Pentaxian Registered: August, 2011 Location: Melbourne Posts: 4,846
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 10, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $193.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Study, good size for cabin luggage, holds extensive FF kit, comfortable on hikes | | Cons: | Difficult to access all gear without removing pack completely | |
There's a reason why most photographers have so many camera bags: none of them are any good. Or, to be more specific, none of them fit all their needs. This Tenba Axis 24L is no exception.
I needed a sturdy backpack capable of carrying : K1 FF camera; DFA* 70-200 or DFA 150-450 (but not both together); DFA*50; DFA 15-30; DFA 28-105; tripod; Pentax AF360FGZ II flash; MacBook Pro 15" laptop; and a few assorted personal items such as lunch, water, and a light jacket for hikes, or toiletries etc for international flights. I also wanted: top access; side access; fully openable from the rear (for security); and adequate pockets for pens, portable hard drive, etc. It should also stably stand upright; and have sturdy and comfortable shoulder and hip straps, and a sternum strap. And most importantly, it should not be too large to take on a plane as cabin luggage (though not with all the above items, as that would take me over the weight limit). This Tenba achieves all those things, and is the only bag I found after much searching that fitted all these requirements.
The bag that was top of my want-list for a long time as I searched was the Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW, which is a similar "tactical" design in many ways, with numerous MOLLE straps. However, it is too large for cabin luggage, lacks the pockets, and doesn't stand upright. Ultimately, the Tenba was a better choice for me. The Lowepro has a better hip belt, but there is nothing wrong with the one on the Tenba. It worked well on a recent 5 hr hike, and I have no complaints in that regard.
So, what's not to like? Compared to a sling bag, it is just not that easy to access all your camera gear "on the go", i.e., while standing without fully removing the bag. For some things, you just need to lay it down and open up the back. It is asking too much to want this too, but I did.
 | |
