Shimoda Designs Explore V2 30 Photo Backpack (Black)
With Core Unit Medium Mirrorless V2 Internal dimensions 28.5 x 50.5 x 16 cm Outer dimensions 29.5 x 51.5 x 17 cm Weight 2.5 kg Every backpack in the Women's Series is equipped with womenspecific tech straps and the Women's Adjustable Belt. The straps curve away from the chest area, while the double sternum straps prevent uncomfortable pressure points. The belt can be adjusted by 6 cm to give women with a narrower waist a better fit around the hips. International hand luggage and travelfriendly design The perfect travel companion, the Women's Explore 30 waterproof camera backpack complies with the strictest global hand luggage regulations and even fits under an aeroplane seat. It also features a passthrough handle, lockable zips, a hidden passport pocket and a quickaccess document/book sleeve. Multiple access options The backpack offers access options from the back and from the side. The side opening is ideal for quick access under the arm without having to remove the backpack completely, and the theftproof rear opening allows wide, unobstructed access to the majority of equipment in less timecritical shooting situations. Two laptop/tablet sleeves The padded sleeves on the back and front are suitable for laptops up to 16 inches in size. With two sleeves, you can pack both a tablet and a laptop, giving you options for different packing scenarios. The Medium MIrrorless v2 Core Unit provides shockproof protection for mirrorless, SLR and DSLR cameras and lenses, ensuring that the user never carries more padding and weight than necessary. A user can increase their layout options with two or more Core Units by stacking and moving how they are placed in the backpack.
With Core Unit Medium Mirrorless V2 Internal dimensions 28.5 x 50.5 x 16 cm Outer dimensions 29.5 x 51.5 x 17 cm Weight 2.5 kg Every backpack in the Women's Series is equipped with womenspecific tech straps and the Women's Adjustable Belt. The straps curve away from the chest area, while the double sternum straps prevent uncomfortable pressure points. The belt can be adjusted by 6 cm to give women with a narrower waist a better fit around the hips. International hand luggage and travelfriendly design The perfect travel companion, the Women's Explore 30 waterproof camera backpack complies with the strictest global hand luggage regulations and even fits under an aeroplane seat. It also features a passthrough handle, lockable zips, a hidden passport pocket and a quickaccess document/book sleeve. Multiple access options The backpack offers access options from the back and from the side. The side opening is ideal for quick access under the arm without having to remove the backpack completely, and the theftproof rear opening allows wide, unobstructed access to the majority of equipment in less timecritical shooting situations. Two laptop/tablet sleeves The padded sleeves on the back and front are suitable for laptops up to 16 inches in size. With two sleeves, you can pack both a tablet and a laptop, giving you options for different packing scenarios. The Medium MIrrorless v2 Core Unit provides shockproof protection for mirrorless, SLR and DSLR cameras and lenses, ensuring that the user never carries more padding and weight than necessary. A user can increase their layout options with two or more Core Units by stacking and moving how they are placed in the backpack.
With Core Unit Medium Mirrorless V2 Internal dimensions 28.5 x 50.5 x 16 cm Outer dimensions 29.5 x 51.5 x 17 cm Weight 2.5 kg Every backpack in the Women's Series is equipped with womenspecific tech straps and the Women's Adjustable Belt. The straps curve away from the chest area, while the double sternum straps prevent uncomfortable pressure points. The belt can be adjusted by 6 cm to give women with a narrower waist a better fit around the hips. International hand luggage and travelfriendly design The perfect travel companion, the Women's Explore 30 waterproof camera backpack complies with the strictest global hand luggage regulations and even fits under an aeroplane seat. It also features a passthrough handle, lockable zips, a hidden passport pocket and a quickaccess document/book sleeve. Multiple access options The backpack offers access options from the back and from the side. The side opening is ideal for quick access under the arm without having to remove the backpack completely, and the theftproof rear opening allows wide, unobstructed access to the majority of equipment in less timecritical shooting situations. Two laptop/tablet sleeves The padded sleeves on the back and front are suitable for laptops up to 16 inches in size. With two sleeves, you can pack both a tablet and a laptop, giving you options for different packing scenarios. The Medium MIrrorless v2 Core Unit provides shockproof protection for mirrorless, SLR and DSLR cameras and lenses, ensuring that the user never carries more padding and weight than necessary. A user can increase their layout options with two or more Core Units by stacking and moving how they are placed in the backpack.
