Calson
Well-known member
I found I can fit the 600mm PF on the Z9 inside my Bataflae 18L, my smallest backpack. The 800mm PF will fit without the Z9 attached. I realized I need to rethink my packing with these two lenses.
Big Prime - Camera Bags & Backpacks
- Thread starter nmerc_photos
- Start date
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nmerc_photos
Well-known member
After considering modifying a fStop XL Pro ICU, to add a top lid.... I remembered, or rather rediscovered the relatively new Shimoda XXL-DV ICU. It was mentioned in one of the bigbag BCG threads last year.
This looks like just what the doctor ordered
- Internal Dimensions = 29W x 55H x 20D cm, crucially Sufficient Depth for wide telephotos and gripped Pro ILCs, compared to most ICUs;
- complete Rear Panel AND Top Access to access a rigged supertelephoto;
- Integral aluminum frame, and more rigid dividers that require careful fitting to individual items;
- Lightweight Water-Resistant & Multi-purpose Skin;
- Light blue internal fabric, which I find an important advantage in murky light to spot small items;
- Taller yet lighter than the fStop XL Pro with top lid access, and sufficient depth
Core Unit XXL DV
The XXL DV Core Unit is made specifically for our Action X70/X70HD backpack. The XXL size is designed to carry mounted super telephoto lens and protect all the DV gear you need, with an extra depth of 20 cm (7.9 in) that makes it ideal for RED or similar-sized cine/video cameras, as well as a...uk.shimodadesigns.com
Shimoda Redesigned Their Core Units for Super-Telephoto Lenses
After feedback from wildlife photographers using their gear, Shimoda has made changes to their Core Unit lineup for super-telephoto lenses.shuttermuse.com
Shimoda Core Units - Which One Is Perfect For You?
Shimoda Core Units are the camera inserts used in the Shimoda Design Explore backpacks, the Action X backpacks and their carry-on rollers.
I'm a big fan of all things Shimoda, and had never heard of this one so thanks for posting!
Do you have the ICU already? and what bag are you putting it into?
fcotterill
Well-known member
After considering modifying a fStop XL Pro ICU, to add a top lid.... I remembered, or rather rediscovered the relatively new Shimoda XXL-DV ICU. It was mentioned in one of the bigbag BCG threads last year.
This looks like just what the doctor ordered
- Internal Dimensions = 29W x 55H x 20D cm, crucially Sufficient Depth for wide telephotos and gripped Pro ILCs, compared to most ICUs;
- complete Rear Panel AND Top Access to access a rigged supertelephoto;
- Integral aluminum frame, and more rigid dividers that require careful fitting to individual items;
- Lightweight Water-Resistant & Multi-purpose Skin;
- Light blue internal fabric, which I find an important advantage in murky light to spot small items;
- Taller yet lighter than the fStop XL Pro with top lid access, and sufficient depth
Core Unit XXL DV
The XXL DV Core Unit is made specifically for our Action X70/X70HD backpack. The XXL size is designed to carry mounted super telephoto lens and protect all the DV gear you need, with an extra depth of 20 cm (7.9 in) that makes it ideal for RED or similar-sized cine/video cameras, as well as a...
Shimoda Redesigned Their Core Units for Super-Telephoto Lenses
After feedback from wildlife photographers using their gear, Shimoda has made changes to their Core Unit lineup for super-telephoto lenses.
Shimoda Core Units - Which One Is Perfect For You?
Shimoda Core Units are the camera inserts used in the Shimoda Design Explore backpacks, the Action X backpacks and their carry-on rollers.
Great
No not yet.
For a fStop Sukha or Tilopa (a snug fit judging by dimensions)
Vincent_VdB
Well-known member
And today is the Boris M backpack from Mr JanGear on his site
The Boris IV and Boris M does fit the following (my friend I currently travel with has this gear in the backpack):
2x Nikon Z9
1x Z 400mm f/2.8 TC
1x Z 600mm f/4 TC
1x Z 24-120mm f/4
Rene
Well-known member
Very expensive backpack, bulky but well made. No representation in the U.K. or USA as far as I know to try the backpack out. I didn’t like it and sold it on, much more prefer the Mindshift seriesAnd today is the Boris M backpack from Mr JanGear on his site
The Boris IV and Boris M does fit the following (my friend I currently travel with has this gear in the backpack):
2x Nikon Z9
1x Z 400mm f/2.8 TC
1x Z 600mm f/4 TC
1x Z 24-120mm f/4
And, forgive the doubting, these packs are carryon compliant?! Thanks for sharing the update.And today is the Boris M backpack from Mr JanGear on his site
The Boris IV and Boris M does fit the following (my friend I currently travel with has this gear in the backpack):
2x Nikon Z9
1x Z 400mm f/2.8 TC
1x Z 600mm f/4 TC
1x Z 24-120mm f/4
Rene
Well-known member
Can I chime in? The few times I used it, I had issues twice to get it onboard . Not so with the Mindshift ones.
