Big Prime - Camera Bags & Backpacks

[nhzen]

@mathjak107 No fair dragging us poor folks into a GAS piss-off . Kindly redeem yourself by checking and posting whether the GG 30l will take two large lenses, one on each side?

But seriously, good decision, a few earlier posts also noted that it's good to not always load everything into one bag and carry around all that weight. Your solution is a good one. You can also take stuff in the big bag, and put the small one into your checked-in bag for day-trips at the far end.

(Just kidding earlier, in case it wasn't obvious.)

 

[mathjak107]

@mathjak107 No fair dragging us poor folks into a GAS piss-off . Kindly redeem yourself by checking and posting whether the GG 30l will take two large lenses, one on each side?

But seriously, good decision, a few earlier posts also noted that it's good to not always load everything into one bag and carry around all that weight. Your solution is a good one. You can also take stuff in the big bag, and put the small one into your checked-in bag for day-trips at the far end.

(Just kidding earlier, in case it wasn't obvious.)

a lot of time because my wife and i shoot it is convenient to take one pack just for transport.

the 30l should take my z8 on one side with the 600mm of f6.3 and her z6iii with 180-600 on the other .

nothing i want to carry but we live in a high rise and transporting to the car easily is a lot of what we do typically when not traveling

 

[nhzen]

a lot of time because my wife and i shoot it is convenient to take one pack just for transport.

the 30l should take my z8 on one side with the 600mm of f6.3 and her z6iii with 180-600 on the other .

nothing i want to carry but we live in a high rise and transporting to the car easily is a lot of what we do typically when not traveling

Thanks @mathjak107 . That’s ideal then. I prefer not to travel with mounted lenses, but I can always slip the bodies into a shoulder bag.

 

[mathjak107]

Thanks @nmerc_photos . That’s ideal then. I prefer not to travel with mounted lenses, but I can always slip the bodies into a shoulder bag.

i only remove the lenses when we fly .

never to just place them in the car

 

[nhzen]

Thanks @mathjak107 ! This has been a super helpful thread, thanks to all (and the OP of course!).

 

[Jojo]

For the record, I’ve flown with the Nya-Evo 60C (44L config w/ large RCI) as an overhead carry-on to Bolivia (United + Copa 737s), Paris (United 777 - business, though) and Istanbul > Mauritius (Turkish Air 777… also business). That said, I bought their 36L this week so I can stash it under seat on my upcoming trip back to Bolivia (United 737 & 757; LATAM A320), as I’m bringing a carry-on suitcase this time in the overhead.

I’ve flown with the 60C on small regional jets and never had an issue. One flight was a tiny puddle jumper plane from Atlanta to my hometown in Louisiana which has a relatively small airport. The 60C barely fit in the overhead compartment.

Like you I’m considering ordering the 36L for a personal item.

 

[Vincent_VdB]

And a soon to be seen bag on the Mr JanGear website (today or tomorrow) a new bag for those that have long lenses and need it in the field with hood and body on it .
It is a FB post for now but once on the website shall I post the link as well.

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02vK9J5SR4xP9nPJNvTbczpPcPpLsDcscBhCQnKBNHHaZJ3LYxhXv9MFWpSGHrPXKSl&id=100064393763623

 

[nmerc_photos]

And a soon to be seen bag on the Mr JanGear website (today or tomorrow) a new bag for those that have long lenses and need it in the field with hood and body on it .
It is a FB post for now but once on the website shall I post the link as well.

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02vK9J5SR4xP9nPJNvTbczpPcPpLsDcscBhCQnKBNHHaZJ3LYxhXv9MFWpSGHrPXKSl&id=100064393763623

I saw that and commented on the post! I always wondered why nobody made a dry bag for big lenses. This would've been an instant buy for me last year when kayaking with the Z9 + 400TC or 800PF.

Although how high it sits up on the back looks uncomfortable. It reminds me of the LowePro AW 600 which I find notoriously uncomfortable.

