REVIEW – I have *too* many camera bags, but there’s always room for more, right? All my bags are very industrious, made for function over fashion. How does this luxurious leather GRAMS(28) 172 Camera Sling match up? Let’s find out.
What is it?
The GRAMS(28) 172 Camera Sling bag is custom made leather camera bag. This camera bag is fully padded, made from full-grain Italian leather, and can carry a full size camera and lens, along with pouches for accessories.
What’s included?
- GRAMS(28) 172 Camera Sling Bag
- Strap
- Padded fabric dividers x 2
Tech specs
Click to expand
- Dimensions: 32cm W x 22cm H x 12cm D (12.5″ X 8.6″ X 4.7″)
- Weight: 890g (1.9lbs)
- Strap Width: 38mm (1.5in)
- Minimum Strap Length: 105cm (41.3in)
- Maximum Strap Length: 165cm (64.9in)
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Material: Full grain pebbled leather
- Made in: Arzignano, Italy
Design and features
As I mentioned above, all my bags follow function over fashion. I am mostly a landscape and wildlife photographer. Occasionally, I’ve shot portraits, but usually outdoors on location. My bags are tough, big, and …well…plain. If I were asked (I haven’t yet) to shoot something more formal like a wedding, banquet, or gala, my bags would look out of place. I wanted to review the GRAMS(28) 172 Camera Sling because it would fit the aesthetic for a formal event.
The box that the sling bag arrived in stated, “Obviously you’ve made a great choice”. After removing the bag, I was impressed with how luxurious and soft the leather felt. Looking a the bag, you can see the high quality of materials, the magnetic clasp, the metal hardware, and the perfectly lined stitching. I have never held such a nice camera bag. There is a gusseted front pocket that is pretty spacious. There are spots for extra SD cards and an Apple AirTag or other tracking device. On the back of the bag, there is also a zippered pocket that would be good for a phone or other slim item. Squeezing the metal clasp reveals the matching luxurious inside compartment. there is a slot that can hold an 11″ iPad Pro. There are two slim pockets that would be ideal for filters or batteries. The main area can be divided using the included padded, fabric dividers. The bottom is flat and stands on its own. This camera bag can be carried as a messager bag over the shoulder, or as a crossbody sling bag. Both ways are comfortable.
Next to my Sony soft carry case, the GRAMs(28) 172 Camera Sling looks more sophisticated and slightly bigger too.
I was able to easily fit a Sony A7iii with an L-bracket and 40mm lens, a Godox V1S flash, a Godox X2Ts flash trigger, 2 extra batteries, and my iPad Mini with Apple Pencil. There was still room for filters, business cards, and a couple of granola bars.
There is a lifetime warranty with this bag. With all the attention to detail, quality of work, and materials, this bag will last a long time.
What I like about the GRAMS(28) 172 Camera Sling Bag
- Quality of materials and craftsmanship
- Magnetic metal clasp
- Padded protection
- Lifetime warranty
What needs to be improved?
- Nothing
Final thoughts
The branding is very minimal and overall, this bag would fit in at any formal event. I also feel as though my expensive equipment would be safe in the padded GRAMS(28) 172 Camera Sling bag. Like most leather-made items, this bag will develop a character over time and use. I can see this bag having a heirloom-like feeling about it, something that I could pass down and would be appreciated. It will certainly last many, many years.
Price: $459.00
Where to buy: GRAMS(28) 172 Camera Sling
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by GRAMS (28). GRAMS(28) did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
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My camera bags are all waterproof so I can put my stuff inside them if it rains w/o worrying if the outside of the bag gets wet. What would happen to the leather of this bag if you used it bag in the rain or put it on a snowy or muddy spot. $460 for a fashion statement camera bag seems a bit silly to me. Just my opinion.
And why ever own a camera, when you have one in your phone. Makes owning camera bags obsolete.