Vincent_VdB
Well-known member
I took this backpack numerous of times on domestic and intercontinental flights and never had any issue. Equally for the NYA-EVO 60, no issue to takes these two backpacks on the plane, in economy that is
nmerc_photos
Well-known member
if the specs are to believe, it's the same size as the the previous model, just 1.433 lbs lightter
the Boris IV is oversized for every airline I've flown except Southwest, so YMMV
I have seen several others mention issues with the Boris bags being oversized and causing difficulties so I personally would not try to fly with them
while I'm not surprised you had issues with the Boris, I'm surprised you were able to get the Mindshift ones on. the Mindshift bags (if 36L+ or bigger) are dimensionally larger than the Boris bags
maybe it was more about the "appearance" rather than the actual size?
either way, I avoid all conflict by utilizing bags that are properly sized, and have ICU (internal core units) in case I need to make them even smaller for some reason
FWIW I own (and paid full retail) for the Boris IV since it previously was the best bag for carrying 2 large primes (think 400 f2.8 and 600 f4). I don't see much, if any improvement in the Boris M from reading. It looks like they just took a bunch of parts off, and/or reduced the part weights a bit.
If I was buying a bag for the first time for local use, the Boris M would be a great choice. I would not buy any of the Boris bags with intent to fly though.
Rene
Well-known member
I agree. Nice bag but not to fly with
Rene
Well-known member
Than you can count yourself lucky. I’m glad I don’t have this backpack anymore and I fly constantly! . As I stated: despite being well built : it’s a bit bulky hence why I think it attracts attention. Never had issue with Mindshift as they look slimmer and are as good and cheaperI took this backpack numerous of times on domestic and intercontinental flights and never had any issue. Equally for the NYA-EVO 60, no issue to takes these two backpacks on the plane, in economy that is
Vincent_VdB
Well-known member
Shows how indeed one model works for one person and not for the other. Great to have choices
nhzen
Member
I've been considering a Boris IV, so when I saw the earlier post about the M, I checked the specs online and also reached out to Mr. Jan. Here's what I learned:
1) The bag dimensions are indeed identical between the Boris IV and M. So I'd expect exactly the same gear capacity.
2) The M is lighter because the padded harness is removable. The M comes with two shoulder straps, but not the complete harness. The advantage would be that you can pack the harness in checked baggage, reducing carryon weight. The difference, 650 grams, is quite a bit.
3) The harness is a separate purchase and it's not cheap.
That last point is the kicker, because not only is the M more expensive by itself, but then there's the added expense of the harness if one intends to use it in a way that requires the harness.
However, I'm glad I saw the comments about the carryon compliance issues (@Rene) because I was under the mistaken impression that that was not an issue. Online comments indicate that the Kiboko 30+ is never a problem, carryon-wise, but since it's 30L vs. 36L, I'm guessing two large primes would be a squeeze in the Kiboko, vs. the Boris which seems to be good for two large primes.
I guess it's back to the drawing board for me!
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Vincent_VdB
Well-known member
Here some pictures from the bag when I got it in May last year ;-)
Big Prime - Camera Bags & Backpacks
When I learned of the cost to replace a Nikon lens hood for the 600mm f/4E lens I bought a Lenscoat adjustable hood the comes apart and lies flat in the bag. After a trip to Costa Rica with a 37 lb backpack I started to investigate using a 18L backpack as my "personal item" and transfer 12-15...
bcgforums.com
nhzen
Member
Here some pictures from the bag when I got it in May last year ;-)
Big Prime - Camera Bags & Backpacks
When I learned of the cost to replace a Nikon lens hood for the 600mm f/4E lens I bought a Lenscoat adjustable hood the comes apart and lies flat in the bag. After a trip to Costa Rica with a 37 lb backpack I started to investigate using a 18L backpack as my "personal item" and transfer 12-15...
Thanks Vincent. So you've had no issues with carrying it on? I guess I'll compare dimensions carefully again. I use a Tilopa with the insert, which has the advantage that in a pinch I can check the bag and carry the insert, which has saved me a few times. But that insert can't take two larger primes.
