As I mentioned in my article on Kickstarter, I back quite a few projects this year. And just yesterday, one of the project delivered. This one are the new products from Peak Design and since I got three of them, I will share some of my first impressions and some photos of them today. So here goes.
The Everyday Backpack 30L
I’m alway on the lookout for a good backpack, so this time I got the new one from Peak design. This is the 30l version, as the smaller 20l looked very small for my needs. The look and feature here are very similar to the last years Everyday Messenger bag, with the same use of materials.
The bags from Peak Design are probably the only ones where you need a manual when you get them. There are so many things hidden around the bag, small detail, straps, usage improvements, that it takes a while to find everything.
The build quality and material are excellent as usually, but I so would wish they checked the bags for loose threads, it just looks so cheap on otherwise quality product. I tried to fill the bag up, with two cameras and 6 lenses (from 50mm to 70-200mm) and it all fit in well, with quite a lot of space left (even with the top flap closed for minimal size). There is also a space for a laptop and also for a tablet, so you can really fit a lot here.
I tried to wear it for a while, but I’m not so used to backpacs, so can’t tell yet if it’s good or not. But one thing, when you have the bag straps tight, it’s hart to get to the inside of the bag while having it on one shoulder. Will try to use this bag on my next bigger travels, when I need to take a lot of stuff, to see how it works out. First impression is good, but the question is how comfortable it is.
The Everyday Sling
Also I got the smaller sling. First impression of it is even better than the backpack. It sits well over the shoulder, fits a full frame camera with two lenses easily, and will probably be my goto bag for short trips around the city when I don’t need much gear. Actually the only thing I did not like is that the bottom is not flat, so it does not sit well when placed down.
Same as with the backpack, you can expand the sling partially, the front pocked to be exact. I don’t think that it’s something I would use that much, as it involves loosening the two front buckles. But it can be useful sometime. The sling also has a space for a tablet, and I actually tried to stick the Surface Pro 4 in it, and while it’s clearly not meant for a tablet that size, it still fits and can be closed.
Range Pouch Medium
Lastly, I took the Range pouch. This is a lens pouch, you can use to store and also to carry a lens in multiple ways (on the belt, with a strap and similar). The medium one is perfect for a 24-70 f2.8 lens, but not much bigger. I got it more to use inside of the backpack, to house smaller lenses. Will see hot that works out.
Overall the first impression is very positive, let’s see how they stack up over time. I will do a review, but later one, when I had time to use them more. For more info on Peak Design products, please visit the Peak Design website here.
OMG, I backed the same products! The only difference is I got the 20L backpack. Everything else is the same, all in Charcoal colour. I’ve brought out the Sling today for the first time and it did well. I’ve switched to mirrorless and both the bags can take my whole gear and even more. The only thing I regret a little bit is getting the range pouch. First, my entire order was delayed because of it. Second, I really don’t use lens cases and I’m not very sure what I will use it for, because my PD field pouch is much more versatile and useful IMO. Same thing was last year when I backed the Lens kit which never used and just recently sold :)
What I wanted to see is integrated capture in the bags or at least the backpack…
So looks like we had exactly the same experiences with peak design this year. I took the 30L as I did quit a lot longer trips this year, and had already problems fitting in the bag I used. And I plan to leave mirorless soon and go back to Canon again. And I exactly have the same experience with the Lens kit. Still think its a good idea, but just don’t use it at all.
Interesting. Why do you think to go back to Canon and which body do you consider? After 7 months of using my a7r II, I’ve decided to sell all my Canon gear (except 135L and 35 1.4 Art). IMO the only things where Canon excels are the ergonomics, battery life, ruggedness and performance in some cases (like low light AF; sport shooting). In everything else the Sony outperforms quite a lot almost all the Canon bodies.
What I hope for are some FW update tweaks for the menu. Apart from this, I’m very happy with the system.
I have been using the a7r for almost two years now.. but going to the 5D mark IV soon. The quality of the a7r results is great, but it let me down too many times. It’s just not a pro camera. It’s painfully slow, unreliable, and so horrible to work with. The canon is like a extension of my arm, the Sony just is not. Just how slow the screen updates in low light is enough for me not wanting to have Sony anymore.
I haven’t used the first version, but the second is not slow. I think you should give it a try, if a friend has one or you can rent it somewhere.
Oh, and happy new year!