GEAR BUYERS’ GUIDE
Different shoots and cameras require different sorts of bags, so we take a look at some of the best CASE STUDY KIT BAG
WORDS ADAM DUCKWORTH
O ne-size-fits-all is definitely not the case for camera bags. Sometimes you need the ultimate in protection to give a full cinema camera the suit-of-armour treatment if it’s going to be checked in by baggage handlers, shipped via couriers or bounced around in the back of a Land Rover on-location. Other times you need an airline carry-on legal roller bag tomake sure you don’t have to check in your precious equipment. And often you want a rucksack if you’re going to have to hike with your kit, or to go stealthy with a mirrorless set-up. For many years, pro camcorders were a long shape and their cases were designed
are crash-tested, have an air-release valve to stop pressure build-up, are dust proof and waterproof and can float. But they can be heavy. At the other end of the scale are rucksacks, ideal for people who want to comfortably carry compact kit. Rucksacks spread the load over your back and can swallow up a lot of equipment – even long lenses. And these style bags make sense when you want to be discrete with your smaller camera system. With such a huge number of bags and cases from lots of different manufacturers, we take a look at some of the best kit you can buy.
so they could be just dropped inside without the need to unbolt mics or other accessories. These types of bags still make sense for camcorders and cinema cameras, designed to swallow up the kit without disassembly every time. For convenience, a bag on wheels is ideal, and it takes the strain of heavy kit and lets you cram in accessories, a laptop and other personal items. Many are an airline-friendly size, but a bag packed with camera kit and lenses will often be over the maximum allowance. You need to check. Hard plastic cases are also very popular due to the protection they give from the elements and accidental damage. The best
THINK TANKVIDEOWORKHORSE 19 £209/$229 snapperstuff.com
to help you get in and out of cars. And there is a wide handle pass- through so you can attach it to a trolley or rolling luggage, so it is perfect for travelling. It also comes with a rain cover in case of a downpour.
The Think Tank Video Workhorse 19 is a traditionally shaped camcorder bag, so you can drop your fully rigged-up camera inside without having the faff of disassembly. That saves a lot of time, so your kit is always ready for use. The bag is available in different sizes, but the 19 model fits camera rigs up to 48.3cm/ 19in long and 19cm/7.5in tall. It is built with an aluminium- reinforced collapsible lid, the material itself is ballistic nylon and there are YKK zips, welded metal hardware, nylon seatbelt webbing and high-density foam for protection. It’s officially called a shoulder bag, but has a large top handle
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