F Stop back packs with XL ICU

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rob-nikon

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Does anyone use a F Stop backpack (Tilopa BC or Satori) with a XL ICU? I have a feeling whilst the XL ICU fits in the backpack the top 10cm of the ICU is not accessible from the back opening. Does anyone have this setup? It would be to carry a nikon 200-400 attach to a d800 plus a 2-3 additional lenses. By the website measurements it should just fit in the XL ICU but I'm not sure it would be easy to fit in whilst the ICU is in the bag due to this possible overhang access issue.

It would be nice to only have one bag and two ICUs (XL and large or medium) setup for wildlife and landscapes. The two ICUs would make ideal storage too.
 
I have a Tilopa with XL and small ICUs, if you give me the relevant measurements I can check for you.
 
Thanks, if you could check that would be fantastic. The 200-400 attached to the D800 is about 45cm long. I think the XL ICU should be 46-47cm long. How long is the opening back? How much is the overhang? It's whether the 200-400/d800 can be tilted in under the overhang.

Edit: f stop say 45.7cm internal length.
 
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It appears that I was mistaken, my ICU meets the top of the back panel so is more likely to be a large than an XL. Sorry about that. The back panel opening is c.42cm and the top of the bag from the bottom of the rear flap is c.53cm with maybe another 5cm or so in the lid. With my ICU fitted, the top of the back has a space of about 14cm at the back dropping to something like 5cm at the front (the top is angled). You'd probably get a thin jacket in there if you're good at packing, though there's the MOLLE system if you wanted to add capacity.
 
Strappy said:
It appears that I was mistaken, my ICU meets the top of the back panel so is more likely to be a large than an XL. Sorry about that. The back panel opening is c.42cm and the top of the bag from the bottom of the rear flap is c.53cm with maybe another 5cm or so in the lid. With my ICU fitted, the top of the back has a space of about 14cm at the back dropping to something like 5cm at the front (the top is angled). You'd probably get a thin jacket in there if you're good at packing, though there's the MOLLE system if you wanted to add capacity.
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Thanks that means an overhang of roughly 6cm with the XL ICU so roughly the width of the camera.
 
Just found an Andy Rouse blog with a photo of the 200-400 in the f stop tilopa bc bag. Definitely looks like a tight fit with the camera under the overhang if it does fit in at all. I think this is a no starter for what I want to put in, it's a shame as it sounds a good bag and ideal as a one bag set up. I think this is why I discounted it previously.

http://www.andyrouse.co.uk/blog/187.php
 
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They're great bags and really well made with lots of options, only problem I've got is that I've just bought a large format camera and it's not deep enough to hold that without stripping it down each time I want to put it away in the bag. Not great when I want to use the camera on long walks to find some interesting countryside.
 
I use a Tilopa with Xl icu for a canon 400 2.8 mounted to a 1D. It fits in under the overhang snuggly with the hood attached but reversed.
 
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Surrey Sam said:
I use a Tilopa with Xl icu for a canon 400 2.8 mounted to a 1D. It fits in under the overhang snuggly with the hood attached but reversed.
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Looks like the 400 f2.8 is nearly the same length as the 200-400 give or take 20mm. I think I would need to test fitting the 200-400 in. I know paramo in London stock them so I may give them a call to find out if they have both in stock. I emailed CVP but they just gave me the measurements from their website that I already had seen.

Can I ask where everyone purchased their f stop bags in the uk?
 
A tip that might interest you.

I use a Satori EXP (bought it used on here) and rather than an ICU I use the dividers from my Peli 1510. The dividers can be bought separately and fit perfectly.

By using the Peli dividers I can have my 500mm f4 with 1.4 extender and 1DIV. I can then open the top to get quick access. The advantage of the Peli dividers is that you can release one side which I fold down the back on the bag.

Don't know if I'm explaining myself well enough but if you want clarification let me know.

Neil
 
da_nige said:
A tip that might interest you.

I use a Satori EXP (bought it used on here) and rather than an ICU I use the dividers from my Peli 1510. The dividers can be bought separately and fit perfectly.

By using the Peli dividers I can have my 500mm f4 with 1.4 extender and 1DIV. I can then open the top to get quick access. The advantage of the Peli dividers is that you can release one side which I fold down the back on the bag.

Don't know if I'm explaining myself well enough but if you want clarification let me know.

