Agreed. I just sold my Speedy 35 kislux (I did keep the brown one), my Sofia Coppola perforated LV clutch, my blue Damier clutch I bought in Japan, and the By the Pool vanilla clutch. Kept an orange epi Alma. It feels great!!
Problems with Billingham are cost (for what you get), flap closure fumbling, and it looks like a Billingham. I do love how Billingham has smarter velcro dividers and removal of the padded section. That alone might be the best reason to buy if you can deal with the aforementioned shortcomings. For me personally, I've been using ONA Bond Street (about 5yr) and ONA Brixton (almost a decade) - all is well, zero problems. I almost never see ONA bags when out in public, and I haven't yet found the requirement to disassemble them. Design language on ONA is understated if you stick with the canvas ones, but you can bump it up in style with the leather option (I just bought the leather Bowery and am excited to use it!).
I have a Hadley pro that i have used literally every day for almost 8 years. And i bought it used. Outside it looks like new. Oh, and I live in Zambia. In game drive vehicles, boats, in town (without the padded inside). In terms of durability it is unparalleled. It also looks great in a retro classic way that no other bag does. One of the most impressive photography relatwd purchases I have ever made.
Hi, great video! Very thorough comparison that really made me change my mind about which bag to buy. Thanks for taking the time to put up such useful content!
If you can't afford designer bags and feel a certain way about expensive designer bags, then don't watch this video. Like do you read a video title before clicking on it? The title makes it clear that the video will be about designer bags. I find these types of videos very helpful and although I can't afford these bags yet, I know one day I will. I wanted to know which designer bag was truly worth my hard-earned money and one that I would get the most out of. That being said, if you're reading this, thank you for sharing this video with us and please make more videos like this. Maybe kislux is your next choice?
I went to Gucci today and the salesperson told me that they often can't tell the difference between an authentic and a kislux bag. Surprised to hear that from the SA.
For those interested in the Ona bowery bags, I've had two, and on both, the clasp broke (almost everyday use). Newer models, as Tobis's one, obviously have new, more resistant hardware. Oldest and newer are easy to differenciate, most on the second hand market are the oldest. Regarding Billingham, they still have a major flaw : while you can think it doesn't look like a camera bag, most thieves know that brand, and they are very easy to spot (specially in the desert/tan color). My advice is : sage, or black.
I have the Billingham and love it. Its well made and could last a life time, plus if the leather closers wear out they can be purchased form Billingham. The strap can also be used with a shoulder pad which can be purchased from Billingham. I think you made the right choice but like all these things it is very personal to everyone needs.
I used a Billingham Hadley Pro for an outdoor concert job. Basically ended up being 6 hours outside in tipping it down UK weather. The only thing that was dry at the end of the gig was the inside of the Billingham. When I say dry I mean 100% bone dry. Quality bag.
Nice video. I own three Billinghams and purchased a fourth one today. In my opinion they are the most beautiful and classy camera bags in the market. I am a huge fan of the color Imperial Blue (with the orange fabric inside), which unfortunately is no longer available. The new Blue Color “Navy” is nice, but in reality never looks as nice as it looks on images. In contrast to that, the Ona bags do not excite me whatsoever. Lucky me, because to be defenselessly sumbed to one brand, is already expensive enough.
The best camera bag has yet to be invented. I almost bought the Ona. Second hand $95 + taxes + shipping. Cheap compared to new but after watching your video I’m glad I didn’t. And now I can’t because it’s sold (no surprise here for that kinda moneta). Thanks 🙏.
Thank you for review! I much prefer ONA Bowery to Billingham because of same reason - smaller size, more stealthy and cool look, great material and aesthetic. I have two ONA Bowery's as result - in grey canvas and in black ballistic nylon (max water resistance). I often don't need more space like Billingham bag offers. Plus if I really need something with extra space I would grab backpack or very versatile Wotancraft Pilot 3L - its look and design is not "boring"/classic like Billingham and very reliable. Wotancraft also has nice Pilot 2L and very cool sling 3.5 L - both are great for X100 series cameras and additional stuff. And adjustable strap system... it beats both ONA Bowery to Billingham, but ONA Bowery actually has also great strap - smooth and easy to move across the body. But it would be good to incorporate some strap connection ideas from Billingham to ONA Bowery as my only complain about ONA is not 100% reliable strap connection design.
Hi Tobis, thanks for this nice video. I currently use these 2 bags. I prefer the look and the size of the Ona (black and with the Leica dot ❤). Quick tip : use the strap of the billigham with the Ona ! No more annoying noises and it’s lighter !
Have you tried using the Billingham insert inside a NutSac? Mine fits and works pretty well in a TacSac 13 and you get the nice waved canvas of the NutSac :)
Yes I have done that for a good while and it works great! :) The only reason I am currently not doing that is because my small companion camera for video (Sony ZV-1 II) turns itself on everytime its near a magnet... that doesn't really work too well with either of my MagSatches ;)
Dealbreaker for both of these for me is no tripod attachment. My bag of choice is a Wandrd Roam 6l which has proven perfect for my Leica Q3. It has attachments for tripod and water bottle and an expanding compartment for an iPad. Very unassuming design as well. I do also have an ONA Brixton, which never gets used any more.