So time will tell if I purchase it or not. Most likely not as I'm trying to move to kayaking with smaller lenses like the 300GM.

 

[Vincent_VdB]

Ladies & gentlemen, here is the Hippo

Hippo Rolltop Bag - MrJan Gear

Carry your lens with the camera body attached, along with the lens hood securely in place.

mrjangear.com

 

[arbitrage]

Ladies & gentlemen, here is the Hippo

Hippo Rolltop Bag - MrJan Gear

Carry your lens with the camera body attached, along with the lens hood securely in place.

mrjangear.com

Should have been called The Giraffe

 

[Michael Bisset]

i use the gura 22l most of the time for my z8 and 600mm pf f6.3 .. in fact if i don’t take much else , that actually fits in the small think tank sprint 15l which is very small. but has no extra room for much else .

i am going to get the gura 30l so i can fit not only my gear but some of my wife’s when needed .

the 22l hold my z8 , 70-200mm f2.8 with 1.4tc and hood mounted ready to go

I have been considering the guru 22l for my Z8 500mm pf setup but the height of the Z8 with arca-swiss plate is a little bigger than the depth measurement for the bag. Can I ask if the camera sits above the rim of the bag before you close it and whether you have had any issues closing the bag without the top of the camera indenting the closure flaps of the bag?
Thanks

 

[mathjak107]

I have been considering the guru 22l for my Z8 500mm pf setup but the height of the Z8 with arca-swiss plate is a little big mode than the depth measurement for the bag. Can I ask if the camera sits above the rim of the bag before you close it and whether you have had any issues closing the bag without the top of the camera indenting the closure flaps of the bag?
Thanks

no issue closing the bag …the cover easily wraps around the camera . i have an arca plate on too … but it does effect storage space in the outside pockets .

i could live with the 22L AND 600mm pf f6.3 easily . but the 30L is a better fit with more room for extra padding in front and back of the set up , not to mention it fits with the hood in position.

i like the 22L FOR SMALLER SET UPS or when i take less gear .

i even can fit the z8 and 600mm in the midshift sprint 15L but it does not have much room for much else.

since my wife can’t carry much anymore it’s nice having the three packs we do for dividing up both our gear we take .

we both are in our 70’s so we try to shed as much weight as we can and the gura backs are very light and strong

 

[Michael Bisset]

no issue closing the bag …the cover easily wraps around the camera . i have an arca plate on too … but it does effect storage space in the outside pockets .

i could live with the 22L AND 600mm pf f6.3 easily . but the 30L is a better fit with more room for extra padding in front and back of the set up , not to mention it fits with the hood in position.

i like the 22L FOR SMALLER SET UPS or when i take less gear .

i even can fit the z8 and 600mm in the midshift sprint 15L but it does not have much room for much else.

since my wife can’t carry much anymore it’s nice having the three packs we do for dividing up both our gear we take .

we both are in our 70’s so we try to shed as much weight as we can and the gura backs are very light and strong

Thanks. That is helpful.

 

[mathjak107]

30L has a side handle the 22l does not ..it is so handy for carrying it like you would a suitcase

 

[MoMoChee]

Been using a PGYTech OnePro Flex 40L. Their large insert cube (480x290x170mm) fits my gear but doesn't have top access. Curious if a Nya-Evo XL RCI (550x305x180mm) would fit inside. The OnePro Flex has an expandable top but I am concerned with the depth. The PGYTech cube at 170mm seems pretty snug fit and the XL RCI is 10mm deeper. Is the XL RCI super ridge or squishable a bit?

Alternatively, I could just buy the OnePro Focux which uses internal dividers, like the Mindshift BackLight 36L and it has top access built-in. Anyone tried this for large lenses?

 

[Magicspell]

Been using a PGYTech OnePro Flex 40L. Their large insert cube (480x290x170mm) fits my gear but doesn't have top access. Curious if a Nya-Evo XL RCI (550x305x180mm) would fit inside. The OnePro Flex has an expandable top but I am concerned with the depth. The PGYTech cube at 170mm seems pretty snug fit and the XL RCI is 10mm deeper. Is the XL RCI super ridge or squishable a bit?

