrying a tripod and does so very securely. There is also two stretch pockets on the side of the bag, I usually find these great for carrying a couple of musli bars or fruit for a quick snack while out shooting, unfortunately they aren’t deep enough for a water bottle.
Top compartment access in backpack mode. I found there was enough room in the top compartment to hold my Haida 100mm filter pouch with holder along with a couple of filters in their box’s. It would also make a good spot to carry a jumper, wallet phone etc. Note the the slot for a 10 inch tablet.
Bottom camera compartment access in backpack mode. This bottom compartment can be accessed in multiple ways, shown is with the zips configured in a way only this main compartment is accessed, this compartment can also be side accessed. The main compartment is well padded for protection of your gear and the dividers can be arranged to suit your needs.
Shown in the bag is a Haida 100mm filter pouch full of filters and a holder. A fujifilm XE1, a Samyang 21mm f1.4, a Jupio power vault and Fujifilm usb powered battery charger, the empty space is where I was carrying my Fujifilm xt10 and 18-55mm lens that I used to take this shot. There is plenty of room for a mirrorless system or DSLR and a couple of lenses.
To give you an idea of the size, a Canon 70-200mm f2.8 mounted on a Canon 6d fits sideways across the pack.
The top compartment again from a different angle, loaded with my Haida 100mm filter kit. There is a pocket in the lid that is useful for organising smaller items .
The top grab handle is great. Details like this make a camera bag user friendly, the handle is easy and comfortable to grab making this bag easy to carry to the car, or grab it from the car in the field etc. Most bags have handles but few have handles that make the bag easier to handle, nice work Manfrotto!
Small top side pockets on either side of the bag make a great spot to keep your keys or wallet.
The whole back can be opened up to give access to everything inside the pack.
Side access, when using the bag in a sling style you have the option of accessing the inside of the bag from either side of the pack. A Canon 70-200mm f2.8 attached to a DSLR can be accessed quickly through this side pocket.
Manfrotto Pro Light harness.
Front view of the Manfrotto pro light 3 in 1 -26 you can see the two pockets, daisy chains for attaching extra items and a strap that is part of the tripod carrying system that holds your tripod very securely, the tripod holding system is one of the best I’ve used.
Rear view of the Manfrotto pro light 3 in 1 -26 I’ts harness is configurable in different ways.
Conclusion
The Manfrotto Pro light 3 in 1 – 26 lives up to it’s promise of being a versatile camera bag that can suit many different users. I like that it is a bit smaller than my other packs but can still hold some large gear if needed, used as a sling bag with side access to my DSLR with 70-200 2.8 mounted is quite appealing. The way I personally use a camera bag this will be a second bag that I can customise to suit what I’m about to go photograph rather than a replacement for my bigger pack.
I think this pack is going to appeal to those that don’t want to carry a huge kit but want versatility in the way they carry their camera gear for different situations, something that allows them to access their gear quickly on the move but also able to be converted to a comfortable pack for all day carrying. I think it will also be popular with mirrorless camera users that do not need a large bag to hold all their gear.
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Want to learn how to take images of the night sky? take a look at the links below:
Basic night sky photography – how to
Focussing on the stars – obtaining sharp focus
Lens choice for night sky photography
Nightscape Photographer social media
