Just got the 36L b/c it's big enough to carry both my camera kit (including a 150-600mm) and racing kit at regattas. Have a Camelbak strapped down in one side pocket, a monopod in the other and I'm using the tripod holder on the front to carry a camping chair with the belt securing it at the bottom. As for the "useless" pocket up top, I'm using that to store the body cap and lens cap when they're not attached. It's pretty massive and I'm not looking forward to hauling it from the parking lot but it's less cumbersome than two separate bags.
Just bought the 36L variant. Still waiting for it to arrive. I dont even own enough camera gear to fill it up. But my plan is to utilize the bag and its size to a combined camera, travel and hiking bag where I use the extra inner space for more non-photo stuff.
I’m looking for a backpack for my 200-600mm lens, then I reached mindshift gear backpack. Light is my first consideration so 18L seems suitable for me. However, if I want to go to travel with 18L, that’ s obviously too small. This video helps a lot when I’m struggling with 26L and 36L. Thanks.
Hi. Many thanks for the suggestion. I did actually consider the 45L elite, and yes I think it's a great bag with some excellent features that I really liked, but again it was a slightly bigger and heavier, than I ideally wanted.
Thanks for the detailed video Mark. Settled on the 26L for my Sony A73 set up as I found one used in like new condition. And you have a great last name! 😉🍻
Many thanks Chad, glad it was of use. Wow, you're the first to share my surname that I've come across on my various social media platforms. Good to have you along. You're not Oregon way by any chance; we had relatives out that way some time back.
@@MarkLindstrom Live near Detroit now but was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (aka Gods Country). I was shocked to see your last name as well as I haven’t seen it on TH-cam either. Cheers and thanks again!
I have the 26l and it's a great bag. I like it more than just a basic shoulder bag. I would carry it for a day hike-- it's comfortable and light enough.
Thanks for the review! Yes it's a nice backpack, however (and unfortunately), especially with the 36L, it would've been a wiser design if the top section of the camera area could be somewhat "separated" from the rest (customization via a special divider for that matter), and accessible from the top instead of that almost useless little pocket - or keep that pocket and add another entrance behind/under it. Hence, more room for non-camera stuff and longer treks... Thanks again, I like your sound opinions.
I am searching for 2 months already reviews on those 2 backpacks. They cost a lot so i need to do an "informed" decision. Your review is the best as now i can really imagine how much NON photo stuff fits in each one, and that is important for me as for sure when traveling on vacation with 2 kids, i will be the one carrying also stuff that is not photography related. Not to say that i have also a Mavic Mini drone that i can fit inside. Thank you for the review.
@@MarkLindstrom hello. Bought the 26 L backpack. I can say i am pleased with the fact that i have now an easier access to the gear but in retrospective I think the 36 L would have been better and the reason is that my drone carry bag does not fit :( . But, I will not carry the drone so much with me I hope. Anyway, i consider it a good buy even if is 220 EUR :).
Thanks Mark. I'm wrangling over exactly the same decision! I don't hike that much, so the non-camera carry capability is less important to me, but want a bag that can hold a 5D4, Sigma 150-600 and a Canon 70-200 plus 16-35 F4L and filter pouch. I also looked at the Lowepro Whistler, but like you I want side pockets for water and tripod. Ho hum!
Hi Dave. Many thanks for viewing and for the comment. Yep the search for that ideal bag can be challenging. Though I have to say that I could have happily lived with either of the Mindshift bags, but as I mentioned in the Vid, neither filled the gap I was looking to fill. And although I have now acquired a bag that does, there are some areas where the Mindshift bags are the better bags. As stated. there are often compromises to be made. A future vid will explain all 😉 I think the 26L might well accommodate the gear you mention. One each of the longer lenses could be in the centre channel (attached to camera) and the other laid down the left side. The 16-35 would then fit in the left side stood on its end. However the problem I think might be if you wanted to carry the 16-35 attached to the camera whilst in the bag; you might end up having to swap positions of the longer lenses, as I doubt the 16-35 would fit attached to camera with the Sigma in the centre as well. The 36L in this scenario would give you more latitude, but it is a big bag. You could always do as I did and buy from Amazon, and then return the bag if not suitable. I hope you find what you need.
