Buyers’ guide
Bag yourself awinner
No matter what camera you use, you need a bag to keep it safe. Here we take a look at some of PN’s recommended backpacks, shoulder bags and cases
£359
snapperstuff.com
Mindshift Gear Backlight Elite 45
If you need to carry lots of gear cross- country, a larger backpack like Mindshift Gear’s Backlight Elite 45L is the way to go. And, importantly, it offers comfort as well as capacity. With 45 litres of internal space, there’s room for not only large camera bodies and lenses, but also outdoor gear to make your trips safer and easier. And it’ll take a 17in laptop. Like regular hiking bags, the Elite 45 uses a lightweight but strong internal aluminium frame to keep the bag rigid and also support some of the internal load. On top of that, it has ergonomic features inspired by trekking gear, including robust lumbar padding with foam ridges for increased ventilation and an adjustable waist belt to prevent it moving around as you walk. Built for the outdoors, the Backlight Elite also has a stormproof and tear- resistant outer with YKK AquaGuard zippers. Measuring 33x59.7x20.3cm externally, the large internal compartment measures 29x49x17.3cm and unloaded the bag weighs 1.8kg. On the outer, you can rig a tripod, monopod or walking poles if required, and there are expanding pockets for personal gear, as well as two water bottle pockets and space for a hydration pack.
IS IT TIME for a new bag? Even if your old faithful backpack or shoulder bag hasn’t quite given up the ghost just yet, there’s plenty to be said for investing in an up-to-date model. Just like cameras and lenses, manufacturing improves with every generation of bag design and you’ll find innovative new features and lighter, stronger and more protective materials in use. Investing
in a new bag could also open up new avenues of photography. For instance, a small bag can make you more selective and adventurous in your street photography, while a fully equipped backpack might give you the capacity needed to hike further and stay out longer, as well as having more lens and camera options. Whatever you’re in the market for, here are some top picks.
£229
transcontinenta.co.uk
Peak Design Everyday V2 20L
If you need a discrete backpack that can be used in all sorts of situations, look no further than Peak Design’s Everyday V2 20L. With its streamlined and low-key look, lots of capacity and decent weather protection, it’s one for all sorts of photographers, and especially good for city and town shooting where you want to work in an inconspicuous way. The Everyday V2 also has a unique hinged-lid design with a magnetic closure, letting you expand capacity when required and, unlike a zip, the hinge opens very quietly, so it’s a good option when you don’t want to disturb your surroundings. The 27x41x15cm inner will take a large DSLR with grip fitted if required, and up to four other lenses or other accessories. It uses three flexible dividers, so it's easy to fit them around a wide range of gear. There’s also a dedicated pocket for a 15in laptop, several internal pockets for small accessories like batteries and cars, and a concealed top pocket for a wallet or phone. Externally, it measures 31x46x19cm and has dual side openings, so you can access gear without taking it off. The outer shell is made of weatherproofed nylon and features like the waist and sternum straps tuck away to keep it all neat and tidy.
ABOVE The Mindshift Gear Backlight bag has plenty of room for large camera bodies and lenses, as well as a 17in laptop
£380
peliproducts.co.uk
Peli 1560 Mobility Case When you need the ultimate in protection, a hard case is the way to go, and perhaps the biggest name in this sector is Peli. Though the range includes all shapes and sizes of cases, the Peli 1560 Mobility Case is a great one to consider, combining huge capacity, portability and reassuring protection. This wheeled case has internal dimensions of 50.6x38x22.9cm and, with its customisable foam block inner, it can be spec’d to swallow an enormous variety
ABOVE The Peak Design Everyday V2 has a capacity of 20 litres, with a weatherproof outer shell
£104
lowepro.com/uk-en/
Lowepro Protactic SH 180 AW
Shoulder bags are a top pick for street and travel photography, or if you just want to work light. The Protactic SH 180 AW is small and light, but still highly protective in all weathers and, with internal dimensions of 29x13x22cm, will swallow a surprising amount of gear: a DSLR or mirrorless body with 24-70mm attached, a couple of extra lenses or flashes, and a small tablet. It weighs 1.3kg unloaded and storage can be expanded on the exterior and the bag has a comfortable shoulder strap or grab handle if you prefer.
weighs 10.85kg with the foam inner. The outer of the case offers ‘military standard’ protection, and is shockproof, oil and grease resistant, has an O-ring and pressure-equalisation valve, so is weather resistant with an IP rating of 67, meaning it’s dust tight and can be immersed up to 1m.
of gear. Or just enormous gear if you prefer. The smooth-rolling, abrasion-resistant polyurethane wheels and telescopic luggage handle make it easy to move, but it’s also a great option for storing gear. External dimensions are 60.4x46.5x30.7cm and it
24 Photography News | Issue 82
photographynews.co.uk
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