Cinematographers on the move, even those with smaller mirrorless systems, need to protect their gear while having easy access to equipment. Although any bag or backpack can be used, adapted or transformed to carry a mirrorless system, many users will look at the market in search of a solution made to fit their needs.
In the wake of a recent article about the The Best Micro Four Thirds Cameras for Video, it makes complete sense to look at solutions to carry mirrorless equipment around. Available from April 2015 onwards, the Urban Approach 15 is a low profile, high capacity backpack specifically conceived for holding a mirrorless camera gear system, tablet, 15″ laptop, smart phone, and extra space to maximize gear and personal items. Think Tank Photo have their Perception and Mirrorless Movers lines for mirrorless systems, but this new line is built to carry a whole system inside, suggesting a different approach, that may fit the needs of those carrying a lot of gear around.
Designed to be converted into a daypack utilizing the removable dividers in the bottom compartment, the Urban Approach 15 can hold 1 or 2 medium to large mirrorless bodies with lens attached, up to 8 additional lenses, a 10” tablet or smaller and a 15” laptop.
This means you can, for example, carry in the backpack a Sony a7r with 24–70 f/4 attached, 70–200mm f/4, 55mm f/1.8, 35mm f/2.8, and a Sony a6000 with 16–50mm f/3.5-5.6 attached, 55–210mm f/4.5-6.3, HVL–F43M Flash (x2), tablet and 15” laptop. Although conceived for mirrorless, the system will also gladly accept any other kind of camera, like a Canon Rebel T5i with 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 attached, 55- 250mm f/4-5.6, 50mm f/1.8, 15” laptop, a tablet and supplies for a days outing.
“For quick and complete access to gear, we designed the zippers to open wide,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank’s president and lead designer. “This allows for unencumbered access to gear. Its low profile and yet high quality design and materials allow mirrorless users to feel confident that their compact cameras and personal objects are cradled, safe and at the ready.”
With stretchable side pockets for a water bottle, flash, or compact umbrella, the backpack has a robust shoulder harness with adjustable sternum strap for all day comfort and an articulated back panel provides targeted cushioning as well as overall air flow. For superior water-resistance all exterior has a durable water repellant (DWR) coating, and the underside of the fabric has a polyurethane coating. The Urban Approach backpack blends into any environment with its low–contrast and matte black appearance. A tripod can be carried on the side of backpack with included strap, and there is a handle pass-through to carry the backpack on top of rolling luggage.
Also in April, Think Tank Photo extends their range of low profile/high capacity shoulder bags for urban photographers with the release of the Urban Approach series for mirrorless systems. The Urban Approach bags will be available in two models. The Urban Approach 5 holds one medium to large mirrorless body with lens attached, one to three additional lenses, and an 8” tablet. The Urban Approach 10 holds one medium to large mirrorless body or compact DSLR with lens attached, two to four additional lenses, and up to a 10” tablet.
“Made with the same timeless look and feel of our Urban Disguise Classic series, the Urban Approach bags’ space-saving bags blend into any environment with their low-contrast and matte black appearance,” said Think Tank’s president and lead designer Doug Murdoch. “Mirrorless system users can feel confident that their compact and small-scale camera needs are safe from prying eyes while still being at the ready.”
Aware that batteries and memory cards are essential to photographers and videographers, and should probably be kept closed together, Think Tank Photo releases in April the CF/SD + Battery Wallet, a lightweight, secure, and convenient wallet for carrying a spare memory card and battery. No more fumbling for essentials, it’s all here in this compact package. Its organization makes this a must-have for anyone seeking small accessory management.