Photography News 90 Newsletter

w

› Kase Double GND 0.9S&H grad filter  › Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ›  Vanguard VEO HD 80A spotting scope › Fujifilm XF27mm f/2.8 R WR lens › Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E wide-angle

PRICE: £29.90&£59.90

UKDIGITAL.CO.UK

You can never have too many photo bags – cover every eventuality with one of these two tempters RiBL Solis 20& 100

SPECS RiBL Solis 20 ›  Price £29.90

›  Colour Grey/black ›  Capacity Five litres

›  Material 600d polyester, 100% RPET recycled fabric ›  Shoulder strap Yes, fixed ›  Belt loop No ›  Internal dimensions (wxhxd) 28.5x19x10cm ›  External dimensions (wxhxd) 30x22x12cm

›  Weight 540g RiBL Solis 100 ›  Price £59.90

RIBL IS A brand new name in camera accessories. It stocks an exciting range, including battery LED lights and these two bags – the Solis 20 and Solis 100 – priced at a decent £29.90 and £59.90, respectively. Both are made from eco-friendly, RPET 600d waterproof fabric, use high-grade seat belt webbing for straps, have padded interiors and anodised aluminium buckles. The Solis 20 is a slim-profile shoulder/cross-body bag with a five-litre capacity, good for a mirrorless camera with a fitted lens – there’s even room for a spare. I tried the Solis 20 with two larger mirrorless cameras, the Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II (tested in this issue) and Nikon Z 7. With the GH5 Mark II, I had the 12-60mmmounted on the body and the 100-300mm extra. This allowed for a two-lens, 24-600mm (in 35mm format terms) outfit in a portable bag with high protection levels – the inside is padded and Velcro receptive. Two slim, zip-secured pockets on the front and back of the bag suit spare batteries and a polariser. Inside, there’s another zipped pocket and three smaller ones for additional cards. It rates highly for carrying comfort, and the clamshell design means getting at the contents is easy – two end panels stop anything from spilling out. The Solis 20 came in especially useful when I was out landscaping with a backpack – I could use it almost like a

›  Colour Grey/black ›  Capacity 16 litres

›  Material 600d polyester, 100% RPET recycled fabric ›  Shoulder harness Yes, fixed. Top and side carry handles ›  Trolley sash Yes ›  Laptop and tablets pockets Yes ›  Internal dimensions (wxhxd) 25x11x14cm ›  External dimensions (wxhxd) 30x43x17cm ›  Weight 690g › Contact ukdigital.co.uk

bumbag to hold filters or bring along an extra lens. And it even functions as a workbag – my 11in iPad Pro, notebook, voice recorder and face mask were all a snug fit. The Solis 100 is a slim photography daypack, with two different points of access. The main compartment is opened from the back, taking up about two-thirds of the bag – practical for clothing, lunch and a water bottle. Separate laptop and tablet pockets are provided in the lid, plus two slots perfect for a powerbank and USB lead. The camera section is accessed from the front – there’s a removable internal padded compartment that can be used separately. It's big enough for the GH5 Mark II with the 12-60mm fitted and the 100-300mm in reserve. Externally, there are carry handles on the top and side, and two belts for attaching a tripod. The shoulder straps are broad for comfort, although I would have liked a sternum strap, too. But that’s a really minor grumble for a product of this quality. WC

WEAR ITWELL The Solis 100 (far left) makes for a versatile day bag, while the Solis 20 (left) is cosy – ideal when you want to travel light

Verdict I enjoyed both RiBL Solis bags – they are well-designed, comfortable and give good protection. The Solis 20 was ideal for going shopping or on short walks, where I prefer to have a camera on hand rather than use my phone. It’s great for more serious photo walks, too. The Solis 100 proved a good all-rounder, suitable for work, photo trips, and walks where photography was not the priority. It was comfortable to carry and practical, with room for both your camera outfit and life’s essentials – like food and drink. Both Solis bags performed well – they can be heartily recommended as good value, functional carrying solutions, that look great without shouting ‘camera bag here’. PROS  Solis 20: Perfect for travelling light, versatile, carrying handle that can be used as a trolley strap, handy zipped front and back pockets Solis 100: Removable internal compartment, slim profile that makes life easier in crowded places or on public transport, USB connection CONS  Solis 20: Slightly taller end panels would be better Solis 100: A 50/50 internal split might be more useful, no retaining strap to stop the laptop and tablet sliding out, no sternum strap

POWER TRIP The Solis 100 has a USB socket to charge your phone on the move – and keep your powerbank safe

Issue 90 | Photography News 33

photographynews.co.uk

Powered by