Customer Reviews

Ape Case Pro Large SLR/Video Camera Case ACPRO1400

5 star:		(95)
4 star:		(34)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My criteria for bags is non-negotiable, and finding a bag that fits this criteria took a long time. First, it has to be top loading. Second, it needs to have at least one side pocket, and one front pocket. Third, a bright interior is a huge plus. Fourth, it needs to be reasonably weather-proofed. Finally, it needs to be well-padded.

I was pleasantly surprised when I found this bag online after hours of searching. I had spent several more hours at camera shops around the city, and the prices they were asking, for bags that did not meet all of my criteria, was not justifiable for me. So, I thought taking a chance on the Ape Case was a measured risk. I'm probably not the only one who has had that experience. Frankly, I looked at the price of this case and wondered why they were charging so little when all other bags were double the price. But, I ordered anyway.

I ordered the medium instead of the large, as the internal dimensions are identical in length and width. The medium bag is about one inch shorter in height. Ultimately, internal dimensions are the most important to me, and I didn't think that missing one inch of height would be a big deal. So, I went with the medium. (Sidenote: If the internal dimensions of the large are really almost exactly the same, as all the websites I found suggested, the large bag can certainly not be considered large.)

Now for the bag itself. The side pocket is a little "tight." It has spots for extra memory cards, and several elastic loops for pens, etc. But, this side pocket can't really be stuffed full. Over time the material may relax to give more flexibility. The front pocket is the same, so don't buy this bag expecting to be able to jam those pockets full of goodies.

One of my favorite features is the zip pocket on the front flap, just above where the Ape Case logo is sewn on. That is ideal when traveling for putting flight tickets and passports in. On that note, the first week I got this bag I got caught in monsoon-type weather. Despite having an umbrella, my bag got soaked as I walked. Inside my bag was my camera, lens, battery, and my passport. Once I was inside the train station I opened up my case to assess the damage. But, there wasn't any. Not a single drop had gotten through, and the bag had been exposed to more than a reasonable amount of rain.

The following week I was on the street, and dropped my fully loaded bag onto the concrete. Again, I sat down and opened up the case to assess the damage. Again, there wasn't any. Everything was exactly where I had put it when I packed for that day.

The interior is obviously bright yellow, and it makes opening the bag a joy in itself.

The only thing I changed on the bag was with the clasps that hang off each side of the bag. In total, there are three. One clasp closes the front flap. Then, there are two more, one on the left and one on the right, used to keep the bag more tightly shut, I guess. I cut off the two on the sides of the bag off. I'll never use them, they're clunky, and they make it needlessly difficult to get into the bag. Also, the clasps are made of very light weight plastic. I'm not sure how long the remaining clasp will last. But, I assume it serves a dual purpose: it cuts weight and cost.

Overall, this bag meets and exceeds my criteria for a camera case. Don't let the price deter you. It might be half the price of a lot of other camera bags, but it is not half the camera bag. In the few short weeks I've had it, it's been put through more than it's fair share of abuse, and has performed better than I would have ever expected. Ultimately, this bag gives me what I most expect from a bag: security. I can put my camera and travel documents inside, and know that they are safe and sound.

Extremely sturdy and well built. Good padding throughout. Also really like the hard bottom and rubber feet.

Does not hold a large amount of gear, but is perfect for a daily bag to haul your gear that you keep with you at all times. Modular internal padded and felt-covered tabs allow for adjusting internals for your gear needs.

Internal bright yellow color helps see gear clearly in shade.

I am currently using it to carry a Canon Rebel Xti, (usually with kit lens attached), a Canon EF 50mm lens, Sigma EF-500 DG Super E-TTL II flash (takes up a large portion of the bag), a couple 52mm filters in their cases, battery charger, dusting and cleaning equipment (brush, medium rocket blower, cleaning cloth, solution). It's a somewhat tight fit, but it holds it nicely and SAFELY. Currently using only 5 of the 9 dividers provided. Might hold one more lens as long as one of the three were attached to the body.

Cons: Not quite enough pockets for small items, would like to see the side net pouches turned into normal zipper-closed pouches to greatly increase the amount of small accessories that can be safely carried. Currently, the only thing I will put in them is batteries, as they are exposed to the elements via the netting.