With Core Unit Medium Mirrorless V2 Internal dimensions 28.5 x 50.5 x 16 cm Outer dimensions 29.5 x 51.5 x 17 cm Weight 2.5 kg Every backpack in the Women's Series is equipped with womenspecific tech straps and the Women's Adjustable Belt. The straps curve away from the chest area, while the double sternum straps prevent uncomfortable pressure points. The belt can be adjusted by 6 cm to give women with a narrower waist a better fit around the hips. International hand luggage and travelfriendly design The perfect travel companion, the Women's Explore 30 waterproof camera backpack complies with the strictest global hand luggage regulations and even fits under an aeroplane seat. It also features a passthrough handle, lockable zips, a hidden passport pocket and a quickaccess document/book sleeve. Multiple access options The backpack offers access options from the back and from the side. The side opening is ideal for quick access under the arm without having to remove the backpack completely, and the theftproof rear opening allows wide, unobstructed access to the majority of equipment in less timecritical shooting situations. Two laptop/tablet sleeves The padded sleeves on the back and front are suitable for laptops up to 16 inches in size. With two sleeves, you can pack both a tablet and a laptop, giving you options for different packing scenarios. The Medium MIrrorless v2 Core Unit provides shockproof protection for mirrorless, SLR and DSLR cameras and lenses, ensuring that the user never carries more padding and weight than necessary. A user can increase their layout options with two or more Core Units by stacking and moving how they are placed in the backpack.
in 9 offers
The lowest price for Shimoda Designs Explore V2 30 Photo Backpack (Black) right now is $405.00 at Hard to Find Camera Store, compared across 9 retailers.
The all-time low was $391.20 on 13 July 2025 — today's price is 4% above the lowest ever. This is at or near its all-time low — a good time to buy.
Prices last updated 14 May 2026.
Last updated at 14/05/2026 00:28:55
Shimoda Explore V2 30 Backpack - Black - 520-154
Delivery $40.67
Shimoda Designs Explore v2 30 Photo Backpack (Black)
Delivery between 20–22 May $8.95
Shimoda Explore V2 30 Backpack - Black
Delivery $9.90
Shimoda Explore V2 30 Backpack - Black
Free delivery between 18–25 May
Shimoda Explore V2 30 Backpack - Black
Delivery between 18–26 May $15
Shimoda Explorer V2 30 Backpack - Black
Free delivery between 15–21 May
Shimoda Explore V2 30 Backpack - Black
Delivery $9.95
Shimoda Explore V2 30 Backpack - Black
Shimoda Explore v2 30 Backpack, Mid-Size Outdoor Photography Travel Camera Pack with Carry-On Ready Design, Anti-Theft Camera Access, Modular Core Uni
Delivery between 20–23 May $29
originally posted on cliftoncameras.co.uk
Pros: I just love this bag. The build quality is excellent and the aperture for accessing your gear is a blessing. No rogue straps getting in the way. Zips glide along oh so good!!Cons: My only recommendation is to have the rain cover discreetly stored and attached at the bottom of the bag like the “Compagnon Elements “ design. It takes up more room than is necessary as it is. Other than that, nice job!!
