Two Billingham Hadleys in comparison – Hadley Pro v. Hadley (small)
Recently I was asked about the size difference between these two Billingham bags. The tan Hadley Pro is large enough to hold a Canon 5D with 17-40mm f/4 L and a 70-200mm f/2.8 L lenses. As the 70-200mm is a large lens, both length and diameter, it consumes all the extra room. Optionally, the bag will hold a Canon 5D with attached 17-40mm f/4 lens, as well as two other lenses, a 24-105mm f/4 L and an 85mm f/1.8 lens. The two front pockets will also hold your accessories. See my two previous postings on this subject. Here or here.
The small Hadley will hold a DLSR with attached lens and one other small to medium sized lens, like the 24-105mm f/4 L lens. And if you DSLR is on the small side like a Canon 450D, you have a little more room. See my other posting about the small Hadley.
Comfortwise, I find the small Hadley one of the most comfortable bags I have. I can carry this bag all day and never notice any discomfort. On the other hand, I don’t find the Hadley Pro comfortable at all. Perhaps it had to do with the overall stiffness of the bag with insert in place. It’s not one of my favorite bags and I usually use the Crumpler “seven million dollar home” or the Lowe Pro Inverse 200 AW if there’s a need to carry a larger bag. The Hadley Pro stays at home.
Removable inserts
Both Hadleys are versatile. Their inserts remove and you can use the bags in other ways. The Hadley Pro can be used as a daily work bag and will hold an A4 sheet of paper, even with the insert in place, you can place A4 size docs in the space behind the insert. Also, the snap shown in the above photo creates a divided area in the space in front of the insert.
Quality-wise, both bags are extremely well-made and can be expected to last a lifetime. The leather trim also adds to the appearance of the beautiful canvas material.
Do you think the Canon 5D with 17-40mm f/4 L attached will fit into a Hardly (Small)
Thanks!
Terence TeD
July 29, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Terence. The 5D with the 17-40 will fit in the small Hadley. As I no longer have a 5D or the 17-40, I tried my D700 with attached L bracket and attached 14-24mm f/2.8 lens. The D700 with bracket is quite a bit larger than the 5D and the 14-24 is significantly larger than the 17-40. The Nikon and attached lens fit with no problems. (By the way the 14-24mm is four inches across at the built in hood.) The attached 17-40 lens hood may be a bit wide but if its around 4 inches across, no problem. If its larger then you can detach and store in pocket until needed. The small Hadley is a nice little bag. Good luck. Leo
leolaksi
July 29, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Hello! Great blog!
Could you help? I’m trying to buy a Billingham as a present for someone with a Nikon D300. He normally has lens attached.
Would it fit ok in the Small? I need to choose and buy today for a Christmas present!
Thank you so much
Sarah
December 14, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Sarah,
Which lens does he have attached to the D300? Makes a difference. Let me know and I will post a photo of the D300 with that lens. If I don’t have that lens, I will post one of similar size.
The D300 with an attached lens will work, depending on the size of the lens.
Leo
leolaksi
December 14, 2009 at 5:22 pm
OH man, that’s great, cos I am deciding between L2 and this….
the pouch infront, can a EX530 flash be fitted in?
Terence TeD
July 29, 2009 at 3:29 pm
I don’t know about the dimensions of the EX530 but the small Hadley pockets are somewhat expansive by unsnapping a button. Depth (top to bottom) is about seven inches. That’s a guess with ruler. A snug width of 5 inches for each pocket and a width of 2 1/2 to three inches. These measures are per pocket.
leolaksi
July 29, 2009 at 3:37 pm
The L2 is one internal pocket from end to end.
leolaksi
July 29, 2009 at 3:38 pm