why I returned Shimoda Explore V2 ( Shimoda VS Lowepro)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ก.ย. 2024
- I have bought a SHIMODA EXPLORE V2 camera bag, but after I have tested it, decided to return it to the shop. In this video I explain why, also I compare this bag with my current bag which is LOWEPRO PROTACTIC 450 AW. If you are in the market of buying a camera bag for your photography, this video might help you make a better decision.
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As someone that has owned both, as well has a ton of other bags.. for me it comes down to comfort and investment. If you spread the cost of the investment of the bag over the years you will own it, the cost difference is very minor, especially compared to the cameras and lenses we fill it with. If you add up the miles that we have these bags on our backs, its hard to put a price on comfort.. how much do you despise how your shoulders feel after a hike..... if it ever gets to the point that you start leaving gear because you don't want to put it in the bag, the bag starts to cost you opportunities and images. A good bag, like a good tripod will outlast our super expensive camera bodies, and we shouldn't cheap out on our main mode of protecting both our gear, and our backs. Just my 2 cents.
Well said Nick. Thanks for this thoughtful comment. You have a good point and I agree. Well, It didn't get to that point for me and my bag, to reduce my gears because it was heavy and hurts my shoulder. Not yet at least. I will definitely get a new bag one day and who knows maybe it will be Shimoda.
Yeah but you got yours for free, I agree with Hamed, when you actually pay for it with your own money then you realise if it is actually worth it. I’m looking to buy a decent camera back pack, but the problem is every TH-cam video is from people who got the bag for free, of course they are going to love it. It’s hard to find reviews from people that paid for the bag, I only watch reviews from those people to make the decision.
@@raytaylor4199 those of us they get camera bags to review typically give them away. I personally would never recommend a piece of gear that I didn’t believe him because my opinion cannot be bought.
@@NickPage totally understand Nick, I’ve watched quite a few of your videos as I’m a photographer, I’ve purchased so many items based on recommendations from TH-cam reviews, I find a lot of the time, like I said above when you pay for the item you look at it with a deeper sense of criticism. As a viewer I find more value and trust from someone that’s paid for the item. Thanks for the reply though 😊
Thanks for the video! I'm comparing both. Tried the 450 AWii a couple years ago but ended up buying the PGYTECH OneMo v1... amazing bag for the price. Cost is the larger prohibitive factor though I think it is the best fit for my needs. Currently looking for a used one. If Shimoda put Molle on the back/sides of the bag it would be perfect... I also own the Tenba Axis v2. Great to have such great choices today!
Thank you for watching and your comment! It is good to know about the other bags. PGYTECH One Mo looks cool, but it feels small for my purposes! I actually bought a Shimoda action x v2 recently and I think I like it. It was on sale and was a good bargain. Let me know if you are interestead in hearing my thoughts about it.
I owned both Shimoda Explore V2 35 litres and Lowepro Protactic 450 AW also the Protactic 250 AW, right now as I type this comment, in fact I just bought the Shimoda used (like new condition) for USD 160 from a friend, just love everything about the Shimoda. Will be selling off my Protactic 450 AW.
Size looks similar, similar but not the same and the moment I start using additional Molle attachments onto the Protactic 450, it makes the bag crazy thicker and the 1st gen Protactic 450 AW is known for much thinner shoulder straps than the 2nd Gen which made it uncomfortable if fully loaded and it cuts into shoulders too. The thinner shoulder straps is a deal breaker for me on the Protactic (for me)
Having said that, I agreed that the Shimoda Explore V2 is overpriced, I wouldn't buy it at USD 399 but that's my personal opinion, hence why I bought it from a friend who bought it brand new at 399 and he agreed to sell it to me at 160. His reason for selling is that it's too big for him, heck, I'll buy a few at 160 😂😂.
Price aside, Shimoda's features are unbeatable. Surprisingly, There are still many hobbyists whom are not aware of Shimoda brand. Having both bags with me gave me the opportunity to compare both in front of my eyes and for me, it's the Shimoda. My 1st choice is Action X30 with roll top but since I'm not willing to pay 399 for it, I'll take any colors with any sizes at 160.
I'm a bag lover, below are my bag collection for different usage in different conditions :
- Shimoda Explore V2 35 for few days photography getaway
- Lowepro Protactic 250 AW for half day outdoor photography session
- Manfrotto Speedy 10 for shooting indoors like shopping malls
- Osprey Kestrel 38 for hiking
- A waterproof tarpaulin bag (floats in water) with camera cubes / inserts for shooting at the beach or water related conditions.
The Lowepro Protactic 450 AW (1st gen) was a fantastic bagpack when it first launched and still is a respectable photography bagpack, a great value if you can find mint condition at used price.
