Fuji XT-1 with ONA Prince or Brixton or Tenba DNA 11

[ryan2007]

Hi All,

Would anyone have experience/opinion on the Ona Prince or Brixton or Tenba DNA 11

This is for the XT-1, 10-24,23 prime and 56 mainly. Essentially body with 3 - 4 lenses or a flash in place of a lens.

I was looking at the Think Tank Retro's again, Great bags, but I am thinking some weather protection a good thing.

I did try out the Billingham Hadley Pro, but I think the bag is too tall by a couple inches.

Thanks

 

[digitalfuzion]

Hi All,

Would anyone have experience/opinion on the Ona Prince or Brixton or Tenba DNA 11

This is for the XT-1, 10-24,23 prime and 56 mainly. Essentially body with 3 - 4 lenses or a flash in place of a lens.

I was looking at the Think Tank Retro's again, Great bags, but I am thinking some weather protection a good thing.

I did try out the Billingham Hadley Pro, but I think the bag is too tall by a couple inches.

Thanks

I have tried both the One Prince Street and the Brixton, both in the dark leather. I ended up choosing the Prince Street for my needs. I only carry my XT-1, 23, and 14. Surprisingly, I had both bags side by side and there is a significant size dfference, moreso that what is depicted on the Ona site in my opinion. I think the Prince Street would be a good fit for your kit, one lens mounted to the body, and a lens on either side. The front pockets on the Prince are alot smaller than that of the Brixton, almost to the point of being useless. I can fit a iPad mini in the back sleeve, I think a MacBook Air might fit as well, but it would be a tight fit. Overall, I'm happy with my choice, it's a sharp looking bag and it rides/carries well.

I have a few Think Tank bags, including the Retro 10, which easily would fit all your kit with more room to spare. Their bags are pretty weatherproof, especially with the included rain cover.

I've never had a Billingham, so I can't say much about them.

Cheers!

Chris

 

[ryan2007]

Hi All,

Would anyone have experience/opinion on the Ona Prince or Brixton or Tenba DNA 11

This is for the XT-1, 10-24,23 prime and 56 mainly. Essentially body with 3 - 4 lenses or a flash in place of a lens.

I was looking at the Think Tank Retro's again, Great bags, but I am thinking some weather protection a good thing.

I did try out the Billingham Hadley Pro, but I think the bag is too tall by a couple inches.

Thanks

I have tried both the One Prince Street and the Brixton, both in the dark leather. I ended up choosing the Prince Street for my needs. I only carry my XT-1, 23, and 14. Surprisingly, I had both bags side by side and there is a significant size dfference, moreso that what is depicted on the Ona site in my opinion. I think the Prince Street would be a good fit for your kit, one lens mounted to the body, and a lens on either side. The front pockets on the Prince are alot smaller than that of the Brixton, almost to the point of being useless. I can fit a iPad mini in the back sleeve, I think a MacBook Air might fit as well, but it would be a tight fit. Overall, I'm happy with my choice, it's a sharp looking bag and it rides/carries well.

I have a few Think Tank bags, including the Retro 10, which easily would fit all your kit with more room to spare. Their bags are pretty weatherproof, especially with the included rain cover.

I've never had a Billingham, so I can't say much about them.

Cheers!

Chris

Fantastic thanks for getting back.I'm just gonna do it, and give the Ona prince a try out.

I can still order from B&H before they close again for a few days!

 

[pmow]

Brixton was a bit big for mirroless, and still doesn't store tripods so not much reason for me to get it. Retrospective was a bit wide but my biggest problem is that it was expensive for what you get.

Billingham is a bit contemporary (?) for my taste, but that's just a preference.

DNA 11 is a technical bag, great latches. Still though, nylon.

I had my doubts with the Ona because of the price. But when I was able to touch it at the local Leica store I decided to pull the trigger. The DNA 11 is frankly too thick, although it was the primary alternative in my shopping. (I like traveling light and if you're in the market for this size, you have very few options!)