Neil
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Now that sounds like something I need to look into. Not knowing what peli case dividers look like are they similar to the ICUs. Can I ask what size peli case dividers are needed?
 
If you can wait til the weekend I'll take some photos of the bag to show you what I mean. The 1510 ones fit the Satori perfectly.

Basically the Peli is just a hard box and the dividers are a padded tray with normal camera bag dividers included.

I have an ICU too so can do some comparison shots
 
da_nige said:
If you can wait til the weekend I'll take some photos of the bag to show you what I mean. The 1510 ones fit the Satori perfectly.

Basically the Peli is just a hard box and the dividers are a padded tray with normal camera bag dividers included.

I have an ICU too so can do some comparison shots
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If you could that would be fantastic and I'm sure it may help others on here. I've just had a look on google at the peli dividers and they do look similar to the ICUs.
 
OK so I thought I'd just do it now.

Picture heavy so I'll do it in 2 posts.

The bag is the Satori EXP

First up we have the Peli dividers on the left and XL ICU on the right





XL ICU in the bag



Peli dividers in the bag

 
Next up the views from the top

XL ICU

IMG_0063_zpszyj5w9sd.jpg


Peli

IMG_0067_zpsrbjgn4yp.jpg


Now this is why I use the Peli more than the ICU. My 500mm, 1.4 and 1DIV

In ICU (note the stretching)



And the Peli dividers. There advantage is obvious here. You can un-velcro a side. Note I have 3 dividers at the bottom to protect the front element when I put the bag down. Take these out and the fit would be better but you'll see why I'm not worried next.



Finally how I access the lens and camera for quick grab. This is the view from the top using the Peli dividers with the top flap tucked back

 
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For me the other advantage of the Peli dividers is the other stuff I can carry. I often have a 17-40mm f4, 24-70mm f2.8 and 70-200mm f2.8 ISII in the other half (i.e in the 3 spaces you see above)

Hope this helps folk.

I got my Peli case and dividers before my F Stop bag and when I bought the bag the seller was keeping his ICU so I tried the Peli dividers and only bought the ICU because I fancied trying it too. I use it when I'm not carrying the 500mm but that is rare.

Neil
 
Wow thank you that's really helpful especially all of the pictures. A while ago I was looking for a top loading backpack as I though it would be great for access and when using the car as a hide.

It looks like the peli dividers are slightly longer than the XL ICU but fit quite nicely in. As it's a similar size to the XL ICU I'm wondering if the peli dividers would fit in the tilopa bc.
 
The beauty of the Pelis is you can have top or rear access. They're softer than the ICU so if an XL fits then the Pelis will even if they need some squashing
 
I've just found the dimensions of both divider set/ICU.

F Stop = External Dimensions (cm): 17.8 Length x 29.2 Width x 48.3 Height 0.93kg
Peli = Product Dimensions: 50.2 x 19.3 x 27.9 cm ; 998 g

Looks like they are very similar but the peli is just that little big longer. The option of top access with the peli dividers is ideal although it may be possible to get my lens/cameras out through the back access. Best of all the peli dividers are £20 cheaper (at WEX) than the XL ICU.
 
da_nige said:
The beauty of the Pelis is you can have top or rear access. They're softer than the ICU so if an XL fits then the Pelis will even if they need some squashing
Click to expand...

Sounds good, I think F Stop are missing a trick here for back and top access. How you have the peli dividers set up is how I was think of doing it. thank you for your help Neil.
 
Apparently F-Stop did make a top and rear access ICU called the Jumbo which is now dis-continued. I like the Peli dividers idea but it's no use for travelling where you want to check-in the Rucksack and take the ICU as hand luggage.
 
Surrey Sam said:
Apparently F-Stop did make a top and rear access ICU called the Jumbo which is now dis-continued. I like the Peli dividers idea but it's no use for travelling where you want to check-in the Rucksack and take the ICU as hand luggage.
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I have heard of the monster ICU but not the jumbo ICU so thank you for that information. I can understand the check in with only the ICU as it would be a great way to bypass hand luggage restraints. I don't fly so don't have that contraint. I do want to take two ICUs (one wildlife and one landscapes) and swap as and when needed, the cover would be useful then but for me it wouldn't be more useful being able to fit the 200-400 plus 1.4tc attach to a d800 with a right angle viewfinder on too straight in the bag. A f stop ICU with top access and the same size as the peli dividers would be perfect.
 
