Across the Board

Vanguard Havana 38
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THE GOODS
CAMERA BAGS
ACROSS THE BOARD
PHOTO BAGS AND CASES
by Theano Nikitas
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camera bag is as integral to a photographer’s kit as a camera. In fact, most of
us have multiple bags and cases to fit different gear configurations and needs—
from backpacks and shoulder bags to
heavy-duty rollers. With that in mind,
here are several style and function options
to pique your interest.
VANGUARD HAVANA 38
Vanguard’s Havana 38 serves a dual purpose. It’s a camera bag capable of toting a
DSLR with lens attached, three or four extra lenses, a shoe-mount flash, and assorted photo necessities. The bag also features
a dedicated slot for a 15-inch ultrabook, a
small pouch for media cards, an attached
key fob, and zippered pockets. Side pockets are perfect for stowing a water bottle to
stay hydrated on location or on the road. Its
second function is a roomy carry-all. Just
remove the padded camera insert and pack
whatever you need to carry.
Constructed of 600D polyester with a
150D polyester and velvet interior, the Havana 38 is rugged enough to withstand
daily use. At the same time, its insert with
padded dividers provides protection for
delicate lenses and electronics.
The largest in the series, it measures
17-3/8x7-7/8x11-3/8 inches (exterior) and
weighs 2.03 pounds. In addition to the adjustable shoulder strap, Vanguard has added
a leather grip handle for when you want to
offload the weight from your shoulder. Other
design details add to this bag’s practical but
handsome design. $100; smaller versions
start at $40; vanguardworld.com
TENBA SWITCH
Designed for mirrorless camera systems,
the Tenba Switch series comes in a trio
of sizes, including the Switch 10, which
is large enough to accommodate a DSLR,
two to three lenses up to a 70-200mm f/2.8,
and a full-size tablet. The line offers many
appealing features, including the ability to
switch the outside flap to one of several op-
Tenba Switch
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tional covers. For photographers who prefer more than a flat black faux leather bag,
the Switch offers black/grey camo, blue,
pink, brick red faux leather, and patterned
geometric flaps.
The bag is constructed from water repellant nylon and features small rainflaps on
the sides for extra protection. It comes with
a reversible wrap: silver on one side to reflect the sun; black on the other to enclose
the bag during inclement weather. Magnetic closures on the Switch guarantee quiet
operation, a critical feature in the somber
silence of a wedding ceremony.
In addition to customizable foam dividers, the bag is equipped with a number of
useful design features: stretchy mesh side
pockets, Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) compatible side
loops, a D-ring for securing a media card
wallet, and a neoprene interior pocket for
lens caps and filters.
The Switch 7 can accommodate a mirrorless camera with at least three lenses.
The two larger models (Switch 8 and 10)
have straps on the bottom to attach a tripod, and there’s a separate pocket for a
tablet. If you’re traveling light and don’t
need anything but a camera and a couple of
lenses, go with the affordable Switch 7. For
a roomier bag, the Switch 8 or 10 is a better
fit. $80-$110; optional covers are $18-$20;
tenba.com
THINK TANK PHOTO AIRPORT HELIPAK
Slated for an April release, the Think Tank
Photo Airport Helipak is designed for quadcopter photographers who need a specially
kitted bag for their gear. Although the dividers were designed for the DJI Phantom series,
the layout can be customized to fit similarsized quadcopters. The backpack, which
measures 14x20.5x9 inches (exterior) and
weighs 4.6 pounds with all accessories,
has plenty of room for everything needed
to get aerial image making off the ground.
In addition to the quadcopter, the pack
can accommodate a Wi-Fi range extender, charger, controller, spare rotors, extra
batteries, up to a 7-inch LCD monitor and
more—including GoPros and a 15-inch laptop. Interior and exterior pockets, including elastic pockets on the shoulder strap,
PROFE S SION A L PHOTOGR A PHER | MAY 2015
Think Tank Photo Airport Helipak
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THE GOODS
CAMERA BAGS
are available to keep everything organized
and within reach.
