Brilliant bag Richard. I've had mine for a few years and I'm very happy with it. I must say that most people often tuck the flap of the ICU underneath but the added padding on the flap is a bonus and also protects the camera gear from sand, dirt and water from entering that compartment when the bag is unzipped and left open. You highlighted a removal pad near the base of the ICU (time 24.03) which I guess can also be placed at the top of the ICU to prevent things falling downwards from the top cavity, a small issue I have had in the past. Thanks for the review and enjoy the bag, its almost bullet proof. Greg
Thanks very much Greg, and also cheers for the feedback on what you use the Flap for, shortly after the Vlog I did use it for that purpose and it works really well. And you are totally right, this bag is bullet proof!! All the very best R :-)
Looks a decent Bag Richard. I tend to use Vanguard bags but I have a couple of bug bears with all of them. Firstly, why do all manufacturers design bags with the personal items space at the top? The place where you are going to stick your lunch and flask (which eventually leaks!) all over your camera kit stored below. Why not at the bottom them if it leaks who cares? And secondly you can get rain covers for bags or they come as an integral part, however they never seem to take into account that most photographers will have a tripod attached to the outside, in fact they have special points to attach a tripod either at the side or down the back. I often end up taking the tripod off and carrying it if it starts chucking it down so that I can use the cover. Maybe we should design one!! Comprehensive review mate👍
Thanks very much Scott, they are great bags too, and there are always compromises,; shame they don't always listen to the photographer 100% of the time! But I'm so far really happy with it, looking forward to testing it properly in the field. You are totally right, why do they do that, I carry mine quite a bit unless it's miles of course. I think we should, what a design from an actual photographer, lol.. Thanks again, all the best R:-)
Hi Richard. Thank you for your review. What color is this bag? Interior part of your video shows that it is green, but when it come to exterior part it looks light gray. Is it the same backpack all over your video? Thank you
Hi Edward, My pleasure and thanks for watching it. Yes, it's the same backpack, internal seems are greenish and the outside is called Aloe Green. Might just be the light. Cheers Richard 👍
Thanks for the great review. Can your give more detail about the pouch you bought for the water bladder? I checked F-stop and could not find it. Thanks!
Thanks very much for watching, It's a great bag and I am very happy with it. You can find the water bladder pouches at the link. fstopgear.com/ga/products/accessories/hydration-sleeve All the best R
I liked your video very much because you prooved to me once more that Shimoda Action series are way better and beyond comparison to f-stop. Shimoda is 90% pros and 10% cons. Ian used to work for F-stop before he created Shimoda bags.
Richard, with the entire 40L filled you could potentially put 30 lbs of gear in the Ajna pack. Wondering if you feel the pack would be comfortable with that weight, if even for a day hike. I ask because the next size up f-Stop pack, the Tilopa has much more substantial and padded straps. Trying to decide between the two.
Hi there David thanks for watching & getting in touch. I’ve got so many bags for all different situations from single large primes & bodies to small landscape bags and purchased this one as a day sac for climbing around with more freedom of movement. I’ve purchased the Pro- medium for a small zoom outfit & pro body and since got the Pro-XL to fit my 600mm if needed which doesn’t allow any room for additional kit. I like the bag mainly due to the weight as it’s quite light plus it’s nice in the summer to not have big thick strap as they tend to become very sweaty! It’s a great bag and I’m really happy with it, plus it’s airline carry on which is great. Thanks again, any further questions please ask. Cheers R 👍
Seems to me that this popular bag should have something to prevent top-loaded extras, ie gloves, head torch, etc from falling down inside the pack to the bottom. I guess I didnt realize there was space between the ICU and the bag on the sides and in the back. it might also allow small things in the ICU to fall out? Nice to have space but wouldnt want to be digging deep down inside for small things in the dark. Also, how is it with alot of weight in it? Everyone reviews this pack empty. The harness and belt look very thin, which is nice if they are comfortable. My kit is approx 20 pounds (US) and my current LowePro is not comfortable.
Hi James, you are right about things could go amiss in the main compartment of the bag, i usually fill the top portion above the ICU with a soft jacket of wind proof and First Aid kit. With two additional compartments at the side and one of the front I find useful for things that may come loose. It also has some upper compartments to stow additional items, lunch, flask batteries etc. It's not perfect but it's lightweight, very well made and the straps although thin and very comfy. I have a medium and Extra Large ICU to fit my 500mm prime, with the larger it dosen't allow for much else. Thanks Rich
Hi Richard, They are also awesome bags with some great reviews, my friend was happy with his and the customer service is second to none! So I thought I'd give them a go, always feel strange after using Lowepro for so long, thanks again.
