› CameraCal calibration services › Fujifilm XF50mm f/1.0 R WR › Vanguard VEO3+ 263CB › Leofoto LS-324C+LH-40 › Epson SureColor SC-P900 › Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
PRICE: £175
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Think Tank Photo Backstory 13 If you’re one of the legions of photographers switching to a mirrorless camera system, you’re probably in the market for a new bag – here’s one for the shortlist
SPECS › Price Backstory 13 £175, Backstory 15 £205 › Features Sternum strap, two adjustable side water bottle pockets, removable waist belt, small exterior back pocket, laptop pocket, tablet pocket, four zip secured interior mesh pockets, tripod carrying cup and straps, top grab handle. Comes with separate rain cover › Exterior materials l Durable water-repellent (DWR) coating with polyurethane backed fabric for superior water-resistance l 500D two-tone poly tech-weave l YKK RC fuse zippers l 420D high-density nylon l 350G high-density nylon air-mesh l Nylon webbing l Three-ply bonded nylon thread › Interior materials l Stiffened closed cell foam dividers l Polyurethane backed liner and dividers l 210D nylon l Super-grip velex l Hexa mesh l High-density nylon microfibre l Two polyurethane-coated nylon 190T seam-sealed rain covers l Three-ply bonded nylon thread › Laptop pocket 23x34x2.5cm › Interior dimensions (wxhxd) 25x36x15cm › Exterior dimensions (wxhxd ) 26x43x18cm › Weight 1.6kg Contact snapperstuff.com
THINK TANK PHOTO’S design team has been working hard and, recently, we saw its latest products, the Essentials Convertible, a roller case that becomes a backpack and a couple of backpacks, the Backstory 13 and 15. It’s the Backstory 13 that’s tested here, a bag that retails at £175. The Backstory 13 is ideal for a mirrorless full-frame camera outfit, but it takes a DSLR and my Nikon D850 with 24-120mm lens fit perfectly. I went one stage further and tried a Fujifilm GFX 50R with 32-64mm lens and, while it was a squeeze, it did fit. There’s top access to the camera, so that’s great when you need to get it out quickly or don’t want to put the bag down. When you have more time – perhaps wanting to swap lenses or get at your filters – access to the main compartment is through the back .The two YKK zips are a good size and great to use, even with gloves on. The back exterior is well padded for comfort and there’s a luggage retaining strap, too. The main compartment has enough room for a speedlight, a camera and up to four or five lenses, although this obviously depends on the lenses themselves. The supplied dividers can be moved easily to
IT DIDA FINE JOB OF CONVEYING MYNIKONZ 7 OUTFIT, KEEPING IT PROTECTED,WHILE ALSOALLOWING QUICKACCESSTO ITS CONTENTS
suit however you want to arrange your kit in the bag. The laptop or tablet compartment is positioned at the front and there’s room for filters and spare batteries and cards. On the outside, there’s also a zipped micro-fibre lined pocket that can store a mobile phone.
For a tripod, there’s a leg cup and strap stashed in a pocket at the base of the bag, and there's another retaining strap in a pocket at the top of the bag. I stored the Leofoto L-324C tripod (tested in this issue) and found it meshed well with the bag. It didn’t topple over when I put it on the ground with the tripod in place. A fully laden bag, including a tripod, was comfortable to carry. The waist strap can be removed, but I used it. I also liked the sternum strap that clicks firmly into place, so it didn't slide up and down in use. I was very pleased with the Backstory 13’s handling and performance. It did a fine job of conveying my Nikon Z 7 outfit, keeping it protected, while also allowing quick access to its contents. I spent more time with the bag in rural settings, but I think it’s a bag that looks the part whatever the environment. The bag got very wet on one occasion, but you can still get at the contents even with the rain cover in place, so I managed to carry on shooting and swap lenses around– the storm clouds were amazing. All in all, I found the Backstory 13 a user-friendly and capable companion and had no complaints. WC
PROS Compact, great to use, good looks, sternum strap clicks in position, nicely padded and well ventilated back area CONS Nothing Verdict The Think Tank Photo Backstory 13 is a terrific bag. It’s great to use, has decent capacity and is designed thoughtfully. There are less expensive backpacks around – there’s no arguing with that – but I can’t think of any of this size that are as good. I rate this bag very highly.
ABOVE LEFT The Backstory 13’s main compartment takes a Nikon Z 7 with lens fitted, three extra lenses, extension tubes and a speedlight ABOVE RIGHT A 13in MacBook Pro and a 10in iPad fit happily in the Backstory 13’s front pocket
62 Photography News | Issue 83
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