@@MarkLindstrom Hi Mark. I bit the bullet and went for the 26L (36L just looks too big) on Black Friday and I'm pleased to day I can fit my 5D4/Sigma150-600C attached/70-200 F2.8L/16-35m F4L and another lens (e.g. Sigma 105mm Macro) plus filter pouch and still have a bit of room for odds and sods plus all the outside pockets too. It's a great bag with a few minor flaws in design, but overall I love it. No regrets!
Many thanks Marieta for viewing and for the comment. New bag already acquired and in use. I'll be doing a review in the near future, so please stay tuned 😉.
Hi Robbie. Many thanks for your interest. Ah... I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise 😉, or divert any discussion on that bag onto this discussion. Not that many others would be that interested in what bag I use 🥱. I'm just putting the video together as I write, but I doubt it will come as much of a surprise which bag I ended up with; it was amongst the few I mentioned towards the end of the video. However, like everything in life nothing is perfect, including the bag I've bought.
What do you think about the Tenba 24 Ltr. Solistice as alternative bag ? It is 19cm deep and has a top opening and the same functions for filling ,is lighter and much cheaper
Hi Terry, many thanks for viewing and for your comment. I'm certain that many will find either the 26 or 35L bags meet their needs and maybe a 30L would be good compromise for others, and maybe if a 30L had been an option that would have suited me also. I note that you have also placed a comment on my Shimoda bag video, and so you'll know what I went with in the end; but is it my 'perfect bag'? I don't think such a beast exists; there's always something that is missing.
Can you do a review for Airport Carryon Camera Bags( including a 16inch laptop). I looked everywhere.. I couldn't find a good video describes a good bag..
Hi Chris. A very good subject idea, especially as the size rules vary dependent on where you are in the world. However I tend to only do reviews of items that I've actually bought, and at present I'm not in the market for such a bag. I wish you well in your search.
Mark, I'm facing the same dilemma although I don't have as much camera gear, but everything else is the same, and definitely have more non camera gear when I do my travel trips or day hikes. Which bag did you end up getting if not these two Mindshift one?
Hi Gerry, many thanks for watching and for your question. I finally went with the Shimoda X50, of which I have also posted a video on; just go to my TH-cam channel to view. It's not perfect nor cheap, and as I said in this review, you can buy both the 26 and 36L Mindshift bags for about the price of the Shimoda + Camera Unit, but it provides most of what I was looking for. I bought the bag with both a small and medium core unit which can either be used together if I want to carry more camera gear, or separately if I want to travel lighter or carry more non camera gear. I hope that helps and good luck with your search.
@@MarkLindstrom Thanks for the reply. The X50 will be too large for my needs, especially for Carry On. I'm going to order the 36L Backlight and see how that works. out. Many of the things you also liked about it seem to be what I need, so we'll see.
Hi Michael. I assume. you are referring to the red covers? These are specifically to fit onto the Kase filter adapter rings and are made by Kase. It saves having to remove the adapter ring from the front of the lens. If you have the Kase system you can get them from Wex here in the UK.
Hi Steven, thanks for viewing and for your comment. My search eventually took me to the Shimoda Action X50; there's a review of that bag on my channel. It's not perfect (no camera bag is), and for some things, eg ease of working out of, I prefer the Mindshift bags. But the Shimoda offered a lot of versatility with regards to camera gear space v non camera gear space, with the ability to grow or compress as needed; which was one of the main things I was looking for. I hope that helps?
@@MarkLindstrom Mark, I understand. I own both Mindshift Backlight 18L, 26L, and 36L bags and Shimoda Explorer 30L & 35L V2 bags and use both. Thank you for your reply.
