RSS
 

Posts Tagged ‘Agua’

Review of the new Agua Versa Backpack 90 by Miggo

09 Oct

Photography is an expensive hobby, and yet still we love doing it whether be it professionally or as a passion. Owning costly camera bodies and lenses is one part of our job, and making sure that they are stored safely in a camera bag is an equally important responsibility. As a street and travel photographer, I am always on the go carrying a camera body, a zoom lens, and a flash. I make sure that I am not carrying all this gear in a heavy backpack.

The Agua Versa Backpack 90 by Miggo is one of a kind. It’s a versatile storm-proof backpack that can be used as a camera bag as well as a normal day-to-day use bag. When it comes to choosing the right camera bag, I am very particular about its quality, comfort, and weight. Now let’s find out if this classy looking backpack comes out as a clear winner or not.

Agua Versa Backpack 90 2

What you can store in the Agua Versa Backpack 90

  • DSLR with attached lens (such as Canon 5D Mark III or IV with 24-70mm f/2.8),
    or medium size DSLRs / large size mirrorless cameras
  • Extra lens (such as 70-200mm f/2.8)
  • Flash unit
  • Up to 14.5” laptop (but I am able to store my 15.6-inch laptop)
  • iPad / tablet
  • Memory cards
  • Cables
  • Extra battery
  • Extra personal belongings

Appearance

Cover Photo

Trust me when I say that this backpack could make you fall in love with it at first sight, and I am saying this from my personal experience. It’s not just me but my fellow photographers have been asking me about this bag as I have been carrying around for weeks now.

The matte black kind of finish that this bag has is the reason that you may get attracted to it. That is the storm-proof material (tarpaulin) that has been used to create the bag. The combination of black and blue colors makes this bag look elegant as well as stylish at the same time. By looking at the bag you can tell how light and convenient this bag would be to carry on your back.

Inside the Bag

The Agua Versa Backpack 90 has three pockets in total. One on the front side which can be used to store accessories such as lens filters, memory card holder, a mobile phone, etc.

The second pocket is on the right-hand side of the bag which is the main compartment where you can store your laptop (I was easily able to store my 15.6-inch laptop), iPad, pen drive, Gorillapod, etc. You also get a removable padded insert in which I was able to carry my Canon 5D Mark III with the Canon 24-70 f/2.8 lens mounted, a Canon 70-200 f/2.8 lens and the Godox TT685C flash. The best part is that you can carry this padded insert as a standalone camera case during shoots. Once the insert is removed, you can use the backpack as a day-to-day bag as well or store your clothes while you are traveling.

Agua Versa Backpack 90 5

Agua Versa Backpack 90 7

The third pocket which is placed on the left-hand side is a secondary storage space where you can securely store the card reader, important cables, some accessories, and anything that fits inside the pockets.

Agua Versa Backpack 90 4

3 Different Carrying Options

The Agua Versa Backpack 90 allows you to carry the bag in three different ways. The first being the basic backpack position, which is the most comfortable in situations when you are walking a long distance carrying heavy gear. The second way is the X position, in which you can customize the straps in a cross pattern which could be helpful if you are trekking or hiking. The last way is the sling position which basically converts your backpack to a sling bag. By using it as a sling bag, you can easily and quickly draw the camera out of the bag and avoid missing any important moment.

 

Agua Versa Backpack 90 1b

My personal favorite is the sling position as I do not have to constantly take the bag off my shoulders to take out the camera. Simply swing the bag forward, open the side zip and draw the camera swiftly.

Agua Versa Backpack 90 3

Comfort

One of my favorite things about this backpack is the quality of padding that it has on the back as well as on the straps. I have been using this Miggo bag for weeks now, sometimes for hours at a stretch, and not once did I have any kind of shoulder or back pain despite carrying a camera body, two lenses, a flash and other accessories. Be it the backpack or the sling position, the bag sits comfortably on my shoulders and the lower back padding is just perfect.

