I needed a new camera bag, as much as I like my Hugger from Db Luggage, a backpack makes it difficult to change lenses in public. Its big size made it inconvenient to carry around too, as often I would add in every accessory “just in case” as I had the space available. So I started looking into smaller options, and I came across the Vanguard Veo Range 21m at the Camera World Live show in 2024.
Live shows are perfect for checking gear out, especially as I knew I’d be upgrading my system to the Sony A7CII mirrorless csc eventually, I was able to check it would all fit and be future-proof. This was not gifted to me by Vanguard, I purchased this with my own money for testing. This was not gifted to me by Vanguard, I purchased this with my own money for testing.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, to learn more about how we use these, read our disclaimer.
Vanguard VEO Range 21M: Our Verdict
Pros
Cons
Vanguard VEO Range 21M: Technical Details
Dimensions
27 × 16 × 22cm
Weight
480g
Material
240w
Colour Options
Stone / Navy Blue
Lightweight, and makes perfect for smaller shoots. If you’d like to buy a Veo Range 21m for yourself, you can check out the link below to Amazon.
Use code BRADSBACKPACK10 for 10% off your purchase
First Impressions
This does look like the bag that’s going to fit my needs. I have a bad habit of packing too much gear with me on trips. I wanted a travel camera bag that would be geared towards street photography.
The material feels durable, so its going to be find if it gets into some scrapes when out on the street. The bag itself does have some padding too, making perfect for protecting your camera gear.
Out of the box
Rolling Square focuses on sustainable packaging, so like their other products, this cable comes in a simple cardboard box. There’s a little bit of print on the box, but it’s very minimalistic. I like the lack of plastic, there are cardboard inserts inside the box to provide a bit of protection. They do advertise on the packaging that it is low-impact. I wish instead of a logo, companies would put a QR code taking users or potential buyers to a page that explains more about it.
Aesthetics
I like the canvas look, so I opted to buy the beige as I thought that would be the easiest to pair with all outfits. But the blue looks good too; it just may be harder to pair for the more fashion conscious.
It does look fairly technical, which I do like, but I wouldn’t say this is the most stylish bag compared to some leather ones you can see nowadays.
The issue I have with technical-looking bags is that it’s very obvious something expensive is inside. I’d rather have something that doesn’t look like it’s designed purely for cameras. When it looks too much like a camera bag, it becomes a target for thieves, particularly if you’re doing a lot of street photography.
Vanguard VEO Range 21M Internal Organisation
The interior is easily adaptable, but expect to carry a lightweight kit. I usually have it split into thirds. I often use the pockets on the side for my 35mm and 50mm small prime lenses. Occasionally I’ll swap it out for my Insta Go 3 and Sony Handgrip, depending on what I have planned to shoot.
In the middle pocket, I like to keep my camera with my biggest lens on when travelling. As my camera width does protrude over the right side pocket, I keep my smallest there, usually the 50mm. This keeps everything compact and secure when moving, and maximises space. Being so small it is hard to lose anything, and I can keep it on whilst open. There is a sleeve at the back if you had a very small camera, then you might be able to fit a mini tablet here. Currently, I use it for wipes and SD cards still in the packaging.
Since writing this review I have now gotten my Sony A7CII so that has changed my kit slightly. I now have the Sigma 28-70 F/2.8 as my primary lens, and I don’t need a huge amount else. So in the two side pockets, I will either keep the Sony GP-VPT2BT grip or a flash, and the other pocket will vary depending on the day’s plans.
External Design
I like how the main pocket zips away from me when I’m wearing it. This makes it easier to change my lenses and keeps me a little bit more secure from wannabe thieves. Of course you should always pay extra care when in public.
There are a couple of straps which work great as a tripod attachment point. Just make sure to clip them if you can or that they aren’t too short. I tried to bring the MS05 from K&F Concept but its sleek and streamlined design meant it kept sliding out, distracting me from my shoot.
External Pockets
There are a few external pockets on this bag, the majority of which are easy to access. The small zip pocket on the top is great for spare batteries or my createmate, but overfilling can make it hard to close.
There is a front pocket that can be a bit of a bother. To access it I have to unclip the straps, remove the flap attached by velcro, and then unzip. I usually keep small accessories I’m very unlikely to need in an emergency here.
Having multiple pockets does make it easy to organise my accessories. But the compact design of the camera bag means I can’t fit a huge amount in each pocket. Usually the pocket sizes are just big enough. And its easy to remember what I have stored and where.
Whats in my Camera Bag?
SSD Storage
Sony Grip and Tripod
SD Card Reader and Case
Waterproofing
It’s hard to find a fully waterproof camera bag, so I do like how a rain cover is included in the Veo Range 21m. In a light rain I feel like the material will hold up fine, but nothing Is 100% waterproof and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Included is a small slim pouch that houses a waterproof cover, ready to whip out the second the weather turns and hardly adding any weight.
We spend so much money on our camera gear, it’s almost painful to think about. So having that little extra layer of protection included shows vanguard have really thought about photographers with this design.
How comfortable is the Vanguard VEO Range 21M?
I’ve found the Vanguard Veo Range 21M really comfortable to wear and carry. I recently took it with me on a tour of the Harry Potter Studios in Watford and had no complaints at all. With its small size, it’s very hard to fill it to the point where the weight is uncomfortable.
It is a small messenger bag style, which I to be the most comfortable so it’s a nice change to be proven wrong. The adjustable strap allows it to be customised to your height and keeps it nice and tight to your hip. The padding on the strap makes it a comfortable bag for travel photography. helping disperse the weight on my shoulder. So even with my heaviest lenses, it hasn’t been an issue.
On the Streets
I have taken this shoulder bag with me on a few shoots now, from studios to days out exploring. Having recently changed my camera body to the A7CII, it means I temporarily had to say goodbye to some of my favourite zoom lenses. Now I am back to primes, I am having to switch more often, and having this bag makes the process so much easier. I can take the lens off and return it straight in the bag. No more searching for a flat surface and putting it at risk as I don’t have enough hands.
Vanguard VEO Range 21m: Final Thoughts
So the final question. Is the Vanguard VEO Range 21m worth it? The short answer is yes. The Vanguard VEO Range 21m is a great compact camera bag. Going smaller has forced me to think more about what’s important. With it being compact I sometimes put it in my Db Hugger, this allows me to bring more accessories, but when I’m moving around a studio I can swap lenses quicker.
I leave the bag prepped with some general gear, ready to go if an opportunity comes up. Sometimes I leave action camera accessories in some of the pockets. But being light helps me keep photography what it should be, fun.