Vincent_VdB
Well-known member
I am right now in Montreal returning home with the Boris backpack packed to the full (flying economy) and no issue at all, not in Brussels airport when I left and just now not in Montreal airport going back home. No issue all the trips with Lufthansa last year to/from Southern and Eastern Africa.
We were in this group with 5 photographers, 4 of us with the Boris backpack. Two of the group are professional wildlife photography tour guides flying whole year round and never had any issue. One of them is flying home next week Saturday and shall leave a few days later to the US (Yellowstone) and is doing this trip once or twice a year without any issue.
Not that I dismiss the earlier comments on other persons experiences, I can only comment on my own experience by using the Boris, ever since 2016 since I used the Boris III never had problems
nhzen
Member
I am right now in Montreal returning home with the Boris backpack packed to the full (flying economy) and no issue at all, not in Brussels airport when I left and just now not in Montreal airport going back home. No issue all the trips with Lufthansa last year to/from Southern and Eastern Africa.
We were in this group with 5 photographers, 4 of us with the Boris backpack. Two of the group are professional wildlife photography tour guides flying whole year round and never had any issue. One of them is flying home next week Saturday and shall leave a few days later to the US (Yellowstone) and is doing this trip once or twice a year without any issue.
Not that I dismiss the earlier comments on other persons experiences, I can only comment on my own experience by using the Boris, ever since 2016 since I used the Boris III never had problems
Ok, great to hear, thanks. I will recompare all sizes
.Rene
Well-known member
As you say Vincent everyone has different experiences while travelling with Mr Jan gear. As I stated earlier; I think the bags are well built, can’t fault them in anyway but I do think they are over expensive and in my opinion bulky.I am right now in Montreal returning home with the Boris backpack packed to the full (flying economy) and no issue at all, not in Brussels airport when I left and just now not in Montreal airport going back home. No issue all the trips with Lufthansa last year to/from Southern and Eastern Africa.
We were in this group with 5 photographers, 4 of us with the Boris backpack. Two of the group are professional wildlife photography tour guides flying whole year round and never had any issue. One of them is flying home next week Saturday and shall leave a few days later to the US (Yellowstone) and is doing this trip once or twice a year without any issue.
Not that I dismiss the earlier comments on other persons experiences, I can only comment on my own experience by using the Boris, ever since 2016 since I used the Boris III never had problems
The other issue I have is that (living in the UK) there is NO representation of these backpacks. I had to buy it straight from MR Jan Gear online, had to pay import duties (blame Brexit) and shipping cost.
I don’t know if they have representation in the USA but if you buy it, don’t like the fit of the bag or design, what are you going to do?
Worth a look (no experience with this backpack though)
Tetras Backpack 500 V4
The Tetras 500 V4 is a comfortable economic camera backpack designed for practicality and durability and well suited for both field use and travel. The bag's spacious interior can be customised to fit your gear perfectly with 2 large interior dividers, 2 medium dividers, and 8 small dividers...
tragopan-shop.uk
But again……no representation in U.K. and unlikely in USA
I much more prefer to buy a backpack that I can return without issues in case I don’t like it.
Rene de Heer
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Temumisiu
Member
Hi Everyone,
First of all, I want to thank you all for the awesome portion of knowledge you can get from this place. I've been reading this forum for quite some time already and must say it's one of the best places about wildlife and generally about photo gear. I've learned a lot thanks to all the content you post here. Time to start be more active member
I'm looking into the Nya Evo 60l pack and I couldn't find any photos or description how much free space is left for other things when you pack it full with RCI XL. I saw great photos showing the fitting the combo with 600 TC. From what I understand the main compartment is full and on the top you won't put anything else unless you expand the rolltop (but that wouldn't be good in airplane - dimensions). What about the front panel? How much you can pack there when RCI XL is inside (full with gear)? Can you add some 1-2 day clothes, jacket, raincoat, some basic stuff, cabling, laptop or you don't have any available space at all?
So basically to pack everything, go with this as carry on and be able to survive 2 days if airlines loose your checked luggage
Of course ignoring the weight of 20kg
First of all, I want to thank you all for the awesome portion of knowledge you can get from this place. I've been reading this forum for quite some time already and must say it's one of the best places about wildlife and generally about photo gear. I've learned a lot thanks to all the content you post here. Time to start be more active member
I'm looking into the Nya Evo 60l pack and I couldn't find any photos or description how much free space is left for other things when you pack it full with RCI XL. I saw great photos showing the fitting the combo with 600 TC. From what I understand the main compartment is full and on the top you won't put anything else unless you expand the rolltop (but that wouldn't be good in airplane - dimensions). What about the front panel? How much you can pack there when RCI XL is inside (full with gear)? Can you add some 1-2 day clothes, jacket, raincoat, some basic stuff, cabling, laptop or you don't have any available space at all?
