Pros: Allows you keep your existing Tamrac bag while giving you quite a bit more space.
Cons: A bit expensive for what it is, but I have been able to overlook that.
The Bottom Line: Compatible with all of the Tamrac MAS attachment points, this pocket will give you room to safely and securely store extra filters, lenses, lunch, and personal items.
ncphototrekker's Full Review: Tamrac SPX-757 - Medium Backpack Side Pockets, Set...
For those of you that use slot type filters such as Singh-Ray, Lee, Cokin, etc… you know that they can be hard to place in a camera bag that is full of heavy lenses, and flexible sides. I use several Singh-Ray split neutral density filters that I like to carry with me at all times. I never know when I’m going to come upon a great scenic vista where I need to do some exposure control on. The problem was, even with my Tamrac Expedition 5 photo rucksack, I was at a loss of where to put these filters. They came in nicely padded leather cases, but I was still worried about them falling victim to uneven pressures within the bag. The only place that I could make them work was along the bottom of the bag, and I just didn’t feel comfortable with that at all.
The answer to my problem came in the form of an accessory bag that is designed to be used with the Tamrac bags which have the MAS system (Modular Accessory System). Tamrac has many products to choose from that fit this attachment point on their bags, but the one that I needed was the SPX757 medium padded pocket. They come in sets of two, and run around $60.00 which might seem a bit high. I looked for other alternatives, but just couldn’t find anything that would be able to fit the four leather pouches containing the fragile 4x6” filters ($160.00 each!). I decided that the price of the Tamrac pockets was not too bad considering what they would be protecting. I placed the order with B&H Photo.
Observations…
The mounting of the MAS pockets is very simple and extremely secure. There is a large Velcro section which secures the main loop at the bottom, and a pair of snaps that makes sure the Velcro stays attached. Once installed on the MAS attachment point, they won’t go anywhere unless you want to remove them.
The bags are made of the same high quality nylon that the Expedition 5 is made of which provides a certain amount of resistance to rain. The zipper is protected by a nylon flap further increasing the weather resistance. On the face of the bag, there is a webbed exterior pocket that is left open at the top. While I wouldn’t want to place anything extremely valuable in there, the top band Is elastic and it seems to be quite secure for what it is. I use it primarily for maps on my hikes, as it keeps them easily at hand. They would also be good for cell phones, screw-on filters, lens caps, and tripod quick release plates.
Inside, the pocket is quite roomy with no obstructions. It is not divided, but is well padded on all sides. The interior dimensions easily allow room for the Singh-Ray leather pouches containing the 4x6” filters. There is enough room for one or two others making the total about five or six of these pouches. There is about two inches remaining at the top, so you could easily put a lens wipe or two in there.
Final Thoughts…
If you are currently using a Tamrac product with the MAS system and are running out of room, give these add-on pockets a look. While not cheap, they can add a ton of versatility to an existing bag. Since they are removable, you can use one, both, or switch between the two depending on the assignment for the day. They are equally as well made as the Tamrac bags and will do a great job at protecting whatever you decide to put in there…even if it is your lunch for the day. I see no reason not to give this product a five star rating. I have found that the flexibility that this item provides to my existing bag is almost priceless since the next step up in bag size is quite a bit more money…twice that of the pair of these medium pockets. The best benefit…the larger bag is not airline carry-on friendly like the Expedition 5 is. I can remove the pockets, store them in my checked luggage, and still keep my rucksack which contains the “really important” stuff.
For additional storage space for the larger Extreme Series and Expedition Series backpacks these foam padded side pockets make the perfect accessory. ...More at Adorama
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