Customer Reviews

Tamrac 5534 Adventure Messenger 4 Camera Bag (Gray/Black)

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

See full pictorial review here http://www.cambags.com/nikon/d70/shoulder/tamrac_5534_adventure_messenger_4_frames.htm

Though I've owned several bags over the years, like a typical photographer, I'm always adding more and searching for the perfect bag. Of course this is a misnomer in itself. Anyway, recently I've decided to go the two bag route, one bag for all my gear and travel (to get my gear where I'm going) and one day bag for when I get there, something that can be packed empty into a suitcase.

After much research I thought I had settled on the perfect combination, a Domke F-803 for day use and a Think Tank Airport Antidote for all my gear and as a carry-on (I've not ordered this yet but all reviews point to satisfaction!). The first bit of the plan was to pick up the Domke F-803.

I had looked at one briefly in a store and knew I liked the simplicity and utilitarianism, both big plusses to me. I ordered it and was fairly disappointed. The Domke was pretty much everything I had anticipated except for a couple things; it's too thin (front to back) and the included insert is too tall. Both of these variables negated using my Nikon D70s lens down,

the bag does not accommodate the height of the camera (front to back) nor the thickness (the body sticks out of the top of the bag). Obviously some

of this could be remedied by a shorter insert, it would still however be a tight squeeze front to back.

This led me to another search and I found the Tamrac Adventure Messenger 4. The dimensions were similar to the Domke with the exception that the Tamrac

was at least an additional 1.5" front to back. This difference alone was enough to make a considerable difference. Also, in contrast to the single

insert included with the Domke, the Tamrac has a multiple segmented divider system, typical of Tamrac bags, this made it very easy to adjust the bag to

fit my D70s with 18-70mm lens down with ample room on either side for additional lenses or other gear. The build on the Tamrac is not as simple

or utilitarian as the Domke's canvas, but it serves the same purpose being very pliable, still looking fairly non-descript (it looks like a standard

messenger bag) and lighter than the canvas to boot.

So far I've easily packed the following:

- D70s w. 18-70mm lens down center

- 50mm 1.8

- Medium Rocket blower

- Several filters 67-77mm range in cases

- 2x SB-600 strobes

- Cleaning gear, cloths, etc.

- Memory cards

I could fit at least 1-2 additional lenses plus other smaller gear as I've

not used either the front zipper pouch nor the back pouch. There is also a

cell phone size pouch on the right side of the bag that I've not used yet.

Plusses:

- Small enough for a day bag but big enough to carry quite a lot.

- Nice fabric, supple, conforms to body

- long strap for wearing cross shoulder

- good padding, not too thick though (i.e. low bulk factor)

- quick release buckle, easy one-handed operation

- small amount of velcro on flap, keeps the bag shut but isn't obtrusive

- price, half the price of the Domke

- covert, doesn't really look like a camera bag

Neutrals (I don't really have any minuses), there are only a few:

- the buckle works well but I prefer the brass snap of the Domke

- probably not as tough as canvas but time will tell

- not as utilitarian as I like, I prefer the Plain Jane Domke look and feel

That's it. Overall, I'd have to say this is as good a bag as I've found in a long time. For people who like shoulder bags I'm glad the makers are

finally sidling up to thinner deeper bags in the messenger style. For additional reference I've also owned a Crumpler 7 Million Dollar Home which

was, to me, over padded, heavy and very stiff.

Looked at a few different Tamrac bags and settled on this one. It has plenty of room for my Nikon D80, 50mm, 18-200, Speedlight SB-600, and all the extra cards and batteries. Even with all this in there it is not cramped and has a little room to spare. Though don't let this lead you to think the bag is huge. It's not a bag you'd buy for a compact camera, but it's size makes it easy to sling over your shoulder and feel like it doesn't get in your way or is too heavy.

Pros: Comfortable to carry, good size for the body and a couple lenses, well priced, quality brand, offer some room to increase what you bring with you.

Cons: May be too large for those wishing to just carry the SLR body and a single lens.

I purchased this to carry around all my camera and related gear and it really does a very nice job. My wife likes to pass off the cell phone, camera, maps and other papers she collects to me as we go along. With this, my pockets aren't bulging with all of it and everything has a nice spot. I only wish I could figure a way to attach my mono-pod to it, its a bit too long for the bag.

The bag is light but cushy and strong. I like it very much.

Bought this bag and am returning it.

Pros:

-Configurable interior compartments.

-Design is OK. Not super stealth but pretty inconspicuous.

-Fairly large front pouch for accessories.

-Easy to get to camera.

-Roomy.

Cons:

-Too easy to get to camera/equipment. Even when shut as tight as possible, you can easily reach in from the side and grab your camera. This was the deal breaker for me. I can just see water/dust making it's way into the main compartment.

-Almost no padding on the top cover (where your LCD is facing up).

-Kinda cheap build quality. OK for the price but the materials definitely seemed kinda cheap to me.

-Loud velcro closure on for main compartment. A negative if you want to open this bag in a quiet area.