Dual-Port Charging Connector

Agua Versa Backpack 90 6

How this backpack by Miggo stands out from the rest is the external USB connector that it features on the lower right-hand side. The USB connector unit has two ports which allow you to use a power bank stored in an internal dedicated pouch inside the bag. This means that using one port you can charge your smartphone or any other USB connected device and by using the second port you can charge that power bank too without taking it out of the bag.

Final Verdict

At a price of $ 169, the Agua Versa Backpack 90, come sling bag, is a good value for your money if you are a frequent traveler or if you shoot in extreme conditions.

Cover Photo

You may be thinking that I am only highlighting the positives of this bag, but there are few negatives as well. This bag lacks a side pocket which can hold a tripod/monopod or a water bottle. The straps are way too long, they roll up and there is a band which holds them up but on some occasions, it comes off.

You can get your hands on the Agua Versa Backpack 90 and a couple of more bags in the Agua series of Miggo brand on Indiegogo.

The post Review of the new Agua Versa Backpack 90 by Miggo by Kunal Malhotra appeared first on Digital Photography School.


Digital Photography School

 
Comments Off on Review of the new Agua Versa Backpack 90 by Miggo

Posted in Photography

 

Miggo launches Agua line of waterproof camera and drone bags

03 Aug

Miggo, the smartphone and photography accessory makers who brought us the Pictar iPhone camera grip among other innovative products, have returned to crowdfund the launch of a new Agua line of waterproof bags designed for DSLRs as well as the DJI Mavic and Spark drones.

There are three models in the series, which are all made from a matte-finish tarpaulin material and offer the IPX3 environmental protection standard.

The Agua Versa backpack is designed for carrying photographic gear but can easily be converted into a backpack for daily use by removing the “doc-bag” camera insert. The Versa can be carried as a backpack, sling bag or x-position style and comes with external charging system for mobile devices.

The main compartment comes with laptop and tablet pocket, and there are several smaller pockets as well. Three water-proof outer pockets can hold a large variety of smaller items, and the rigid bottom offers impact protection when setting the bag down. The bag can hold a Canon 5D-sized full-frame DSLR and two F2.8 lenses, including a 70-200 F2.8 and a flash.

The Versa’s strap system can be adjusted for sling-style use. Inside your gear is protected from the elements.

The Agua Drone Lander is made from the same waterproof material as the Versa, but it was made to function as a carrier for the DJI Mavic or Spark drones. The latter and accessories are are protected by a padded three-layer insert, and an integrated landing mat doubles as a work surface. The Drone Lander is carried in the sling position, and an additional diagonal strap offers better stability for long-distance carrying.

The third model in the line, the Agua Sling, combines a compact design with storage capacity for a 5D-sized DSLR and three lenses, including a 70-200 F2.8 and a flash gun. A padded strap allows for sling-style carrying and gear is accessed through a side-opening. Like the Versa, the Agua Sling comes with a water-proof front pocket for personal items and an external charging port for mobile devices. The main compartment offers a laptop pocket.

The Drone Lander comes with a landing mat. Padded inserts protect your drone and accessories.

We’ve had a chance to use the Agua Versa backpack for a couple of weeks, and our first impression is indeed very positive. The backpack is well-made, and the strap system is comfortable to wear and allows for a lot of adjustment.

There are plenty of external and internal pockets to help you organize all sorts of small things, such as batteries, memory cards and other accessories. My 14″ Acer just fits into the internal laptop sleeve and the camera insert holds a DSLR and a couple of lenses no problem. When the insert is removed, the bag also works well as a rugged day pack, with more than enough space for a change of clothes for when you bike to work.

You should be aware that access to your gear is only available from openings in the sides, but once you’re used to that, getting your stuff in and out of the bag is easy and quick. You can now pre-order the Agua bags on Indiegogo from $ 100 for each model with the early bird special, which sounds like an interesting deal if you are in need of a waterproof bag for your imaging gear.

Press Release

“Agua” storm-proof camera and drone bags set a whole new standard for adventure photography!

