Kit guide
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TamracApache 6
If you need to move a lot of kit, Lowepro’s Pro Runner 450 AW II is a great option. You can certainly lose a lot of gear in this heavy-duty backpack; its cavernous main compartment will hold up to two pro-sized DSLRs (one with a lens attached) and there’s still room for five or six other lenses or speedlights. The spread of kit is up to you, and to that end, the bag’s newMaxFit closed-cell dividers are more easily adjustable than before, so you can insert gear and slip the padding into place snuggly. Below the camera compartment, there’s a padded accessory case for further protection. As well as multiple accessory pockets, both in and out, the padded front compartment has Cradle-fit pockets (which suspend devices so they don’t come into contact with the bottom of the bag, or ground) with space for a 15in laptop, 10in tablet and more. As befits Lowepro’s heritage in outdoor equipment, the Pro Runner 450 AW II’s high-quality construction Lowepro ProRunner 450AWII A good travelling bag should be streamlined, light, and resourceful, which fits the brand-new Odyssey 10 to a tee. Available from August, its adaptable design means it serves four purposes; a rolling photo bag for easy travelling; a photo backpack when you get on location; or, with the inner removed, a regular rolling suitcase or backpack. The backpack simply unzips from the main roller section so you can separate them in seconds. Like traditional photo backpacks, the main section is dominated by adjustable closed-cell dividers that store a range of kit, including two pro DSLRs, one with lens attached, five to six other lenses andmediumsized accessories like flashguns (the Odyssey 20, at £210, ups this to six to eight lenses). The main compartment contains several smaller pockets for batteries, tripod plates, memory cards, filters and more. For added security, there’s a combination zip-lock on the side of the main compartment, when attached to the roller. On the outside front of the bag are two more padded pockets; one with space for a tablet up to Crumpler’s heritage is in cycling, and you can see those design influences on one of its latest bags, the light, adaptable and well-balanced Muli Half Photo Backpack. The ‘half’ part denotes its two-section design; in which you get a camera compartment and a separate ‘daysack’ area above for other items, like clothing or food – very useful. There’s a padded compartment for a 15in laptop or 10in tablet, and external pockets on the side and the under the main flap. The camera compartment features soft Nylex- covered adjustable dividers, and will hold a semi-pro body with a telephoto lens attached, with space for up to four other lenses. The zip opening provides extra protection via the ‘trapdoor’ design which has a lip at the opening, reducing the risk of anything falling out. In terms of build quality, the backpack doesn’t skimp and the matte black tarpaulin flap, as used on motorcycle messenger bags, offers lots of protection, CrumplerMuli Half Photo Backpack Nest Odyssey 10
It’s not often you can describe a bag as ‘literally revolutionary’, but that’s the Revolver-8 in a nutshell. The special thing here is the rotating compartment that allows quick access to whatever lens you want. With access from either side, you can switch optics without taking off the bag – very useful in damp, mucky conditions, or at the beach. The soft, padded carousel has six berths and there’s an elasticated strap running around its perimeter to hold the kit, but remove a divider in the centre and you’ll have four plus a long one, suitable for a large zoom lens. The thick padding extends to the top compartment, which you can use with or without an additional curved divider, to hold a top-loaded DSLR with lens attached. Sliding behind the back panel, there’s room for a 15in laptop and two padded pockets either side of the top compartment for accessories. So, plenty of capacity, but the bag is also small enough to comply with most airline cabin Manfrotto Pro-Lite Revolver-8 PL There’s an undeniable pleasure in owning a design classic, and Billingham’s Hadley Pro Original is one such model. Like the Mini Cooper of the camera world, it’s compact, quick in use and you can get a surprising amount in it. Although the Hadley’s been around for many years, the Pro version is a subtle evolution, retaining the classic, unobtrusive styling. Improvements include a concealed fibreglass stiffener, and a reinforced grab-handle. Internally, there’s a removable padded insert, detachable via a single press stud (so you can pack easily or use it as a regular carrier) and the sturdy adjustable partitions mean you can stack gear too. The Pro will comfortably take a large DSLR with lens and up to two other lenses, speedlights or accessories. There are two large front ‘dump’ pockets and a zippered document pocket at the rear. If more room is needed, the pockets can be expanded, buckles BillinghamHadley Pro shoulder bag Designed to offer a discreet carrying solution for your gear and looking much like a regular messenger bag from the outside, Tamrac’s Apache 6 is the largest of the Apache range (there’s also a 2 and 4 variant). The low-key look makes it a great choice for urban and travel shooting, or any place where you’d rather not attract attention. The undercover approach is complemented by the Apache’s Silent Closure System, which lets you cover the Velcro pads inside the flap, letting you access gear without the ripping sound. Despite its low profile, the Apache 6 will hold a medium sized DSLR with a large zoom attached as well as two to three other lenses, with the height of the bag allowing anything up to a including a 70- 200mm f/2.8. On top of this, there’s further space for a speedlight and other accessories as well as a tablet or small notebook in a large padded pocket at the rear. Space also extends to a roomy, zippered front pocket, subdivided into smaller areas and webbing to organise gear like portable hard-drives, batteries, travel
£150
£99
allowing the rain to simply run straight off. The rest of the bag’s outer is made of thick, highly durable 1000D water-repellent nylon, so it’ll take scrapes too. The adjustable shoulder straps and back panel use air-mesh padding to make them more breathable. There’s a sternum strap to reduce the load on your shoulders, compression straps for attaching a tripod, and plenty of webbing for extra gear. One loop is set at the bottom and earmarked for a bike light, and the webbing has reflective ends to keep you visible.