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I carry a lot of equipment for my photo sessions (documentary; portraits), including 2 cameras (1 full frame and 1 medium format) and several large lenses + accessories. In all, in excess of 8 - 9 Kilos (18 pounds) for the equipment, before a tripod and the weight of the bag itself.For me, the top priorities for backpack that I was looking for:1) comfortably carry a heavy load2) keep the equipment safe/secureShimoda Explore was rather unique in that sense, as it is built like a hiking backpack, with all the comfort and all the adjustments, to get a perfect fit to comfortably carry 12 Kilos (26 pounds).As for safety, with the rigid Large Core Unit, the bag provides maximum protection for my gear. It becomes like a safe box.No other backpack that I looked ... MoreI carry a lot of equipment for my photo sessions (documentary; portraits), including 2 cameras (1 full frame and 1 medium format) and several large lenses + accessories. In all, in excess of 8 - 9 Kilos (18 pounds) for the equipment, before a tripod and the weight of the bag itself.For me, the top priorities for backpack that I was looking for:1) comfortably carry a heavy load2) keep the equipment safe/secureShimoda Explore was rather unique in that sense, as it is built like a hiking backpack, with all the comfort and all the adjustments, to get a perfect fit to comfortably carry 12 Kilos (26 pounds).As for safety, with the rigid Large Core Unit, the bag provides maximum protection for my gear. It becomes like a safe box.No other backpack that I looked for could provide the level of carrying comfort (for heavy equipment) and such high protection level that I was looking for.All the other bells and whistles are less important to me, but, the Shimoda Explore V2 has many of the nice features that most reviewers are looking for.So, if comfort and protecting your gear are your top priorities, look no further
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I love this backpack. I have both the medium mirrorless core unit and the large mirrorless core unit. So far I have been using it as my daily work bag (with camera and lenses) and also for flower/macro photography. My Nikon Z7 with attached 70-20mm f2.8 and 1.4 teleconverter, along with 105mm macro lens and accessories fit perfectly in the large mirrorless core unit. Above the large mirrorless core unit in the top compartment, I can fit the Shimoda accessory pouch, sunglasses case, reading glasses case, tissues etc. My diary and pens go into one of the front compartments, my 15 MacBook fits perfectly in the laptop compartment. And the tripod/waterbottle holders have no problem taking my large-ish tripod. When I'm doing landscape photography, I will swap out the ... MoreI love this backpack. I have both the medium mirrorless core unit and the large mirrorless core unit. So far I have been using it as my daily work bag (with camera and lenses) and also for flower/macro photography. My Nikon Z7 with attached 70-20mm f2.8 and 1.4 teleconverter, along with 105mm macro lens and accessories fit perfectly in the large mirrorless core unit. Above the large mirrorless core unit in the top compartment, I can fit the Shimoda accessory pouch, sunglasses case, reading glasses case, tissues etc. My diary and pens go into one of the front compartments, my 15 MacBook fits perfectly in the laptop compartment. And the tripod/waterbottle holders have no problem taking my large-ish tripod. When I'm doing landscape photography, I will swap out the large core unit for the medium one which will allow me to fit a jersey, first aid and survival kits, and lunch in the top compartment and my raincoat will fit in the front compartment. I was a little worried if the bag would look too big to be used as my daily bag and if all the leather zipper pulls would be too much, but honestly, the bag looks fantastic. The removable waist belt is great; I have removed it for daily use but will put it back in for landscape work. We often head to a holiday home on the weekend and once there, I will either go hiking and take wide angle lenses or I'll visit nearby gardens and take my macro and 70-200mm lenses. I got this bag to be able to handle the conditions of hiking in bad weather as well as looking nice and handling my longer lens and macro when doing flower photography. This bag along with the two different sized core units perfectly suits these scenarios for me. For winter hiking when I need to take crampons etc I have the Action X50. The quality of Shimoda's bags is very good.
| Outside Dimensions (in) | 11.6W x 20.3H x 6.6D in |
| Outside Dimensions (cm) | 29.5W x 51.5H x 17D cm |
| Inside Dimensions (in) | 11.2W x 19.8H x 6.2D in |
| Inside Dimensions (cm) | 28.5W x 50.5H x 16D cm |
| Laptop Compartment Dimensions - Combined (in) | 10W x 15H x 0.8D in |
Shimoda Explore V2 30 Backpack - Black - 520-154
Delivery $40.67
Shimoda Designs Explore v2 30 Photo Backpack (Black)
Delivery between 20–22 May $8.95
Shimoda Explore V2 30 Backpack - Black
Delivery $9.90
Shimoda Explore V2 30 Backpack - Black
Free delivery between 18–25 May
Shimoda Explore V2 30 Backpack - Black
Delivery between 18–26 May $15
Pros: I just love this bag. The build quality is excellent and the aperture for accessing your gear is a blessing. No rogue straps getting in the way. Zips glide along oh so good!!Cons: My only recommendation is to have the rain cover discreetly stored and attached at the bottom of the bag like the “Compagnon Elements “ design. It takes up more room than is necessary as it is. Other than that, nice job!!
