Manfrotto PV-610 Backpack Review
I purchased the Manfrotto PV-610 close to a year ago to accommodate for a larger camera the Sony Fs5. I still use the Bumblebee 220 so decided to stick to Manfrotto. Dozens of flights and shoots later how does it hold up?
PROS
PROTECTION & DURABILITY I'd say the most important feature. Does it protect your gear? Dropping out of the car door, squeezing in into overhead luggage compartments and hiking it's done the job. The only issue I had was leaving the microphone handle on my fs5 the metal locking clip came off. The bag itself still looks as good as new and it includes a waterproof cover.
COMFORT Hiking up mountains and through airports I typically load this around 40lbs. With the chest and waist straps, you can hardly tell all the weight your carrying and I've been able to walk for hours without back pain. You can really tell the difference even after 5mins with just the shoulder straps it becomes unbearable.
ROOM I've often carried and FS5, A7s, Rx10mII, 70-200m, 24-70, 35mm, 10-18mm, 3 PHANTOM Batteries, 2 Hardrives, Macbook pro, 2 card cases and a ton of small batteries.
CONS
This thing is big! Be sure to buckle the waist strap or you risk hitting someone in the face as you walk down an airplane aisle. Although it is no bigger than a roll on board, if full it will not fit into the overhead compartment of a small plane.
I have a 15" Macbook Pro. You can feel it stiffen the back when you slide it in. I love the sleeve placement for protection and don't think it makes the bag uncomfortable but you do notice the difference.
I think it could use some smaller zipper compartments on the inside. I actually don't like that so many pockets open to the outside. I've zip tied them shut since you can access them from the inside.
CONCLUSION
I would highly recommend Manfrotto after owning two of their bags for years. If you just shoot SLRs I'd recommend one of their smaller bags, but if you own a larger camera like Canon's C series one of the Sony FS cameras this one certainly has the room. I prefer it keeping carrying your camera's onto a flight and still having 2 hands free for rolling checked bags.
