Looking for a good quality gear bag that can hold a little bit of everything? Then this bag might be for you!

I stopped by to see my friends at Outdoor Photo Gear the other day and they had just received a shipment of these bags in. While I wasn't really in the market for a new bag, I couldn't help but notice the size of this thing and how well made it is (its a Kata --duh). Its billed as a medium sized bag, but this thing looks like it will hold everything but the kitchen sink! So I had to check it out.

Its the Kata KT-OMB-75 One Man Band Bag and I believe it would store everything a one man band could possibly throw in it. Its surrounded by pockets all the way around and on top. The front pocket zips open to reveal a large, flat storage area with smaller, utility style pockets for everything from notebooks, to pens, chords and all sorts of smaller knick-knacks. It also has a flat pocket on each side and another voluminous one on top. On the outside top of the bag, there are straps that can be used to strap on a tripod or light stands.

I've finally decided on a cart! I was on the hunt to replace my homemade cart, and Outdoor Photo Gear sent me the two different Eckla Gear Carts to evaluate. I've decided on the Eckla Beach Rolly. I thought I would give you a rundown on each cart.

There are two different styles of Gear Carts by Eckla that are available: the Multi Rolly and the Beach Rolly. These carts are both light weight and fold easily to fit in the car. Both are durable multi-function carts with all-terrain tires. The tires are very versatile and can go anywhere you need them to go--whether it’s over rough terrain or sandy beaches. These carts carry your gear instead of you humping it on your shoulders or back! The no slip grips on the handles are fantastic and as soon as I saw them I knew I would like them. The handle is tall enough so that when you are rolling the cart, you don’t hit the back of your ankles – which was one of the problems I was having with my homemade cart.

I have tried every method and product imaginable for storing and keeping my batteries organized but have now found a product I truly love! Chris at Outdoor Photo Gear tipped me off to the PowerPax Battery Caddies. These little guys are a breeze to use and take up little to no space. What I really love about them is that I can keep groups of four batteries together, in a small and compact, secure device.

These caddies are made of a hard, durable plastic and aren't much bigger than a set of four AA batteries in your hand. The batteries simply pop in through the bottom of the case and snap into place, ensuring a snug fit. They won't fall out, due to the design of the case, however you can easily pop the batteries out with one hand, which if you shoot weddings or other venues where you need to reload batteries quickly, this feature can save valuable time. When on an assignment, I always carry at least two sets of AA batteries in my pockets and up until now, I felt like I had aliens growing out of my legs due to the size of the battery case. But with these new caddies, you don't even notice them in your pockets.

I was skeptical about this one – I have to admit it. I already have a camera strap that I really like. It has great padding and little pockets where I can keep a couple of extra memory cards – so why do I need the Black Rapid RS4? But I’m game. I said I’d try it out, and write up a review if I liked it. If not, I’d just send it back. Well – I was wrong… this thing is great!

First off, it has a pocket. So what? My old one has two pockets. Well – the pockets on my other strap are just the right size for my memory cards. Which is great – if that’s the only thing you plan to put in there. They’re too small to fit anything else. The Black Rapid has one slightly larger pocket with a small zipper – it’ll fit a couple of memory cards– or you can do what I did. I usually use a tripod – so my camera has a quick-release bracket screwed into the bottom. Rather than risk losing the bracket, I put it in the pocket – along with its easy-to-lose screw, and my allen wrench. When I want to switch back to my tripod mount, I know exactly where those small parts are. No fishing around in the bottom of my camera bag trying to find them. That may not seem like a big deal, but if you are primarily a tripod-shooter, it means a lot. The pocket was just large enough to fit a spare memory card in there too. Nice!

It’s no secret. Many nature photographers are curious about the new heavy duty, yet affordable 8X CT tripod series from Induro. During this review, I’ll talk about the largest tripod Induro has ever offered and how it performs in the real world. If you have seen my images or have participated in my workshops, you’ll know that I’m not a casual shooter. I photograph in mud, saltwater, beach sand and everything else you can think of and my tripod comes along with me. Therefore, I need a tripod that meets my needs and can withstand my style of shooting!

The new 8X CT-Series of Induro tripods are the strongest, most stable tripods ever offered. A wide stance cross-braced magnesium alloy spider, ultra-light 8X layer Carbon Fiber legs, oversized center column lock and enhanced leg angle locks, contribute with up to 35% greater stability, rigidity and higher load capacity. The new 8X CT-Series also includes interchangeable rubber feet and stainless steel spikes, a tool kit and deluxe carrying bag and strap.

Let’s look at the new features:

Features:

• Wide Stance Cross-braced Magnesium Alloy Spider: This feature alone provides an excellent core system stability and support. While I’m not a big fan of the tripod base, I must say that I adapted to the new magnesium alloy spider style base with ease. After all, if the tripod is more stable with the new magnesium alloy design, I’m happy!
  

Enjoy!

You can read PDN's review from earlier this year after the break. Thanks, PDN!

Air travel is more difficult than ever before; it seems carry-on policy, size and weight restrictions, and additional fees imposed change daily. We need to save every ounce of weight and space possible while trying to safely transport our gear to and from location. To this end I had been placing my long lens hoods within my checked luggage, and although I stood them on end, all the hoods exhibit stress fractures from baggage handling. 

Introduction

I was recently given the opportunity test and review the Jobu BWG-Pro gimbal head.  Outdoor Photo Gear arranged to have Jobu Design send a BWG-Pro my way so that I could test it out, write a review for OPG and provide feedback to Jobu Design.  All-in-all, I was very impressed with the BWG-Pro’s design, construction and operation.

Background

I am a Juneau, Alaska based photographer who shoots everything from still life to landscapes to wildlife.  I use Canon DSLRs and own a host of lenses, including a Canon 500mm f/4 IS.  To date, when using my 500mm, I’ve been using a Wimberley Sidekick mounted on a ballhead (currently the RRS BH-55) all atop an old but sturdy Gitzo 1345.  I should note that until spending time with the BWG-Pro, I hadn’t really tested any other full gimbal head to any great degree.  I had always felt the ballhead/Sidekick combination was adequate for my needs and hadn’t been convinced otherwise when given the occasional opportunity to briefly borrow or try full gimbal heads.  My tests of the BWG-Pro were my first chance to really put a full gimbal head through its paces and get comfortable with the "full gimbal way of life". 

For events, parties or photo walks, the Black Rapid camera straps give you instant access to your camera, and keep weight strain off of your neck.  Black Rapid straps are worn across your body like a sling, and attach to your camera via the tripod socket.

Sound unique? It is. The Black Rapids are comfortable and adjustable, and will have you saying “why didn’t I think of that!” With the camera at your hip or behind your back, you can maneuver easily through a crowd, carry a tripod or other gear, or simply have both hands free. When you’re ready to take the shot, the camera quickly glides up the strap into shooting position.