Surprisingly I've packed for a Europe trip now and I've managed to fit:

1. X-T1
2. X-E1
3. Zeiss 12/2.8
4. Fuji 35/1.4
5. Fuji 27/2.8
6. Grad ND filter for small lenses (55mm) and step-up ring for 27.
7. Grad ND filter for larger lens (72mm) and step-up for 12.
8. Extra Batteries
9. SD cards
10. Fuji X-T1 kit flash
11. USB 3 card reader/writer
12. Joby Micro Hybrid Tripod
13. MeFoto "Backpacker" 13 inch Travel Tripod (on top of compartment)
14. Microsoft Surface Pro 3

There isn't much space in the bag not being taken up. More importantly, it doesn't look like a camera bag at all. I often use the bag commuting into work, it's smaller than my other messenger bag.

 

[ryan2007]

Thanks for your reply, it is helpful!

 

[ScottD1964]

I've got a leather Brixton as my primary bag for my Fuji kit. Currently it holds the following;

X100S

X-E2

X-T1 w/battery grip

8mm Rokinon FE

35 f1.4

56 f1.2

55-200 f3.5-4.8

filter pouch

Battery pouch with 5 extra batteries

2 chargers and memory cards

still have room for one more lens under the X100S

i just picked up a Bowery for a small carry around bag for only a few items at a time.

Scott

 

[ryan2007]

I've got a leather Brixton as my primary bag for my Fuji kit. Currently it holds the following;

X100S

X-E2

X-T1 w/battery grip

8mm Rokinon FE

35 f1.4

56 f1.2

55-200 f3.5-4.8

filter pouch

Battery pouch with 5 extra batteries

2 chargers and memory cards

still have room for one more lens under the X100S

i just picked up a Bowery for a small carry around bag for only a few items at a time.

Scott

One thing that looked like a design difference between the Brixton and Prince is the handle. Past that they cost maybe $10 difference and a inch or so difference (minor) at B&H.

I got the smoke canvas to try out I think it is called (grey version). I also ordered a spare set of dividers, they were $15 just in case it is a keeper and I needed to make another division etc...

 

[IslandTractor]

I've got a leather Brixton as my primary bag for my Fuji kit. Currently it holds the following;

X100S

X-E2

X-T1 w/battery grip

8mm Rokinon FE

35 f1.4

56 f1.2

55-200 f3.5-4.8

filter pouch

Battery pouch with 5 extra batteries

2 chargers and memory cards

still have room for one more lens under the X100S

i just picked up a Bowery for a small carry around bag for only a few items at a time.

Scott

One thing that looked like a design difference between the Brixton and Prince is the handle. Past that they cost maybe $10 difference and a inch or so difference (minor) at B&H.

I got the smoke canvas to try out I think it is called (grey version). I also ordered a spare set of dividers, they were $15 just in case it is a keeper and I needed to make another division etc...

All nice bags but I cannot imagine walking around with that much equipment any more than I could with a DSLR kit. I have a cheap Lowepro Event Messenger 250 that holds about the same amount of stuff but I use it only to carry the equipment on the airplane and in the car. I then select what I need for the day (body and two lenses typically) and put them in a smaller bag, or a Manfrotto field jacket or even a belt pack for walking around. That is the essential joy after all of using mirrorless equipment after all: Freedom from heavy camera bags.

 

[ScottD1964]

I've got a leather Brixton as my primary bag for my Fuji kit. Currently it holds the following;

X100S

X-E2

X-T1 w/battery grip

8mm Rokinon FE

35 f1.4

56 f1.2

55-200 f3.5-4.8

filter pouch

Battery pouch with 5 extra batteries

2 chargers and memory cards

still have room for one more lens under the X100S

i just picked up a Bowery for a small carry around bag for only a few items at a time.

Scott

One thing that looked like a design difference between the Brixton and Prince is the handle. Past that they cost maybe $10 difference and a inch or so difference (minor) at B&H.

I got the smoke canvas to try out I think it is called (grey version). I also ordered a spare set of dividers, they were $15 just in case it is a keeper and I needed to make another division etc...

All nice bags but I cannot imagine walking around with that much equipment any more than I could with a DSLR kit. I have a cheap Lowepro Event Messenger 250 that holds about the same amount of stuff but I use it only to carry the equipment on the airplane and in the car. I then select what I need for the day (body and two lenses typically) and put them in a smaller bag, or a Manfrotto field jacket or even a belt pack for walking around. That is the essential joy after all of using mirrorless equipment after all: Freedom from heavy camera bags.