After three successful funding projects which shattered all expectations, miggo returns to Kickstarter with three completely new “agua” bags – an exciting new take on storm-proof bags for cameras and drones.

Jerusalem, July 2017 – One year after the launch of Pictar – the revolutionary iPhone camera grip, miggo returns to Kickstarter for the fourth time with Agua – a brand new collection of three storm-proof bags designed for DSLR cameras and the super-popular Mavic and Spark drones. Every new offer by miggo is a sensation, with its fun and exciting products for photography enthusiasts.

“Kickstarter is the place where we bring products to life”, says Guy Sprukt, Marketing Manager and one of miggo’s founders. “This is where we introduced our first agua camera bag two years ago, and this year we are proud to present not one but three new agua bags! The entire new line is IPX3 standard storm-proof and the bags offer an exceptional combination of protection from the elements and quick-draw ability. We had a long development stage, and we’re proud of the results and we believe that the new agua bags offer a completely different approach to carrying photographic gear and drones.”

The agua series consists of 3 bags – all of which are IPX3-standard storm-proof and carefully designed from durable tarpaulin with a impressive matt finish – unique to the entire miggo agua collection.

  1. Agua Versa Backpack

A versatile backpack for carrying professional photographic gear, as well as for daily use. The bag lets users enjoy a handy and carefully designed everyday bag, while the photographic gear is safely stored in a “doc-bag” insert. With the insert firmly in place, the Versa turns into a tough photo bag for any challenging task.

The Versa Backpack provides fast and easy access to the camera and additional gear, excellent weather protection, a versatile back system with 3 different carrying modes (backpack, sling and X-position), a retractable insert for photographic gear, external charging system for mobile phone, a designated pocket for a laptop or iPad and three water-proof outer pockets for personal stuff. Versa Backpack is made from durable tarpaulin with a matt finish, and offers a rigid bottom made with thermoforming technology for superior impact protection. The agua Versa Backpack can carry a full-format DSLR such as Canon 5D Mark 4 (or similar), 2 professional lenses including 70-200 f2.8, and flash. Like all the bags in the agua series, the Versa Backpack is IPX3-standard storm-proof.

  1. Agua Drone Lander

Extreme enthusiasts will be delighted to know that they can now own a revolutionary carrier for Mavic or Spark drones, which offers easy carrying and excellent protection from weather and impact.

Agua Drone Lander lets users carry their easily on their back to the most challenging places in the world or just for a weekend trip with the family. The sensitive gear is fully protected thanks to a specially padded three-layer insert with a dedicated space for the drone and all its accessories. The bag also comes with an integral landing mat, which doubles as a work station. The Agua Drone Lander is made from durable tarpaulin with a matt finish that wraps around the padded insert and serves as an additional layer of protection from the elements such as rain, snow, dust or dirt. The agua Drone Lander is equipped with a main padded strap for carrying in the “sling” position, and a diagonal strap to keep the bag tight against the body for easy long-distance carrying. Like all the bags in the agua series, the Drone Lander is IPX3-standard storm-proof.

  1. Agua Sling

A one-time combination of superior storm protection and camera quick-draw – Agua Sling offers them both, perfectly!

The Agua Sling offers a compact design with surprising storage capability. It can carry a full-format DSLR camera such as Canon 5D Mark 4 (or similar), three professional lenses including 70-200 f2.8, and flash.

A wide, padded strap allows easy carrying and quick access to the gear through a side opening. Agua Sling is made from durable tarpaulin with a matt finish and offers a rigid bottom made with thermoforming technology for superior impact protection. It also features a water-proof front pocket for personal stuff, an external and convenient charging port for mobile phones and a dedicated laptop pocket. Like all the bags in the agua series, the Sling is IPX3-standard storm-proof.

“In July 2017, we’ll be returning to Kickstarter for the fourth time, and we’re looking forward to hearty support and backing “, says Rafi David, miggo’s CEO. “Kickstarter is an amazing platform that enables young companies like us to bring innovative products to the market, to receive feedback from consumers at a stage where changes can still be made and thus offer the products that are most suitable for our users.”

