Shimoda bag?

[TravelingChick]

Has anyone used a Shimoda brand camera bag? I've seen seem decent reviews, but curios hoe OM system gear would fit.

EXPLORE V2 30 WMNS STARTER TL | Shimoda (shimodadesigns.com)

Thanks, Celeste

[stoates]

I have an Explore V2 30L but with a Large Mirrorless core unit. The bag really is as good as the reviews suggest - exceptional build and design. In my core unit I carry 2 x EM1 IIs, one with a 12-100mm fitted and the other with an attached Pana Leica 50-200mm + 1.4TC. I also carry a Pana Leica 8-18mm and Laowa 6mm, along with an 85mm filter pouch (6 filters), head torch and lens cleaning kit. One minor gripe with the mirrorless core is the core depth. It is just deep enough for my EM1 II with L bracket attached but was slightly too shallow when I was carrying an EM1 II plus 4/3 50-200 SWD + TC which required the camera to be carried on its side and had the tripod foot + plate raised slightly above the height of the core. In reality this was never really an issue due to the deep padding of the back. Now I have the Pana Leica 50-200mm I can load the camera base down and the lens has no tripod foot so no longer a 'problem' There is also plenty of storage in the multiple other pockets: I have waterproof jacket and trousers, cap, essential midge net, spare batteries, straps, rain cover and other bits and bobs permanently in the bag. The tripod carry in the side pockets is also very efficient and secure ( I have a large tripod and head) and the front drinks pocket allows easy access to fluids without removing the bag. It certainly gets a big thumbs-up from me for the 18 months or so I've been using it.

Steve

[TravelingChick]

Question - is the medium insert just too small for a body w/mounted telephoto? I mostly need the bag to transport gear to a locatiion, I rarely carry everything with me into the field (although of course that would be ideal). The stock bags seem to come with the medium, with no option to swap it out for the large; I can't see needing both.

[stoates]

Difficult to say Celeste without knowing the size of your body/lens combo. Both internal and external dimensions for the various cores are available and my large core came with numerous partitioning inserts that can be arranged (via velcro) to match your kit needs. I bought my bag from Ffordes in the UK and I had the choice of core size to fit in a bare bag. I know there are some 'kit' options that come with a specified core but I'm fairly sure that doesn't have to be the case.

[TravelingChick]

Thank you, Steve. Really helpful!