So basically to pack everything, go with this as carry on and be able to survive 2 days if airlines loose your checked luggage
Of course ignoring the weight of 20kg
nmerc_photos
Well-known member
Hi Everyone,
First of all, I want to thank you all for the awesome portion of knowledge you can get from this place. I've been reading this forum for quite some time already and must say it's one of the best places about wildlife and generally about photo gear. I've learned a lot thanks to all the content you post here. Time to start be more active member
I'm looking into the Nya Evo 60l pack and I couldn't find any photos or description how much free space is left for other things when you pack it full with RCI XL. I saw great photos showing the fitting the combo with 600 TC. From what I understand the main compartment is full and on the top you won't put anything else unless you expand the rolltop (but that wouldn't be good in airplane - dimensions). What about the front panel? How much you can pack there when RCI XL is inside (full with gear)? Can you add some 1-2 day clothes, jacket, raincoat, some basic stuff, cabling, laptop or you don't have any available space at all?
So basically to pack everything, go with this as carry on and be able to survive 2 days if airlines loose your checked luggage
Of course ignoring the weight of 20kg
I just got back from flying to Florida. I had my Z8, Z9, 300GM, and 600TC inside the ICU. I then had my work laptop and charger in the laptop compartment. I brought 4 Z8 batteries and 2 chargers, and 2 Z9 batteries and 1 charger as well as a hoodie in the main pouch. It was a tight fit and was definitely oversized at that point. Luckily nobody cared or measured.
I'm currently traveling with it in Sax Zim Bog, but I can post more pics when I get home.
Temumisiu
Member
Thanks, that would be really helpful to see how much is left for any non-photo related things. I guess not much if you take largest lenses, but if you can squeeze it somehow then probably enough. That's the biggest problem always. To pack everything and still fit within carry on limits.
RikWriter
Well-known member
Save some boreal owls for me! ;-)
QuantumLight
New member
This is a great thread! I have been through this thread a couple of times. I am interested in a bag for Canon RF 400 2.8 (with OEM hood), 100-500, 24-70 with R5x2 (+/- 14-35). I am considering the Mindshift BL 36L, Shimoda X70 with XX-Large insert, Boris IV, vs. Nya-Evo Fjord 60C with XL insert. I have excluded GG Kiboko 30L due to front opening. Ideally needs to be somewhat carry on compliant (have dimensions, all slightly big and have seen prior comments on this) but most importantly needs to be comfortable. I gather that Shimoda and Nya-Evo are probably the best for comfort - is that the case? Of these, which is more comfortable and likely to accommodate the above gear? I have the Shimoda Explore V2 35L which is reasonably comfortable. Purchasing and returning it if not suitable is not an option. Thank you all for the great information.
nhzen
Member
I’m going through a similar thought process but haven’t settled on an answer yet. I’m curious, if you’ve excluded the GG Kiboko due to the opening, why have you kept the BorisIV on the list? My understanding is that they are very similar except for a small size difference?
fcotterill
Well-known member
I meant to respond but something distracted me at the time!
I have the Lens Trekker to carry a rigged supertelephoto (800 f5.6E on D6 or Z9). It was about the best - Specialized - protective solution then available when i was searching a few years ago. I can hike with a heavy telephoto with the attached gripped ILC. The adjustable harness works well for me.
I also use this Trekker to protect my 800 E rigged up ready in a vehicle. This is when detaching the entire hipbelt is useful to reduce clutter in the car, the zip-up lid flap stays closed to help exclude dust (well not entirely) and protects from above, helped by the pair of U-shaped padded inserts that form a robust collar around the lens barrel.
This adjustable collar actually does have sufficient strength to spread the load using the lens foot. I replaced the protective padding in the base with thinner square of 16mm SPX33 high impact foam to make a bit more internal height.
Large backpack recommendation
I was in the same situation like you! I have my z600 tc with few others lenses and two bodies and I could not find anything that fit them all. With the help of a representative at B&H, i bought the Shimoda Design Action X70. I can fit, thé Z600 tc, the z 400 mm f4.5, the z 24-70 mm f2.8 , a...
bcgforums.com
Lowepro Lens Trekker 600 AW II
Wildlife photography safaris and workshops by Nikon Ambassador Richard Peters.
www.richardpeters.co.uk
Lowepro Lens Trekker 600 AW Camera Backpack Review
Is the Lowepro Lens Trekker 600 AW right for you? Learn all you need to know in The-Digital-Picture.com's review!
www.the-digital-picture.com
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