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Miggo launches Agua line of waterproof camera and drone bags

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Camera Bag Review – Miggo Agua

18 Jun
Miggo Agua Stormproof Holster SLR 45 MAIN

Image courtesy Miggo

As the Editor here at dPS I don’t usually do gear reviews here any more, but Miggo sent me a beta version of their new Agua bag to try out so here are my thoughts.

Miggo Agua Features

Directly from their product brochure, here are some of the main features of this bag:

  • Comes in three sizes from large SLR down to small for mirrorless cameras.
  • Storm-proof: water, sand, wind, snow, it keeps it all out and your camera safe from the elements.
  • Quick-draw ability (more on my thoughts about that later)
  • QUick-adjusting padded strap
  • Dual-use strap: connect to the bag or to your camera
  • Lens cap inner pocket (never lose your cap again)
  • Thermo-forming front lens protector – put your camera in the bag without the cap on and it it still protected
Miggo agua bag and strap

Image courtesy Miggo

Miggo agua lens cover pocket

Image courtesy Miggo

Is it really waterproof?

I wanted to challenge their claims that it is storm and waterproof but not risk my camera just in case. So I decided to use a roll of toilet paper, tucked inside the bag to test its ability to stay watertight. As I was relaxing in the Canadian Rocky mountains last week I took it with me and went off in search of a stream. I decided this one would do nicely – it had nobody around to watch me and think I was a complete weirdo.

Miggo Agua review 750px 03

Stream I found to test the waterproof claims for this bag.

So I borrowed the tissue from my hotel bathroom and stuffed it inside the bag.

Miggo Agua review 750px 15

Test subject – hotel toilet tissue.

Zipped it up and plunged it fully into the stream. First thing I noticed is that the zippers are a bit stiff and sticky. Could be a symptom of being a beta version, perhaps something they are working on for the final release.

Miggo Agua review 750px 16

I put the bag right into the running water.

Miggo Agua review 750px 17

I moved it around to cover all areas of the bag, and left it there for a couple minutes.

So did it hold true to its claims? Did the little Miggo Agua bag keep the paper dry? Watch this little video I made and find out!

How did the bag handle?

Okay the next thing I tested was how comfortable and usable is the bag. They had sent me the mirrorless size so I put my Fuji X-T1 inside with the standard 18-135mm lens that comes with that rig. It did not fit! I removed the lens hood, and took my tripod insert off the bottom of the camera and still it did not fit. Hmmm . . .

Miggo Agua review 750px 08

The bag would not close with my Fuji X-T1 with 18-135mm lens attached (no lens hood).

I had to switch lenses to my 35mm f/1.4 which is much more compact and finally it fit inside the bag.

Miggo Agua review 750px 09

Had to resort to the smaller 35mm lens to give this a go.

Attaching the camera to the little quick-draw thing was a bit finicky and a bit annoying. I already have my regular camera strap in the o-rings attached to the camera. To get it to work with the Miggo I had to also add one of their straps as well. You can see how it goes on and clips inside the bag in the image below.

Miggo Agua review 750px 06

The camera attaches only to the left side of the bag via this strap and buckle.

It only attaches on one side of the camera (left), then tucks inside the bag. I found using it in this manner was a bit cumbersome actually. I couldn’t leave the bag undone or the camera would pop out (not good), so I was forced to zip it up after each shot. Once again the sticky zipper was a bit annoying as it took two hands to do it up and undo it each time.

I found the little cloth strap that attaches to the camera bit thin too. I find that with most camera straps there is wear and tear and the straps start to get frayed and worn through by rubbing on the o-ring and the camera itself. I could see this one getting worn through fairly quickly, but then again maybe not because it’s always inside the bag.

Miggo Agua review 750px 12

Notice how the bag doesn’t really bend? It’s very stiff.

Overall I found the bag a bit crunchy. The fabric is very sturdy but a bit inflexible, it doesn’t mould to the body or bend much at all. I didn’t hike around with it all day but could see it rubbing if one were wearing shorts.

