Reviews for Nikon D50 / D80 / D90
Review #1
(Added 13th March 2009)
This is the M-Rock Zion 525 backpack, an impressively sized bag that can take a couple of camera bodies plus 5 lenses or flash plus a 15" laptop/notebook.
Exterior size is 13W x 11.75D x 18.5H inches (32.5 x 29.4 x 46.5 cm) and with an Interior size of 12W x 6.25D x 17H (30 x 15.6 x 42.5 cm)
The bag comes with plenty of extra storage space, I counted 6 pockets plus a handy accessory bag that fits inside the main compartment.
The manufacturers show examples of various configurations with and without accessory bag. Hes a couple of my variations...
Main Compartment Config #1 with accessory bag
1. Nikon D90 + Nikon 18-200mm VR F/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
2. Tokina 12-24mm f/4
3. Nikon 180mm F2.8D ED-IF AF
4. Tamron SP AF 90mm F/2.8 Di Macro
5. Nikon 50mm f/1.8 + Kenko Pro 300 x2 TC
Config #2 without accessory bag
1. Nikon D90 + Nikon 18-200mm VR F/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
2. Tokina 12-24mm f/4
3. Nikon 180mm F2.8D ED-IF AF
4. Tamron SP AF 90mm F/2.8 Di Macro
5. Kenko Pro 300 x2 TC
6. Nikon SB-800 flash
7. Nikon 50mm f/1.8
8. Eclipse sensor cleaning kit, Luminquest mini softbox & difusser sock
You`ll see from the config #2 photo that M-Rock supply extra dividers for when you remove the accessory bag. So there really is an wide range of different configurations.
see below....
The accessory bag
This is a nice addition as it means you can just throw in camera accessories that can be kept separate from the camera and lenses, and the bag is attached with velcro strips. Comes with its own shoulder strap and handle. Also velcro belt attachment. Theres enough room to fit hoods, mini tripod, blower, diffuser , battery charger and a portable hard drive in there.
Here there are two large pockets, the lower pocket has two sets of zips one in front of the other in order to gain access to your camera gear inside the main compartment which is a nice touch.
You`ll also notice a small hole for headphone leads on the top right. The elasticated straps are for mounting a tripod, theres also a small pocket for the tripod feet to be secured in.
Tripod attached with elasticated straps.
Manfrotto 715shb
The lower front pocket
has enough room for manual, leads, few filters ,etc. The tripod does have to be removed to gain access to any of the front compartments.
Behind this pocket is another zipper that allows access to the main compartment.
Outer zippers
These are heavy duty water resistant. They have plastic strips covering them to protect from rain and dust.
The top front pocket
This contains a waterproof cover for the backpack plus room for memory cards, batteries,etc. Also, theres a small snap hook for your keys and a attached lens cloth.
The waterproof cover whilst useful isnt as well implemented as Lowepro`s system. This cover just goes over the whole backpack leaving just the top handle accessible. So you cant wear the backpack with the cover on which is a shame.
The main compartment lid
The lid has large interior pockets suitable for thin objects. Here I have some reflectors and the Nikon D90 manual.
The side of the backpack
here small thin pockets at the bottom on either side. Also D hook attachments half way up the bag for the M-rock modular bags (optional extra) for carrying extra lenses.
The laptop compartment zipper is on the right of the photos.~
The shoulder straps
Well padded and have some adjustment. No waistbelt though with this bag. That is an optional extra (Modular belt 530). This is a shame because for a backpack of this size (and money) you could really do with the extra support of a waistbelt.
Bag being worn, when its fully loaded its heavy...trust me.
With the notebook inside it does make it more uncomfortable to carry as the notebook is up against your back, a problem that occurs in many camera/laptop backpacks. And although there is some good padding between you and the notebook its still a hard flat surface than doesn't conform to the shape your back so you`ll know its there.
An optional hydration pack is available that can be stored inside the notebook compartment.
This is a neophrean coated water bag to keep you hydrated during hikes. See below.
In conclusion , the Zion certainly packs lot of gear inside and has plenty of configuration options there. The backpack comes with plenty of dividers for different setups. Its a very well made bag with good quality outer materials and plastics. The accessory bag is really useful if you just want to throw a load of gear inside and keep it separated from your camera and lenses.
The inner sides of the backpack has a thin plastic sheeting to give extra protection against knocks. It also gives the backpack a solid look and feel.
The only real negative point is that the interior cloth that the dividers attach too feels a little loose and stretchable. I`m a little concerned of how it would cope with a few years of being stretched about removing dividers. But, because this material completely covers the interior it does allow you to place dividers wherever you want too making the bag very configurable.
Backpack is suitable for use as hand luggage on airlines, although I suggest you check as its towards the maximum size of what is allowed.
Likes about the bag:
Nice design. Lots of room and configurations. Plenty of storage options. Well made with good materials. Access to both top and bottom compartments from side. Tripod holder.
Dislikes about the bag:
Doesnt come with waistbelt. Waterproof jacket fitted means it can only be carried by the top handle. Inside main compartment cloth feels a bit loose and weak.