I carry a lot of equipment for my photo sessions (documentary; portraits), including 2 cameras (1 full frame and 1 medium format) and several large lenses + accessories. In all, in excess of 8 - 9 Kilos (18 pounds) for the equipment, before a tripod and the weight of the bag itself.For me, the top priorities for backpack that I was looking for:1) comfortably carry a heavy load2) keep the equipment safe/secureShimoda Explore was rather unique in that sense, as it is built like a hiking backpack, with all the comfort and all the adjustments, to get a perfect fit to comfortably carry 12 Kilos (26 pounds).As for safety, with the rigid Large Core Unit, the bag provides maximum protection for my gear. It becomes like a safe box.No other backpack that I looked ... MoreI carry a lot of equipment for my photo sessions (documentary; portraits), including 2 cameras (1 full frame and 1 medium format) and several large lenses + accessories. In all, in excess of 8 - 9 Kilos (18 pounds) for the equipment, before a tripod and the weight of the bag itself.For me, the top priorities for backpack that I was looking for:1) comfortably carry a heavy load2) keep the equipment safe/secureShimoda Explore was rather unique in that sense, as it is built like a hiking backpack, with all the comfort and all the adjustments, to get a perfect fit to comfortably carry 12 Kilos (26 pounds).As for safety, with the rigid Large Core Unit, the bag provides maximum protection for my gear. It becomes like a safe box.No other backpack that I looked for could provide the level of carrying comfort (for heavy equipment) and such high protection level that I was looking for.All the other bells and whistles are less important to me, but, the Shimoda Explore V2 has many of the nice features that most reviewers are looking for.So, if comfort and protecting your gear are your top priorities, look no further
I love this backpack. I have both the medium mirrorless core unit and the large mirrorless core unit. So far I have been using it as my daily work bag (with camera and lenses) and also for flower/macro photography. My Nikon Z7 with attached 70-20mm f2.8 and 1.4 teleconverter, along with 105mm macro lens and accessories fit perfectly in the large mirrorless core unit. Above the large mirrorless core unit in the top compartment, I can fit the Shimoda accessory pouch, sunglasses case, reading glasses case, tissues etc. My diary and pens go into one of the front compartments, my 15 MacBook fits perfectly in the laptop compartment. And the tripod/waterbottle holders have no problem taking my large-ish tripod. When I'm doing landscape photography, I will swap out the ... MoreI love this backpack. I have both the medium mirrorless core unit and the large mirrorless core unit. So far I have been using it as my daily work bag (with camera and lenses) and also for flower/macro photography. My Nikon Z7 with attached 70-20mm f2.8 and 1.4 teleconverter, along with 105mm macro lens and accessories fit perfectly in the large mirrorless core unit. Above the large mirrorless core unit in the top compartment, I can fit the Shimoda accessory pouch, sunglasses case, reading glasses case, tissues etc. My diary and pens go into one of the front compartments, my 15 MacBook fits perfectly in the laptop compartment. And the tripod/waterbottle holders have no problem taking my large-ish tripod. When I'm doing landscape photography, I will swap out the large core unit for the medium one which will allow me to fit a jersey, first aid and survival kits, and lunch in the top compartment and my raincoat will fit in the front compartment. I was a little worried if the bag would look too big to be used as my daily bag and if all the leather zipper pulls would be too much, but honestly, the bag looks fantastic. The removable waist belt is great; I have removed it for daily use but will put it back in for landscape work. We often head to a holiday home on the weekend and once there, I will either go hiking and take wide angle lenses or I'll visit nearby gardens and take my macro and 70-200mm lenses. I got this bag to be able to handle the conditions of hiking in bad weather as well as looking nice and handling my longer lens and macro when doing flower photography. This bag along with the two different sized core units perfectly suits these scenarios for me. For winter hiking when I need to take crampons etc I have the Action X50. The quality of Shimoda's bags is very good.