I would not recommend this bag and am surprised that it has so many good reviews.

getting around town. Bought this messenger style bag to compliment a huge backpack style camera bag. The Tamrac Adventure is large enough to fit my Sony Alpha A100, a 70-300mm telephoto lens, the 18-70mm kit lens attached and a 50mm prime. I also throw in a flash. There is plenty enough room for media cards, cellphones or a PDA. With all this, the bag does not weigh too much and everything fits snug, but not too tight. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for an around the town style bag.

The reason that I bought this particular bag was because I wanted something different than your usual camera bag. Usually, you can buy some generic bag from the store, or you can get a slightly upgraded version from the manufacturer.

But this bag is different. It isn't your typical Camera bag with multiple small and useless compartments that wont help you do anything. It is simply a camera bag that is shaped like a messenger bag - that concept in itself was completely new to me. Included are multiple inserts for this bag with velcro on the sides. The inserts are adjustable to accomodate your camera even with a small telephoto lens attached. The camera is 'mounted' as you set it in side on two of these support adjustments and the lens simply 'hangs' while still being attached to the camera.

There are three columns that come with the inserts already in place. While you are free to change it, I left it as is and placed my camera on the middle column, and two lenses on either side. Each column is large enough to accomodate two smaller lenses, or one telephoto lens each.

Included are just three main pockets: one on the camera bag flap, which I found useful for storing the cords that I used often; one on the side that easily accomodates a cell phone or Ipod or other accessory; and one on the front, as shown in the picture. I can hold any accesories that you may need: memory cards, flash drives, ipods, expo discs, UV filters. I actually used it for a small point and shoot that I had just in case.

Also included is a fabric on the back of the case that allows you to hook the case over the bag of your upright luggage for trips to the airport where you have to roll your biggest luggage thing around everywhere.

I bought this because I wanted a case that didn't look like a camera case, and I got just that. I could walk down the street and no one would think differently that I had a camera, or just papers inside of it. It is smaller than your typical messenger bag, but for someone like me who doesn't like to carry a lot of stuff around: it works great.

I don't recommend this case if you're anything more than an Obsessed Amateur who needs to carry around multiple lenses and other gear, because it isn't made to carry a lot: just the basics.

Cons: there is no handle on the top of the bag. There is a shoulder strap, and also a handle on the side, so that it is carried at a 45 degree angle when picked up. It would've been nice to have one on top.

the pockets on the inside (shown) weren't very well made. They were too lose, and most stuff that i would put in there would just fall out anyway, so I didn't use the puches, just the zip pocket.

the shoulder strap could've been longer. At it's fullest length, it was a bit short.

I was looking for a lighter weight bag for days I don't want to carry my entire backpack. I first purchased the Lowepro Nova 170AW, and while the features and size were great, I couldn't help but feel like I had an insulated lunch cooler around my shoulder. The Tamrac looks inconspicous and is a great size for comfortably carrying my big Canon 50D with lens on, a couple of additional lenses, flash, filters, etc.

CONS: Wish the strap attached via swivels instead of being sewed directly to the bag as I foresee the strap twisting getting annoying (and it DOES twist). The top flap attached by one buckle is the only thing keeping the gear in the bag. This is great for easy access, but it would be nice if there was an option to zip the compartment shut for added safety. Also, I wouldn't feel overly comfortable if I was caught in the rain with this bag, as the sides of the flap are somewhat exposed.

Overall, a good looking bag that will see plenty of use from me.

I was at the beach recently waiting for the Blue Angels air show and the sky just opened up. I was about 1/2 mile from the car and had no real cover. I had to walk/run through the absolute downpour and lightning (four people got hit... eek) with this bag holding my camera body, 3 lenses, a charger, microfiber clothes, USB adapters, etc.

If you have this bag and turn on your bathroom shower and walk in with it, then you'll have an idea of what I put it through. When I finally got to my car I unlatched it and opened it up to find my camera and lenses all perfectly dry. YAY! Inside the front zipper pouch... my battery charger and usb adapters... dry! YAY! Unzipped the front (top) flap pouch... my micro fiber clothes and remote... SOAKED!!! Apparently that section is not waterproof. The back section also has a small zipper pouch but I never put anything in there. The soaked cloths kind of bothered me since I couldn't wipe up the fogged lenses. The remote still worked fine (thank goodness). I'm very very happy with this bag. ALWAYS GO WITH WATERPROOF! This won't help if you drop it in the lake, but in a heavy rainstorm... it is heaven-sent.

Well designed bag. Looked at the Crumplers but decided that the Tamrac bag was more economical. The Tamrac had all the features I needed and was the right size. We have a Nikon D80 with two lenses ( 18-135 and 70-300), an SB800 flash and camera accessories. There is still room for a few more items, like a small digital camera and/or a small video camera. The padded dividers that come with the camera bag allow you to create about 5 or 6 chambers, plus you have exterior and side pockets.

I love how sleek/slender this bag is - no bulk like typical bags. I'm not fond of the "adjustable inserts", but overall its a great bag.