documents. Expandable side pockets can be used for durable items and those you need to grab quickly. At just over 1kg, the bag feels light, a well- constructed, durable feel and a thick shoulder pad to absorb some of the weight of your kit. Its outer is composed of a thick but supple, waterproofed linen- like sailcloth material and to protect the base from abrasive or wet conditions there’s a thick Hypatex covering, which is a tough synthetic rubber and polyester material often used to make inflatable boats.
CAPACITY: DSLR with a lens, two to three extra lenses, flash and accessories RAINCOVER: no LAPTOP/TABLET: yes (up to 12in) TRIPODHOLDER: no DIMENSIONS (EXT./INT.): 36x18x25cm/ 33x15x24cm WEIGHT: 1.08kg CONTACT: www.tamrac.co.uk
CAPACITY: Large DSLR with lens attached, plus four lenses RAINCOVER: no LAPTOP/TABLET: yes TRIPODHOLDER: yes DIMENSIONS (EXT./INT.): 35x46x15.5cm/ 32x21x13cm (camera compartment), 33x23x14cm (top section) WEIGHT: 1.18kg CONTACT: www.crumpler.eu
£170
£180
loosened to let out the sides, or additional AVEA 3 pouches added to the bag (at around £50 each). In use, the quick-release catches allow you to get to your kit fast, and close the bag again, one- handed, while a padded inner lid helps deter rain, as does the water-repellent outer. The brass and leather construction feels high-quality and it’s a comfortable carry; especially with the optional SP40 shoulder pad that moulds to the shape of your shoulder. The bag is available in many colours from Khaki/Tan to Neon.
7in in size, (9in on the Odyssey 20), other small accessories or documents; the other pocket fits up to a 14in laptop (17in for the Odyssey 20). These zippered pockets use high-quality YKK zips and the bag’s outer is composed of thick, 900D water-resistant nylon. And for any real deluges, there’s a rain cover, too.
CAPACITY: DSLR with lens, plus 1-2 extra lenses and accessories RAINCOVER: no LAPTOP/ TABLET: yes TRIPODHOLDER: yes DIMENSIONS (EXT./INT.): 35x12x28cm/34x8x27cm WEIGHT: 1.01kg CONTACT: www.billingham.co.uk
CAPACITY: Two pro DSLRs with five to six lenses, plus accessories RAINCOVER: yes LAPTOP/ TABLET: yes (up to 14in) TRIPODHOLDER: yes DIMENSIONS (EXT./INT.): 37x26x48cm/ 33.5x16x41cm WEIGHT: 3.4Kg CONTACT: www.nest-style.com
£200
£216
luggage allowances, and there’s a designated strap to use with a trolley for wheeling it about. All-weather protection comes from a raincover (black/silver reversible to fend off the sun and for better visibility in poor conditions), and the water-repellent coating on the bag’s nylon outer. There are connectors on the front to attach a tripod, monopod or other kit, while the padded backpanel and adjustable straps are ergonomically sculpted for a more comfortable fit. The sternum strap is also height adjustable.
also offers great protection from the elements, with strong, smooth YKK locking zippers, a water-repellent polyurethane-backed 680D nylon outer and pullout all-weather cover. For a comfortable carry, even fully loaded, there are thickly padded mesh shoulder straps, complete with an adjustable sternum strap, a breathable, sculpted back panel, and removable waist straps. Top and side-mounted grab handles make lifting the bag easier and to complete the picture, there are compression straps to attach a trolley.
CAPACITY: DSLR with grip and standard lens, plus four to five lenses RAINCOVER: yes LAPTOP/TABLET: yes TRIPODHOLDER: yes DIMENSIONS (EXT./INT.): 49x33x25cm/ 28x28x11cm (top) WEIGHT: 1.8kg CONTACT: www.manfrotto.co.uk
CAPACITY: Two pro DSLRs with attached lenses, five to six lenses and accessories RAINCOVER: yes LAPTOP/TABLET: Yes (15in) TRIPODHOLDER: yes DIMENSIONS (EXT./INT.): 34.8x18x49.5cm/ 32.5x16.0x40.8cm WEIGHT: 2.9kg CONTACT: www.lowepro.com
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Issue 21 | Photography News
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