I have owned a few bags in my lifetime. Between Lowepro, Mindshift, and Peak Design. So far this one checks all the boxes I was looking for. I love the modular design and the overall bag is very well thought out. I had the Action X50 but it was just a tad too big and I never used the roll top design. I took this bag out to Death Valley on its first adventure and it held up well. Sand was everywhere but never interfered with the zippers and the bag just wiped clean after using it. It also happens to be very comfortable to wear which is probably the most important. Overall very happy and will last me a very long time.
First off, I recommend reading this review on a mobile device as B&H doesn't add line breaks on the website for some reason.Summary:For those who do not own a Shimoda bag this is a great first bag to purchase from the brand. It can take a Shimoda Large DSLR Core unit and allows you to pack a lot of gear. It can also be a great secondary bag if you own the Action X series and can afford it. Shimoda is known for it's many great features such as bag straps on the side for tripods, comfortable harness straps with phone pocket, modular core unit, durable bag material and extreme comfort. Shimoda is one of my favorite bag companies and I would never purchase a bag from any other brand after owning one. The Explore V2 35L is more refined in terms of the look and ... MoreFirst off, I recommend reading this review on a mobile device as B&H doesn't add line breaks on the website for some reason.Summary:For those who do not own a Shimoda bag this is a great first bag to purchase from the brand. It can take a Shimoda Large DSLR Core unit and allows you to pack a lot of gear. It can also be a great secondary bag if you own the Action X series and can afford it. Shimoda is known for it's many great features such as bag straps on the side for tripods, comfortable harness straps with phone pocket, modular core unit, durable bag material and extreme comfort. Shimoda is one of my favorite bag companies and I would never purchase a bag from any other brand after owning one. The Explore V2 35L is more refined in terms of the look and profile compared to the Action X50. It is designed to allow you to bring the bag as a carry on during domestic travel but I have never run into an issue with the Action X50 as a carry on. In the end, I ended up returning the Explore V2 35L because I could not find enough differences between the two to warrant keeping a $300+ bag. I am the type of person that buys only what they need. I will go into the reasons below.Profile:I picked up this bag in hopes that it would be more discreet and not attract unwanted attention while wandering through cities on international travel. Between the smaller volume, low contrast logo and eliminating straps on the front of the bag, it does help make the bag less noticeable. While it does have a lower overall profile than the Action X50, the bag is still quite large (See the images of the two side by side in this review). What is considered a discreet bag is going to be subjective because it depends on the person but I still feel that it can attract unwanted attention due to the size. If you carry a tripod on the side of the bag then forget about it because you are advertising that you have a camera bag. If you really want a bag that doesn't draw attention, try the Explore V2 30L or 25L. Before purchasing this bag I tried the Explore V2 30L which was great in terms of size but very restricting in terms of how much gear you could carry in the top compartment when using a Large Mirrorless Core unit because you are maxing the internal volume of the bag. The Explore V2 30L excels at using a Medium or Small Mirrorless Core Unit but can feel a bit restrictive when using a Large Mirrorless Core Unit. If my shooting style changes where I no longer need to carry a tripod or tons of gear, I will pick up the 30L again or 25L without hesitation.Volume:Because the Explore v2 is 35 liters compared to Action X 50, if you wanted to pack a lot of gear in the top compartment you are some what limited. Depth is similar between the two bags and height is the major difference. The 35L bag gives off the feeling of take exactly what you need and not much more. 40L would have been the sweet spot if they offered it but is only available in the first Explore series. One of the attractive features of the Action X series is the ability to expand the top compartment via. roll top to carry more gear in the rare situations where you just need a little boost in volume. Even when the roll top is not expanded, the Action X50 has very deep pockets compared to the Explore V2 35L. I can't tell you how many times I needed an extra boost in volume and was appreciative of the feature in the Action X series. Sometimes you just need to take a lot of gear and get it to the hotel but don't plan on bringing it into the field. Think if the