Just like with cameras, there is no perfect model for camera bags either. Each photographer has different needs and ideas about the perfect transport bag for their equipment. The selection of different models is gigantic and continues to grow steadily. New models are constantly being developed and brought to the market by sometimes new providers. One relatively unknown provider of camera bags, among other photo accessories, is the Chinese brand VSGO.
VSGO offers various shoulder bags and backpacks. In this article, let’s take a look at the VSGO Black Snipe Series, specifically the VSGO Camera Shoulder Bag 3L.
VSGO Camera Shoulder Bag 3L
VSGO offers the Sling Bag in two sizes, 3L and 6L. In this review, we will focus on the 3-liter version. Right away, it’s a compact bag. If you’re looking for a bag for two medium-format cameras plus lenses and a flash, this is not the right choice. It’s a bag for a small photo tour, a day bag for travel or everyday use when you only want to carry minimal equipment.
The VSGO bag is currently only available in black. The outer material is mostly a coated fabric that is lightly brushed and also water-resistant. The size is 340 x 175 x 80 mm. The camera bag is divided into three compartments, all closed separately with a zipper.
The front compartment is accessible by lifting the flap held by a magnet. In this compartment, there is enough space for items like pens, cables, cleaning wipes, and other small items. There is also a adjustable attachment for a keychain.
In the middle is the main compartment of the VSGO bag, where the camera is placed. The compartment can be divided with two dividers, which can be freely attached with Velcro. Additionally, there is a small compartment on the back, as found in many camera bags. In this model, the space is sufficient for a notebook or a thin smartphone. However, a tablet or laptop will not fit here.
As mentioned, the space in this compartment is limited and quickly filled. A medium-sized 35mm SLR with a compact lens will definitely fit. Depending on the lens, there is still room for a prime lens and some rolls of film in the compartment.
A combination of two compact cameras, such as a Yashica T4 and an Olympus XA, and some 35mm films works without problems. Even a foldable medium-format camera with films and an external light meter is a conceivable combination.
With an instant camera, space becomes tight. Perhaps an Instax Mini model or a Polaroid SX-70 with one or two packs of film might fit. However, if you want to take a Polaroid 600 model, you should opt for a different bag.
The last compartment, which rests against the body, is also opened and closed with a zipper. It is divided into two sections, with the divider having five compartments for memory cards. These compartments have the perfect dimensions for an SD card but without a plastic case.
In the back compartment, you can store your batteries, and the SD holders are perfect for button cells, a notebook, lens filters, or even an external battery for the smartphone. The larger the item you place in this compartment, the less flexible the bag will lie against the body.
All compartments are lined with a black, synthetically coated material. The material is soft, does not attract dust, and is easy to clean. The middle compartment is also lightly padded.
Depending on how the camera is filled, you can adjust the straps on the sides of the main compartment tighter or looser. On one side, there is also a buckle that can be opened.
The VSGO Sling Bag can be worn in different ways. Either you wear it just above the waist, on the back above the hip, or of course, over the shoulder on the side. The wide strap can be adjusted quickly and flexibly and should be suitable for most body sizes. At the ends of the strap, where it is connected to the camera, there are buffers to cushion the weight.
A nice and practical detail is found on the front. The round design element holds a metal coin magnetically. This is useful for tripod screws or even for some analog cameras with a battery compartment that needs to be opened. The magnet is strong enough, reducing the risk of losing it.
On the bottom of the bag, there are two adjustable loops. Here, a small travel tripod can be attached. Of course, you could also attach a small folding screen or a water bottle, depending on the shape.
Is the VSGO bag a recommendation?
The VSGO Sling Bag 3L is a high-quality camera bag. It is well-made, and all materials give a valuable and durable impression. The design is very discreet and understated but still stylish. They have refrained from using large logos, etc.
The camera bag has an empty weight of around 480 grams. In the empty state, it can also be folded very compactly. In this state, it can be easily stored in a suitcase or backpack during travels.
The strap is soft and wide, but there is no padding. If you are sensitive to this, keep this in mind. Of course, this is less of an issue, literally, with a smaller bag than with a large bag with heavy equipment.
In my opinion, the interior of the compartments should have been lined with a lighter material. Especially in poor lighting conditions, you can’t see much, and this makes searching for small and dark objects, especially in the middle compartment, more difficult.
What I personally miss is a small handle on the top. If the bag is lying somewhere, it would be easier to lift it. It would also be nice if you could temporarily remove the loop for the tripod.
Overall, the VSGO Sling Camera Bag 3L is a recommendation. If you are looking for a camera bag of this size for your analog photo equipment, you should definitely take a look at this model.
