On this article, I’ll assessment the F-Cease Ajna 37L DuraDiamond, a light-weight 37-liter digicam backpack designed for out of doors images. My analysis is predicated on six months of use in a wide range of harsh circumstances. I bought the assessment unit myself, and this assessment just isn’t related to F-Cease Gear.
Design and Options
The F-Cease Ajna is accessible in three colours: Magma, Anthracite, and Cypress – primarily orange, black, and inexperienced. Given the meant use for wildlife images, I most well-liked the Cypress inexperienced. The bag’s dimensions are 57x32x24 cm (22x16x9 inches), barely smaller than said by the producer, who probably measured it with full pockets. These dimensions are inside the limits of most main airways.
The burden is 1610 grams (3.55 kilos), not counting the Inside Digicam Unit, or ICU. The Medium Sloped ICU weighs 540 grams, whereas the Professional XL ICU weighs 930 grams (1.2 and a couple of.1 kilos respectively). That is commendable for a photographic backpack, most of that are heavier than this – or, alternatively, not well-suited to carrying heavy masses comfortably.
The Ajna 37L is constructed from a sturdy material known as DuraDiamond, which, after quite a few outings that I took with the bag, has confirmed very sturdy. It reveals no indicators of damage and carried out nice in snow and rain, though in response to the producer, it isn’t fully waterproof. A rain cowl, obtainable for buy in a bundle, might be saved in a devoted backside pocket. The underside of the backpack is made with a really thick and coated materials to stop any downside with putting the bag on moist floor.
As for the buckles, they proceed the sturdy construct of the remainder of the bag. They’re fabricated from aluminum and are each light-weight and intensely sturdy, feeling very well-made to me. Nonetheless, the waist belt buckle requires apply to function effectively, because it can’t be undone when taut, necessitating the strap be loosened through the aspect buckle first. Whereas a minor inconvenience, some customers might understand it as a flaw. The buckles are additionally a bit noisy, one thing to concentrate to whereas approaching shy animals.
The again help performs admirably for the sort of backpack. I nonetheless desire devoted mountain climbing and mountaineering backpacks for prolonged excursions, however the Ajna’s again is the most effective I’ve encountered thus far in a images backpack. The shoulder straps and the waistband, whereas not closely padded, are well-shaped and huge, successfully distributing weight. In case you’re used to conventional images backpacks, it would really feel like an enormous improve, though if you happen to’re used to high-end mountain climbing backpacks, it would really feel like a downgrade.
The shoulder straps are outfitted with two metallic rings supreme for attaching a BlackRapid Backpack Digicam Strap, which facilitates carrying heavy lenses throughout images classes.
The tripod might be transported both on the aspect or on the again. I desire the aspect choice, utilizing a water bottle or a thermos as a counterweight on the other aspect. Concerning hydration, the Ajna can accommodate a water bladder into an inside pocket – not an answer I personally use, nonetheless, given the digicam gear within the bag.
On either side, there are two totally different units of pockets, one exterior in canvas and one closed by a zipper.
Moreover, trekking poles or ice axes might be secured utilizing elastic hooks on the again (in addition to a the tripod if you happen to desire it to be on the again).
The bag is designed to carry a 16″ laptop computer in the primary compartment’s elastic pocket. Though I’ve not used it for this objective, I can affirm {that a} MacBook Air suits comfortably, even with the ICU Professional XL inserted.
My Expertise
I’ve utilized this backpack with masses as much as 13-14kg (about 30 lbs) with out experiencing any points. This included the Nikon Z9, 100-400mm, 600mm f/4 TC, binoculars, tripod, stool, camouflage web, water, meals, and a softshell). What’s essential for me is that this backpack can accommodate the Professional XL, considered one of F-Cease’s largest inside digicam models. The Professional XL can home digicam our bodies with vertical grips such because the Z9 and huge lenses just like the 600/4 (confirm the fashions; I used it with the Nikon 600mm f/4 VR TC and it match even when a bit on a stiff aspect due to the massive hood; naturally not mounted on the digicam physique, which I strongly advise in opposition to throughout transport).
You may see within the two pictures under the way it all suits:
On this configuration, the ICU occupies virtually your complete primary compartment. Nonetheless, the 4 exterior pockets stay obtainable (one on high, two on the edges, and one large on the again – a down jacket or a fleece can slot in it simply). Additionally it is doable to connect any accent outfitted with the Molle fastening system to the waist belt (e.g., binocular holder or lens tube).
That stated, if you happen to plan to make use of this configuration and nonetheless need extra additional area, I might advise the larger “Tilopa” backpack as an alternative, which is 50 liters in quantity. Nonetheless, that backpack is a bit giant to be a carry-on with most airways, so it’s a query of tradeoffs.
The obtainable area within the 37L Ajna backpack considerably will increase when utilizing the Slope Medium ICU, which is 20 cm (8 inches) shorter and leaves nicely over 10 liters extra of free quantity in the primary compartment. The ICU Slope Medium is good for giant digicam our bodies and lenses similar to a 70-200mm f/2.8 or 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 mounted, plus 2-3 extra lenses. (I utilized it with the Z9, 100-400mm, 24-120mm f/4, and 14-24mm f/2.8). It additionally effectively holds compact telephoto lenses such because the 500mm f/5.6 PF or 600mm f/6.3 PF.
I ought to notice that F-Cease manufactures 7 totally different ICUs for these requiring particular dimensions, so ensure that the ICU you purchase is the precise measurement in your package. Primarily, by altering the ICU, this backpack features as a number of distinct luggage, catering to diversified necessities. This makes it appropriate for wildlife photographers who have to stroll extensively with lengthy telephoto lenses or journey by aircraft, in addition to panorama photographers who want to carry a complete set of lenses and equipment together with ample private results for a day by day outing.
Professionals
- Glorious high quality and design
- Snug even with heavy masses
- Compact exterior dimensions relative to the obtainable area (together with the power to carry even the Professional XL ICU to comprise a 600mm f/4 TC… however it’s a stretch, and the traditional means of working is with smaller ICUs)
- Numerous exterior attachments obtainable (e.g to move a tent or a sleeping bag)
- Modularity, with varied ICU choices capable of accommodate any wants
- A part of a system, permitting ICUs to be shared with different backpacks
- Open on the again design, defending in opposition to mud and water
Cons
- Costly (costs begin at $350, to which equipment and ICUs are added)
- Not as snug as a mountaineering backpack for strenuous mountain climbing
- Barely on the heavy aspect
Conclusion
I purchased this backpack primarily based on a good friend’s recommendation, regardless of my skepticism after utilizing the Satori backpack prior to now. (Although it was well-made, the consolation was not ample for longer journeys.) This new mannequin by F-Cease considerably improves the consolation with significantly better again help, shoulder straps, and waist belt, in addition to enhanced material and pockets. It’s designed for photographers needing fast entry to gear throughout mountain excursions or journey, and suits both a full wildlife images package with minimal private gadgets or a smaller panorama setup with ample private belongings. It’s good for adventurous photographers searching for a compact and purposeful backpack.
The beginning worth of $350, to which ICU and equipment are added, is justifiable given the top quality and adaptability of use; nonetheless, it’s decidedly excessive, which means it stays a purchase order to be rigorously thought of. Thanks for utilizing Pictures Life’s affiliate hyperlinks when buying your digicam gear.
I hope you loved this assessment of the F-Cease Ajna. You probably have any questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to go away them within the feedback part under.