expandable roll top as just a place where you can dump a lot of gear. Then you can unroll it and see everything inside and organize it as needed. I might even recommend giving the the Action X30 a try over the Explore V2 35L then make your decision.Straps:One of the annoying features of the Action X50 is a single magnetic clip on the side of the bag that frequently picks up any rocks or minerals. It's extremely difficult to clean this stuff off and running the magnetic clip under a sink doesn't get rid of everything. You need to use a paperclip and scrape off the rocks. It's nice to see that they removed this in the Explore V2 bags. It's also nice to see that they removed the extra straps on the front of the bag but gave you accessories to put it back in situations where you need it.Side Pockets:One of the new features of the bag is two zippered pockets on the side of the bag to carry 100x100mm filters or other accessories. Shimoda advertises that you can use these pockets for unprotected 100x100mm ND square filters but I would never do this because the side of the bag is not padded. Well, it's padded in a sense that if you don't use the tripod/bottle pouches, that is the padding. There is a good chance that you will end up scratching your ND filters at some point if you decide to insert them unprotected. The zippers are also designed with a very tight tolerance that it would be difficult to get objects out of these pockets with gloves on. Great idea but needs a bit more design to get it right.Laptop:Shimoda advertises the new bag's internal compartment can take a 16" MacBook Pro compared to 15" MBP on the Action X50. I found that you can insert a 16" MBP with a padded tomtoc laptop case (arguably one of the most durable cases) in the front compartment of the Action X50 with no issues.Weight:This is where I am going to knock one star off the review. Still perplexed how a bag that has less volume than the Action X50 but weights more. If I had to guess it is probably the new leather zipper pulls.Overall this is a great bag for the right person or first time buyers. If I didn't own the Action X series and this was available at the time I decided to buy a bag, I would have owned it without hesitation. Since I have owned the Action X50 for over a year now and it has done exactly what I needed, I can't justify the price tag. If it isn't broken don't fix it but you can always try something new in hopes of better.
I have Shimoda Explore V2 35 backpack that's very comfortable with the Shimoda Designs Large DSLR Core Unit Version 2. I've had many bags over the years and this one is just as good or even better than say F Stop bags etc. I've had. Checks all my boxes anyway. The core holds all my main items. The tallest lens for reference that fits vertically, just barely but it does and safely is the GFX 120mm Macro so that was a plus saving me some room. I'm a pretty big guy being 6ft 240 but have a long torso. I didn't love where the waistbelt landed on my back so I bought the Osprey IsoForm5 CM Custom Moldable Hipbelt and used it as it's a little bit wider and beefier and it hit a more comfortable spot on my hips. Watch some videos on the bag there's tons for all the fine ... MoreI have Shimoda Explore V2 35 backpack that's very comfortable with the Shimoda Designs Large DSLR Core Unit Version 2. I've had many bags over the years and this one is just as good or even better than say F Stop bags etc. I've had. Checks all my boxes anyway. The core holds all my main items. The tallest lens for reference that fits vertically, just barely but it does and safely is the GFX 120mm Macro so that was a plus saving me some room. I'm a pretty big guy being 6ft 240 but have a long torso. I didn't love where the waistbelt landed on my back so I bought the Osprey IsoForm5 CM Custom Moldable Hipbelt and used it as it's a little bit wider and beefier and it hit a more comfortable spot on my hips. Watch some videos on the bag there's tons for all the fine details. The bag is great though big enough and small enough for all my traveling. Hopefully this is helpful to someone.
Pros: Its extremely comfortable to carry all day when fully loaded, I use the medium mirrorless cube and there's plenty of space for food, extra clothing and my drone kit. Like all Shimoda bags it's well made, rugged and waterproof. I have no issues recommending any Shimoda products to anyone in the market for a premium camera backpack. I also have an Action X50 litre bag which I use if I'm camping.Cons: No, it's exactly what I was looking for.
I love my old Action X30 however it runs small as I bring more gears on trip, so I bought this one. It's very well made, reasonably priced and looks better than the Action series imo. I am able to pack in 1 full frame mirrorless, 3 zoom lenses including a 100-400 and a mavic 3 pro with 2 batteries. Everything fits in well with a large DSLR unit. Highly recommended.