Agreed. I don't often use tripods myself but I would still love to see some sort of tripod attachment/strap at the bottom of both of these. Or hidden away somewhere. Would be a great addition indeed.
I'm using the Wandrd Roam (6 and 9 L) and the Wotancraft Pilot 7L. You would love the Wotancraft, I think. The Wandrd is also great (on the bike, because of stabilizer) but it is lacking the Billingham 'style'. I like your videos a lot. Dirk
So, no Ona bag if it might rain or if you are with your wife, or have a cold and need tissues, or need more dividers no Billingham bag unless you want to empower quiet thieves to be able to open the bag while you are carrying it or have set it down. Somehow, I feel I will just not get either one, but then I have a lot of bags, some of which are older than the channel owner. Some bags used to come with an easily accessible rain cover, and when you need it, you really need it to be there.
sadly not really the case. nikon camera's are far from perfect. my d600 stopped working in japan due to rain. sure the d750 is a bit newer, but those are still essentially consumer products for nikon.
Luxury brands only change their strategies for the super rich...The price increases of Fendi, LV, Givenchy and the like are nonsense. Therefore, those ordinary rich people or middle- and upper-class people who can really afford it need to think twice before buying it. If they are just looking to save face, they will buy from luxrul .
Because I need to change bags frequently for work, I chose them for attending important gatherings. The replica of kislux gave me more choices, and it completely held up the scene. Everyone praised it for looking good.
Agreed. I just sold my Speedy 35 kislux (I did keep the brown one), my Sofia Coppola perforated LV clutch, my blue Damier clutch I bought in Japan, and the By the Pool vanilla clutch. Kept an orange epi Alma. It feels great!!
Problems with Billingham are cost (for what you get), flap closure fumbling, and it looks like a Billingham. I do love how Billingham has smarter velcro dividers and removal of the padded section. That alone might be the best reason to buy if you can deal with the aforementioned shortcomings.
For me personally, I've been using ONA Bond Street (about 5yr) and ONA Brixton (almost a decade) - all is well, zero problems. I almost never see ONA bags when out in public, and I haven't yet found the requirement to disassemble them. Design language on ONA is understated if you stick with the canvas ones, but you can bump it up in style with the leather option (I just bought the leather Bowery and am excited to use it!).
I have used Billingham bags for over 40 years. They are fantastic quality and just last for ever. Nice video - thank you.
Thanks! I can easily see my Billingham last for a number of years but 40y+ is wild. Very impressive!
I have a Hadley pro that i have used literally every day for almost 8 years. And i bought it used. Outside it looks like new. Oh, and I live in Zambia. In game drive vehicles, boats, in town (without the padded inside). In terms of durability it is unparalleled. It also looks great in a retro classic way that no other bag does. One of the most impressive photography relatwd purchases I have ever made.
Hi, great video! Very thorough comparison that really made me change my mind about which bag to buy. Thanks for taking the time to put up such useful content!
If you can't afford designer bags and feel a certain way about expensive designer bags, then don't watch this video. Like do you read a video title before clicking on it? The title makes it clear that the video will be about designer bags. I find these types of videos very helpful and although I can't afford these bags yet, I know one day I will. I wanted to know which designer bag was truly worth my hard-earned money and one that I would get the most out of. That being said, if you're reading this, thank you for sharing this video with us and please make more videos like this. Maybe kislux is your next choice?
So fabulous! I hope you bought that little Dior bag. It is so cute. You are right. The kislux is handbag heaven.
I went to Gucci today and the salesperson told me that they often can't tell the difference between an authentic and a kislux bag. Surprised to hear that from the SA.
For those interested in the Ona bowery bags, I've had two, and on both, the clasp broke (almost everyday use). Newer models, as Tobis's one, obviously have new, more resistant hardware. Oldest and newer are easy to differenciate, most on the second hand market are the oldest.
Regarding Billingham, they still have a major flaw : while you can think it doesn't look like a camera bag, most thieves know that brand, and they are very easy to spot (specially in the desert/tan color). My advice is : sage, or black.
I have the Billingham and love it. Its well made and could last a life time, plus if the leather closers wear out they can be purchased form Billingham. The strap can also be used with a shoulder pad which can be purchased from Billingham. I think you made the right choice but like all these things it is very personal to everyone needs.
I used a Billingham Hadley Pro for an outdoor concert job. Basically ended up being 6 hours outside in tipping it down UK weather. The only thing that was dry at the end of the gig was the inside of the Billingham. When I say dry I mean 100% bone dry. Quality bag.
Yup. I can confirm. Zambian tropical rain is no problem.
