The elements and rugged terrain are hard enough for any nature photographer. Add heavy equipment around the neck, shoulders and back and a challenging shoot becomes a grueling journey.
The designers at MindShift Gear, photographers and outdoor adventurers themselves, have three new backpacks designed to carry “Big Glass” lenses with relative comfort.
The FirstLight backpacks have the depth to carry lenses ranging from 200 to 600 mm and have 11 points of adjustment to balance the weight of gear (consider Canon’s 600 mm f/4 lens, ideal for shooting wildlife from a distance weighs nearly 12 pounds). The packs will also pass airline compatibility requirements.
The three packs are designed for different gear configurations and are made with ballistic nylon. Each has room for a laptop computer and essential non-photo gear and zippered pockets for quick access.
The FirstLight 20L ($230) holds a standard DSLR, four to six zoom lenses and could carry a 300 mm f/2.8 lens. The 30L ($280) holds a camera, four to six lenses and a slightly bigger telephoto, a 500 mm f/4 or a 400 mm /.2.8. The 40L ($330) can hold two DSLRs, six to eight lenses, a couple of flashes and that hefty 600 mm lens.