2011-09-03T21:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
Overall great but shoulder strap bad
I bought this bag to replace my Domke bag that was destroyed in the May 22 tornado, along with a lot of my gear, in Joplin.
I'm a veteran photojournalist. I use the bag pretty much every day. Overall I'm very satisfied with it... actually like it better than my old Domke and Tamrac bags. The one thing I don't like about this bag is that if you are in a hurry and don't want to strap it around your waist, but instead want to throw it over your shoulder -- the shoulder strap's pad twists around repeatedly on you, no matter what position you place it in. Obviously, the strap is a bad design and should be replaced by the manufacturer with a strap that works properly. I can't tell you how annoying it is to have to keep straightening the pad out as it should be while you're trying to shoot pictures. As you walk, it just twists and twists, flipping over until it's upside down and the pad is above the strap instead of below it where it should be. I'm certain I will be buying a new strap of my own to replace it. This makes the bag cost more than I originally intended.
Don't get me wrong... everything else about this bag is pretty awesome. I just find that one thing annoying. If you never plan to use the bag over the shoulder, then it won't be a problem for you.
It's the perfect size for all my gear (except my 400 2.8, which I had no intention of putting in there *chuckle*) -- I was surprised about that. I have a Nikon D3s mounted on a 70-200 2.8 G AFs VRII Nikkor (hood backwards) and it fits in the center compartment just fine, and ready to pull out and shoot with quick -- this, I love. The compartments inside the main portion, I have placed my 14-24 2.8 G AFs Nikkor on one side, with plenty of room to spare, I might add. On the other side, I have 3 other small lenses (sometimes, I put a second D3 body in there, instead). In the side pouches, I have placed my Nikon SB-900 speedlight, with offcamera cable attached and it fits in there like a glove. On the other side, I have a 1080p Sony video camera and power cables under it -- with room to spare.
The front pouch has plenty of room for other cables, cleaning cloths, filters, and other odds and ends.
The top flap has room for about 6 memory cards (will fit pro CF cards or anything smaller). There's also room up there for a cleaning cloth and other small items -- such as colored flash gels.
With all that gear in there, it's lighter than my Domke or my Tamrac bags ever were.
I may find the strap annoying, but the rest of this bag couldn't have worked out better for my style and setup.
It seems to be well made and of good quality (other than that strap issue).
THOMAS B.
2010-04-10T21:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
Great daypack
The center compartment is huge. Ample room for several camera bodies and accessories. This pack is just what I needed for short day trips. It holds an A2, 50D, G10 plus lots of accessories. I can carry 3-5 lenses. The belt system is comfortable and can be worn front or back. I like the tension straps that hold the lens cases snuggly. I would like to see a little more padding for protection of lenses and cameras.
DAVID W.
