Naneu Pro K4L Adventure series travel backpack

Received the K4L backpack on Saturday and upon inspection it's definitely a positive first impression. I normally like to take some time to discover if a product has shortcomings, because they don't always manifest themselves immediately.

Generally I like to spend some time looking at all aspects of the product:
1) materials used
2) workmanship
3) fit
4) function
5) areas of product strength
6) areas of product need

This is the first time I've tried a travel backpack, as opposed to a pure camera gear backpack. I was in a new realm and it presented me with a number of questions (camera compartment configuration, gear storage, etc.) that were slowly answered as I familiarized myself with the product. I will start off by confirming the materials/workmanship is definitely top shelf - excellent quality! I will try to post some images if time permits.

I can see why both Naneu Pro and a certain competitor offer limited lifetime warranty on their products. I do like and appreciate the adjustable sternum strap setup that allows multiple positions across the front of the chest. The shoulder straps are some of the most comfortable I've ever setup on any backpack, sweeping in as they go over the top of the shoulders. The backpack strap positions high (shoulder) and low (waist) enough to fit me correctly without issue. For reference, I am taller than average (6' 3") and have fairly wide shoulders: 4" wider than normal (according to a tailor). It includes a now industry standard rain proof cover in case you are caught outdoors with your gear. The rain proof cover is folded up coveniently in a water bottle holder. The holder is designed to handle smaller bottles. I tried a Polar bottle and it's a very snug fit. I also own another brand mesh bottle holder that is actually too large for a standard cycling style 24 oz. water bottle, but it has a drawstring to cinch it in. More testing in Utah will tell!

Initially, without pushing it's limits, I was able to store a good portion of my landscape-specific camera gear in the bottom compartment. Of course, one always wants more capacity and that would change the design, so I will hold off on stating that more is needed. In the upper compartment: my 200/4 macro in a padded pouch, flash, extension cable, diffuser, 5 ND Grad filters in the zippered pouch + adapter ring, Cokin Z filter holder plus multiple smaller items. I added the Wimberley Plamps and diffuser discs into the side zippered compartments. There is still enough room to anticipate inclement weather - it will handle my raingear plus a polar fleece and still have room left over.

Balance: despite the appearance of being very bottom heavy (protruding a great deal from the bottom of the pack), this is actually a good thing - the weight is lowered, closer to the hips and thus the well padded waist strap is even more useful. One problem I had with several pure gear backpacks for someone my height are the tripod holder setups: if you don't have it attached on the side, the backpack is unbalanced, since the entire tripod sits vertically, furthest away from you. This makes the backpack rear heavy along the entire height and harder for proper balance in more technical terrain. It also places a strain on your shoulders and back to some degree.

Another issue is that if you are not careful with securing the tripod, a potentially uncomfortable knock to the head or neck can result with a sudden forward movement when jumping or stepping forward and upward onto another surface. I was unsure as to the zippered pouch holder for the tripod: durability, etc. since it's not a dedicated heavy duty holder. Turns out the tripod attached to a 2/3 filled K4L is actually quite comfortable to walk with and very well balanced once you have cinched the shoulder and waist straps correctly.

More to follow... I'll have more insight during airline travel (fitting into overheads) to and from the Utah Photography workshop in 2 weeks - the K4L Adventure series backpack will be will be used for 10 days in Utah.

Regards,
Marc

Utah Photography Workshop

Sept. 17th - 20th, 2009 OR Sept. 24th -27th, 2009

Price is $775 per person. There are only a few openings left for the Sept. 17th-20th workshop!


Come join us in the wilds of Utah to photograph one of the most spectacular, yet least known parks: Capitol Reef National Park. Capitol Reef has some of the most varied landscapes within Utah: natural stone bridges, unusual formations such as the sandstone formations of Cathedral Valley, then possibly Waterpocket Fold and the towering bluffs of Grand Wash.


We will engage into an immersion into photography over 3 days. You will be able to practice sunrise/sunset techniques, high dynamic range shooting and night timed exposures for starters. We may have a chance to photograph some North American big game animals if time and opportunity permits.


Afterward (Saturday evening), we will collectively gather round and spend some time critiquing work and discussing our efforts. Sunday we will head out again in the early morning to capture our last sunrise/landscape opportunities and wrap up the workshop, have lunch together then review shortly thereafter. Allow for scheduled departures, etc.