Hi Richard - lovely to chat to you today on the airfield! I've been watching a few of your videos and they're all so lovely, fantastically edited together (especially the fading and rising of the music during tracking shots of birds). Just after we'd finished talking we saw one of the Barn Owls leaving the larger building which was something special! How're you finding the 1DX ii? Cheers again for taking the time to chat today, wish we could've stayed longer!!
Hi there, great to talk to you all and thanks very much for getting in contact, if you Subscribed that's awesome! So glad you enjoyed them, it's always lovely to get some positive feedback. Wow, the Owls were out very early, did you manage to get any pictures? Me too, nice to chat but that heat was a little bit much, my boy Henry was getting a little red! Only had it for two days as it had to be return for an AF screen scratch which is now being rectified! Looking forward to giving it a good test! All the best to you and the family, stay in touch. Regards R:-)
@@RichardBirchett Awesome stuff, I pressed subscribe while we were stood chatting but couldn't confirm it due to iffy signal - I can definitely see myself giving your videos a watch as a way to wind down! I noticed the music fades on one of the barn owl videos going in and out of the building, lovely little touches that make the difference. It did confuse me at the start as that's my name as well, seems to have a similar character as well - always on the go! I didn't unfortunately, we only saw them from the corner of our eyes so could only get them starting to go behind a tree, but better than nothing I guess. Oh no! Nightmare - I imagine it was quite a rollercoaster having it for such a short time then having to send it back, although at least you know it'll be top notch when it comes back. I'm hoping to join the 1DX crew at some point, I'm just a few pennies short, need to find someone willing to let go of theirs for a bit less than the going rate - few and far between! Thank you very much, the same to you - loved seeing your 90 as well, I can't get enough of the green ovals!
@@RichardBirchett Also side note - what did you reckon to the 1DX mk1? I don't really do much video so the video capability is nothing too big for me - just seeing the prices of the 1DX mk1 is getting tempting!
Energetic Zebra well thanks for subbing and welcome to the channel:-) 🙏👍. Yes, love the landy, gets me places that I need to reach that would normally be difficult and long! Lol.. I would recommend the 1DX 100%, an amazing camera that I wouldn’t have bothered trading in but I needed better video quality! Other than than it’s a beast, shutters a bit loud but a great camera and you can pick up some pretty good deals from WEX, MPB or Park Cameras! Keep me posted, and thanks again! Shame you didn’t get a shot of the BO but great to see, enjoy the rest of your hols. R :-) 👍
@@RichardBirchett No worries at all - thank you for the content! I clocked it coming over to the gate at the start but didn't know how it'd end up. Looks like I'm convinced for a 1DX, it's just a matter of when - I've got my eye on a couple of deals currently which are very tempting so fingers crossed. Just as an oddball question, are you going to be around any time in the next couple of weeks? Just wondering if it would be possible to meet up and do some shooting (maybe not quite as dedicated as you normally are) or just a plod round the reserve to chat cameras and wildlife? If not then no worries!
