OOOH! I’m so excited! After a couple of months of waiting, my new [Kelly Moore Bag] arrived! I chose the B-Hobo style in Gray because I could see the potential for a wide variety of uses, and wanted a crisp, clean neutral color. It was tough deciding between all the colors (and since I already have a red camera bag), I went for gray!
The first thing I noticed right off the bat is the leather is a LOT softer than the original Kelly Moore Bag. I liked this factor a loft – since softness is important to me in a bag! I immediately shoved all my camera gear inside, but quickly realized that it would not fit my 1DS series [Camera Body] straight out of the box. I just pulled out one of the dividers and switched it around so I had a bit of extra room – and voila! problem solved.
The best way to describe the features of this bag are to compare and contrast to my review of the [Epiphanie LOLA bag]. I was a bit disappointed that I could only fit TWO lenses and my body in the Kelly Moore Bag, whereas I can fit THREE lenses and a body in the Epiphanie bag. Regardless, I do like that I can get things in and out of the Kelly Moore Bag easier than the Epiphanie. If I really wanted to, I could stack two lenses on the left, but if I had a longer lens, like the [Canon 70-200mm] for example, I would only be able to fit TWO lenses comfortably.
The bag has some great features that I really enjoy. Lots of pockets, a perfect cell phone pocket on either end of the bag, and TWO straps that you can swap out easily with a clip. One is long so you can wear across your body – it easily adjusts – and the other is shorter so you can wear it over your shoulder like a purse.
It holds a selection of my favorite [Gear] comfortably. (One [Camera Body], [35mm], and [50mm] OR [45mm TSE] + a couple batteries). Plus the outside pockets were perfect for my [CF Card Case] and [iPhone]. It zips up easily with all the gear, plus enough extra room for snacks and small doodads.
I drug this bad-boy around our [Swink] event on Wednesday, and it performed beautifully!! I LOVE the fact that this bag is thin, and hugs to your body so nicely. It worked perfect for my shoot this day because I only wanted to work with two lenses, and it was easy to carry around when I wanted to streamline my gear. I would definitely recommend this bag if you are a two lens shooter, or just need a smaller bag to tote around – while the majority of your gear is stored in a bigger bag.
This bag would be perfect for concert shooters, going out to a party with friends, portrait shooters who only work with a couple small lenses, or at a wedding when you are carrying just a couple things for group shots and such. I really love the shape and feel of this bag, and it’s super fun to shoot with. Plus it’s shape is thinner (even though it’s about the same length and height as the Epiphanie Lola) and so could easily double as a regular purse, or when you are going to the beach, zoo, etc. and want to bring your camera gear – but not an extra camera bag.
Check out the rest of the [Kelly Moore Bags] and let me know if you have any more questions about my review – in the comment section below!
For fun, all images in this post edited with my favorite concoction of [Totally Rad Actions]!
by Michelle Moore
19 comments
Erin Scott - I just ordered the same color/style last week. This post made me excited about my decision!
Brandy Frank - I love that you say this bag is thin. I have an Epiphanie camera bag, which I like, but it’s really big and fat which isn’t conducive to lugging around say, at a crowded festival. Now I’m looking into a Kelly Moore bag. Looks cute!
Brenda Landrum - I think we received our bags about the same time and I have to agree with everything you have said. I am loving that I finally have a great looking bag that actually holds my camera body!! :) I have the exact same bag/color and so far loving everything about it. Great job Kelly Moore Bags!!
May - Thanks for the review, I have been looking forward to reading it since I saw you mention it! A few questions…I have a gripped 5D, will that fit with say the 35L attached, plus another lens(like the 135L)? I don’t like carrying my body and having to stick a lens on it everytime I take it out of the bag. Also, does it feel like it is padded enough like the Epiphanie? I need something that also makes my gear feel safe and secure while I’m carrying it around… TIA!
Michelle Moore - May, I think if you took a divider out, or laid the 5D on it’s side somehow it should fit okay with a 35L attached + 135mm. It’s not *as* padded as the Epiphanie, but I still feel like the lenses are pretty secure in there while carrying it around. It’s a really fun bag! I like that it fits closer to your body than the Epiphanie.
Kristen - Love the treatment on the photos of course, but am DYING to own this bag! Glad you approve!
s h e r r y - That, is an ADORABLE bag!! :)
Kathy - love the purple on the inside!
Lydia - Great review! I’ve wondered about this bag but hadn’t heard of anyone trying it out. Love the color you picked!
Paige Pendell - I am a huge fan of your work! I was wondering if you had any tips on finding the perfect lighting. I didn’t know if you used flash or not but i really struggle with picking up everything exactly how I see it.
I’d love any advice you have to give. Get up the good work!
Gabi Bass - Michelle, I would like to know how the material feels. I’m not a fan of synthetic leather, but I like the design of the Epiphanie and Hobo Kelly Moore bag. I just haven’t committed to either since I don’t like imitation anything. Also, this bag’s insulation looks thinner that the Epiphanie.
Mary - I just ordered mine in Red and I’m really excited!!!!! Hope I would have the same satisfaction like you do. Thanks for the review… it was kind of the main deciding factor for me to buy it!
Melanie - Hey Michelle,
Before this style came out, I converted my Coach Kristen hobo bag into a swanky camera bag with foam inserts…love and it’s in my brand color ;) It’s so much nicer that a bulky camera bag…
Rachel - I’m curious to see how the bag is holding up after a few months. And are you having any issues with it being too heavy or cumbersome?
Jessica - Great post, this looks like the perfect bag for me! I have the Ginger from Epiphanie but it’s just too wide at the base to use as a regular handbag.
Tina - I really like this bag. It looks great and perfect for my needs. However, Michelle, is there really enough padding? It looks just like a regular purse so I can’t tell from the pictures if the padding is thick enough to protect from accidental bumps and such. Is it cushy or just a thin layer of padding? Your thoughts would help me decide before I buy. Thanks!
Megan - I can’t decide between the Kelly Moore B HObo or the Epiphane Lola….which one is better??? I’m just a hobbyist with young kids who likes to carry my camera and an extra lens everywhere I go!
Michelle Moore - Megan – I would suggest the Hobo – it’s smaller and perfect for one camera + one (or two) lenses. The Epiphanie is a bit bigger and more bulky (better for more gear). I think you’ll love the Hobo!
Ellen - How was the weight? My current camera bag feels so heavy… perhaps because of all the gear I carry. Being smaller, the Hobo could help, although what I love is the style! I just don’t want to always feel like I have the headache at the end of a long shoot day.