This is a nice large bag and looks well designed. I haven't been able to use it in the field yet, but just setting it up and trying it on, it may be comfortable wearing. Many pockets and areas to put all my gear. The only drawback, which I'm not saying is Shimoda's issue, is that I have the Canon 70-200, Canon 100-400, and the Tamron 18-400 with my Canon 90D. I'm unable to fit the equipment in so I can use the side access to pull the camera out with a lens attached. I also have 2 smaller lenses, a canon 50mm and the canon 60mm macro lens which I can't fit into the bag. I have the medium DSLR core unit and also bought the small core unit. I'm still unable to place my equipment in. Again I don't blame Shimoda on that, I think it's just me and I haven't worked with it ... MoreThis is a nice large bag and looks well designed. I haven't been able to use it in the field yet, but just setting it up and trying it on, it may be comfortable wearing. Many pockets and areas to put all my gear. The only drawback, which I'm not saying is Shimoda's issue, is that I have the Canon 70-200, Canon 100-400, and the Tamron 18-400 with my Canon 90D. I'm unable to fit the equipment in so I can use the side access to pull the camera out with a lens attached. I also have 2 smaller lenses, a canon 50mm and the canon 60mm macro lens which I can't fit into the bag. I have the medium DSLR core unit and also bought the small core unit. I'm still unable to place my equipment in. Again I don't blame Shimoda on that, I think it's just me and I haven't worked with it enough. Can't wait to take it out in rte field and start using.
For my needs, landscape photography, this bag is about perfect. I wanted to wait until I could put it through some testing before posting a review. I took this on a 2-week roadtrip across the U.S. west in Oct. This bag really stood up to some tough weather, pouring rain and wind on the Oregon coast, and me stupidly setting it down on the wet salt while shooting on Bonneville salt flats in UT, wet beaches, and much more. It stood up to everything. The shocker to me was how I thought for sure I ruined it when I saw the salt drying from setting the bag down on the wet salt. I gave it a good wet wipe-down to get the salt off once back at my hotel. It easily came off the main compartments but took a little more soaking to clean off the straps and clips which were frozen ... MoreFor my needs, landscape photography, this bag is about perfect. I wanted to wait until I could put it through some testing before posting a review. I took this on a 2-week roadtrip across the U.S. west in Oct. This bag really stood up to some tough weather, pouring rain and wind on the Oregon coast, and me stupidly setting it down on the wet salt while shooting on Bonneville salt flats in UT, wet beaches, and much more. It stood up to everything. The shocker to me was how I thought for sure I ruined it when I saw the salt drying from setting the bag down on the wet salt. I gave it a good wet wipe-down to get the salt off once back at my hotel. It easily came off the main compartments but took a little more soaking to clean off the straps and clips which were frozen solid with salt.... I thought they were a goner, but amazingly a wipe down is all it took. it looks new and still functions great.I shoot with a Canon R5 set up with 28-70, 70-200, 100-500 and a 17-40, filters, and other odds and ends. That is a lot to fit in this bag but it all fits. The top compartment is tight with all this in but it works. For most shoots I would swap out the 70-200 and 100-500 so won't be carrying both all the time, but for travel, it's nice to know it fits.My only complaint is the cost of the different-sized insert boxes. Mine came with the medium and I didn't want to take up semi-permanent space (and cost) with the larger insert. For my 100-500 I was able to slide in an old Ape case. It is snug but works to hold my 100-500...yellow insert in my photo.I really like how the zip-open side pockets work. Very versatile for either tripod and carrying extra water, which was key for me on long hikes. As others noted, the downside is this is somewhat heavy pack when loaded up. I wouldn't use the Shimoda on really long hikes, more than a few miles....I use an Osprey Stratos 34 with a camera insert when I need a lightweight setup.All in all this bag worked well and handled all the abuse I could chuck at it. It won't be my only bag, but likely my primary for a while. Love it.
| Outside Dimensions (in) | 11.6W x 20.3H x 6.6D in |
| Outside Dimensions (cm) | 29.5W x 51.5H x 17D cm |
| Inside Dimensions (in) | 11.2W x 19.8H x 6.2D in |
| Inside Dimensions (cm) | 28.5W x 50.5H x 16D cm |
| Laptop Compartment Dimensions - Combined (in) | 10W x 15H x 0.8D in |
