First test
PRICE: £249
VANGUARDWORLD.CO.UK
A warm welcome to the spacious camera case with a split personality. This Vanguard product transforms from a photo backpack to a roller case in an instant, proving an excellent companion for photographers on the move Vanguard VEO Select 59T
ONAROLL Roller cases are synonymous with thoughts of your next trip away, but cases like the Select 59T are great for moving your gear around on location shoots. It makes life more comfortable, plus your back remains free if you need to carry even more gear SPECS › Price £249, available in green or black. Includes a combination lock › Max loading 15kg › Internal dimensions (wxhxd) 33x47x17cm › External dimensions (wxhxd) 36x54.5x22cm
a location shoot at a steam railway centre. The bag was mostly on its wheels for that trip, but I also experienced carrying it on my back during a scenic and urban shoot on the coast. My seaside day out actually suited the bag nicely. I pulled it along the promenade, before hoisting it on to my back as I explored the beach. Along the shoreline, I hesitated before placing the bag down, careful to avoid getting sand in the wheels or the shoulder pockets. The 59T was perfectly suited to the rail centre shoot. Wheeling the bag around, my kit was always on hand. If the ground was oil-free, I could lay the case down, working directly from it – and that was really convenient. It took plenty of pressure off my back, making the long walk from the car park all the more bearable. All in all, I’d happily use the 59T for location shoots about town, as well as any wheel-friendly environment. As a backpack or roller case, it offers a huge benefit – not just physically, but also in terms of convenience. WC
BEST-CASE SCENARIO Available in black or green, the Vanguard VEO Select 59T is a roller case that conforms with most hand baggage guidelines, very quickly transitioning into a backpack, thanks to its integral shoulder straps
› Laptop/tablet sleeve 17in laptop, 9.7in tablet › Rain cover Yes › Hand luggage compatible Yes (check with your airline for the latest guidelines) › Weight 4.2kg › Contact vanguardworld.co.uk
WITH TRAVEL BACK on the agenda, there’s set to be renewed interest in carry solutions. That’s where cases like the Vanguard VEO Select 59T come into play. The high-quality roller case is designed with image makers in mind, but is much more than a simple roller. When the terrain becomes unsuitable for wheels, the 59T quickly converts into a backpack. Easily clipping in place, the impressive shoulder straps store inside zip-secured pockets when not in use. Transitioning between roller and backpack takes no time at all, while the securing snap hooks are reassuringly positive in use. If you’re faced with a quickly alternating mix of different terrain, simply tuck the straps into their pockets without unclipping – just make sure there are no trailing bits of strap. The quality of the shoulder straps proves impressive. They are well padded and broad, rating highly ITTOOKPLENTY OF PRESSUREOFF MYBACK, MAKING LONGWALKS MORE BEARABLE
comfortable, while a sternum strap was also beneficial. And comfort is important – even though you might not be expecting to be pulling the case around all the time, a fully loaded 59T is quite a weight. In fact, the case has a max load rating of 15kg. For this test, the kit depicted below, together with a tripod, weighed just under 13kg. Another supportive feature includes a fold-down padded flap, enabling the bag to rest comfortably against the base of your spine. When the case is in roller mode, this zips back up. The front sleeve fits a 17-inch laptop, while inside, a separate protective tablet sleeve is wide enough to snugly accept my 11-inch iPad Pro. Apart from two well-padded hand straps, located on the top and side, plus a bottom pull strap, there’s a pouch for tripod feet and a leg-retaining loop. This loop is fixed, and for tripods with thicker legs, the fit might prove tight or impractical. Nonetheless, there shouldn’t be any problems storing a typical travel tripod with thinner legs. Another adjustable retaining loop holds the pod in place. Inside the main compartment, a zip-secured net keeps everything stable. That mitigates the problem of stuff spilling out when you open the case. There are zipped mesh pockets
on the flap for bits and bobs, while retaining straps prevent the cover from falling open. A good supply of dividers is provided, offering ample layout options to suit your kit. The case swallowed a three- lens Fujifilm GFX outfit, a Nikon Z 7, also accompanied by three lenses, plus a filter set and selection of accessories, including a remote release, batteries and various covers. I didn’t get the chance to fly with this case fully loaded, but took it to
Verdict The Vanguard VEO Select 59T is an excellent case. It’s capacious, versatile, protective and solidly made. It also highly impresses in terms of usability, quickly transitioning between roller case and backpack. If you are looking for a holder with extra versatility, this Vanguard case could be perfect for you. PROS Comfortable on the back, quick transition from roller case to backpack, capacity, protection levels, sternum strap, smooth-running wheels CONS Tripod leg retaining strap could be wider
LICENCE TOCARRY The Select 59T offers plenty of storage space, while your gear is also well protected. A zip-secured net prevents kit from falling out when you open up the case. Retaining straps stop the lid falling open
Issue 89 | Photography News 45
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