Shimoda Action X50 Camera Bag - 6 Month Review

[@joshdenault6363]

Great review, thanks for sharing. I just ordered this pack (same color) and am excited to get it and start using it. BTW not that anyone is rating it, but your sense of humor is criminally underrated

[@robert_may]

Thanks very much! :D I'll be interested to know how you get on with the bag - I'm still really happy with mine nearly a year on now.

[@philipbarrett9688]

HI Robert. Very nice review. Regarding the video core unit, you guessed right: the DV one are specially made (and work only) with the Shimoda x70 which is thicker than the x50. One of the reasons i bought the x70 is that it gives me (on paper) more flexibility, although i'm finding it to be actually bigger than my needs. Also the x70 has a more padded shoulder strap and waist belt. I do think though that the x50 has the sweet spot in terms of size, if I could turn back i would have bought the smaller one. Cheers.

[@robert_may]

Ooh good to know! Yeah I've been tempted by the X70 before just so I have a bit more space for assembled long lens setups, but my current one just about still fits in the X50 so I've kept this same configuration for now. Though I did buy the latest version of the large DSLR insert to get the added length, which helped with my current wildlife configuration.

[@TheBigBlueMarble]

I never use the zipper in the top. I have been using roll-top backpacks for years and LOVE them.

[@robert_may]

I've come around to them! I do like the flexibility of being able to expand or contract it so easily 😀

[@TheBigBlueMarble]

@@robert_mayand it's more waterproof than the normal drawstring enclosure

[@TheBigBlueMarble]

Even the shoulder straps are not really meant to carry the weight of the pack. It is the hip belt where most of the weight should rest.

[@KevinMaschke1]

Great review!! I've been eyeing this one or the Explore to replace my Lowepro Whistler 450 II which is just too bulky and big. And as a daily carry / smaller camera bag I've just ordered the new Shimoda Urban Explore, but I've seen your Tenba review and am tempted to look at that!

[@robert_may]

Ooh nice choices! I've not had a chance to look at the Urban Explore yet - will try and seek it out at a show this year. The Tenba Fulton is such a good bag for the money though! I still use mine regularly. It's not perfect but it's also not expensive, which is perfectly reasonable 😀

[@KevinMaschke1]

@@robert_mayThe price is very appealing indeed!

[@carlb401]

I am considering getting this bag and from the photo's i have seen they appear to have small pockets on the waist belt. However they also sell another waist belt for it with larger pockets on it, but 1 it's £75, 2 it only comes in the green or black versions. They don't appear to do one for the yellow version which i am interested in.

[@robert_may]

Oh good point - I think that waist belt with the bigger pockets is the one from the X70. Which, if they don’t make that model in yellow, would explain why it’s not available I guess 🤔

[@vikingjack9994]

Wich tenba do you use for daytrips? Do you still find this to be best bag for tripd and hikes?

[@robert_may]

I've got the Tenba Fulton v2 16L All-Weather. Decent smaller backpack and pretty comfortable if it's not too overloaded. But yeah I mostly use that in the city if I need to take some extra stuff with me, and the Shimoda Action X50 when I'm out hiking or on longer trips. If I'm just taking a camera out for the day I often use a shoulder bag instead as I find it easier in busy places. Short version: I have too many bags 😅

[@robert_may]

No referral code, but as of right now there's a decent discount on the Shimoda website: uk.shimodadesigns.com/action-x50-kits/, if you're interested in it!

[@industryrule-4080]

What lav mic are you using? Sounds great.

[@robert_may]

Zoom F2-BT with the bundled lav mic. It’s pretty good! The clip was a bit pants and I lost it though 😅 Need to go buy another one.

[@tobiasterman]

Get review. however I think the biggest problem with the bag is the noise it makes, when you walk. it is by far the most noise bag that I have ever owned.

[@russellsprout2223]

You're probably aware that the bright yellow, version 2 of the X50 has now made an appearance - especially if you've watched any of Tom Heaton's recent vlogs. 🙁

[@robert_may]

Haha I did spot that in his videos. That colour's pretty cool but a bit bright for me for wildlife 😀 Only thing I'd be looking for from a v2 of the bag would be an improved camera unit.

[@tbrien88]

You know what'd be cool? If you could actually buy one (in black)

[@robert_may]

Haha yeah. There’s a decent discount still at the mo, I think, but only for Olive, and they don’t have the large DSLR inserts last I checked 😶