It can happen with any hobby... There comes a time when ones work and passion and expertise combine with a rhythm which pushes the hobbyist into a more serious understanding of their work. Their career might take off, their livelihood may evolve so they no longer need to work a day job to get by, or perhaps there's simply a tipping point that happens. If you're a photographer and have had it happen to you, you can appreciate the difference between entry-level and professional gear, and how it affects your everyday hobbying, or your career as you move forward. There comes a time when what you looked for in a camera, a bag, a tripod, changes, sometimes dramatically – a new world of advanced, technical and professional options open up. And a transition must happen, be it simply upgrading or something larger, something redefining... For me, my tipping point was when I transitioned from studio photographer to landscape/travel photographer.
Today, I'd like to talk about one of my favorite pieces of professional gear. But first, it must be understood that besides additional features, ergonomics, ease of use and reliability, the price tag can often carry the extra weight as well as you move into the professional world of photo gear. By all means, not every pricy gadget is a necessity, far from it typically. But one big thing all photographers need is a solid pack that helps rather than hinders their ability to capture the shot. While this pack is on the pricier edge, it's worth the price tag for the right photographer. And to be frank, that is my only criticism of this bag by Mindshift.
I've recently had the chance to review the Mindshift Rotation 180 Professional Backpack Deluxe 38L. It's a mammoth of a bag, feature-rich and dynamic. The unique feature of the Rotation 180 Pro is the rotation belt pack. In a second, you can quietly pull your camera around to your front, without ever taking off the bag or unhooking your straps. Why is this handy? Well, when you're a travel photographer, especially when exploring the wilderness, there may be long intervals between shots, as you hike, or as wildlife decides to show itself. Without having to put down your bag, you can whip out your camera and take the shot within seconds, and then just as simply, you can put your camera away and your back to backpacker mode. If I would have had this bag in Europe, I would have used it all of the time.
The Rotation 180 Pro has a ton of storage spots and access points, a sling for your tripod, mesh backing for hot days, and a slew of other features like a rain cover, a strap pocket, and built strong with an internal aluminum frame. I found that I could pack almost all of my gear, comfortably and safe, without hindering my ability to shoot, nor my own personal comfort. Most bags that are large and capable of carrying such a load tend to wear down on my back and shoulders, seriously limiting my ability to work and tramp long days, but with the structure of the bag, the padding and the ergonomic stylings of the rotating belt, I've finally found what I believe to be my perfect (big) camera pack.
The Rotation 180 Pro has a ton of storage spots and access points, a sling for your tripod, mesh backing for hot days, and a slew of other features like a rain cover, a strap pocket, and built strong with an internal aluminum frame. I found that I could pack almost all of my gear, comfortably and safe, without hindering my ability to shoot, nor my own personal comfort. Most bags that are large and capable of carrying such a load tend to wear down on my back and shoulders, seriously limiting my ability to work and tramp long days, but with the structure of the bag, the padding and the ergonomic stylings of the rotating belt, I've finally found what I believe to be my perfect (big) camera pack.
Product features:
Click here to learn more about the Mindshift Rotation 180 Pro Backpack
(Photo #1 by Brandon Scott, Photo #2-#3 via Mindshift)
- Rotating belt pack
- Removable sling for easy tripod attachment
- Waterproof rain cover
- Fully adjustable shoulder straps
- Front pleated stash pocket
- Rail on waist belt for attaching modular components
- Back panel compartment
- Internal aluminum frame
- And much more...
Click here to learn more about the Mindshift Rotation 180 Pro Backpack
(Photo #1 by Brandon Scott, Photo #2-#3 via Mindshift)
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