You're welcome. With all those bags you must have a very understanding partner, my wife groans every time I start looking at new camera bags; she just doesn't understand 😉
@@MarkLindstrom Great comparison, sir! I'm in the same boat, as I have several ThinkTankPhoto and MindshiftGear bags (smaller versions). I was considering the Shimoda Explorer 30L, but have a question...It appears to me that the camera gear compartment only holds approximately 3 or 4 lens and 1 body. I'd like to be able to get 2 Nikon Z mirrorless bodies, and 4 lenses, including a Nikkor 70-300 f/4.5-5.6. (I was also considering a LowePro ProTactic BP 450 AW ll.) Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Hi Steve, many thanks for viewing and your comment. Sorry I haven’t direct knowledge of the Shimoda Explore v2 30L, but I do know, compared to my Action X50, (which I have also reviewed), that it is shallower, and slightly smaller, being designed to utilise the mirrorless core units as opposed to the DSLR core units that my bag takes. I know that the Explore v2 35L takes the DSLR core units as well and accommodates the same combination that my Action X50 does. I currently use the Medium and small DSLR core units together, but the large would allow longer lenses to be carried. The shallower mirrorless core units might prevent you from accommodating the gear you intend depending on your lenses and whether you can fit them in upright rather than laid down. Also you would need to consider whether your bodies fit in on their sides or on their bases. Having modified my gear recently, I can carry a Canon R and R5, side by side, both with L brackets attached, one with the RF100-400 attached, with a little room to spare in front of it. Obviously the other body can have a similar sized lens and there is a little bit of room at the side for some filters etc. In the small core unit I can also carry 3 lenses upright, such as the RF24-105L, RF14-35L, and even the RF100-400 fits upright, given the degree of slack that is available within the bag. The Shimoda site will give all the sizing of the core units and also compatibility for the various bags. When I was trying to figure out which bag would suit me, I laid my kit out on the floor in the configuration I hoped to use, and then just measured it all out. Sorry I can’t give you any thoughts on the 30L, but I hope that gives you a little bit of help?
Just got the 36L b/c it's big enough to carry both my camera kit (including a 150-600mm) and racing kit at regattas. Have a Camelbak strapped down in one side pocket, a monopod in the other and I'm using the tripod holder on the front to carry a camping chair with the belt securing it at the bottom. As for the "useless" pocket up top, I'm using that to store the body cap and lens cap when they're not attached. It's pretty massive and I'm not looking forward to hauling it from the parking lot but it's less cumbersome than two separate bags.
They should bring out a 31L version. Nice and informative video.
Many thanks for viewing and for the comment. I agree, something in between the 26 and 36 would be great. 👍
Just bought the 36L variant. Still waiting for it to arrive. I dont even own enough camera gear to fill it up. But my plan is to utilize the bag and its size to a combined camera, travel and hiking bag where I use the extra inner space for more non-photo stuff.
Looking for a new bag so Cheers for making the video, a nice informative approach, liked the happy dogy ending :) Subscribed.
Exactly the review I’ve been looking for
Many thanks for viewing and commenting.
I’m looking for a backpack for my 200-600mm lens, then I reached mindshift gear backpack. Light is my first consideration so 18L seems suitable for me. However, if I want to go to travel with 18L, that’ s obviously too small. This video helps a lot when I’m struggling with 26L and 36L. Thanks.
Many thanks for your comment. I’m glad the video was of use to you.
Hi mark. I use the Mindshift Backlight 45L elit and I think it will suit you better.
Hi. Many thanks for the suggestion. I did actually consider the 45L elite, and yes I think it's a great bag with some excellent features that I really liked, but again it was a slightly bigger and heavier, than I ideally wanted.
Thanks for the detailed video Mark. Settled on the 26L for my Sony A73 set up as I found one used in like new condition. And you have a great last name! 😉🍻
Many thanks Chad, glad it was of use. Wow, you're the first to share my surname that I've come across on my various social media platforms. Good to have you along. You're not Oregon way by any chance; we had relatives out that way some time back.
@@MarkLindstrom Live near Detroit now but was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (aka Gods Country). I was shocked to see your last name as well as I haven’t seen it on TH-cam either. Cheers and thanks again!
I have the 26l and it's a great bag. I like it more than just a basic shoulder bag. I would carry it for a day hike-- it's comfortable and light enough.
Thanks for the review! Yes it's a nice backpack, however (and unfortunately), especially with the 36L, it would've been a wiser design if the top section of the camera area could be somewhat "separated" from the rest (customization via a special divider for that matter), and accessible from the top instead of that almost useless little pocket - or keep that pocket and add another entrance behind/under it. Hence, more room for non-camera stuff and longer treks... Thanks again, I like your sound opinions.
