Buyers’ guide
Cash & carry
Buyers’ guide
Our essential advice on gadget bags, photo backpacks and roller cases will help you spend your hard-earned money on the perfect kit-carrying solutions
MindShift PhotoCross 13 backpack › £162 › snapperstuff.com Perfect for the about-town shooter, the PhotoCross 13 is both smart and versatile. It’s centred on a large single compartment with zip-secured side access; this is lined to accept Velcro dividers. Take them all out and you can stow a camera fitted with a long telezoom, such as a Canon EOS R5 with 100-500mm, or secure your machine with standard lens attached and a couple of extra optics. Spare batteries, filters and cards can all be kept in the smaller, zipped pocket, so they won’t rattle around inside the bag itself. With its wide shoulder straps, sternum strap and waterproof boot, the PhotoCross 13 is comfortable, practical and well-protected. Its slim profile is a plus point in crowded situations.
down and decide what type will suit you best. Don’t be surprised if you find the shopping list includes several possibilities depending on your style. A shoulder or sling bag for urban use; backpack for scenics and nature; something smart for commissions; and a roller case for travel. Of course, you may need to carry more than just cameras and lenses. Tripods, drones, filters and lighting are all photography mainstays nowadays, so remember to factor these extras into your calculations. Like we mentioned earlier, you could require multiple alternatives, so happy shopping!
UNLESS YOU INTEND to walk around with a camera hanging from your neck, filling pockets with lenses and filters, you’ll need some sort of carrying vessel. Whether that’s a Tesco tote bag, a leather satchel from your school days, or a solution designed for expensive imaging kit – with plenty of protection – is entirely up to you. This is Photography News , so you can guess our preference. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve scanned the market for options that are comfortable to carry, fit for purpose, great looking and good value. Before digging deeper into the actual bag you want to invest in, sit
Billingham Mini Eventer › £399 › billingham.co.uk
Shimoda Explore V2 30 starter kit › £369 › uk.shimodadesigns.com
The Mini Eventer was introduced in late 2021 to sit between the Hadley Small Pro and Hadley Pro 2020 in size, suiting smaller mirrorless and DSLRs with space for an 11in tablet. Available in classic khaki canvas and tan leather livery, there are also four other options, including the smart navy and chocolate model shown here.
Classic is an overused adjective in marketing speak, but surely no one has the audacity to query it when it comes to Billingham bags. Made in England and fashioned from the best raw materials, Billinghams are special. It’s not just about beautiful looks, heritage and workmanship – they offer superb protection and come in a vast range, too.
The Shimoda Explore range combines innovation, protection and stellar build. The V2 30 kit, available in army green or black, includes V2 30 backpack and Medium Mirrorless Core Unit. It’s a mid-size model at 29.5x51.5x17cm, and features 7.5cm of adjustable torso height, for users of all shapes and sizes. This backpack takes a smaller DSLR or mirrorless body, plus many lenses, leaving its upper part free for kit or an additional Core. There’s rear and side access, lockable zips and straps for female image makers at no extra cost – other brands, take note.
Peli 1610 Protector › £318 › teamworkphoto.com/peli
The Peli Protector line-up features a range of watertight, crushproof cases, if your work takes you to inhospitable parts of the planet. Each hefty unit is made from structural copolymer resin, and its hinges and handle interlocks are part of the moulding, making for incredible robustness. The 1610 has a retractable extension handle and comes with a foam insert. Interior measurements are 62.7x49.7x30.3cm.
Peak Design Everyday series › From £67 › transcontinenta.co.uk
Peak Design’s smart, modern Everyday collection features something for everyone. The Sling range is perfect for smaller gear – the 10L version is the largest and comes in either black, grey or blue. This has a dedicated sleeve for a 13in laptop, and will take a full-frame DSLR with 70-200mm attached, plus another lens. For larger outfits, the Everyday Backpack 20L (above) and 30L are worth a close look, priced at £208.29 and £233.29, respectively. The former is spacious enough for a full-frame mirrorless and three/four lenses, with a 16in laptop. Go for the 30L and fit two camera bodies, plus three/four lenses.
Issue 101 | Photography News 29
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