Alternatively, I could just buy the OnePro Focux which uses internal dividers, like the Mindshift BackLight 36L and it has top access built-in. Anyone tried this for large lenses?

Looking at the specifications for the PGYTech OnePro Flex 40L shows that the external depth of the bag is 260mm and the internal depth of the bag is 190mm. Your experience with this bag is that the large insert cube at 170mm is snug enough that possibly the Nya-EVo XL RCI at 180mm might not fit?
I'm asking because this was a candidate bag for me as well, but I do think both top access and full access (by opening the bag) would be high on my list of requirements.
I was actually even considering the OnePro Flex 50L, but the depth dimensions between the two bags are the same.

 

[MoMoChee]

Looking at the specifications for the PGYTech OnePro Flex 40L shows that the external depth of the bag is 260mm and the internal depth of the bag is 190mm. Your experience with this bag is that the large insert cube at 170mm is snug enough that possibly the Nya-EVo XL RCI at 180mm might not fit?
I'm asking because this was a candidate bag for me as well, but I do think both top access and full access (by opening the bag) would be high on my list of requirements.
I was actually even considering the OnePro Flex 50L, but the depth dimensions between the two bags are the same.

The PGYTech insert is 170mm depth but there is also laptop/tablet sleeves on the rear panel. My macbook is 11mm thick and close pretty snug. With it removed I suppose a Nya-Evo XL RCI at 180mm would fit. Just have to use front pocket sleeve meant for gimbal storage for laptop.

Yea PGYTech OnePro bags all have the same width & depth. It only varies by length for each capacity size. I picked the 40L to be more airline carry on compliant, but now thinking I should have gotten the 50L.

 

[Brian Rutter]

For the UK guys.
The first big prime I bought was the Z 800mm. At first I struggled to get a bag where I didn't have to reverse the hood (something I hate doing).
After much searching I found the Alta Sky 66 by Vanguard. This held the 800 beautifully and it was unzip and go...no messing about.
When I got the Z 400 2.8mm, the Alta Sky 66 was used for awhile, but then I wanted the option to carry more gear and therefore opted for the Alta Sky 68.
They are well built and rugged (I think I've had the 66 about 4-5 years now), and ample pockets for my needs.
If like me you hate reversing hoods, I can highly recommend either of these bags.

 

[SoCalRick]

For the UK guys.
The first big prime I bought was the Z 800mm. At first I struggled to get a bag where I didn't have to reverse the hood (something I hate doing).
After much searching I found the Alta Sky 66 by Vanguard. This held the 800 beautifully and it was unzip and go...no messing about.
When I got the Z 400 2.8mm, the Alta Sky 66 was used for awhile, but then I wanted the option to carry more gear and therefore opted for the Alta Sky 68.
They are well built and rugged (I think I've had the 66 about 4-5 years now), and ample pockets for my needs.
If like me you hate reversing hoods, I can highly recommend either of these bags.

Those bags look fairly functional for carrying large lenses.

However, for those folks who want to travel by air, neither of those bags will meet the standard carry-on size limits for most airlines, which is: 22" x 14" x 9"

B&H lists the Alta Sky 66 at: 24.4 x 11.4 x 11.4" and the Alta Sky 68 at: 23.4 x 15 x 10.25"

 

[fcotterill]

A few years ago, I chose the LowePro LensTrekker 600 AW II (see above #253), because it's distinctly taller than the Alta Sky 66. Their 68 big lens bag wasn't available then.

Judging from this review, Vanguard have prioritized access to big lens from the bag top. They also seem to have partly improved the serious problem with their other backpacks in this Sky range > too little storage space for accessories (45D, 51D, 53) that I have tested.

