Up till not too long ago, I had three luggage that I recurrently used. First, a backpack, which was my common go-to bag when photographing occasions. Two, a shoulder bag for these extra corporate-type occasions. And third, a curler bag, for once I wanted entry to a ton extra gear.
I had by no means truly discovered a sling that may work for me. That’s till I met the Hex Ranger Sling V2, a sling bag with a great deal of storage, consolation and a classy, water resistant exterior.
Since I’ve began utilizing the Ranger Sling, it’s develop into one in every of my most used luggage. Once I’m photographing outside — whether or not or not it’s an occasion, panorama or anything — the Hex Ranger is mild as a feather, however nonetheless holds the gear I would like.
Execs
- Comfy and light-weight
- Loads of Velcro separators to customise the inside
- Plenty of pockets to carry different gear, like a flash, pill, batteries, reminiscence playing cards and extra
- Climate-resistant exterior is nice for minor climate, whereas the included rain cowl is a pleasant addition
- Adjustable straps make for an incredible monopod or tripod holder
Cons
- Bigger cameras can match awkwardly, together with these with a battery grip
- Zippers are simply accessible when worn on a sling on the again, making it a possible goal for theft
Technical specs — Hex Ranger DSLR Sling Bag V2
All technical specs have been taken from the B&H web site:
- Sort of closure: Zipper
- Inside sort: Adjustable hook & loop dividers
- Monopod/tripod holder: Sure
- Climate resistance: Sure
- Supplies: Condura, Nylon (exterior)
- Dimensions: 14.5 x 7.25 x 4.75 inches
- Weight: 1.3 kilos
- Capability: 8L
Ergonomics and construct high quality — Hex Ranger DSLR Sling Bag V2
The Hex Ranger Sling is available in just a few completely different colours; I obtained the Blackout model. It’s additionally obtainable in a Glacier Camo, Camo and plain Black. The Blackout model encompasses a Camo sample that’s absolutely black and darkish grey. It’s modern, and it doesn’t appear to be a digital camera bag in any respect.
The bag is sturdy — it was capable of stand by itself with or with out gear inside. The truth that it’s weather-resistant and comes with a rain cowl is a big plus for anybody who lives in a multi-season atmosphere. Relaxation assured, this bag will make it by way of rain, hail, snow … you title it.
Zippers are effectively constructed and comparatively simple to maneuver. Nevertheless, there’s no safety system in place when carrying the sling in your again, making it a possible goal for theft. I’d put on this sling round my hometown, however I may not really feel fully snug with it in an unknown or bigger space due to this. It’d be good if there was a form of flap current to cover the zippers from exhibiting.
Packing it up — Hex Ranger DSLR Sling Bag V2
Over the previous few years, I’ve discovered that I’ve wanted fewer and fewer lenses (and different gear) to get the job carried out. I’m capable of take a Tamron 28-70mm f/2.8 with me, together with two small prime lenses, with ease. I also can simply match the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6, together with the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 Artwork lens.
The Hex Ranger suits two or three smaller lenses splendidly. Relying in your setup, you may be capable to match extra. The bag comes with a number of separators (greater than I wanted), which assist you actually pack effectively.
When you use a battery grip, it ought to match, however it’ll be considerably of a good squeeze, relying in your digital camera. With my Sony a7 IV and a battery grip connected, it was a bit awkward to suit inside. You may want a bigger sling if that is so, however it nonetheless was snug and held what I wanted.
Exterior of the primary pocket, there’s a bigger again pocket, which is nice for a small pill, cellphone or different equipment. It even held my flash. The 2 smaller entrance compartments are nice for issues like filters, batteries and reminiscence playing cards.
Within the subject — Hex Ranger DSLR Sling Bag V2
Picture by Drew Hyperlinks
Picture by Kris Kinsey
One of many preliminary worries I had concerning the Ranger Sling is the truth that I exploit the sling-style Peak Design Slide strap with my digital camera usually. Having two straps throughout my physique as an alternative of 1 meant that it could possibly be a bit awkward, create friction and add added stress to my shoulder and neck space.
I used to be shocked that the Ranger Sling was nonetheless snug with this setup. I put the sling on first, after which my digital camera with strap, and it labored moderately effectively. It seems to be a bit awkward, however it’s nonetheless higher than carrying a neck strap.
Utilizing the Ranger Sling with a wrist strap on my digital camera was the last word combo for me, because it actually supplied a pleasant solution to entry my gear rapidly, with out something additional in the way in which.
Irrespective of the setup I had, the Hex Ranger Sling actually labored effectively for multi-hour taking pictures days, irrespective of the situations. I used the sling throughout a number of occasions and different photoshoots with ease, and it lets me carry my necessities simply as I had hoped for.
The Hex Ranger Sling V2 is my new day pack
I had been in search of one thing smaller than a backpack that I might take with me with out fuss. The Hex Ranger Sling V2 is precisely that. It holds my obligatory gear, and it’s tremendous snug and light-weight. I’ve worn it for a number of hours with none annoyance or remorse, and it’s one thing I can’t wait to proceed to make use of.