Great review, mark. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it.Many thanks for viewing and for the comment
I am searching for 2 months already reviews on those 2 backpacks. They cost a lot so i need to do an "informed" decision. Your review is the best as now i can really imagine how much NON photo stuff fits in each one, and that is important for me as for sure when traveling on vacation with 2 kids, i will be the one carrying also stuff that is not photography related. Not to say that i have also a Mavic Mini drone that i can fit inside. Thank you for the review.
Glad it was helpful! Many thanks Cristian for viewing and for your comments.
@@MarkLindstrom hello. Bought the 26 L backpack. I can say i am pleased with the fact that i have now an easier access to the gear but in retrospective I think the 36 L would have been better and the reason is that my drone carry bag does not fit :( . But, I will not carry the drone so much with me I hope. Anyway, i consider it a good buy even if is 220 EUR :).
Thanks Mark. I'm wrangling over exactly the same decision! I don't hike that much, so the non-camera carry capability is less important to me, but want a bag that can hold a 5D4, Sigma 150-600 and a Canon 70-200 plus 16-35 F4L and filter pouch. I also looked at the Lowepro Whistler, but like you I want side pockets for water and tripod. Ho hum!
Hi Dave. Many thanks for viewing and for the comment. Yep the search for that ideal bag can be challenging. Though I have to say that I could have happily lived with either of the Mindshift bags, but as I mentioned in the Vid, neither filled the gap I was looking to fill. And although I have now acquired a bag that does, there are some areas where the Mindshift bags are the better bags. As stated. there are often compromises to be made. A future vid will explain all 😉
I think the 26L might well accommodate the gear you mention. One each of the longer lenses could be in the centre channel (attached to camera) and the other laid down the left side. The 16-35 would then fit in the left side stood on its end. However the problem I think might be if you wanted to carry the 16-35 attached to the camera whilst in the bag; you might end up having to swap positions of the longer lenses, as I doubt the 16-35 would fit attached to camera with the Sigma in the centre as well. The 36L in this scenario would give you more latitude, but it is a big bag. You could always do as I did and buy from Amazon, and then return the bag if not suitable.
I hope you find what you need.
@@MarkLindstrom Hi Mark. I bit the bullet and went for the 26L (36L just looks too big) on Black Friday and I'm pleased to day I can fit my 5D4/Sigma150-600C attached/70-200 F2.8L/16-35m F4L and another lens (e.g. Sigma 105mm Macro) plus filter pouch and still have a bit of room for odds and sods plus all the outside pockets too. It's a great bag with a few minor flaws in design, but overall I love it. No regrets!
@@daveamberphotography Nice one Dave 👍 Have a great Christmas 🎄
Super review! Intrigued that you went for neither bag… Did you get a replacement bag in the end?
Hi. Many thanks for viewing and for your comment.
I eventually went with the Shimoda Action X50 (original v1), which I also did a video on.
I would fancy a shimoda bag but they are insanely expensive. Same goes for the fstop bags. Let us know what you finally decide to purchase. 😀
Many thanks Marieta for viewing and for the comment. New bag already acquired and in use. I'll be doing a review in the near future, so please stay tuned 😉.
@@MarkLindstrom which new bag did you end up getting then after this?
Hi Robbie. Many thanks for your interest. Ah... I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise 😉, or divert any discussion on that bag onto this discussion. Not that many others would be that interested in what bag I use 🥱. I'm just putting the video together as I write, but I doubt it will come as much of a surprise which bag I ended up with; it was amongst the few I mentioned towards the end of the video. However, like everything in life nothing is perfect, including the bag I've bought.
What do you think about the Tenba 24 Ltr. Solistice as alternative bag ? It is 19cm deep and has a top opening and the same functions for filling ,is lighter and much cheaper
Would the 36L fit in the overhead storage compartment on an airplane?
Thanks for reviewing. Seems like we need a 31L option. Did you find your perfect bag in the end?
Hi Terry, many thanks for viewing and for your comment. I'm certain that many will find either the 26 or 35L bags meet their needs and maybe a 30L would be good compromise for others, and maybe if a 30L had been an option that would have suited me also. I note that you have also placed a comment on my Shimoda bag video, and so you'll know what I went with in the end; but is it my 'perfect bag'? I don't think such a beast exists; there's always something that is missing.
Can you do a review for Airport Carryon Camera Bags( including a 16inch laptop).