That's why I picked up a Bowery. The Brixton holds everything but fully loaded weighs around 10 pounds. The Bowery fits the x100s, X-E2 w/56 and the battery pouch perfectly and weighs next to nothing

 

[spencerda]

Hi All,

Would anyone have experience/opinion on the Ona Prince or Brixton or Tenba DNA 11

This is for the XT-1, 10-24,23 prime and 56 mainly. Essentially body with 3 - 4 lenses or a flash in place of a lens.

I was looking at the Think Tank Retro's again, Great bags, but I am thinking some weather protection a good thing.

I did try out the Billingham Hadley Pro, but I think the bag is too tall by a couple inches.

Thanks

Hi,

Have the Think Tank mirrorless mover 20. A bit small for you I think, but they all come with a little rain coat. Also unless you truly go into real perlong bad weather, don't see the point about worrying about weather protection. The camera is weather sealed and most bags will take a lot of water before seeping in.

 

[WCguy]

All nice bags, don't think you will go wrong with any of those. I have two leather Bowery's, used to have the X-T1 in one of them but was a little too small having the camera with Zeiss lens,10-24 and 56 lens, 3 batteries, lens cleaners and filters.I just purchased the Prince in Smoke and love it, very well made, heavy duty with plenty of room for what I listed and more, just split one of the compartments with a horizontal spacer in half and it gives you a lower and upper compartment for two small lenses or other items.The Bowery is perfect for my RX1 (no extra lenses).I have different Billinghams also and they are excellent.Good luck. WC

 

[ryan2007]

All nice bags, don't think you will go wrong with any of those. I have two leather Bowery's, used to have the X-T1 in one of them but was a little too small having the camera with Zeiss lens,10-24 and 56 lens, 3 batteries, lens cleaners and filters.I just purchased the Prince in Smoke and love it, very well made, heavy duty with plenty of room for what I listed and more, just split one of the compartments with a horizontal spacer in half and it gives you a lower and upper compartment for two small lenses or other items.The Bowery is perfect for my RX1 (no extra lenses).I have different Billinghams also and they are excellent.Good luck. WC

 

[prometheus10]

I have the Tenba DNA 11 and the ThinkTank Retro 5. Different size bags and both very good. I find myself using the Tenba more as it is has more room to carry a book or tablet. It's very well constructed and durable and I like the look. The zipper on top is quite nice as well as it allows quick access inside without having to fully open the flap. You can also fit quite a bit into it if you want, but putting too much weight in a messenger style bag will usually lead to a sore shoulder and back later if you plan on walking around much.

 

[Cliff Beard]

For an X body with 1 lens attached and 2 spare the Ona Bowery makes an awesome day bag with room for a few batteries and cleaning cloth. If you need to carry chargers and more kit then a bigger bag is needed.

The Brixton is a pretty big bag for the X system and is rather deep, so you tend to have to stack stuff like smaller lenses in pouches, but that depth could be handy for carrying a body with one of the tele lenses mounted. You could get a 2 camera comprehensive system in the Brixton. Its versatile as it will also deal with an SLR.

The Prince Street is perhaps a better bag if you will only use X bodies and never DSLRs.

 

[ryan2007]

For an X body with 1 lens attached and 2 spare the Ona Bowery makes an awesome day bag with room for a few batteries and cleaning cloth. If you need to carry chargers and more kit then a bigger bag is needed.

The Brixton is a pretty big bag for the X system and is rather deep, so you tend to have to stack stuff like smaller lenses in pouches, but that depth could be handy for carrying a body with one of the tele lenses mounted. You could get a 2 camera comprehensive system in the Brixton. Its versatile as it will also deal with an SLR.

The Prince Street is perhaps a better bag if you will only use X bodies and never DSLRs.

Thanks for your response.

Yes, the plan for now is Fuji X will be the primary system with no plans to go back to the DSLR in the near future.

I personally like having a separate compartment for each lens. The only time I stacked lenses lately was with the X100s and the two conversion lenses that fit the Billingham Hadley Small. The X100s kit was sold last month to fund the XT-1 kit.

I did try the Hadley Pro and that for certain is too tall for Fuji X at least for me. The Think Tank City Walker 20 was an idea and if I did not mention the Domke J3 I tried and am returning yet I think the J2 is too big. No matter.

As time progresses we shall see if the X100-T or even the Panasonic LX-100 just because of the larger sensor zoom that I like that idea, finds a need.