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I've just googled images of the monster ICU and it seems to have a top end section with a zip,as well as a front zip section. It seems a shame they have stopped producing this ICU as size wise it seems perfect for what I'm looking for. Annoyingly the monster ICU is still shown in the catalogue available on the paramo website yet it seems discontinued.

http://old.fstopgear.com/icu-monster
 
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Apologies. Yes, the name for it was a Monster ICU and not Jumbo.

A while ago I contacted F-stop to see if they had any left and they replied that there was no more. I did a further search and found that there was a Scandinavian company which had a few in stock but my XL one has been fine with my 400 mounted to the body, so unless I get a 600 I don't really have the need for a Monster ICU.

The great thing about the companies equipment is that it gives you options.
 
Surrey Sam said:
Apologies. Yes, the name for it was a Monster ICU and not Jumbo.

A while ago I contacted F-stop to see if they had any left and they replied that there was no more. I did a further search and found that there was a Scandinavian company which had a few in stock but my XL one has been fine with my 400 mounted to the body, so unless I get a 600 I don't really have the need for a Monster ICU.

The great thing about the companies equipment is that it gives you options.
Click to expand...

I had heard of the monster ICU but I didn't noticed the top zip section. It's a shame theyhave stopped doing it. I've emailed paramo to ask if they have any monsters but I think I already know the answer. I've asked if it's possible to try out the XL before purchase to check how well it fits. I'm guessing a trip to london will be needed to do that. If it doesn't fit then it's a case of going with the peli divider idea.

I did check the XL ICU external dimensions and they within easyjet carry on size which is useful to know as this bag/ICU could act as cabin carry on as well, a very useful bag!
 
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A quick update, I visited the Paramo shop in London on Monday, I took the 200-400 and D800 with me to test out the bags. I found it fitted fine in the XL Pro ICU whether the camera had the grip fitted or not. The XL Pro ICU is longer than the rear opening but it is possible to slide the camera under the overhang. The non grip camera fits in easier than when the camera has the grip fitted. If the camera has no grip fitted the lens foot can face upwards which aids removing it from the bag. In the end I went with the Tilopa BC and XL pro ICU. Although I like the peli divider idea the ability to use the XL pro ICU as aircraft carry on bag was much more beneficial. The tilopa seemed to be about the right size for me too, only thing I will miss is the mess outside pockets do the satori.

Paramo have some good offers when buying the ICUs at the same time as a bag. They have offers when buying a bag + 1ICU, bag + 2 ICUs, bag + 3 ICUs and bag + 4 ICUs. They said its possible to buy 4 XL pro ICUs if you wanted to to make the most of their offer. I saved £40 when buying the bag and XL ICU together compared to buying them separately. You are best off buying the largest ICU possible to get the best saving. I only wish I had purchased another ICU at the same time but I was unsure (and still am) whether I should go with a large Pro or XL Pro as a second ICU when not carrying the 200-400. I could of course have purchased a second XL pro ICU and sold it on if it was too large for my needs. It will be a lot easier to swap ICUs than change the insert position now the XL Pro ICU is set up to carry the 200-400.

Thank you for everyone's help, it's been very appreciated and has helps me decide on the right bag for me.
 
Glad you've got it and are happy. It'll last you well. I love mine

Neil
 
da_nige said:
Glad you've got it and are happy. It'll last you well. I love mine

Neil
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Thanks Neil, yes I'm very happy with it, I can't wait to put it through its paces on skomer in a few weeks time. The wife is also happy as my bag collection will soon be down to only one. It's probably the first time she has been happy with one of photography purchases!
 
Typically F Stop are releasing a new bag range with new ICUs, and only a month after I decided to purchase one!

One of the new ICUs is the ICU tele master, designed to carry up to a 800mm lens attached to a camera. It's design is very much like da_nige had set up his peli dividers. There is a return of the top zip opening from the monster ICU too. It only fits in the new sukha dud to its size. It's roughly 16cm longer than the XL pro ICU.

The size is:
  • External Dimensions (in): 8.25 Length x 11.5 Width x 25.5 Height
  • External Dimensions (cm): 20.95 Length x 29.21 Width x 66.04 Height
 
@da_nige Neil thanks for those photos, I ordered a Satori EXP with XL ICU yesterday :-)

I like the idea of being able to use the ICU as carry on so that was more benefit than the top opening Peli divider.

My wife is a dab hand with a sewing machine so if i desperately need a top opener i'll badger her to sort it out for me haha
 
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