Manfrotto MBAG120PN padded tripod bag review

After my review of the unpadded Manfrotto MBAG80N, see here, I thought I would write about the largest in the range, the padded Manfrotto MBAG120PN.

This is a beast of a bag, but I bought it to transport a beast of a tripod, the aluminium Uni-loc 1600 System Major. Without doubt, it’s a great tripod, one of my favourites for working in the field, so to speak, but it’s somewhat unwieldy to carry. After selling my Manfrotto 054B some twenty years ago, which I deeply regret (it’s one of the best studio tripods ever made and was bought for me as a gift), I decided not to make the same mistake twice, because I should have invested in a decent tripod bag.

The Manfrotto MBAG120PN is essentially a larger padded version of the MBAG80N, capable of holding a tripod and head up to 115cm in length. Like its smaller sibling, it shares several features, including a preformed (padded) ‘cap’ for protecting pricey tripod/video heads, a padded base and small grip handle, a full-length two-way zip with zip pulls, and an adjustable webbing shoulder strap.

Besides the padding, the main difference between the two, however, is that the MBAG120PN version has a heavy-gauge ballistic nylon outer and a large zipped inner pocket and adjustable grip handles on the body. The handles deserve more of a mention as they cleverly adopt quick-release buckles for accommodating any weight differences between kit. Often, the handles are placed too far forward, so the bag becomes unbalanced without more weight to the front, usually from a tripod head. With this design, you can detach one side of the handles and move them back or forward as desired.

In Use

The MBAG120PN doesn’t have an overly asymmetric shape like the MBAG80N, so there’s plenty of leg room and space for accessories in the large zippered pocket. However, it features the same preformed cap with an indented Manfrotto icon, which is some 21cm in diameter.

While I’m not a fan of the oversized cap’s design, I suspect it was intended to protect bulky video heads. Nevertheless, it provides excellent impact protection, so while I don’t like the look of it particularly, there is a practical implication to consider. The cap features a wrap-around zip, which means that you can open the bag at the top with it standing upright and remove the tripod that way. If you want to lay it down, you can

It easily takes the bulky Uni-loc tripod, and there’s plenty of room for various-sized heads. The padding feels quite dense and is around 6-7mm in depth, which offers a high level of protection. Furthermore, the outer fabric looks more durable than the lighter-weight fabric of the MBAG80N. Being much smoother, it’s easier to clean, which means I’m not too fussy about where it ends up.

Inside, the lining material and the 43cm pocket are dark coloured and quite soft, perhaps some kind of poly cotton, but it seems durable.

All stitching from the shoulder strap and grab-handles on the bottom is reinforced, and the straps appear to be heavy-duty seat-belt-type webbing. One slight shortcoming of the MBAG120PN  and its sibling is that the webbing shoulder strap is positioned underneath the bag, and when tightened in its stored position, it picks up any dirt. I don’t notice the same issue so much with the MBAG80N, as there are no grab handles. I always use the shoulder strap, so it’s loose and rarely gets trapped under the bag.

Summing Up

The Manfrotto MBAG120PN is made to a very high standard and, in many ways, is a more durable bag than the Gitzo GC4101 and GC5101 bags that I have, nice that they are.   Their ripstop fabric feels more luxurious, but the ballistic nylon is tougher and easier to clean. As for comfort, the Manfrotto MBAG120PN is loaded with a very heavy tripod; the Uni-loc weighs some 3.8 Kg (8.4 Lbs) by itself, so it’s not easy to compare directly. Still, the shoulder strap can take it easily, though mostly I carry it by the grab handles, which wrap under the bag and are well stitched to support such a load.

If I had a hand in the design, I would swap the red-coloured zips for black and change the preformed cap for something less obvious, though those are minor details. More importantly, I would add Velcro dividers internally, both length- and width-wise (in the head area), just to add a little versatility. A double-thickness end cap would also be on the list. But even without those niceties, this is a generally bomb-proof bag which is also quite reasonably priced.

At around £99 inc VAT, it’s great value. What’s more, they’re often to be found in good used condition at lower prices than you might expect. Take a look at WEX Photo (UK) [affiliate link] for competitive prices on used.

Manufacturer’s link: https://www.manfrotto.com/global-uk/camera-bags-backpacks/accessories/?vis_product_collection=329

What’s hot

Good access
Incredibly well made
Good padding
Preformed cap protects tripod head
Reinforced stitching on all straps
Grab handles can be repositioned
Price

What’s not

Somewhat gimmicky icon on cap

Check Price and Availability [Affiliate links]

Amazon UK | WEX UK

Amazon US | B&H Photo