This post is brought to you by Cathay Photo Store (Pte) Ltd

Cathay Photo sent me a photo gift pack for me to review and after 2 months of field testing and abuse, I am really excited to share my thoughts on the items.
First up in the series of post is the National Geographic – NG P2030 Slim Shoulder Bag.


I’ll be honest, there is a reason why I swear by my Saddleback Leather Briefcase despite the weight.
I rarely put my camera in my bag but on the occasion that I do, I need to have a peace of mind that it is well built and the strap will not snap off by accident.
I also need my bags to withstand abuses while I am travelling; from rain to drops in temperature. Most important of all, my bags need to look good at the end of the day.

I’ve always been interested in the National Geographic photography bag range and was delighted when Cathay Photo sent me one to review.
The National Geographic Bag Private Collection – NG P2030 is a simple sling bag made from high-quality suede and canvas.
Although it does not fare well in the weather section, the aluminium buckle closing is surprisingly very easy to use even though it strays from your conventional bag closure.
Lined with a very pretty graphic of the world map, the handle is a nice touch to the bag.
At slightly more than a kilogram, I welcome the change in weight and size given that my Saddleback Leather Briefcase is more than twice the weight.

Next to the Leica M-E

Flat Lay of the bag

Close up of the Interior

Close up of the handle

Close up of the aluminium buckle

Most of the camera bags in the market are designed for larger DSLR cameras, smaller cameras always seemed to be out-of-place in normal camera bags which can be rather bulky depending on the amount of padding.
This is why I really adore the little removable padded insert that fits my Leica perfectly and saves the bulk of padding the entire bag. You can even use this little padded insert with other bags or as a standalone.

Padded Insert with my Leica M-E

Fits like a glove

Despite being touted as a slim shoulder bag, there is ample room space in the National Geographic P2030 bag.
It fits my daily necessities like a charm with two front pockets and an extra padded back pocket for your iPad or notebooks.

Front pocket with the Manfrotto PIXI

Inside of the pocket

Back Pocket for iPads of Notebooks

Inside of the bag

Spill out of what goes in my bag

This bag fits my average everyday carry and here is a peek at what I carry around:

The average everyday carry

From Left:

1) Leica M-E with the 35mm Summilux
2) Manfrotto PIXI (Red)
3) Leica 50mm Summilux
4) Wallet
5) ND Filter
6) Keys
7) Leuchtturm1917 Medium Ruled
8) Montblanc Classique Meisterstück

Ending Thoughts

I am a huge fan of the padded insert, I do wish this bag came in a backpack version instead of a sling but that is just my personal preference.
If you are looking for something stylish without the bulk of your average camera bag, do give the National Geographic P2030 a try or pop by Cathay Photo Store to have a look at the range of bags they have.

Thank you Cathay Photo!

Cathay Photo Store

111 North Bridge Road (Peninsula Plaza)
#01-04 (Camera Bags)
Singapore 179098

Tel: +65 6338 3881
Fax: +65 6339 2807

Operating Hours:
Monday to Saturday, 10am to 7pm.
Closed on Sunday & Public Holidays