The Sky's the Limit

Above: A new meaning for “The Sky’s the Limit.”

A couple of weeks ago I came across information about a camera lens/accessory bag called appropriately “the SHOOTSAC.” What attracted me about this bag is that it seemed to be made for use while actually shooting rather then transporting your gear to and from the site.

When on a photographic walk-about I like to have a couple of lens along–my Tamron 28-300mm zoom, Nikon 105mm Macro, Nikon 14-24mm ultra-wide zoom and perhaps the Nikon 50mm f/1.8. There also other smaller items (filters, batteries, extra memory cards and such) I enjoy having available as well.

Normally my camera’s in my hand or slung from a shoulder so having a bag for it while actually shooting is not necessary.

200904071034.jpgI liked the idea of “the ShootSac” enough that I ordered one and was able to give it a first test last week.

The bag is soft and while seemingly light, thin and flexible provides a good deal of padded protection for lens. The strap fits over your head laying across the chest while the bag molds itself to you hip or lower back (depending how you’re carrying it). Because each lens has its own secure pocket the bag retains flexibility allowing it to bend somewhat around your body.

This flexibility allows weight to remain near you body’s center of gravity so it’s easy to carry without tiring or inhibiting your range of motion. This method also allows you to gain entry to the contents of the bag without having to remove the bag or twist about.

On my initial outing it carried all the lens/accessories I mentioned above (one lens always on my camera) as well as a Nikon 20mm primary lens and gave me the flexibility to change lens without having to set things down or feel like I was juggling.

I noticed during my research that much of the advertisement for “the ShootSac” seems to be geared towards wedding photography but I found it works great out in the field shooting landscape and nature photography.

I could see this bag being used in conjunction with a heavier triditional backpack camera bag. I’d use the larger heavier bag to transport gear to the site then unfold and load “the ShootSac” with essential lens/gear to have at hand for shooting.

“The ShootSac” was one of the most comfortable and convenient lens bags I’ve used and after only a few minutes I mostly forgot it was there–a testimony to its design and comfort. As you can tell I was pleased with this bag and while not cheap, it’s a good buy if you’ve got multiple lens and like to have options at hand when shooting.

Disclaimer: This is an unsolicited review/write-up and I’m in no manner associated with Jessica Claire or “the Shootsac.” But, I’m now a satisfied customer.

7 Comments

  1. Now that certainly looks like something that I would like to put on my “nice to have” list. You are right, they are pricey; however, it looks really comfortable. Perhaps I should dig out my photographer’s vest that I bought over a year ago and haven’t used before buying something else! :-)

    I like the look of it because it looks very inconspicuous, though probably anyone could guess what was in it if they saw you carrying around a camera, too. :-)

    Thanks for the writeup.

  2. @Paul: I’ve looked at photographers vests on-line a number of times for the functionality but I know I’d never wear one. ;-)

    So far this bag seems like the solution I’ve been seeking.

    Yea, the camera definitely gives you away but the bag doesn’t scream photography–it is for the most part inconspicuous. :-)

  3. But! The bag does scream “fashion”! :-)

  4. @Paul: LOL! Yes it does… :-)

  5. This is a belated response to your original post but it’s only recently I discovered the shootsac. Hopefully your interest in the shootsac hasn’t waned.

    I am interested in this and had a few questions which I hope you can help me answer.

    With regards the bag, I note there are 3 compartments for lenses. Where do you put your cards and batteries and how accessible are they? Are there additional hidden compartments which are easily accessible?

    Also, can you explain the process of lens changing without putting the bag down.

    The way I change lenses is to unscrew the cap off the new lens but leave it on, unsrew the lens that’s attached to the camera, set it down on a flat surface, move the cap from the lens I’m about to put on the camera to the lens that I’ve just taken off , screw the new lens on the camera and finally put the old lens away. I’m alway wary of exposing the lens or the sensor to the elements for too long so I try and put a cap on things asap.

    Anyway, just wondered how the shootsac worked for you in terms of changing lenses.

    Thanks in advance.

  6. @Anurag – I’m happy to try and answer your questions as the Shootsac is still my favorite walking around photo-bag.

    The bag does have three main compartments for lenses which are access by raising the protective cover flap. However, on the back side of the bag there are also three smaller equally as deep pockets which I find good for holding spare batteries, memory cards, filters, etc. These are very easily accessed while wearing the bag.

    I most often have three lens with me when shooting. A wide or ultra-wide angle, a medium range zoom and a longer range zoom. Of these three lens one is usually always on the camera which leaves one lens pockets empty (or perhaps holding a few filters)–usually the center one for best bag balance. I then will change the lens much as you described using the empty pocket to hold the lens I removed until I can shift it to the spot the newly mounted lens occupied. The case material is so flexible that it’s easy to use this way. These lens pockets are also fairly deep to hold larger lens and will easily carry two smaller primes in one pocket. I sometimes carry my 20mm and 50mm prime lens this way.

    If you carried three larger lens plus the one on the camera you’d have to sit one lens down somewhere during the change.

    I hope this information has helped.

  7. Many thanks for the response.