Manfrotto MBAG80N unpadded tripod bag review

Tripods are awkward to transport and store, and to make matters worse, they’re often supplied without a bag or case. If you want to use your tripod more, a bag is a good way to get it out of the closet.

As one of the leading manufacturers of tripods, Manfrotto unsurprisingly makes several bags. Their padded and unpadded MBAG range shares several features, including a preformed (padded) ‘cap’ for protecting pricey tripod/video heads, a padded base, a full-length two-way zip with zip pulls, and an adjustable shoulder strap.

Padded variants are suffixed with PN after the length, while N indicates unpadded. So, for example, my unpadded Manfrotto 80cm bag has the moniker MBAG80N. The main difference between the two types is that the PN version has padding on the sides as well as a zipped inner pocket.

Sizes are available from 60cm up to 120cm (actually 60/70/75/80/90/100/120), though the 60cm is only available unpadded. Longer models, from 90cm and up, also come with grip handles.

Sitting somewhere in the middle, the MBAG80N and the padded 80cm variant, the MBAG80PN, are likely the most popular in the range. Neither comes with grip handles now, but an earlier version did. Although I think it would be better if this midsize model still had them, the shoulder strap can double as a makeshift grip without too much trouble, especially when shortened.

In Use

The asymmetric shape is quite extreme – the preformed cap with an indented Manfrotto icon is some 21cm in diameter, but it’s angled. On the longest side, the bag measures 80cm in length, while the top is some 60cm from the cap edge to the bottom, where it tapers to just 13mm in diameter. So it’s not as roomy around the leg section as you might expect.

I bought the bag to hold three compact Manfrotto light stands (Nano 001B), each complete with an adjustable adaptor for holding a flashgun. However, it will only hold two, albeit with room for a couple of flashguns. Part of the reason for my confusion is due to the marketing material and the lack of clearly defined measurements for each model.  However, from a bit of research, I suspect the padded version (MBAG80PN) is larger in overall volume. Oh well. On the plus side, it can easily take either of my two Gitzo tripods (2/5 series) with heads or a Benbo Trekker, which I sometimes use as a lighting stand.

While I’m not a fan of the design of the oversized cap, I suspect it was intended to offer protection to 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 open it all the way to the bottom of the bag, leaving the cap in place if so desired.

All stitching from the shoulder strap and grab-handle on the bottom is reinforced, and the straps appear to be heavy-duty seat-belt-type webbing.

Summing Up

The Manfrotto MBAG80N is made to a very high standard and, while Manfrotto don’t specify what the outer fabric is exactly, it appears durable. It has a relatively soft ‘hand’ and feels quite grippy as opposed to something like ballistic nylon, which is smooth and almost silky to the touch. As the bag is not lined, the waterproof PU coating is exposed, which might present a problem after a while. A nice touch, though, is the padded base, which isn’t mentioned in any marketing material and, as a particularly vulnerable area, should go towards prolonging the life of the bag.

As for the price, at around £39 inc VAT, it’s a steal and easily one of the best value tripod bags available.

What’s hot

Good access
Incredibly well made
Preformed cap protects tripod head
Reinforced stitching on shoulder strap
Padded base
Price

What’s not

Somewhat gimmicky icon on cap
Bag unlined, exposing PU coating
No grab handles

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