I looked everywhere.. I couldn't find a good video describes a good bag..
Hi Chris. A very good subject idea, especially as the size rules vary dependent on where you are in the world. However I tend to only do reviews of items that I've actually bought, and at present I'm not in the market for such a bag. I wish you well in your search.
I came to exactly the same conclusion
Mark, I'm facing the same dilemma although I don't have as much camera gear, but everything else is the same, and definitely have more non camera gear when I do my travel trips or day hikes. Which bag did you end up getting if not these two Mindshift one?
Hi Gerry, many thanks for watching and for your question. I finally went with the Shimoda X50, of which I have also posted a video on; just go to my TH-cam channel to view. It's not perfect nor cheap, and as I said in this review, you can buy both the 26 and 36L Mindshift bags for about the price of the Shimoda + Camera Unit, but it provides most of what I was looking for. I bought the bag with both a small and medium core unit which can either be used together if I want to carry more camera gear, or separately if I want to travel lighter or carry more non camera gear.
I hope that helps and good luck with your search.
@@MarkLindstrom Thanks for the reply. The X50 will be too large for my needs, especially for Carry On. I'm going to order the 36L Backlight and see how that works. out. Many of the things you also liked about it seem to be what I need, so we'll see.
where did you get the lens caps? look cool
Hi Michael. I assume. you are referring to the red covers? These are specifically to fit onto the Kase filter adapter rings and are made by Kase. It saves having to remove the adapter ring from the front of the lens. If you have the Kase system you can get them from Wex here in the UK.
So what did you end up as the ideal compromise? Did your search find a solution. If so what was it. Thank for your time.
Hi Steven, thanks for viewing and for your comment. My search eventually took me to the Shimoda Action X50; there's a review of that bag on my channel. It's not perfect (no camera bag is), and for some things, eg ease of working out of, I prefer the Mindshift bags. But the Shimoda offered a lot of versatility with regards to camera gear space v non camera gear space, with the ability to grow or compress as needed; which was one of the main things I was looking for. I hope that helps?
@@MarkLindstrom Mark, I understand. I own both Mindshift Backlight 18L, 26L, and 36L bags and Shimoda Explorer 30L & 35L V2 bags and use both. Thank you for your reply.
You're welcome. With all those bags you must have a very understanding partner, my wife groans every time I start looking at new camera bags; she just doesn't understand 😉
@@MarkLindstrom Great comparison, sir! I'm in the same boat, as I have several ThinkTankPhoto and MindshiftGear bags (smaller versions). I was considering the Shimoda Explorer 30L, but have a question...It appears to me that the camera gear compartment only holds approximately 3 or 4 lens and 1 body. I'd like to be able to get 2 Nikon Z mirrorless bodies, and 4 lenses, including a Nikkor 70-300 f/4.5-5.6. (I was also considering a LowePro ProTactic BP 450 AW ll.) Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Hi Steve, many thanks for viewing and your comment. Sorry I haven’t direct knowledge of the Shimoda Explore v2 30L, but I do know, compared to my Action X50, (which I have also reviewed), that it is shallower, and slightly smaller, being designed to utilise the mirrorless core units as opposed to the DSLR core units that my bag takes. I know that the Explore v2 35L takes the DSLR core units as well and accommodates the same combination that my Action X50 does. I currently use the Medium and small DSLR core units together, but the large would allow longer lenses to be carried.
The shallower mirrorless core units might prevent you from accommodating the gear you intend depending on your lenses and whether you can fit them in upright rather than laid down. Also you would need to consider whether your bodies fit in on their sides or on their bases. Having modified my gear recently, I can carry a Canon R and R5, side by side, both with L brackets attached, one with the RF100-400 attached, with a little room to spare in front of it. Obviously the other body can have a similar sized lens and there is a little bit of room at the side for some filters etc. In the small core unit I can also carry 3 lenses upright, such as the RF24-105L, RF14-35L, and even the RF100-400 fits upright, given the degree of slack that is available within the bag.
The Shimoda site will give all the sizing of the core units and also compatibility for the various bags. When I was trying to figure out which bag would suit me, I laid my kit out on the floor in the configuration I hoped to use, and then just measured it all out.
Sorry I can’t give you any thoughts on the 30L, but I hope that gives you a little bit of help?