Tenba P695 Pro Traveler II SLR Camera System Shoulder Bag, Black

2008-02-15T19:00:00

I currently now own 4 Tenba Bags with the addition of the 695. I recently expanded my gear to include digital (I have been a long time film shooter). I picked up several AF zooms and my old large bag was getting on in age. I think all photographers are constantly looking for a better bag. I have come to the conclusion that I need to settle on several bags for different purposes. I bought this bag to haul a large assortment of gear for day-long out-door shooting sessions. The application is closer to photojournalism than anything else. But I tend to have both film and digital and a wide selection of lenses. The best points about this bag are in my opinion gear protection, the interior lay out/ease of access, materials/construction. I appreciate the layout that allows a long lens mounted on a body resting in a "Saddle" type of configuration. This allows instant access to this large piece of equipment without moving other items around. Other lenses are available around the long zoom which makes for quick access of most other gear without digging through unwanted equipment. Protection level is good to very good. Materials are durable. The nylon walls contain a stiff rigid foam that allows the bag to hold and retain its shape during use in the field. (My older Tenba was not so well supported) This is a great improvement. This adds for easier access and greater gear protection. Main compartment capacity is good. Conservatively I can place two motorized bodies (One with the 80-200 2.8 AF VR mounted and one without lens, Two fast shorter zooms (f/2.8), a couple of smaller fixed focal length lenses, a strobe and assorted accessories. For bodies without motors or extended battery packs, the bag has adjustable floor pads to allow for different body dimensions. Front zipper accessory pouch is not overly compartmentalized which allows for release cords, chargers etc. Side pockets are simmilarly open without excessive compartmentalization. I like this because it allows me to decide how to use the space, not the bag's designer. Slip pockets are large. The one in the top (under the weather cover) is generous while the back one is tight as is typical on slip pockets on most bags in this location. Not much use except for a trimmed gray card or thin note books. I would have preferred another color. I am not a big fan of black bags because it absorbs heat and shows dirt more than others. (I wish more makers would include Olive drab nylon as an option. It is great for field work, shows less dirt. etc.)I guess color is in the eye of the beholder. Shoulder strap is comfortable with a curved profile to sit better on the shoulder. It is also covered on the underside with a rubbery textured synthetic which grips your shirt or jacket very well(Nice touch!). The "handle" is well designed. I own other bags that have this "handle" too long making "suitcase" type carry too "purse like," swinging low to the ground when carrying through airports or causing one to have to lift it high to set it on counters or in and out of vehicles. Overall this was a good buy. Some might consider the price high for a gear bag. I would disagree. One can easily conceive putting in gear worth well over 20 times the bags value in the main compartment alone. This bag provides good protection for that gear and quick easy access when needed.

ERIC S.