Photography News issue 21

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Kit guide

Behind every great photographer is a great camera bag, so picking the right one is important. Here are 8 that’ll improve your next shoot... BUYERS’ GUIDE Bag to the future

and those bragging more exciting, exotic features. Luckily in the world of photography, having more than one is perfectly okay. It’s a good thing. Does this make you a ‘bagamist’? Probably, but having more than one model means you’re kitted out for a variety of environments and carrying needs. Picking up the right new friend can expand shooting possibilities at a stroke. In thismonth’s buyers’ guide, you’ll find a broadmix, from fun, sporty little things that you can take on impromptu weekends away to hardy, intrepid, adventurous types that’ll see you and your gear safe in the harshest of environments.

If your other half has ever complained that you’re wedded to your camera backpack, then you’re in good company; at Photography News we love bags – and with good reason. Cameras and lenses come and go, frequently updated or replaced, but a decent backpack stays with you, and is something you rely on: it protects your fragile kit and ensures you have everything you need; it cushions your shoulders from your expanding arsenal’s weight; it becomes part of your life. Of course, as your companion ages and sags a little, it’s natural for your eye to wander to sleek, taught, younger bags

What to look for With so many shapes and sizes of bag, the most important thing is to identify what you need; there’s no point buying an excellent shoulder bag if you’re hiking in the mountains, or getting a capacious backpack if you’re shooting candids in the city. Do you need a compartment in the bag for general gear, or is it exclusively for camera kit?Does it need a tripodmount?Or somewaterproofing? A good place to start is the size. Tot up the bodies, lenses and accessories you want to shift (then add a bit), find a bag that can swallow that weight, and you’ll be in the right bracket. This streamlining will save money (you won’t pay for space you don’t need), and your shoulders – there’s no point bringing kit you won’t use. Internal padding shouldn’t be skimpy, with plenty of rigidity and thickness to the dividers and no weak points at the corners or underneath – hallmarks of poor bag design. A comfortable carry is amust, so check the cushioning on straps and contact areas. In a shoulder bag this is important as the weight will be hanging from one place. For backpacks, sternum straps reduce the load on your shoulders, and waist straps secure the bag so it moves less. Airflow channels and breathable materials can keep you comfortable, but are of less concern on short trips. Consider the ease of access and security. Will you need to get to your kit quickly, as on a street-shoot? Security features are great, but they can slow you down, so it’s a trade-off. Examine the quality of the zips and clips, too, as cheap versions will snag and break which is frustrating and could leave your gear exposed. When you’ve got a shortlist, getting hands-on with the bag is best, allowing you to get a feel for it. So get to a local camera shop, or order online, making sure you’re allowed free returns, so you can try out your new partner.

More andmore photographers are carrying small, light GoPro Hero cameras for their video and timelapse work, and while slipping one into your pocket is a real possibility, somemore protection is always a good idea. Not only will it guard against damage and the keep the kit dry if you’re caught in a shower, the MindShift GP 2 case – and other products in the modular GP series – are also a good way of getting your gear organised, and keeping track of small-but-vital video items like mounts and screws. The GP 2 Kit Case sits in the middle of the range – there are larger and smaller kits available, as well as bundleswith additional cases – and it holds all thatmost photographers would need, swallowing up one or two GoPro Hero 3 or 4 cameras in their housings along with accessories like small sized mounts, batteries, and memory cards. All of this sits in several zippered and windowed inner pockets or within the divided, padded MindShiftGear GP 2 Kit Case

Tenba Switch 8

£28

Tenba’s new Switch series was designed with CSC users firmly in mind, seeking to offer the kind of quality, strength and usability normally associated with pro-spec DSLR bags. Available in a range of sizes (called Switch 7, 8 and 10), their name comes from a neat interchangeable cover flap (right) which allows a certain level of customisation (currently 5 colours and styles are available in addition to the standard faux leather flap). This flap, which has magnetic clasps making it much quieter than standard velcro, offers the main access to the bag, and has a secondary clips for security. For speed and added security, you can also use the quick access zip on the top, which, like the other zips and clips are YKK branded. In terms of what you can fit inside, the Switch 7 (at £75) is designed for small CSCs and up to four lenses, while the Switch 8 (£85) fits larger CSCs, up to five lenses plus a flash and other accessories, and there’s also room for a tripod to be strapped underneath. The Switch 10 (£95) can accommodate a small DSLR with up to three lenses.

£85

main section’s inner, a layout that allows jumble-free access to your gear when you need it. Measuring just 17x6.5x9.5cm and weighing only 96g, theGP 2’s small and light enough to slip into a large coat pocket or into your kitbag without compromising whatever else you’re carrying. To withstand the elements, the rip–stop nylon outer is water-repellent, its underside has a polyurethane coating for good waterproofing too. There’s also a grab handle and YKK zippers for improved action and longevity.

All have a well-padded, modular softly brushed inner and the 8 and 10 models also have a rear padded sleeve for a tablet or travel documents. The shoulder strap’s made from seatbelt-grade webbing with a comfortable, non-slip shoulder pad. Despite its urbane look, the Switch range is set to withstand the elements, with a removable, reversible rain cover, 420Dwater-repellent nylon outer, and water and abrasion resistant base protecting the underside if you have to put it down on a wet or mucky surface.

CAPACITY: Up to two GoPro hero cameras in housings, plus accessories RAINCOVER: no LAPTOP/TABLET: no TRIPODHOLDER: no DIMENSIONS (EXT./INT.): 17x6.5x9.5cm/ 16.6x6x9.2cm WEIGHT: 0.096kg CONTACT: : www.mindshiftgear.com

CAPACITY: One CSC, three to five lenses, plus accessories RAINCOVER: yes LAPTOP/TABLET: yes (up to 9.5in) TRIPODHOLDER: yes DIMENSIONS (EXT./INT.): 27x20x13cm/25x19x8cm WEIGHT: 0.6kg CONTACT: www.tenba.com

Photography News | Issue 21

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