The small pockets on the straps are for containing the extra length of webbing strap from the strap compression straps so they're not flapping around getting annoying
I find it hard to accept that a bag clearly designed for photography on the go doesn't have a better tripod mounting system. Personally I hate tripods on the side of a bag, even my lightweight travel one. If I was on a serious togging trek with my proper tripod I'd find it really unstable with it on the side. Shame for such an expensive and otherwise well designed pack
Hi Ashley, I totally agree the tripod mounting system is pretty poor! Plus if I fitted my tripod it really doesn’t balance particularly well and looks ill fitting. Otherwise it’s a great bag quality wise and is really lightweight! Shame in this case they overlooked this function. Thanks for watching Richard 👍
Brilliant bag Richard. I've had mine for a few years and I'm very happy with it. I must say that most people often tuck the flap of the ICU underneath but the added padding on the flap is a bonus and also protects the camera gear from sand, dirt and water from entering that compartment when the bag is unzipped and left open. You highlighted a removal pad near the base of the ICU (time 24.03) which I guess can also be placed at the top of the ICU to prevent things falling downwards from the top cavity, a small issue I have had in the past. Thanks for the review and enjoy the bag, its almost bullet proof. Greg
Thanks very much Greg, and also cheers for the feedback on what you use the Flap for, shortly after the Vlog I did use it for that purpose and it works really well. And you are totally right, this bag is bullet proof!! All the very best R :-)
I have used a f-stop bag for 6 years almost every day. From rock-climbs to sand dunes, single and multi day hikes and it never failed me
Thats a great testament of the quality and durability of the F-Stop bags, really looking forward to testing it properly in the field, All the best. R
Looks a decent Bag Richard. I tend to use Vanguard bags but I have a couple of bug bears with all of them. Firstly, why do all manufacturers design bags with the personal items space at the top? The place where you are going to stick your lunch and flask (which eventually leaks!) all over your camera kit stored below. Why not at the bottom them if it leaks who cares? And secondly you can get rain covers for bags or they come as an integral part, however they never seem to take into account that most photographers will have a tripod attached to the outside, in fact they have special points to attach a tripod either at the side or down the back. I often end up taking the tripod off and carrying it if it starts chucking it down so that I can use the cover. Maybe we should design one!! Comprehensive review mate👍
Thanks very much Scott, they are great bags too, and there are always compromises,; shame they don't always listen to the photographer 100% of the time! But I'm so far really happy with it, looking forward to testing it properly in the field. You are totally right, why do they do that, I carry mine quite a bit unless it's miles of course.
I think we should, what a design from an actual photographer, lol.. Thanks again, all the best R:-)
Hi Richard. Thank you for your review. What color is this bag? Interior part of your video shows that it is green, but when it come to exterior part it looks light gray. Is it the same backpack all over your video? Thank you
Hi Edward, My pleasure and thanks for watching it. Yes, it's the same backpack, internal seems are greenish and the outside is called Aloe Green. Might just be the light. Cheers Richard 👍
Thanks for the great review. Can your give more detail about the pouch you bought for the water bladder? I checked F-stop and could not find it.
Thanks!
Thanks very much for watching, It's a great bag and I am very happy with it. You can find the water bladder pouches at the link. fstopgear.com/ga/products/accessories/hydration-sleeve All the best R
@@RichardBirchett Thank you so much!
I liked your video very much because you prooved to me once more that Shimoda Action series are way better and beyond comparison to f-stop. Shimoda is 90% pros and 10% cons. Ian used to work for F-stop before he created Shimoda bags.
Thanks for the Info and really glad it helped you out a bit. all the best Richard 👍
Would a 600mm lens fit in that medium slope icu? (Great review!)
Thanks for watching, the 600mm F4 Prime would not but if you buy the X-Large ICU it will take the 600mm. Cheers R 👍
Richard, with the entire 40L filled you could potentially put 30 lbs of gear in the Ajna pack. Wondering if you feel the pack would be comfortable with that weight, if even for a day hike. I ask because the next size up f-Stop pack, the Tilopa has much more substantial and padded straps. Trying to decide between the two.
Hi there David thanks for watching & getting in touch. I’ve got so many bags for all different situations from single large primes & bodies to small landscape bags and purchased this one as a day sac for climbing around with more freedom of movement. I’ve purchased the Pro- medium for a small zoom outfit & pro body and since got the Pro-XL to fit my 600mm if needed which doesn’t allow any room for additional kit. I like the bag mainly due to the weight as it’s quite light plus it’s nice in the summer to not have big thick strap as they tend to become very sweaty! It’s a great bag and I’m really happy with it, plus it’s airline carry on which is great. Thanks again, any further questions please ask. Cheers R 👍
Seems to me that this popular bag should have something to prevent top-loaded extras, ie gloves, head torch, etc from falling down inside the pack to the bottom. I guess I didnt realize there was space between the ICU and the bag on the sides and in the back. it might also allow small things in the ICU to fall out? Nice to have space but wouldnt want to be digging deep down inside for small things in the dark. Also, how is it with alot of weight in it? Everyone reviews this pack empty. The harness and belt look very thin, which is nice if they are comfortable. My kit is approx 20 pounds (US) and my current LowePro is not comfortable.
Hi James, you are right about things could go amiss in the main compartment of the bag, i usually fill the top portion above the ICU with a soft jacket of wind proof and First Aid kit. With two additional compartments at the side and one of the front I find useful for things that may come loose. It also has some upper compartments to stow additional items, lunch, flask batteries etc. It's not perfect but it's lightweight, very well made and the straps although thin and very comfy. I have a medium and Extra Large ICU to fit my 500mm prime, with the larger it dosen't allow for much else. Thanks Rich
Nice bag , may have been tempted if I hadn't recently bought a couple of Gitzos , great bags but always a compromise somewhere.
