Posted by Martin Dunn on October 25, 2013 at 5:07 AM
A few weeks ago I posted a review of my new camera backpack, the Tamrac Expedition 6x.
Now I've had the chance to use the backpack in the field for 3 weeks and I have updated my review with my opinions.
Martin, I recall your previous post and actually think I mentioned owning the 8x version of the same unit. Using MF & LF gear I needed the slightly larger pack.
Reading your post purchase update here it sounds like the unit is not really working all that well for your needs, especially inside the safari type vehicle. This might be of high interest to those photogs who find themselves doing similar field duty such as yourself. I can truthfully say the items you mentioned as negatives had never occurred to me as mine is stickily used directly out of a vehicle and mounted on my back as a normal pack. So, things such as using it similar to a tote or over one shoulder and the need for top loading or unloading of gear was never a thought for me at all.
Again, I think your write up may save those folks on thoughts of purchase if their travel and need in field usages are similar to your outline. Thanks for sharing.
btw: I've found mine to be the perfect pack for my needs and would not change anything.....
Posted by Martin Dunn on October 26, 2013 at 4:25 AM
Paul, I guess it is horses for courses. There is no doubt the Tamrac makes it easy for me to transport all my gear from one location to the next but it is just not right for me when it comes to accessing cameras and lenses inside a vehicle.
I think even on a walking safari, where I was carrying the pack on my back, it would irritate me to have to lay it down to open it and extract cameras every time.
Martin, I fully understand your point. I think it does make a difference as to the type of photography we do. Being on safari I assume most all work is for wildlife, and, yes at that point quick access is everything for the action unfolding.
As all my work is landscape or closeup / macro, the only real sense of urgency there is being setup in time for sunrise or sunset mostly. So, the pack is only the tool for transporting the gear, not any need for quick access overall.
Discussion
3 repliesNow I've had the chance to use the backpack in the field for 3 weeks and I have updated my review with my opinions.
Tamrac Expedition 6x - On Safari
Reading your post purchase update here it sounds like the unit is not really working all that well for your needs, especially inside the safari type vehicle. This might be of high interest to those photogs who find themselves doing similar field duty such as yourself. I can truthfully say the items you mentioned as negatives had never occurred to me as mine is stickily used directly out of a vehicle and mounted on my back as a normal pack. So, things such as using it similar to a tote or over one shoulder and the need for top loading or unloading of gear was never a thought for me at all.
Again, I think your write up may save those folks on thoughts of purchase if their travel and need in field usages are similar to your outline. Thanks for sharing.
btw: I've found mine to be the perfect pack for my needs and would not change anything.....
I think even on a walking safari, where I was carrying the pack on my back, it would irritate me to have to lay it down to open it and extract cameras every time.
As all my work is landscape or closeup / macro, the only real sense of urgency there is being setup in time for sunrise or sunset mostly. So, the pack is only the tool for transporting the gear, not any need for quick access overall.