Nice video. I own three Billinghams and purchased a fourth one today. In my opinion they are the most beautiful and classy camera bags in the market. I am a huge fan of the color Imperial Blue (with the orange fabric inside), which unfortunately is no longer available. The new Blue Color “Navy” is nice, but in reality never looks as nice as it looks on images.
In contrast to that, the Ona bags do not excite me whatsoever. Lucky me, because to be defenselessly sumbed to one brand, is already expensive enough.
The best camera bag has yet to be invented. I almost bought the Ona. Second hand $95 + taxes + shipping. Cheap compared to new but after watching your video I’m glad I didn’t. And now I can’t because it’s sold (no surprise here for that kinda moneta). Thanks 🙏.
Thank you for review! I much prefer ONA Bowery to Billingham because of same reason - smaller size, more stealthy and cool look, great material and aesthetic. I have two ONA Bowery's as result - in grey canvas and in black ballistic nylon (max water resistance). I often don't need more space like Billingham bag offers. Plus if I really need something with extra space I would grab backpack or very versatile Wotancraft Pilot 3L - its look and design is not "boring"/classic like Billingham and very reliable. Wotancraft also has nice Pilot 2L and very cool sling 3.5 L - both are great for X100 series cameras and additional stuff. And adjustable strap system... it beats both ONA Bowery to Billingham, but ONA Bowery actually has also great strap - smooth and easy to move across the body. But it would be good to incorporate some strap connection ideas from Billingham to ONA Bowery as my only complain about ONA is not 100% reliable strap connection design.
Hi Tobis, thanks for this nice video. I currently use these 2 bags. I prefer the look and the size of the Ona (black and with the Leica dot ❤). Quick tip : use the strap of the billigham with the Ona ! No more annoying noises and it’s lighter !
Great idea actually, I will give that a try ;)
Have you tried using the Billingham insert inside a NutSac? Mine fits and works pretty well in a TacSac 13 and you get the nice waved canvas of the NutSac :)
Yes I have done that for a good while and it works great! :) The only reason I am currently not doing that is because my small companion camera for video (Sony ZV-1 II) turns itself on everytime its near a magnet... that doesn't really work too well with either of my MagSatches ;)
En el momento en que vi el bolso kislux , supe que tenía que tenerlo.
Dealbreaker for both of these for me is no tripod attachment. My bag of choice is a Wandrd Roam 6l which has proven perfect for my Leica Q3. It has attachments for tripod and water bottle and an expanding compartment for an iPad. Very unassuming design as well. I do also have an ONA Brixton, which never gets used any more.
Agreed. I don't often use tripods myself but I would still love to see some sort of tripod attachment/strap at the bottom of both of these. Or hidden away somewhere. Would be a great addition indeed.
Billingham every time 👍
The winner? The Domke F803.🏆
I'm using the Wandrd Roam (6 and 9 L) and the Wotancraft Pilot 7L. You would love the Wotancraft, I think. The Wandrd is also great (on the bike, because of stabilizer) but it is lacking the Billingham 'style'. I like your videos a lot. Dirk
So, no Ona bag if it might rain or if you are with your wife, or have a cold and need tissues, or need more dividers no Billingham bag unless you want to empower quiet thieves to be able to open the bag while you are carrying it or have set it down. Somehow, I feel I will just not get either one, but then I have a lot of bags, some of which are older than the channel owner. Some bags used to come with an easily accessible rain cover, and when you need it, you really need it to be there.
Where that cordovan grain wallet?
Usually in my pocket or in a drawer.
Billingham........a wise choice.
The Ona looks too much like a lady’s purse / bag for my liking. The billingham is perfect, epically in blue with chocolate leather!
Hello from the Netherlands
Hello from the other side
"I am in no way affiliated" "Amazon Affiliate Links"
Absolutely nothing wrong with having affiliate links but please do be up front about it!
I am affiliated with amazon - not with either of the camera bag companies. But thanks, I'll try to make that more clear in future videos. :)
I have both. Billingham is much better
I´ve stopped using bags, my Nikon D750 can take everthing i put it through. Just a Shoulderstrap from Peak Design.
sadly not really the case. nikon camera's are far from perfect. my d600 stopped working in japan due to rain. sure the d750 is a bit newer, but those are still essentially consumer products for nikon.
Luxury brands only change their strategies for the super rich...The price increases of Fendi, LV, Givenchy and the like are nonsense. Therefore, those ordinary rich people or middle- and upper-class people who can really afford it need to think twice before buying it. If they are just looking to save face, they will buy from luxrul .
Oberworth make the best
Oberwerth all the way….
It’s pronounced Billing-em not Billing-ham … it being from UK not USA!! Great video, thanks for posting 😎
Because I need to change bags frequently for work, I chose them for attending important gatherings. The replica of kislux gave me more choices, and it completely held up the scene. Everyone praised it for looking good.
If you are one of us, addicted to kislux this show, please gather here