Size

I already mentioned that my Fuji didn’t fit inside the size designed for mirrorless cameras – perhaps I’d need to go a size up, but that would be good to know before you buy it. I also found that I had to carry a second bag with me because there is no room inside the Miggo Agua for anything other than one camera and lens attached. Nothing!

Miggo Agua review 750px 19

Bag size comparison for reference.

Above you see the size comparison to my LowePro Passport Sling bag, which I often use as a small day bag. It holds two lenses, batteries, a water bottle (as you can see in the photo), and personal items like a jacket, book, etc.

I would have loved to see an extra pocket for a spare battery or memory card, maybe even one small lens. As it is it’s pretty limiting.

Construction and build

No beefs here with construction and build, it is solidly made. The inside is double padded, the zippers tuck up under little flaps to keep the bag waterproof and the bottom is extra protected so you can put your lens inside without a cap and not worry.

Miggo Agua review 750px 01

Miggo Agua review 750px 04

Miggo Agua review 750px 11

Pros and Cons

Pros of the Miggo Agua

  • It certainly does what it claims and keeps the water out.
  • It is compact.
  • The strap is comfortable and adjustable.
  • Great for adventurers that want to have their camera handy when hiking.
SONY DSC

Image courtesy of Miggo

miggo-river-man-shooting-wide-750px

Image courtesy of Miggo

Cons of the Agua

  • It isn’t big enough to fit all mirrorless cameras. Size description needs to be more clear or a list of which cameras fit into which size nicely available before you purchase a bag.
  • There is no room for anything else – just one camera and lens attached – so it’s application is limited.
  • The attachment of the camera inside the bag just feels “off”. The strap is thin and having it only attached to one side makes it feel unbalanced somehow.
  • The zipper is a bit stiff and sticky.
  • It’s nearly impossible to leave the camera out, it has to be tucked away and zipped up after every use or shot.

Who is this bag good for?

SONY DSC

Image courtesy of Miggo

I’m giving this bag 3.5 out of 5 stars, mostly because there are a few things that could use improvement and I’m guessing that because this is a prototype some of those bugs will be worked out before the final version is released.

I would recommend this bag if you are a backcountry hiker, like to kayak, do extreme sports, or spend a lot of time on the beach. This little bag will allow you to take your camera along and keep it safe in conditions you might otherwise leave it behind.

This bag is likely not for you if you just do mostly city shooting and tend not to push the boundaries of where you take your camera. Also if you like to drag around all your lenses and extra stuff you may find its size limits too much for you and another option like a rain cover on your existing bag may be all you need.

Learn more – get it early

You can find out more about the bag in this video from the manufacturer or check out their Kickstarter campaign (already funded!) and get in on getting one of these bags early.

googletag.cmd.push(function() {
tablet_slots.push( googletag.defineSlot( “/1005424/_dPSv4_tab-all-article-bottom_(300×250)”, [300, 250], “pb-ad-78623” ).addService( googletag.pubads() ) ); } );

googletag.cmd.push(function() {
mobile_slots.push( googletag.defineSlot( “/1005424/_dPSv4_mob-all-article-bottom_(300×250)”, [300, 250], “pb-ad-78158” ).addService( googletag.pubads() ) ); } );

The post Camera Bag Review – Miggo Agua by Darlene Hildebrandt appeared first on Digital Photography School.


Digital Photography School

 
Comments Off on Camera Bag Review – Miggo Agua

Posted in Photography

 

Miggo Agua IPX3 storm-proof camera bags launch on Kickstarter

05 Jun

Miggo, maker of non-traditional camera straps that convert into wraps, announced in April that it would launch its new ‘storm-proof’ camera bag Agua on Kickstarter in early June. That crowd-funding campaign is now live. The Miggo Agua bag has an IPX3-standard rating, which means it can protect gear from pouring rain and similar types of water exposure. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Miggo Agua IPX3 storm-proof camera bags launch on Kickstarter

Posted in Uncategorized