Hi, highly appreciate your detailed comment. It is super helpful. I would love to buy Shimoda for USD 160 too :D simply because it is a great but overpriced bag.
I think I have the second generation of Protactic, since the straps are not too thin as you described. Yes Shimod's straps are more comfortable, nevertheless mine still works fine. In my recent trip to Lofoten, my bag washed over by a big wave at the beach, and it held everything perfectly and still the bag itself is in a great shape, so I appreciate it even more.
I think each Shimoda Explorer bags has its own competiters. For Shimoda E25 which is a light bag, there are a lot of good alternatives to be chosen from market. Myself I used to carry Lowepro flipside 400 when I want to go light. However in terms of comfort when I want to go heavy, there is no other bag that I have tried better than Shimoda E35 which is a heavy bag. Although E35 looks heavy, I did not feel uncomfortable when it's fully loaded. Thank to its adjustable carry system. My recommendation is to keep two bags for different purposes, depending on how much you want to load with. Therefore among heavy bags E35 probably the best while E25 might be mediocre among other good light bags.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Hi, I just want to clarify, did you actually use the Shimoda bag? Or did you only buy it, make the video and then return it? I'm not being defensive and protective of our product but I am unclear - as your stated, "you tried both bags", and also "comfort doesn't justify the price"... But the hangtag seems to be still on the bag and it looks unused. Either way, the more camera bag options on the market, the more creators can find the best bag for themselves - glad you found yours. Kind regards Ian
Hi Ian! You are right. Thanks for the comment. I bought the bag to replace my Lowepro. I tested it at home with all my gears in it and walked around with it for a while. When I reached the point that the new bag is not going to cover all my needs, I decided to return it and share my thoughts with you guys in this video.
I give up buying camera bags that promise so much. My best camera bag is a large canvas travel bag Ive lined to stop gear damage. Everything is easy to access from a large zip that opens up the entire top of the bag. For day trips I take a Lowepro but it is still a pain for access.
Thanks for sharing! I would love to see your bag and how you managed to make it secure for your gears.
An excellent comparison of these two camera backpacks...thank you! I'm considering the smaller Shimoda Explorer V2 30 L for 2 mirrorless bodies and 3 or 4 lenses (2 mounted on the bodies). And also considering the LowePro ProTactic 250 AW, but not sure if they'll work for my smaller configuration. Thanks again.
I am super glad that you found this video helpful. If possible, get the bags and test them with your equipments. That's the best way to find the right one for you.
@@hbphotos Yes, I’m still researching, but your comparison has been most helpful. Thanks again.
I own the Lowepro Protacktic and while it has been a decent bag, but it is a heavy bag empty (almost 6 1/2 lbs) and extremely uncomfortable to wear for more than 20 minutes. I basically just use it for storage and transport. I borrowed a friend's v1 Shimoda Explore bag and was blown away by how much more comfortable it is to wear and hike with. Not 10%, like 150% more comfortable. Some of that comes down to the fact that it weighs less than half of what the Protacktic weighs, but mostly its Shimoda's very well designed straps and back system. It was night and day to me.
Due to that experience I intend to buy a Shimoda pack to replace the Protacktic.
I am a bit bewildered that you would prefer wearing this Lowepro over the Shimoda. But ok... weird video.
Thank you for your comment. I weighted both bags, Shimoda with the medium DSLR camera unit in it and Protactic (so both had the same amount of gear room inside) and Shimoda was 100 grams heavier than the Lowepro. I understand you might have different setup for Shimoda and my experience with the bags must have been different from yours. I also considered the ease of use and comfort, Shimoda simply didn't meet my expectations (it was slightly better, but not as much as everyone tells you). I still stand by my thoughts. BTW, I wouldn't put the "weird" label on this video, you may call it unexpected. Cheers!
@@hbphotos It was unexpectedly weird! 😉
What size was the Shimoda
As mentioned in the video, it was 35 liter, the biggest one in Explore V2 series. I don't have the dimensions though. I think you can check it out on Shimoda website. Hope that's helpful.
@@hbphotos thanks, I missed that in the vid
@@swadventurer6624 no worries at all
30L? OR 35L????
Sorry, I wasn't clear. It was 35L. Thanks for asking
You can't compare pre-Biden prices to the new Bidenonmics prices. The new Lowepro bags are in the $400-500 range.
Can’t understand you
Sorry to hear! May I ask, which part is not clear? I would like to explain
@@hbphotos I found the video perfectly easy to understand. Thanks for your insight!
Thanks a lot for the comment. I am glad to hear that