Otherwise, these packs have many positive features

https://www.ephotozine.com/article/vanguard-alta-sky-68-backpack-review-36122

 

[nmerc_photos]

selfish plug - if anyone wants a Mindshift 26L, 36L, or a Lowepro 600 AW III - I have them for sale right now. pretty much brand new since I only use them each one time. feel free to PM so as to not detract from the thread.

Those Alta sky bags look pretty good for traveling via car, since they won't work on planes. But I've never found much utility in having my camera in "shooting position". With such a big bag and big body/lens combo - surely removing it from the bag will spook the critter just as much as if you had to take 3 seconds to put on the lens hood.

 

[TomRC]

Please let us know how you find the Shimoda setup in the field. I'm particularly interested in this new ICU - post #225 above

The top access will be key

Big Prime - Camera Bags & Backpacks

You’d have to do the math, but I can fit a Z9 + FTZ II + 600mm f/4 FL E into the XL ICU (with everything attached). I have a Zemlin short hood on the lens also.

bcgforums.com

Sorry for the delay but a little feedback on the Shimoda Action X70 HD and particularly the XXL DV Core unit you were interested in. Size wise you can get an idea in the picture below as it is sitting next to a GuraGear 30L, Mindshift 36L and Mindshift 26L packs. It is a huge bag and the picture doesn’t do it justice as it holds so much more gear than the others. What makes the biggest differest is the depth of the XXL DV Core unit, it is DEEP and unlike the other bags allows you to stack gear. For my needs I’ve divided it into 4 sections. You can’t see everything as stuff is stacked on top of other stuff but in the top left compartment is my main video setup which is an FX3 with 200-600 attached, Atomos monitor and Sennheiser MKE-600 shotgun mic. Top right compartment has an A7R5 with 70-200mm and 1.4 teleconverter attached (soon to be a 300mm 2.8) and two Zoom F3 field recorders in pouches. Bottom left compartment has a JetBoil and some other cookin’ stuff for a hot mid day meal. Bottom Right compartment has a 20mm 1.8, field stereo recording kit and mics, microphone bar, clamps, cables and batteries. The separate top compartment has a Sachtler fluid head, Helinox chair with room left over for extra clothes and food. A 75mm bowl tripod is attached to one side of the pack and a smaller tripod which is a part of a field recording kit is attached to the other side of the pack.

When I first picked it up I thought there was no way I could manage this amount of weight…….VERY HEAVY but once I got it on my back and up on my hips I was really amazed. The weight distributed very well and was pleasant to carry. For me it is a pack to head out before daylight and back after dark with gear, food and clothing to make it through an all dayer. Simply could not do that with any of my other packs. If anyone is interested in the Shimoda Action X70HD make sure you order the hip belt extension. I’m 6’3 210lbs so a little bit of a gut but not to much and the hip belt is simply not long enough to connect around you waist particularly if wearing a jacket. The hip belt extension only costs $5 which they ought to include.

I like the big Shimoda pack a lot but it is not a pack I would use for anything other than heading way back in the woods when you need to carry a lot of gear. For daily use or work I’d much prefer to throw a couple smaller bags in the car like the GuraGear 30L and a Mindshift. My only gripe about the pack is when you open up the pack it has a large padded laptop sleeve. Nice for some I suppose but I wish it had zippered compartments to stick cables and other “thin” stuff like on the Mindshift packs. But if you are headed out for an all day excursion into the woods the size of the Shimoda and depth of the big XXL Core DV unit is game changer. Just allows you to pack in so much more gear and the separate top compartment is like a bag within itself. Seems to be a decent pack, time will tell and certainly fills a niche my other packs can’t come close to matching.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[harshilsharma63]

Contributing to the database - I just got ThinkTank Mindshift Backlight 36L . I specifically got it for carrying two lenses and two bodies. As you can see in the image, it is able to accommodate following gear-

1. Nikon Z 600 F4 TC
2. Nikon Z9
3. Nikon D500
4. Nikon 200-500 f4.5

And it still has space for misc stuff like adapters, TC, batteries etc. It is also able to accommodate a M3 MacBook pro 16 inch very comfortably.

