Manfrotto Unica V Messenger Bag Review

Features
Handling and Performance
Verdict
Specification


The Manfrotto Unica V Messenger bag is designed to hold your camera gear, laptop and personal possessions. There is even room for a tripod. It is available in bag cord, black, red stile and white for £74.95 from the Manfrotto website.

Manfrotto Unica V Messenger Bag Features

• Fits the standard size to fit as carry-on luggage
• Interchangeable dividers
• Internal tripod compartment for Manfrotto Pocket Series (measures 80 x 360 x 120mm)
• Laptop compartment (measures 280 x 380 x 35mm)
• Internal main compartment (measures 200 x 400 x 105mm)
• Water repellent

Manfrotto Unica V Messenger Bag Handling and Performance

Access to the main internal section is easy when on the move, thanks to the zipped opening on the top of the bag on the main flap. The flap is secured by a very chunky, stylish, metal clip and velcro. The zipped opening gives you access to all the internal areas, including the laptop pouch, which can hold a 17 inch Macbook, 15.4 inch laptop or iPad and is kept firmly in place by a strap which is secured by velcro.

Also inside is a main section for your DSLR, which can be kept with a standard lens on, while there is also a section which can hold a couple of spare lenses. On top of this, it is possible to also carry a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. There is another zipped pocket on the inside where you can keep your mobile phone, pocket tripod, pens, and other valuables. Thanks to the location of the zip, it would be extremely difficult for pickpockets to gain access to this area.

Externally, on the bottom of the bag, is another zipped storage area. Due to its location, you need to be careful with what you put in here. Avoid anything which will be damaged by the weight of the bag when you put it down, we did manage to squeeze a Manfrotto Compact MKC3-P02 Photo tripod into it though. On the back of the bag is yet another zipped area which is ideal for keeping books, magazines or travel documents.

The strap is strong and has a padded area to keep it comfortable for your shoulder. If you get fed up of it on your shoulder, there is another smaller handle, although this is only really useful for picking the bag up and moving it around, rather than for carrying.

 

Value for money

The Unica V Messenger bag is available from Manfrotto for £74.95. There are a number of shoulder bags of varying sizes available and ones to consider which will hold your DSLR and laptop are the LowePro CompuDay Photo 150 at £34.95, Lowepro Event Messenger 250 at £49.95, Vanguard UP-Rise 38 at £79.00 and Tamrac 3447 Rally 7 at £59.00. These examples are the top of each of the ranges, with lower priced ones also available. Have a look at our complete guide to camera bags for more ideas of what's available.

Manfrotto Unica V Messenger Bag Verdict

The Unica V Messenger bag has been extremely well thought out during the design process. It is an ideal bag for someone who is travelling in busy towns and cities who want to carry their camera and laptop. You don't have to move the bag at all to access your kit thanks to the zip on the top. The pocket at the bottom has limited usage and the bag is quite expensive, but you are buying a quality bag, which is also available in other attractive colours.

The Manfrotto Unica V Messenger Bag has been well designed and is great for travelling.

Manfrotto Unica V Messenger Bag Pros

Well thought out design
Available in a variety of colours
Well padded
Holds plenty of gear for the travelling photographer
Section for valuables is hard to access externally

Manfrotto Unica V Messenger Bag Cons

Pocket at bottom isn't the most useful
Quite expensive

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
OVERALL

Manfrotto Unica V Messenger Bag Cord Specifications

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