F stop loka pro#
F stop loka series#

I often leave the ICUs packed with certain gear at home so I can just grab one, knowing it will have everything I need for, say, a video shoot.

F stop loka pro#

This means you can mix and match different sized ICUs and backpack shells for different occasions and jobs.Ībove: Over the years I’ve built-up a collection of four ICUs, from the smallest Micro Nano ICU which can squeeze-in a small mirrorless camera or, say, three compacts…Ībove: …to my Small Pro ICU which can accommodate a pair of larger bodies and a selection of lenses.Ībove: In-between I have the Tiny Micro which is great for a single medium camera or some accessories…Ībove: …and the Shallow Small ICU which can carry a shorter mirrorless camera with a selection of compact lenses. These are then slotted into the base of the backpack itself. Your camera and lenses are stored in padded boxes called Internal Camera Units or ICUs which, like other padded bags can be customised with velcro separators. Lots of companies now adopt a similar approach, but f-stop was one of the first I’d seen to do it.Ībove: Probably my favourite aspect of f-stop bags though is separating the gear section from the pack itself. I like how f-stop employ rear-access to the main gear section of the pack which prevents unwanted access. This may be ok if you’re generally transporting flight-cases between shoots, but if you’re shouldering a pack on foot or public transport, I want something that looks like a normal bag and doesn’t draw attention.Ībove: If you’re mostly wearing a backpack, you’ll also want to minimise the chance of anyone sneakily accessing the valuables inside.

I’ve owned a lot of fine camera bags and packs over the years, but most were identifiable for their primary use. I’m talking about the bags here, not the photographers, although sure, why not, them too.Ībove: Looks are important for any accessory, but in this instance, I’m referring to a camera bag that doesn’t necessarily scream out that it’s carrying a load of expensive gear. I was initially drawn-in by their rugged nature, but won over by their flexibility and discreet styling.

F stop loka series#

So it’s not exactly cheap, but it is one of the best packs I’ve owned, so let’s see what it can do.Ībove: I first came across f-stop bags when I lived in New Zealand ten years ago, where almost all the local adventure photographers I met seemed to be using their Mountain series backpacks. Note I used my second Guru UL for filming in this video which I’ve had for around six months it costs around $249 or pounds in a bundle which includes a shallow small ICU – I’ll explain what that is in a moment – and a raincover. In this long-term test I’ll show you why the Guru Ultralight, or Guru UL for short, has become my favourite photography backpack! Everything you need to know is in the video below, but if you prefer to read a written version, keep scrolling for the highlights! Buy it now! Check prices on the Guru UL at the f-stop store! Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!Ī good backpack is one of the most important accessories for any photographer and over the last five years I’ve relied on the f-stop Guru Ultralight to safely carry all my gear, as well as acting as my standard bag for general use. Overall the Guru UL is the best small backpack for photographers that I’ve personally used and one I can highly recommend. The weak-point is the unprotected laptop compartment, but padding would have increased the weight even if you never used it, and you can simply employ your own padded sleeve instead.

The Guru UL is light but strong, shrugs-off all but the worst weather, comfortable to carry even for long periods, and crucially stores my camera gear securely and discreetly. I was already sold on the modular approach of the original Mountain series and while the ultra-light range may lack the same degree of robustness, I feel f-stop has successfully made weight-savings without compromise for most activities. Summary The f-stop Guru UL is the best camera backpack I’ve used and one I’d confidently buy again.