Holding what it promises.
I purchased this case many months ago. The case is holding up for pro and daily use - still looks like new and is fully functioning. It is the detail and good worksmenship what makes the difference.
At first, I did not give much for the yellow inside color, but found out soon that this is a great idea - you can find everything even in low light. I just came back to this item now, because I need an additional smaller bag. I will try now the small ape case after I made such a good experience with the large bag.
There is one thing I like to complain a bit about.
The small deficiency is the carry strap - very bad strap - has a rubber like shoulder part which is very stiff and uncomfortable - strange, such a good bag with such a bad strap. Nevertheless, I still recommend to buy this bag and recommend to just get another strap for it - easy to find a vast variety and cheap straps - not easy to find such a good camera bag. I bought a "Victorinox Comfort Fit Shoulder Strap" for it which is a bit expensive but the best of the best and truly makes 20 lbs feel like 5 lbs. You can find this strap at Amazone under the above name for about 30 dollars - yes it is a lot of money for a strap but your shoulder is worth the investment - Victorinox is truly the best. The ape case itself is very good and very reasonable priced for the high quality - worth to get a separate strap. I gave anyway 5 stars because this bag is great, looks good, and is holding up to serious daily abuse.
The padding is good and sufficient that I don't worry about my equipment even in a rough environment. In the main compartment, it has enough space for two full size SLR pro size bodies with battery grip - one of them with a larger lens mounted, a flash, and 3 additional large pro lenses. Side and front compartments are large enough to fit all other accessories, charger, cables, light meter etc.. Lot's of space. I use this large bag for bigger jobs like shooting a wedding or certain commercial jobs to have everything with me for all eventualities - my bag has therefore to carry a weight of 28 lbs. It's just a good bag...

although it is small but can store many things almost 4 medium size lenses + the camera body and good quality built , but the only problem is that you cannot keep medium size lens attached to the camera inside the case only small lenses can be attached with some rearrangements for the interior partitions.

I bought this bag because I wanted to keep things a little compact, something to fit the camera body in and a few lenses. The quality of the bag is super-well built and comfortable to wear. I did spend a lot of time configuring the velcro pads inside and am not sure I have everything where I'd like. There is room in this for a SLR with lens and space for at least 2 more lenses. I have a 70-300mm lens (Canon) and it fits easily standing up. I might have liked the next size larger, but it depends on how many lenses you have. The other pockets and poches are really handy. The strap and metal snaps are large and very strong.

Great bag, but a little small for my nikon d40. The camera body, two lenses, flash, charger, extra battery fit, but very snug. The bag is the most high quality bag I've seen. I did return it, only because I like to put my wallet or small camera in bag also.

I looked at and priced several camera cases and the ones that appeared to be of any quality were way beyond what I was willing to pay. Not so with this Ape case. An extremely good bye. I have had it for 4 months and am EXTREMELY PLEASED.

Just got done configuring this case, I'm already in love. Plenty of space, I have all my cords, guides, storage, power, filters, 3 lenses (2 long), camera, covers, cleaning, and a monopod on here and still have room for a flash and battery grip (my next upgrades). Tough shell, nice padding, indiscriminate look. Especially appreciate the metal hooks for the shoulder strap. Glad I didn't get the small version, but I won't need anything bigger for a long time. Highly recommended.

I like this bag, but I wish the external walls were stiffer. The interior is spacious enough for my Nikon D300 w/18-200 lens and with the MB-D10 battery attachment with room leftover for the detached flash unit and some other minor accessories. If the 18-200 lens were detached from the body, I could have squeezed another lens in the bag. That makes it a little too heavy for my taste. Besides, I like the 70-200 lens attached for that quick candid shot or the fleeting deer on the side of the road. The bright yellow interior of the case is a definite plus when looking for those small black camera things hiding on the bottom. The Velcro lined segments are very versatile if you want to customize the interior. Personally, I don't have the patience for it. It's a good bag. You shouldn't be disappointed with it. Joe

Yes, I agree. It is a well built case with high-visibility, yellow interior making it much easier to view items inside rather than looking into a black hole.

But...the cut-outs which hold a camera with an attached lens is cut lens-center. This means any SLR with a lens mounted off-center when on the body won't easily fit into the movable padded "walls." It isn't a huge issue but it is an issue. Nikon, for instance, has the lens mounted to the left of center. When it sits in the case it won't slip into the pre-cut forms as it doesn't allow for lenses not mounted in the center of the body.

It is an excellent case and very well made. The large will hold a body with lens, spare lens, charger (digital SLRs), spare battery and even a battery grip and a multitude of smaller accessories.

With the exception noted, I would recommend this to anybody needing a camera case.