Hitting your goal on Kickstarter is one thing, but to absolutely kill the competition by making something that truly stands out and brings a follower base stronger than any other brand brings real value. Langly has humble beginnings, as they started their first campaign on Kickstarter a few years ago, hoping to bring their simple goal to life. Now, they have over 170,000 followers on Instagram and plenty of social backing to keep them building for years to come, while also launching one new accessory after another.
For this bag review and any review, I like to fully test the bag in a few areas, including everyday ease of use and on-location shoots, as well as overall look/appeal and durability. With those all in mind, this bag does not disappoint, bringing a class of sophistication and practicality I have only found in few products in the past. Each bag is built by hand from military-grade canvas and brass hardware. The bag's lower section contains a large compartment that includes customizable dividers that can be removed completely for even more space. The top section puts the perfect rucksack at your fingertips, with a fast access over-the-top flap and pencil/accessory holders, perfect for SD cards and cords. The back of the bag is a zippered section that can fit a 15-inch laptop with room to spare for files or books.
Overall daily use was fantastic. It has been a few years since I have used a full size backpack as my daily carry, but to and from the office tasks were perfect, while I could still store my camera gear and even gym clothes or my lunch all within the top compartment. For short or even full day or weekend shoots, the bag came into full usage, as adding the dividers to the base for lenses, flash and camera body, I was able to leave the top for SD cards and quick access items for the day's shoot. I have to admit that I'm a huge believer in a small sling pack for much of my shoots, but it was a nice change of pace to be able to balance the weight of all my gear evenly across my shoulders for once.
What I liked:
- Smooth and beautiful waxed canvas, which is also waterproof
- Wears very well with time and use
- The top and bottom options leave me able to keep clothes in the rucksack with camera gear in the base
- Laptop sleeve big enough for a 15-inch laptop and files/folders
- Wide array of pockets and storage options with clasps and zipper
- A huge combination of inside slots and compartments for the bottom half (dividers not pictured)
- Back portion has plenty of padding in comparison to other camera bags
What could use improvement:
- Clasps could be a bit smoother, too clunky for everyday use to get in and out of the bag easily at times
- Shoulder straps could use a bit more padding
- Side pouches are small and harder to get into with the width of the zipper portion being so small
The number of photographers flooding Instagram in some of the most epic scenic landscapes with this bag in tow is one way the brand has brought itself to the forefront with young professionals. What do you think? Is it simply another camera bag company or one that is paving a way that photographers are truly catching onto and finding a purpose for an all-around accessory for shooters?
Previous luxury camera bags, such as the ONA Leather Union Street, carry the same category of look and feel. They attract the more sophisticated photographer that wants form and function in an accessory. Both brands make beautiful products, but if you are wanting to get into something that has more of a rugged and outdoor look and feel, go with the Langly Alpha Pro. It's by far one of my favorite bags to date and something I have enjoyed using each and every day.
[via Langly]
I love the look, but I never see any images of how/what people fill them up with
agreed! I skimmed thru the videos, and wrote the bag off when I failed to see a single image of how cameras/kits fit inside of it.
Sorry for that, I honestly dont care much gear but I used it for all kinds of creative uses for art gear and a few camera accessories. Its a huge bag and could easily fit many if not all lens options on the market for the most part.
This video review by Tony Northrup of the bag is great https://youtu.be/DAzcwnsdVEo?t=4m3s
I agre and mentioned some of th eissues he has here with the small side pockets. The one thing I could disagree with would be the space in the bottom portion. I actually took the padding out and it nearly doubled the space I had to work with in the bottom of the bag which was great. Yes it lost that padded goodness but the bag is strong enough to withstand a punch or two. It does have it flaws thougha nd in that case they are pretty bad ones like he says.
What's the weight distribution like? I've heard from a couple people now that it seems (when loaded) to be pretty darn top heavy and will tip over easily when sitting down.
I have to agree when the top is loaded with stuff and the bottom is lacking then it does fall forward. I always found myself leaning it againts something which sucked. Overall though I would keep camera and lenses and big items in the bottom and then maybe a spare camera or small stuff up top like clothes that way it would stay weight to the base.
its nice to see a camera bag that doesnt look like a camera bag. over the years, my go to solution: buy inserts and put them insides of my daily bags. either jackspade tote/brief or other non camera bag looking bags...
Elusive?
It elusive due to the fact its become so infamous for Instagrammers and pro photographers on Instagram to use them and post photos of them while traveling. I have seen it EVERYWHERE. Ha
Hmmm. I don't think you know what that word means. :) Maybe you meant ubiquitous?
elusive: "difficult to find, catch, or achieve"
I am interested as well, but they should take more picture. It has many pockets and stuff, but I can't spend 250 blindfolded...
I hate these old-fashioned metal buckles. They're slow and require two hands to open & close, and they pose a scratch risk. Nice retro look, but an obstacle to fast or frequent access.