The exterior features a water-repellant
coating; for heavier downpours, a rain cover is
bundled with the backpack. Protective rotor
thread caps are included. The pack is designed to meet airline carry-on standards
(but always check with the airlines for
updated specs). To supplement its shoulder and sternum straps, the Helipak is
equipped with handles on three sides that
ease the awkwardness of pulling the pack
out of a car trunk or overhead bin. $240;
thinktankphoto.com
The pack holds a padded laptop/tablet
sleeve to accommodate up to a 17-inch laptop; a quick-connect tripod and hydration
system is sold separately. $199; modules
are $70-$160; tripod and hydration system
is $40; guragear.com
LOWEPRO ECHELON ROLLER
New from Lowepro, the Echelon Roller is
a high-capacity bag that can be packed with
two professional DSLRs, six to eight lenses
(up to 300mm), flash, lighting gear, a 15-inch
laptop, and a lot more. Its high-impact-
Gura Gear
Uinta
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GURA GEAR UINTA
The Gura Gear Uinta opens the door for
a DIY backpack design. While the shell is
standard, optional camera modules make
it possible to customize the pack and its
contents to suit your needs. On its own, the
backpack is great for a day hike, but add
one or two modules and it’s a highly efficient camera backpack.
All modules come with customizable
dividers and are available in small, medium, and large Pro versions, and small and
medium Compact. The large Pro module,
for example, occupies the pack’s entire
interior and can accommodate a DSLR
with up to a 600mm lens attached. Gura
Gear recommends using a medium and
a small Pro module for maximum gear
capacity. The Compact modules are ideal
for mirrorless and rangefinder kits.
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Lowepro Echelon Roller
THE GOODS
CAMERA BAGS
resistant molded interior construction provides overall protection against shock and
vibration. This sturdy build is complemented by Lowepro’s leather-tipped MaxFit system to fit the maximum amount of gear into
the case.
Multiple interior zipped pockets store a
wide range of accessories. A removable panel
organizes everything from your passport
and pens to filters and other assorted items.
The roller comes with two pouches for cables
and other small items; clear sides make it
easy to locate whatever you need. As is typical for Lowepro, the company includes a
removable all-weather cover for protection
against the elements. As a bonus, the Roller
comes with a TSA-approved lock.
Lowepro pays attention to design details;
there are encased wheels and a premium
leather handle. If you like matching luggage, check out the rest of this luxury line:
the Echelon Brief and the Echelon Attaché.
$800 (Roller); $340 (Brief); $420 (Attaché);
lowepro.com
PAXIS MT. PICKETT
The Paxis Mt. Pickett backpack is cleverly
designed for convenience and quick access. Just pull the ripcord-style handle on
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the shoulder strap and the lower compartment releases, allowing you swing it around
to the front of your body. Well supported by
a hinged metal bracket, the compartment
travels smoothly to the easy-access front
dock position. The padded interior is lined
with soft velour and can be fitted with your
own custom foam for extra protection.
Beyond its unique design, the Mt. Pickett’s
upper pack is outfitted with an interior pocket for a tablet or hydration system and a couple of zipper pockets to keep smaller items
organized. Secure a tripod—or walking poles
for serious hikers—in an exterior pocket.
It’s protected against the elements with
water resistant fabric and waterproof zippers and bottom, and it’s made for comfort
with well-padded shoulder straps and hip
belt. Available in two sizes and a selection of colors, the Mt. Pickett 18 measures
18x12x7 inches and weighs 5.2 pounds
while the slightly larger Mt. Picket 20
measures 20x12x7 inches and weighs 5.5
pounds. $265 (Mt. Pickett 18); $275 (Mt.
Pickett 20); paxispax.com •
Theano Nikitas, a full-time freelance
writer and photographer, has been writing
about photography for 17 years.
Paxis Mt. Pickett
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