Although the photo shows the 600 f4 with hood reversed, the hood creates a small bump that you can feel on your lower back. Its very very minor and with or without hood, you'd anyways be very careful with the bag so I don't see it as a problem.

The only complaint I have with the bag is it doesn't have larger section dividers. It has many, but all are of the same size. If see see the horizontal divider between D500 and Z9, I actually had to use two overlapping dividers because they aren't wide enough. It also lacks the velcro elastic straps used to keep everything nice and tight in the bag and avoid gear from moving around. I'll sew them out myself from some heavy duty elastic and velcro.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[harshilsharma63]

I think I'll still get the Gura Gear Kiboko 36L when I have someone visiting from the US.

 

[fcotterill]

Sorry for the delay but a little feedback on the Shimoda Action X70 HD and particularly the XXL DV Core unit you were interested in. Size wise you can get an idea in the picture below as it is sitting next to a GuraGear 30L, Mindshift 36L and Mindshift 26L packs. It is a huge bag and the picture doesn’t do it justice as it holds so much more gear than the others.

What makes the biggest differe[nce] is the depth of the XXL DV Core unit, it is DEEP and unlike the other bags allows you to stack gear. For my needs I’ve divided it into 4 sections.

You can’t see everything as stuff is stacked on top of other stuff but in the top left compartment is my main video setup which is an FX3 with 200-600 attached, Atomos monitor and Sennheiser MKE-600 shotgun mic. Top right compartment has an A7R5 with 70-200mm and 1.4 teleconverter attached (soon to be a 300mm 2.8) and two Zoom F3 field recorders in pouches. Bottom left compartment has a JetBoil and some other cookin’ stuff for a hot mid day meal. Bottom Right compartment has a 20mm 1.8, field stereo recording kit and mics, microphone bar, clamps, cables and batteries. The separate top compartment has a Sachtler fluid head, Helinox chair with room left over for extra clothes and food. A 75mm bowl tripod is attached to one side of the pack and a smaller tripod which is a part of a field recording kit is attached to the other side of the pack.

When I first picked it up I thought there was no way I could manage this amount of weight…….VERY HEAVY but once I got it on my back and up on my hips I was really amazed. The weight distributed very well and was pleasant to carry. For me it is a pack to head out before daylight and back after dark with gear, food and clothing to make it through an all dayer. Simply could not do that with any of my other packs. If anyone is interested in the Shimoda Action X70HD make sure you order the hip belt extension. I’m 6’3 210lbs so a little bit of a gut but not to much and the hip belt is simply not long enough to connect around you waist particularly if wearing a jacket. The hip belt extension only costs $5 which they ought to include.

I like the big Shimoda pack a lot but it is not a pack I would use for anything other than heading way back in the woods when you need to carry a lot of gear. For daily use or work I’d much prefer to throw a couple smaller bags in the car like the GuraGear 30L and a Mindshift. My only gripe about the pack is when you open up the pack it has a large padded laptop sleeve. Nice for some I suppose but I wish it had zippered compartments to stick cables and other “thin” stuff like on the Mindshift packs. But if you are headed out for an all day excursion into the woods the size of the Shimoda and depth of the big XXL Core DV unit is game changer. Just allows you to pack in so much more gear and the separate top compartment is like a bag within itself. Seems to be a decent pack, time will tell and certainly fills a niche my other packs can’t come close to matching.View attachment 109252View attachment 109253View attachment 109254

Thank you very much for your detailed post. This is indeed a bit of a beast! The depth of the ICU is a bonus - {as I've flagged above}.

I will definitely be ordering the ICU to use in a bigger fStop pack. I have quite a few Peak design origami style padded Dividers, which help stacking smaller items with protection. These should work in this deep ICU.

But now I'm pondering if it's possible to justify the full Monty and get the Shimoda b'pack with ICU from the get go !?! As I understand your hands on assessment, this definitely is the ideal big pack to carry lots of gear for a full day and longer.