Manfrotto Manhattan Runner 50 camera roller bag review

If I’m taking any expensive camera gear as hand luggage to busy train stations and crowded airports, I don’t want to broadcast the fact that there are covetable goods inside. A rolling camera bag, that doesn’t obviously resemble a traditional camera bag – but nevertheless has plenty of soft, protective, and customizable space inside to accommodate a variety of kit – can prove a godsend.

Enter the Manfrotto Runner 50 Camera Roller Bag. This wheel and trolley-handle-equipped option looks very business-like with its dark grey outer fabric and black detailing. Yet Manfrotto hasn’t resisted adding a spot of Italian design flourishes. Its metallic red zippers are very much on-brand and subtly feature its logo.

Of course, a rolling bag doesn’t offer the same degree of protection as a hard case from the likes of Peli, or even Manfrotto’s own Pro Light Reloader Tough H-55, which is just a tad larger than this example. But at least it does mean that this bag doesn’t feel like a dead weight even before we’ve added any kit. Less protective padding means a lighter bag overall, which is certainly an advantage in my book.

So, unless we really envisage throwing the bag around, leaving it where it might get wet, or having an elephant stand on it, then might the Manfrotto Manhattan Runner 50 be tough enough for most photographers or content creators on the go? Read on to find out.

Manfrotto Manhattan Runner 50: Specifications

Manfrotto Manhattan Runner 50: Price

Having debuted in March 2020, at the time of writing this option was retailing for $399.95 / £263.95, similar to the robust yet heavier Manfrotto Pro Light Reloader Tough H-55. In my opinion that makes the cost of the Manhattan Runner 50, while not inexpensive, at least seem fair.

That alternative option is for those feeling a hard case would be a better fit for their needs than the lighter, toughened fabric construction of the Manhattan Runner 50. But personally, I prefer the versatility of this one, in that it can be used as a stylish weekend case one minute, if removing the internal camera compartment, or a camera-bag-in-disguise if this insert is left in place. It’s almost a two-for-one deal we’re getting here.

Manfrotto Manhattan Runner 50: Design & Handling

The Manfrotto Manhattan Runner 50 feels like it’s aiming for that sweet spot between regular hand luggage and traditional camera bag. The removable interior camera compartment with its soft, flexible dividers, which Manfrotto refers to as a ‘Flexi Camera Shell’, ensures sufficient space to stash, socks, pants and souvenirs alongside camera kit if you’re more of a photo hobbyist than seasoned pro.

Further versatility comes via the fact that said compartment features shoulder straps. This means it can be taken out of the main bag and worn as a backpack. So, if I want to use the space in the bag for additional gear or something else entirely, then the flexibility is here. In terms of handling, this product can almost be thought of as two bags in one.

Top, side and bottom handles provide the ability to get a convenient grip when we need to lift the device off its wheels and heft it into an overhead locker. There are also cushioned external zippered pouches for stashing a laptop and tablet, which are musts for most photographers/videographers to pack alongside their image capture gear.

The impression I get from the Manhattan Runner 50 camera roller bag is that its maker has carefully considered how to maximize available space in terms of inner compartments and outer pouches. It’s given users a lot of possible storage options in the one fairly compart airline carry-on roller bag. Plus, it feels as durable and well-made as it should be at this premium-ish price point. Granted, it is not a match for a dedicated hard case in terms of robustness. But it is a lot lighter and more portable, with its level of padded protection perfectly suited to my needs if I intend this as hand luggage and not for hold storage

Manfrotto Manhattan Runner 50: Performance

While it may not offer the robust strength of the similar-sized Manfrotto Pro Light Reloader Tough H-55 rolling case, the hard-wearing fabric exterior of the Manhattan Runner 50 is claimed by its maker as water-repellent as well as scratch-resistant. There’s extra padding and a plastic bar/ carry handle at the base so the material avoids direct contact with the ground, while also helping prevent this rolling bag from tipping over if packed full and stood upright. As additional protection if needed, the regular extra of an external rain cover is secreted within the internal bag compartment.

The build quality is such that I felt confident loading loose camera gear into this one and wheeling it around. It’s still a reasonably substantial feeling 3.3 kg when empty, which further reassures. In fact it’s a relief that it doesn’t feel as prohibitively heavy as rolling case competitors that nudge towards 5 kg in weight before I’ve packed anything.

In terms of the all-important internal storage capacity, there is room here for a couple of high-end mirrorless camera bodies such as Sony’s A1 II, or equivalent-sized DSLRs like the Canon 5D Mark II, plus three or four lenses and sundry smaller accessories. I don’t own a drone, but Manfrotto suggests the space could alternatively be used to house the likes of a DJI Mavic Pro 2. Pouch-like external zippered compartments also find space for a 15-inch laptop and/or tablet, plus travel documents, and, as noted earlier, the impression given is that utilization of space has been well thought out. No element is wasted or redundant. Bravo Manfrotto.

Manfrotto Manhattan Runner 50: Verdict

Italian brand Manfrotto makes some of the most stylish camera bags and accessories out there. This means, ithat f you’re in the market for a camera roller case that outwardly just looks like a trendy bag suitable for a weekend vacation, then its Manhattan Runner 50 comes recommended. My caveat is that it’s not as solidly built as the otherwise similar-sized and near identically priced Manfrotto Pro Light Reloader Tough H-55.

Yet like that alternative, this one has wheels at the base for easy transportation, while the Manhattan Runner 50’s retractable trolley handle is a hell of a lot easier to use. Overall, its versatility, including the fact that the inner camera compartment with adjustable dividers can be removed entirely and worn as a backpack if desired, is a big plus when viewed alongside its swish design and quality construction materials.

Alternatives

Competitors that also resemble conventional rolling bags rather than hard cases, yet are almost as robust, can be found in the likes of the Vanguard VEO Select 55BT at 3.9Kg, which is comparable in terms of size and storage capacity, as is the Tenba Roadie Air Case Roller 21, though its exterior padding does mean it weighs a hefty 4.7Kg when empty.

If you do want a comparably sized yet still affordable hard case however that should withstand more extreme use and tougher handling, then also seek out Manfrotto’s own Pro Light Reloader H55. Again, its robustness adds extra weight to the overall package, so that’s something else to consider. Is it toughness or flexibility/portability that is most important? See our buyer’s guide to camera rolling bags and cases elsewhere on this site for more information.