When I head out to shoot, I prefer to keep my setup as light and efficient as possible. Unless I’m working on a larger project, I rarely take a full camera backpack with me. Most of the time, I’m carrying just a camera body and a few lenses and for that kind of setup, a good sling bag makes far more sense.

After using a basic sling bag for years, I decided it was time for an upgrade. That search eventually led me to the Ulanzi AB02 Sling Bag, a compact camera bag designed specifically for photographers who want protection without bulk.

This article is based on real-world use and personal experience. It’s not sponsored just an honest look at a bag that has become part of my everyday photography workflow.

Size and Carrying Capacity

The Ulanzi AB02 is a 9-liter sling bag, which makes it ideal for daily photography use. It’s compact enough to stay lightweight and discreet, but spacious enough to carry a serious kit.

In practice, it easily fits:

A camera body/big zoom with two small prime lenses
Or three small prime lenses

Inside the main compartment, the bag includes a removable divider that can be adjusted to suit your setup. If you want to use the bag outside of photography, the divider can be removed entirely.

There’s also a large internal pocket that works well for:

A phone
Spare batteries
Memory cards
Business cards or small accessories

An additional zippered inner pocket includes two dedicated battery slots, keeping batteries organized, protected, and easy to access.

Front Pocket and Customization

The front of the bag features a zippered pocket with a velcro-based grid system. This section is designed for customization attaching accessories or velcro patches and can also be folded inward and zipped closed for a cleaner look.

Personally, I prefer the minimalist appearance when the pocket is fully closed. While customization is a nice option, the pocket itself is what I find most useful. It offers generous space for accessories and quick-access items without interfering with the main compartment.

Practical Side Pockets

One of the most underrated features of this bag is its two side pockets.

One side pocket is designed for a slim water bottle. Compact bottles fit securely, and the adjustable strap keeps everything in place even during longer walks or hikes.
The second side pocket is ideal for a power bank. On long shooting days, this allows you to charge your camera or phone while keeping everything easily accessible.

These small details make a big difference during extended shoots.

Extra Features for Travel & safety

The Ulanzi AB02 includes several thoughtful features that make it especially useful for travel:

Bottom straps for a compact tripod, ideal for lightweight travel tripods
Dual top zippers, which can be secured with a small lock for added peace of mind in crowded areas
A rear trolley strap, allowing the bag to slide over a carry-on suitcase handle

Combined with the sling design which allows the bag to be worn on the front this makes it a solid choice for urban and travel photography.

Comfort and Carrying Experience

The shoulder strap is well padded and comfortable, even when the bag is fully loaded. A quick-release buckle makes it easy to take the bag on and off, which is especially useful when moving between locations.

While the bag is slightly more rigid than a soft lifestyle sling, this added structure significantly improves gear protection a trade-off that feels well worth it.

Final Thoughts

The Ulanzi AB02 Sling Bag has become my go-to choice for everyday photography.

If you’re looking for a compact camera bag that:

Keeps your setup light
Properly protects your gear
Works well for street, travel, and casual shoots
And still looks good outside of a shoot

This is a sling bag worth considering.

I Ditched My Camera Backpack for This Sling Bag - ulanzi ab02 review