Manfrotto recently launched an entirely new lineup of shoulder-style bags: the Pro Light Cineloader. Three models are available with capacities ranging from 12L to 39L, designed to carry your fully-rigged camera and multiple accessories in the safest possible way thanks to an outer construction made of a soft/hard materials mix, and new M-Guards internal dividers. So let’s take a closer look at these bags!
Pro Light Cineloader Bag (Small)
all prices excluding sales tax/VAT
Disclaimer: I was personally involved in the product development of the Pro Light Cineloader lineup of bags. However, Manfrotto did not pay me to do so, and I am not a Manfrotto ambassador. Manfrotto did not provide compensation for this written content. However, I was sent multiple samples of the bags during product development. Manfrotto did not modify, influence, or provide any input about this article before its publication.
The second generation of the Manfrotto Pro Light series of camera backpacks was introduced in October 2021 with no less than five different models. If you missed it, I reviewed the Pro Light Flexloader L backpack, and to this day, it’s going strong. I still use it as my lighting backpack for small interviews and corporate shoots.
Manfrotto continues to revamp its range of carrying solutions for filmmakers and content creators. This time they’ve introduced the shoulder-style lineup, mainly designed to safely transport fully-rigged and assembled camera packages: the Manfrotto Pro Light Cineloader.
Manfrotto Pro Light Cineloader – introduction
The Manfrotto Pro Light Cineloader shoulder bags are all based on the same concept: one large top opening, three pockets on the sides, and one window on the side for documents, labels, or business cards.
The idea behind these bags is that the main compartment will carry your camera entirely assembled with a lens, camera cage, and accessories, to save you time when you arrive on site. Also, there is extra space inside for accessories not mounted on the camera, plus extra lenses, audio accessories, etc.
The Pro Light Cineloader series consists of three bags:
- The Pro Light Cineloader Small: it measures 42 x 25 x 24cm/16.5 x 9.8 x 9.4in and has a payload capacity of up to 10kg/22 lbs. The small version is designed for mirrorless/small cinema cameras but also comes in handy as a camera assistant bag.
- Pro Light Cineloader Medium: with external dimensions of 54 x 31 x 28,5cm/21.2 x 12.2 x 11.2in, it has a maximum payload capacity of 15kg/33 lbs. This bag can take a professional camcorder or fully rigged compact cinema camera such as the BMPCC 4K/6K, Sony FX3/FX30/FX6, or Canon EOS C70/C300 Mark III/C500 Mark II, for example.
- Lastly, the Pro Light Cineloader Large: with external dimensions of 60 x 35 x 36cm/23.6 x 13.7 x 14.1in, and a maximum payload capacity of up to 25kg/55lbs, this thing is a beast. Indeed, this is the one I spent time trying to send Manfrotto some feedback on, and I can assure you that it can carry a lot of gear but can also be quite heavy to transport.
Exterior design
The Manfrotto Pro Light Cineloader bags are made of both hard and soft materials. On the outside, you’ll find ripstop nylon fabric with a cross pattern covering it. I think the Pro Light is a classy-looking series of professional bags, but it’s a matter of taste. All side walls are reinforced, and the top lid is made of rigid thermoformed EVA material. You can securely attach a tripod to the top lid without any concerns about stacking bags on it or using it as a seat.
Overall, the bag remains slightly flexible, but it gives you a strong feeling that your equipment is well protected.
The bags are not entirely waterproof, but the bottom is fully sealed. The fabric on the rest of the bag is water-repellent.
At the front and back of the bags, you’ll find small pockets for accessories, pencils, or documents. The front pocket has webbing loops to attach carabiners or accessories, and the back pocket has a small compartment for an Apple AirTag.
On the right side of the bags, you’ll find a clear pocket for a business card or to stick a label.
Last but not least, the back and bottom of the bags feature strap connectors so that you can slip the Cineloader over any standard trolley or luggage handle.
Interior design
The interior design of the Manfrotto Pro Light Cineloader series is relatively straightforward. The main compartment can be divided via the included M-Guard dividers and customized depending on your needs. The long divider can be split if you don’t need to divide the length of your bag in two.
The top lid features multiple clear pockets to store extra small accessories and parts.
Pricing and availability
The Manfrotto Pro Light Cineloader bags are available now. The small one retails for $219.99/€179, the medium one is $279.99/€237, and the large version will cost you $319.99/€270.
For more information, please visit Manfrotto’s website here.
What do you think about the Pro Light Cineloader series? Do you often use shoulder bags to carry your gear? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!
