In summary
This bag would suit photographers who want to travel light but at the same time require their equipment to be well-protected. It would be a good choice for travellers with a DSLR or CSC twin-lens kit, particularly if they like to take a small laptop with them.
Full review
Manfrotto’s Allegra line of bags comes in four sizes, designated with the numbers 10, 15, 30 and 50. Each has a shoulder strap and a removable camera insert plus a slip pocket for a laptop computer or tablet PC. The bags in this series include additional pockets for small personal items like phones, wallets and keys. Three colours are available: black, blue and dove. We received the Allegra-30 bag for this review.
The Allegra-30 bag in use. (Source: Manfrotto.)
The Allegra-30 bag is compact enough to meet the carry-on luggage restrictions of most airlines. Its removable camera insert can hold a small DSLR or average-sized CSC with one lens attached plus space for one additional lens (or two, if they’re small and stackable vertically).
The camera insert, removed from the bag and packed with an Olympus OM-D E-M5 camera with 75-30mm lens attached plus an additional 14-42mm lens.
The insert closes with a zip that runs around three of its four sizes and the entire insert is padded and has a moulded lid made with Thermoforming technology for extra protection of the contents. The insert is secured via a dedicated slot inside the bag and held in place with a Velcro closure.
There’s enough space on either side of the insert to pack in additional lenses and/or a charger and cable. You could also fit a small water bottle on one side and a lightweight nylon jacket on the other.
Shallow pockets with zip closures on either side of the insert mounting provide space for memory cards and extra battery. Removing the camera insert converts the Allegra-30 into a regular shoulder bag that could hold a change of underwear plus cosmetics and other personal items for an overnight stay.
The Allegra-30 bag, shown with the camera insert removed to reveal the internal zippered pockets and phone pocket in the lid. (Source: Manfrotto.)
Allegra-30 bags can accommodate a 13-inch laptop. The laptop slip pocket is behind the camera insert and extends the full width of the bag. It’s lined with bright orange material, which makes it easy to see exactly where the computer is enabling it to be easy to insert and remove. A zippered pocket in the lid of the bag accepts most smart-phones.
The Dove colour version of the Allegra-30 bag, shown with a 13-inch laptop plus personal items. (Source: Manfrotto.)
Two relatively deep pockets are located on the front panel, just behind the Velcro pads that secure the top flap. Each had a zipper closure. These pockets are large enough to hold a wallet and/or coin purse and a passport plus folded travel documents.
The shoulder strap is made from relatively thick webbing and is very strong and secure and unlikely to wrinkle or lose its flatness. It’s long enough to suit the tallest wearer and can be adjusted with a buckle clamp. The bag can be worn with the strap over the shoulder or across the chest and, in either configuration, it’s easy to access the contents of the bag as the lid is large enough to extend across the width of the bag.
The Blue version of the Allegra-30 bag with a compact tripod attached. (Source: Manfrotto.)
A pair of adjustable straps with clamp closures, located on the base of the Allegra-30 enables users to carry a compact tripod. The straps can be easily tightened to secure the tripod in position. It’s a good match for the Manfrotto Befree tripod kit, which can be carried with or without its protective bag.
Who’s it For?
This bag would suit photographers who want to travel light but at the same time require their equipment to be well-protected. It would be a good choice for travellers with a DSLR or CSC twin-lens kit, particularly if they like to take a small laptop with them.
SPECS
External dimensions (wxlxh): 140 x 390 x 245 mm
Internal main compartment dimensions (wxlxh): 130 x 355 x 240 mm
Camera insert dimensions (wxlxh): 100 x 150 x 165 mm
Laptop compartment dimensions (wxlxh):30 x 35 x 240 mm
Weight: 860 grams
Colour options: Black, Blue, Dove
Features: Adjustable webbing shoulder strap, Velcro and clip closures, pockets for personal items (phone, wallet, keys, pens etc.)
Rating
RRP: AU$94.95
- Construction: 9.0
- Design: 9.0
- Versatility: 9.0