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.

I 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.

© Earl for Meandering Passage, 2009. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: jessia claire, lens bag, nikon, nikon lens, Photography, the shootsac

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The Photo Gloves are fairly thin, close fitting, flexible and have rubber like “control dots” to improve grip. They do afford great grip and wearing them I was easily able to operate all camera controls. They seldom seemed to be awkward and after a while I forgot I had them on, which is a good indicator of their form and function.

As I said they’re thin and as such are not the warmest gloves. They would not be enough protection alone if the temperatures were in the single digits or lower. However, they were sufficiently warm for my day out in the mid-20°s F.

Being made of Lycra I suspect under harsh conditions they would not have a long life. They also would not be acceptable alone for wet conditions.

However, with a price of less then $25, I personally feel they’re a good and affordable general photography solution for cold fingers.

© Earl for Meandering Passage, 2009. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: gloves, lowepro, photo gloves, Photography

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I thought I’d share a good review from Austria (in English) of the new Nikon D3x which includes good visuals of how the D3x 24.5-megapixel resolution translates to photos. There are comparison photos to those of a Nikon D3 as well.

The D3x sample photos in this review are impressive and in a situation where you needed to perform severe cropping it’s clear (no pun intended) that high resolution could make the difference between having an acceptable photo or not.

To be honest, that extra resolution makes a bit more difference then I would have thought.

I just want to know where you sign up to have Nikon send you a D3x unit for an extended review?

© Earl for Meandering Passage, 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: d3x, Photography, review

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