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Schedule:

1. 1. Meet and Greet Thursday night.
   
2. 2. Full on for 2 days of shooting, etc. on Friday & Saturday
   
3. 3. Saturday evening review in Torrey, Utah
   
4. 4. Sunday AM shoot.
   
5. 5. Lunch then review shortly thereafter. Allow for scheduled departures, etc. An extension into Monday is within the realm of possibility.
   

NOTE: If there is enough interest, a second workshop will be offered the following weekend: Sept. 24th - Sept. 27th. Already I have one person reserving a spot for the second workshop!

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Planned shoots:
Hickman Bridge - shoot during early light

Early dinners each day then shoot sunset and dusk glow over sandstone formations in park (eg. Cathedral Valley).

Optional shoots:
Grand Wash, Waterpocket Fold and Goblin Valley, which is close to Capitol Reef (near Hanksville)



Here are some of the links to images from Capital Reef via a quick Google Image Search: Capitol Reef National Park Images


Torrey, UT is right beside Capitol Reef National Park, sandwiched between Dixie National Forest (2 million acres) and Fishlake National Forest.

Dixie National Forest
Fishlake National Forest

According to the forest service (just called the office in Loa, UT), we should hit fall colors - normally it's the 2-3rd week of September - see images: Dixie National Forest - Google Image Search


Therefore the window of opportunity to photograph the fall colors should be very good during the scheduled workshop dates.

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Equipment list

1. Sturdy tripod and head (ball heads are lighter and pack more easily)
   
2. Digital camera (film SLR is optional)
   
3. Wide angle lens - 16 mm or wider for APS-C, 24mm for full frame sensor
   
4. Moderate telephoto zoom lens (eg. 50-200 or similar focal length)
   
5. Long lens - 200mm is plenty, 300 or light 400 is optional
   
6. Macro lens (recommended)
   
7. Circular Polarizing filters
   
8. Cabled or wireless remote
   
9. Flash + extra AA batteries – Eneloops are the best option, charger is optional.
   
10. Extra memory cards
    
11. Extra Camera batteries and charger(s)
    
12. Backpack or similar camera gear carry system that is comfortable for trekking.
    

Optional but still recommended:

1. Standard UV filters – to protect your gear from the elements and simplify cleaning lenses due to dust, etc.
   
2. Zip lock bags come in handy for stuff during the rain or sandy conditions.
   

Optional:

1. Rocket bottle blower
   
2. ND filters
   

Personal Gear/Clothing:

• Hat
  
• Sunscreen
  
• Water bottle
  
• Rain gear
  
• Hiking Boots
  
• Hiking shorts/pants (both)
  
• Bug spray
  
• Flashlight
  

If you are staying longer, I suggest packing plenty of underwear, socks, etc. in case you do any stream work, etc. Pack what you need, be really hard on what you choose to bring...

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Lodging and Outfitter details
Lodging: If you wish, Days Inn has a presence in Torrey, UT. Here is the link to their website reservation page: Days Inn Torrey Utah Hotel Torrey, UT 84775 Near Boulder Mountain Scenic Highway - .1 Mile, Capitol Reef National Park - 3 Miles & Slot Canyon Hiking - 5 Miles.

Price per night for 2 adults in 2 Queen beds per room is 72.50 to 85.00 per night during that time. Days Inn online hotel reservations - more search options Thus if we split costs on the rooms, it's quite reasonable at roughly $120 per person for 3 nights!

Outfitter: One option to consider: we can arrange for the outfitter (Hondoo Rivers and Trails) to work with us and they provide transport. It's listed as seen below - here is the summary...

Cost: Morning or Afternoon Session--$90 per person, with 3 person minimum
Full Day Tour--$150 per person, with 3 person minimum

Generally speaking each morning or afternoon session will last about 5 or 6 hours. On the full day tour when logistics allow, we'll return to town for siesta between sessions. All tours depart as arranged. Drinks with lunch and/or snacks provided.

Link to their photography page: Hondoo Rivers and Trails Photo Tours
The outfitter is optional and they will probably have some excellent first hand knowledge, given their history and I know other photographers have used them before. We can consider renting too. I would suggest 2 half days (one morning, one evening) with the outfitters.

NOTE: This pricing (in bold) is for the workshop only. You are responsible for any other costs (meals/lodging, outfitter fees and travel).

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Sponsors: Wimberley Professional Photo Gear, Pentax Forums.