So far as Fuji X goes I have:

10-24, 23 & 56 prime and 55-200 zoom. IMO the 23 or (35 equivalent) gives me a bit more leeway and I can zoom with my feet.

I want to audition the 16-55 mm 2.8 and 90 mm prime when they become available and decide if they fit. I have experience with the Fuji 18-55, great lens and yes less expensive to buy in kit form by saving about $200 that way. However, if the 16-55 works out for whatever reason I would not need the 18-55 and resale on that lens is not worth it (what you'd get for it) SO if I really need that middle zoom range I can spend the extra $200 which will still be less expensive than what the 16-55 will cost by a mile I am sure.

BTW, B&H Photo told me it is not uncommon for someone to order several bags and make returns as needed. Bags are hard to do over the phone or on line.

 

[jklim]

I have the Tenba DNA 11 and the ThinkTank Retro 5. Different size bags and both very good. I find myself using the Tenba more as it is has more room to carry a book or tablet. It's very well constructed and durable and I like the look. The zipper on top is quite nice as well as it allows quick access inside without having to fully open the flap. You can also fit quite a bit into it if you want, but putting too much weight in a messenger style bag will usually lead to a sore shoulder and back later if you plan on walking around much.

Would you mind listing what you can fit inside the Tenba DNA 11?

 

[prometheus10]

Would you mind listing what you can fit inside the Tenba DNA 11?

It has 3 fairly large divided padded sections. I have put 2 bodies with lens (X-T1 + 55-200, X-E1 + 35mm) and another 1-2 lenses (depending on whether or not you want to stack in the other compartment). You could also slide a full size ipad or small laptop in between the padded divider insert and the padded back section of the bag if you wanted. The entire 3 section padded insert can be removed as well leaving just an open bag to throw things in. There are a bunch of zip pockets for things like batteries, memory cards, etc.

 

[jklim]

Would you mind listing what you can fit inside the Tenba DNA 11?

It has 3 fairly large divided padded sections. I have put 2 bodies with lens (X-T1 + 55-200, X-E1 + 35mm) and another 1-2 lenses (depending on whether or not you want to stack in the other compartment). You could also slide a full size ipad or small laptop in between the padded divider insert and the padded back section of the bag if you wanted. The entire 3 section padded insert can be removed as well leaving just an open bag to throw things in. There are a bunch of zip pockets for things like batteries, memory cards, etc.

Thanks, I ordered one and will try it out

 

[Jan3x5]

I do not have any experience with ONA, but DNA 11 is the best messenger bag I have ever used. Very clever design (with all those pockets, velcro, mesh bottle pockets, quick access, protected bottom, 3rd leg strap, etc.) and well manufactured too... It works excellent even when fully loaded (in my case X-E2, 8 fisheye, 14/2.8, 23/1.4, 56/1.2, CPL filters, Lee Seven5 system, charger, flash, spare batteries, cards, etc. and laptop).

While there is absolutely nothing wrong with the bag, the strap could have been better. Yes, the strap pad is comfortable, but not breathable - not good in summer. The pad is also not a perfect fit for the strap, so it can move and bend. Last but not least, Tenba is still sticking to the same metal strap locks, which can occassionaly break (the rivet, to be more specific), as happened to me few years ago. However, nothing is perfect and the shoulder strap can be easily replaced by better 3rd party one...

 

[ryan2007]

I do not have any experience with ONA, but DNA 11 is the best messenger bag I have ever used. Very clever design (with all those pockets, velcro, mesh bottle pockets, quick access, protected bottom, 3rd leg strap, etc.) and well manufactured too... It works excellent even when fully loaded (in my case X-E2, 8 fisheye, 14/2.8, 23/1.4, 56/1.2, CPL filters, Lee Seven5 system, charger, flash, spare batteries, cards, etc. and laptop).

While there is absolutely nothing wrong with the bag, the strap could have been better. Yes, the strap pad is comfortable, but not breathable - not good in summer. The pad is also not a perfect fit for the strap, so it can move and bend. Last but not least, Tenba is still sticking to the same metal strap locks, which can occassionaly break (the rivet, to be more specific), as happened to me few years ago. However, nothing is perfect and the shoulder strap can be easily replaced by better 3rd party one...