Hi Richard, They are also awesome bags with some great reviews, my friend was happy with his and the customer service is second to none! So I thought I'd give them a go, always feel strange after using Lowepro for so long, thanks again.
Hi Richard - lovely to chat to you today on the airfield! I've been watching a few of your videos and they're all so lovely, fantastically edited together (especially the fading and rising of the music during tracking shots of birds). Just after we'd finished talking we saw one of the Barn Owls leaving the larger building which was something special! How're you finding the 1DX ii? Cheers again for taking the time to chat today, wish we could've stayed longer!!
Hi there, great to talk to you all and thanks very much for getting in contact, if you Subscribed that's awesome! So glad you enjoyed them, it's always lovely to get some positive feedback. Wow, the Owls were out very early, did you manage to get any pictures? Me too, nice to chat but that heat was a little bit much, my boy Henry was getting a little red! Only had it for two days as it had to be return for an AF screen scratch which is now being rectified! Looking forward to giving it a good test! All the best to you and the family, stay in touch. Regards R:-)
@@RichardBirchett Awesome stuff, I pressed subscribe while we were stood chatting but couldn't confirm it due to iffy signal - I can definitely see myself giving your videos a watch as a way to wind down! I noticed the music fades on one of the barn owl videos going in and out of the building, lovely little touches that make the difference. It did confuse me at the start as that's my name as well, seems to have a similar character as well - always on the go! I didn't unfortunately, we only saw them from the corner of our eyes so could only get them starting to go behind a tree, but better than nothing I guess. Oh no! Nightmare - I imagine it was quite a rollercoaster having it for such a short time then having to send it back, although at least you know it'll be top notch when it comes back. I'm hoping to join the 1DX crew at some point, I'm just a few pennies short, need to find someone willing to let go of theirs for a bit less than the going rate - few and far between! Thank you very much, the same to you - loved seeing your 90 as well, I can't get enough of the green ovals!
@@RichardBirchett Also side note - what did you reckon to the 1DX mk1? I don't really do much video so the video capability is nothing too big for me - just seeing the prices of the 1DX mk1 is getting tempting!
Energetic Zebra well thanks for subbing and welcome to the channel:-) 🙏👍. Yes, love the landy, gets me places that I need to reach that would normally be difficult and long! Lol..
I would recommend the 1DX 100%, an amazing camera that I wouldn’t have bothered trading in but I needed better video quality! Other than than it’s a beast, shutters a bit loud but a great camera and you can pick up some pretty good deals from WEX, MPB or Park Cameras! Keep me posted, and thanks again! Shame you didn’t get a shot of the BO but great to see, enjoy the rest of your hols. R :-) 👍
@@RichardBirchett No worries at all - thank you for the content! I clocked it coming over to the gate at the start but didn't know how it'd end up. Looks like I'm convinced for a 1DX, it's just a matter of when - I've got my eye on a couple of deals currently which are very tempting so fingers crossed. Just as an oddball question, are you going to be around any time in the next couple of weeks? Just wondering if it would be possible to meet up and do some shooting (maybe not quite as dedicated as you normally are) or just a plod round the reserve to chat cameras and wildlife? If not then no worries!
👍
Thanks 👍
The small pockets on the straps are for containing the extra length of webbing strap from the strap compression straps so they're not flapping around getting annoying
Cool, thanks very much for the info:-) 👍
Hi! can you put a laptop on it? thanks!
Hi Palma, I can fit a Macbook Pro in the inner sleeve pocket. Not a great deal of padded protection though! Cheers R 👍
@@RichardBirchett what size is your MBP? Thanks!!!
@@palmaestudio1381 13-14" max.
I find it hard to accept that a bag clearly designed for photography on the go doesn't have a better tripod mounting system. Personally I hate tripods on the side of a bag, even my lightweight travel one. If I was on a serious togging trek with my proper tripod I'd find it really unstable with it on the side. Shame for such an expensive and otherwise well designed pack
Hi Ashley, I totally agree the tripod mounting system is pretty poor! Plus if I fitted my tripod it really doesn’t balance particularly well and looks ill fitting. Otherwise it’s a great bag quality wise and is really lightweight! Shame in this case they overlooked this function. Thanks for watching Richard 👍