I would like to thank both Wimberley and Pentax Forums for their involvement in making this workshop a success!

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Workshop Terms and Conditions


Special Notes: I will print one 16x20 image on an Epson 9880 series wide format inkjet printer on professional stock paper for you and mail it to you.

Payment Options: bank draft or certified check is preferred.

You may consider using the option to pay for the workshop via PayPal - please confirm availability before sending payment:

Utah Photography Workshop by Marc Langille

1 Attendee $775.002 Attendees $1,550.00

In-body Shake Reduction (SR) - how well does it work?

I decided to really test the abilities of both my long lens shooting technique and the in body shake reduction of my K10D. The following images were shot closer to the end of the day. It was very windy (20+ mph/30+ kph winds) and heavily overcast.

Taken with the K10D + FA* 300/2.8 + Tamron 1.4x MC4 AF TC = 420mm. I use Wimberley lens plates attached to an Arca Swiss Z1 monoball on a Giottos MT9360 tripod. Even though SR is on and not recommended for tripod work, your technique is just as important. I normally do not have the head locked in place - it swivels easily and I rely quite a bit on my technique. The tripod and the support system is simply to allow me to focus (no pun) on the work at hand. I am barely 6 feet away from the subjects, which is the minimum focusing distance (MFD) so the Depth of Field (DOF) is very shallow at F/5.6 and F/6.3.

Little or no cropping in these images. Only default conversion from RAW in ACR, no additional sharpening, minor Levels adjustment for the background to deepen it's hues in the second image. Taken ISO 640:

The Defender

Crop:


For reference, here is another image, taken at 1/100 sec.

On Alert

Crop:

Here are the links to the larger images:
The Defender
On Alert

From my perspective, SR certainly seems to work like a champ - more images are available for viewing on my website!

Enticing the Light - online interview

The good folks at Enticing the Light were kind enough to ask me to do an online interview. If you might be interested in knowing a little bit about what goes on behind the images, you are most welcome to read their interview.

Both Jose and Peter are top-notch guys and always willing to share information. I hope you enjoy the interview!

Regards,
Marc

Vanishing Resources: Earth's Moment of Truth

Everyone,

I’ve wanted desperately to find funding to do my own conservation project for some time now, and many are closed doors. I stumbled upon an opportunity for me to become more involved in making an impact in the world around us. I have prepared my entry for this contest: Name Your Dream Assignment Home

Microsoft and Lenovo are putting up money and a high end laptop in this contest. The winner receives $50,000 for the budget/travel/equipment and a Lenovo W700ds workstation 17″ laptop. Again, there is no prize money in this contest - it is for equipment, travel and logistics. I have posted my entry and it’s my hope that you believe in my abilities as a photographer and will consider voting for it. Your votes do not determine the winner! If I make it into the top 20 ideas in terms of public votes, then my entry goes to the judging panel.

Here is my entry: Name Your Dream Assignment :: Vanishing Resources: Earth’s Moment of Truth

You have a chance to stay involved with this project. Part of the winner’s obligation is to report regularly via a blog on the assignment while out in the field. The potential to have an impact is significant. Make no mistake: this is not a vacation - this is personal sacrifice, long hours and potentially difficult work. Please pass the word!

Please leave a comment if you are comfortable doing that - this also pushes up my entry on the “most commented” list.

Public voting ends April 3rd, so please consider voting for this worthwhile cause!!

Sincerely,
Marc

Museum funding approved = image project pending!

I wrapped up the Prairie Grove Battlefield reenactment the first weekend of December. Currently I am slowly going through over 2000 images from this year and the previous two years. I have been in discussion with the historical interpreter at the museum, and it appears I'll be helping out Taylor Studios with their image works. Taylor Studios are exhibit designer and fabricators in Rantoul, IL that is doing the project for exhibit renovations the Prairie Grove Battlefield museum. I'll post information related to this project where permissible and appropriate.

Miscellaneous Updates: 2009 calendar, upcoming classes

I've been quite busy as of late, so here are a couple of things to update folks:

Images of Our Land - the 2009 calendar is now available! I've been spending time getting it ready, and some technical glitches prevented confirmation of the preview function. You can get the calendar via the link on my website.

The Digital SLR class starts at Bedfords Camera & Video on Monday, Jan. 12th, 2009. The list of people interested is quite long, so multiple classes may be needed. More to follow!