FRAGILE camera gear demands ample protection, particularly when shooting pictures outside.
“Cameras today and lenses are expensive investments,” said Brian Markman, sales manager of the pro photo division of B & H, a large photographic equipment store in New York. “You’re not going to put it into a regular backpack or a sports bag.”
The answer for most photographers is a padded, compartmentalized camera pack, a piece of gear that has evolved considerably in the last five years, Mr. Markman said. Today, companies make packs with a wide variety of features, from waterproofing and padded waist belts to built-in rain hoods for changing lenses and pockets for water bottles. Camera packs are available in more styles and colors than they used to be.
Joe Decker, a nature photographer based in San Jose, Calif., tested five of the latest camera packs while hiking in the Sierra Nevada this fall. The photographs of the bags were taken at Pomponio State Beach, Calif.
NANEU SAHARA 217F, $206.99, naneupro.com. Mr. Decker is shown above working out of this bag, which consists of a large outer pack and a camera-pack insert, so photographers can use it for camera gear or as a regular backpack. “The hip belt is arguably a little thin, but it carried a lot of gear really comfortably,” Mr. Decker said. He said he appreciated the style. “It doesn’t quite scream ‘camera backpack,’” he said, and “when you’re carrying around a few thousand dollars worth of camera gear, that’s a plus.”
Anthony
I wish this was more in depth.
Attila
I would like to read a more detailed review.
This is why:
In the last couple of weeks I was/am looking to get a new bag and I spent 1-2hrs/day reading whatever was available on camera bags.
Originally I looked at Lowepro Flipside400AW, Kata3in1-33, Naneu U120 and Naneu Sahara217F.
I don’t plan to buy another one next yr so this should be strong, well padded, and well constructed to survive trekking, city use, and sandy moist conditions on the beach.
Previously I used Lowepro Fastpack250 (hated it), CaseLogic SLRC4(like it,bad use of int.space), Norazza1200(great shoulder bag, too small now) bags/cases.
-Flipside had the best idea. I loved the way that you can only access the gear from the back part and the whole bag has a less screaming look. Also, it lets you change the lens on the move or while you put one leg on a step or tree trunk. BUT the huge hip belt cannot be removed. That is a problem while walking around and I normally use it on only one shoulder.
-Kata has a great double sided feature in case you are left handed like me, but it’s a pain to reach lenses to change. It is good for quick draw, but I will carry the cam in my hand anyway when I go for shooting plus all the others would carry more gear and it has no tripod holder. The yellow raincover isn’t a plus either for me.
So I landed on Naneu Land. These bags are still pretty rare. I had a hard time to find reviews, videos on them.
-U120 looks awesome in black and my only prob is the lack of pockets on the sides, for water bottle, extra batteries. Small things compared to how well the bag is constructed. I would also prefer a black rain cover vs the silver. Be aware that it has an older version which is a little more fat in case you want to carry on an airplane.
-Sahara217 is a great bag. At the moment it looks like this is the winner. I miss the rain cover to help in sandy, rainy days plus for the price it should be included and it could use a side tripod holder vs the front, which doesn’t look too good IMO. Still I like this the most. Like the other Naneu this isn’t just 1 bag.
However there is something I cannot comprehend. This case doesn’t scream for a thief with its average bag look while it is still ruggedly handsome (according to my GF.)
BUT why are a cell phone and laptop icons on the bag? So, for example on a crowded subway, bus, or train it says I am an average bag…NOT…HEY, I HAVE A LAPTOP AND OTHER EXPENSIVE ELECTRONICS INSIDE!?
admin
Hi Attila,
Regarding your comment about the cell phone and laptop icons, they are being removed on future versions of ALL our bags. You are not the first to bring this to our attention, so we are taking immediate action.
Attila Nyerges
Hi,
Again, I am surprised about the professional attitude this company has.
I haven’t seen this from other companies.
Now all I would like is an email about availability.
A month passed by and seems like the 217F and the new U120 are so hot that none has them. I saw one or two on Ebay but I would rather buy from the manufacturer.
All the best.
Regards, Attila.
Rob
I have been salivating for this bag since I learn of it’s existence. Two months ago, I found it on ebay and went directly to the seller’s website. I threw down the cash and was told that the bags were backordered. I have now been waiting 9 weeks and today was the projected fulfillment date. Instead, I received another email telling me that I would have to wait another 3 weeks for my bag. The store also continues to have them up on ebay with a buy-it-now option.
Where am I supposed to get this bag? I did my homework diligently and found that this is 100% the bag I want for my newly upgraded kit. It has every feature that I want and more. If I could find the bag through a different vendor, I would get a refund and re-purchase.
While I am more disappointed with the store, I can’t help but be a little annoyed at the overall lack of delivery. Feeling buyers remorse is not something a customer should feel BEFORE the receipt of product.
I really hope this bag is worth it.
Thanks,
Rob
Rob
When will this be available? I have been waiting 2 months for mine and I just received an e-mail telling me I need to wait another 3 weeks.