Oh no another bag thread.....Billigham 307 or 555?

Chris_911

Chris_911

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Chris Tarling
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I have a Think Tank back pack and a Think Tank Retrospective 10 shoulder bag. I also have a very old Billingham (225 I think - not big).

The Think Tank back pack is great for days out walking and either of my other bags are great for travelling light. However, I am feeling the need for a shoulder bag that can hold a significant amount of gear in a highly accessible way. I shoot pets (horses & dogs mainly) and the backpack is not the best solution for client shoots.

I want to be able to carry:

D810 body with grip
D810 body w/out grip
24-70 f2.8
70-200 f2.8
At least one prime up to Sigma 150mm macro size.
Nikon SB-900 flashgun
Batteries, cards, light meter.

I've been thinking about another Bellingham - love the traditional looks and build quality.

One of my criticisms of the (old) Billingham I have is that equipment is quite awkward to get out of the main compartment as it only really gives you a zipped opening. Then I saw the 307 and the fact that it has a 'gladstone' bag type opening which eliminates this issue. But I'm not sure it is sufficiently large.

The 555 is probably as large as I'd want to with a shoulder bag but I don't believe has this 'gladstone' type opening.

Is there anybody on here that has experience of one or the other, or better still both?

TIA
 
Hi Chris

I own a few Billinghams and also own or have owned roughly the gear you've listed. You won't get it in the 307, that I am sure.

You may not need to go as big as the 555, possibly the 445 would do the job but it might be borderline if you want lenses mounted to the bodies permanently. I currently use a 445 for stuff other than camera gear and that thing is stuffed to the gills with, well, stuff.....

The largest section will take a gripped D800 + 14-24mm sat on its side, upright or on its back with enough space in the same section for a at least an unmounted 24-70 stood up (and maybe even a 70-200 - I sold mine so can't confirm) plus an ungripped D800.

The second largest section could take a 24-70 x2 in the 2 inner pockets to give you an idea of available space. Then there are 2 additional front pockets for odds & ends and a zipped doc' pocket on the back.

Regarding access to the 445/555, I use a new 225 for my M43 gear and when you unzip it you can tuck the zippered edges behind the sewn in lining which gives great, unhindered access. This feature isn't on my very old 445 but have a feeling it is something that they've integrated on all the 5 Series bags - I'd double check that.

Build quality is amazing. These bags will last a lifetime. I've got 6 Billinghams (yes, I know) of varying sizes and designs and use them for everything from camera stuff to use as a man bag. I personally prefer their Fibrenyte bags over the canvas ones. I own both and it seems that the FN ones age slower. I wouldn't say they'd wear out slower its just that they seem to keep their colour better, particularly the darker colours.

I hope that helps. Any questions just ask.

Cheers

Mark
 
Thanks.

Hmmmmm... the 445 does look an interesting compromise - I've just found that it can be bought in Bellingham's 'Fibrenyte' material which is 10% lighter than the canvas, and should be at least as hard wearing.
 
Had a look at both the 445 and 555 side by side today. Undecided what to do. I'm just not sure the 445 is quite big enough for what I want. I'd really like the answer to be the 445 (it's a 'good' size and available in the FibreNyte material) but....

The main compartment of the 445 looks to me to be only suitable for two f2.8 lenses, and I'm not sure the other zipped compartment is suitable for lenses (I think not). I definitely want to be able to carry two bodies, one with a battery grip. Beyond that I think it's a minimum of three lenses.

I feel pushed towards the bigger bag - but am I misinterpreting the size of the 445?

The super flex inserts that er supplied with the 445 seem too small to accommodate a 24-70 f2.8 and a 70-200 f2.8 - certainly not with their hoods attached, so will doubtless have to buy larger inserts.
 
Ive got both love billys 445 fibre, after a while they loosen up, so easy to get stuff in and out, but i think 445 is on your limit but is possible with the 2 padded front compartments. now the 555 is the biggest bag billingham make it would fit all your gear but its big to carry all day.
i use mine for moving my gear about. got some inserts from china they are great different sizes cost peanuts Amazon.best of luck, i'm staying away from that web site above its pure porn:D

PS. i carry my canon V1 body in 1 of the padded front compartments fits in nicely and its not small.
 
Last edited:
Hoof said:
Ive got both love billys 445 fibre, after a while they loosen up, so easy to get stuff in and out, but i think 445 is on your limit but is possible with the 2 padded front compartments. now the 555 is the biggest bag billingham make it would fit all your gear but its big to carry all day.
i use mine for moving my gear about. got some inserts from china they are great different sizes cost peanuts Amazon.best of luck, i'm staying away from that web site above its pure porn:D

PS. i carry my canon V1 body in 1 of the padded front compartments fits in nicely and its not small.
Click to expand...
Thanks.

Yes I am coming to the conclusion that the 555 is the only one that will fulfil my needs.
 
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