Lowepro just announced the latest generation of its urban daypack photo bag series—the Slingshot Edge. The redesigned series caters to the urban photographer by combining protective compartments and easy access with added storage for tablets, slim design and a stylish exterior.
To say that the photo backpack category is a little crowded is like saying that a few people try to board the subways in Tokyo during rush hour. If you’ve ever been to the Land of the Rising Sun and attempted to take mass transportation around 1800 hours (6pm) you know what I mean. Hand-to-hand combat is easier, but probably no harder than trying to find a niche for a new product in this overpopulated photo accessory category.
MindShift Gear’s First Light backpack series was designed to meet the needs of outdoor photographers who are on the move—especially those who carry 200mm to 600mm lenses.
It seems as if there’s a camera bag for everyone but one thing is certain—I’m sure it’s true for you as well—I’ve got more camera bags than I need! We’re constantly tempted by bags combining functionality with style, from surplus military bags beloved by hipsters to the $2,000 Ghurka Rangefinder No. 57 bag to toss onto your Bentley’s back seat. Todd Hutchings, a commercial photographer on the Monterey Peninsula, introduced me to his use of sports bags to carry equipment because they disguise the bag’s purpose from thieves.
Think Tank Photo’s new Trifecta 10 DSLR Backpack 9 ($159.75) and the Trifecta 8 Mirrorless Backpack ($139.75) were designed for a pro photographers’ three workhorse lenses: an ultra-wide, mid-range, and telephoto zoom lens. Available for DSLR and Mirrorless systems, these backpacks sling for side access from both the left and right.
We were in a zodiac boat in a bay of Pitt Island, a small island that is part of the Chatham Islands, six hundred miles east of the South Island of New Zealand. It was December, summer in the southern hemisphere, but the islands are far enough south that even in their summer, it was cold.
The ONA Roma Camera Insert: If your just packing your DSLR and a lens, the Roma Camera Insert from ONA can easily transform any bag into a protective space for your gear. The Roma won’t replace a camera bag but it’s a good solution for short trips where only your camera and a lens are needed. The Roma also has five exterior pockets that’ll help keep your stuff organized. It is available in black and handcrafted from waxed canvas with leather side handles for easy removal.
TetherClings are small Microfiber cleaners that stick to cameras (and other devices) to ensure there is always a cleaner nearby for lenses, screens and fine optics. Simply peel off the clear backing of the Cling and attach it to the device. The MicroFiber cleaner on the other side removes the dust, oil, smudges and dirt from your laptop, phone (or tablet), computer screen, lenses and eyeglasses.
Tenba recently introduced their new Packlite Travel Bags: a packable, self-stowing camera bag. Packlite bags can be easily stored inside larger bags, backpacks and rolling cases, or used separately when you need a smaller bag. Photographers and filmmakers now have a versatile pack that can adjust to any situation.
Aimed at outdoor photographers, MindShift Gear just launched the new, higher volume rotation180° Horizon rotating backpack. The larger-sized (compared to the previous model) rotation180° Horizon backpack (with a rotating beltpack) allows for instant access to cameras, lenses, food, binoculars, and other essential gear.
There’s an old saying that locks only keep honest people honest. If you ask me, that’s some BS spin a locksmith cooked up to explain why thieves cut through his deadbolt like it was licorice. If a lock cannot deter a bad guy, what’s the point?
MindShift Gear’s designers have created new 13 cases (and bundles) so action camera users can find and use their GoPro cameras, attachments and accessories easily. The series includes carrying cases for single or multiple cameras and provides easy organization for all of the mounts, screws and accessories.
Handcrafted in the United Kingdom from durable Italian double laminated cotton canvas and featuring an inner waterproof membrane—for added protection against moisture, the Kennet camera bag from Brady is a classy affair.
This stylish shoulder bag from Jill-e Designs is ideal for smaller mirrorless camera gear. Fashionable yet durable, this bag is crafted from weather-resistant microfiber with top-grain leather trim and can safely accommodate a compact system camera body, 1-2 interchangeable lenses, a smartphone and an assortment of small personal items or other gear.
You may think that the main appeal of Tenba’s new line of Switch camera bags is the assortment of flaps that can be zipped on to replace the standard leather-like top. Choose from denim, urban camo, brick red—check Tenba’s website for all the flavors. But even without the far-out fashion flair, these bags are the real deal.