Yes it’s the review that many of you have been waiting for – my review of the new Boda V3 lens bag from GoBoda.com!
The Boda V3 lens bag (available with plum color as shown)
If you’re ready to purchase this amazing high quality bag now, visit www.GoBoda.com and enter my coupon code B1210DeFiesta and get $30 OFF. The code is still good as of today February 15th, thanks GoBoda for the extension!
Here are my first impressions:
- High quality build and materials
- Stronger molding seems to enhance rigidity and durability
- The new molding increases the overall size of the bag (compared with previous Boda bag models) without sacrificing comfort
- The new shoulder strap totally rocks – thicker & wider, it provides improved weight distribution and comfort
- Easy access to the media pocket (no more flap to deal with like with the previous Boda Dry “V2″ bag)
- Metal rivets at the bottom of the bag for enhanced support and protection
- High quality fray resistant zippers
- Retractable lens cloth – way cool =)
- Larger side pockets that could play double duty as a place for extra lenses
- Locking hinges keep the straps securely fastened to the V3, plus an overlap strap to prevent the shoulder strap from twisting over
What’s my favorite enhancement of the new Boda V3 lens bag compared to previous Boda bags? The answer is BUILD QUALITY.
Actually, there are several enhancements and improvements that GoBoda thought about based on customer feedback, and simply because they are not one to rest on their laurels. They put a lot of thought and effort into making the Boda V3 a better bag. This would prove to be a challenging task due to the huge success of the now sold out Boda Dry V2. I LOVE my Boda Dry V2. It’s a staple in my photography life! Can the Boda V3 really prove itself to me? We’re going to find out very soon, but let’s learn more about GoBoda.
In 2007 GoBoda introduced a series of lens bags that changed the photography industry. The brainchild of award-winning photographer Jim Garner and his interpretation of feedback from hundreds of working photographers, Boda lens bags were designed to provide photographers with a practical solution for quickly and easily accessing their equipment during a photo shoot. In 2008, version 2 (V2) of the Boda bag launched with several enhancements and the bags sold out. A cult following began to grow and Boda bags started appearing in journals and blogs. Today, the Boda lens bag has become a staple for many of the world’s leading photographers. Most camera bags are designed for storage–Boda bags are designed for activity, enabling photographers to focus less on their gear during a shoot and more on the moment.
MY REVIEW OF THE BODA V3 LENS CARRYING SYSTEM
One thing I noticed right away is the bag feels ROCK SOLID! The new high strength molding and material does add some bulk to this highly anticipated successor to the Boda Dry V2 lens bag. As a result the Boda V3 is larger, taller and deeper, and not as low profile as the previous Boda bag (Boda Dry), there is no denying that. I was expecting the added bulk to be uncomfortable to carry and affect my shooting. But after almost two weeks of using the V3 I was pleasantly surprised and happy to be proven wrong - the Boda V3 lens bag was very comfortable to carry and easy to use. The high strength molding maintains its shape enhancing form and function. Another pleasant surprise was the confidence-inspiring feel of the bag. My lenses seemed better protected than ever before. This is due to the Boda V3′s new high strength molding which seem to help the bag maintain its shape and protect what’s inside even more. Ballistics Cordura has been proven in the field time and time again as a strong, durable and lightweight material. Combine that with the Boda’s high strength molding and weather proof materials and you will have improved gear protection as a result. Many of our roller bags and camera bags are made of this material and similar molding already so this should be familiar territory. The folks at GoBoda listened to photographers’ feedback during their research and development for the new Boda V3 lens bag. After all, Jim Garner (owner of GoBoda) is a photographer himself so he understands photography gear and requirements. A lot of thought and effort went into improving, developing and manufacturing this bag without sacrificing quality and function. One look and one touch and it really shows. I created a video review for you to watch, it’s almost 10 minutes long so give it some time to load. For quicker video loading, watch in “normal quality”. Take a look to get a closer look at the V3…
COMFORT – the new shoulder pad and the padded top cover are my favorite enhancements. The shoulder strap alone is worth the investment! It consists of a strap and a thick and wide ergonomic shoulder pad that distributes the weight very nicely. This results in much improved comfort, especially for long photo shoots. Purchase the new Boda V3 Waist System and you can take the weight off your shoulders and distribute it along your hips. Also, the padded top cover when in the open position and tucked back provides added comfort along your hip and back. A very nice touch indeed.
Photos courtesy of GoBoda
Thicker, wider and ergonomic, the new shoulder strap on the Boda V3 enhances comfort & performance.
The comfort padding on the top cover when in the open position (or "action" position as I call it) provides comfort for your hip/back. When the top cover is closed it provides interior protection for your lenses.
SECURITY – Improved security and protection of your precious gear is enhanced by the durability and strength of the new high strength molding and Ballistic Cordura material. The higher level of protection is much improved over the previous Boda bags. My old Boda Dry bag served me well and none of my gear was ever damaged. But I always felt I had to be delicate with my previous Boda bag. The previous bag was more flimsy and thinner compared to the new V3′s thicker and stronger molding. The good news is that there is no significant weight added or any sacrifice in comfort in the new Boda V3. The new V3 also continues its tradition of being weather proof. I have already subjected my V3 to snow and rain and all my gear stayed dry, no moisture seepage at all. The sealed weather proof zippers still do a great job!
The Boda V3 lens bag is their strongest and most durable yet. While I believe the new shoulder strap is all you need for comfort and ease of use, their new Boda V3 Waist System is worth getting for those that prefer to support the weight of their gear along the hips.
EASY TO USE – Like its predecessor the Boda V3 is easy to use. The new molding helps the bag maintain its shape, therefore making it even easier to take lenses in and out without any snags. All the pockets are in the same places as the Boda Dry bag – business card slot, pocket for your mobile phone, external hard drive pocket, water bottle pouch, paperwork pockets, wallet style organizer, and a large deep front pocket for anything that you can fit in there. Speaking of pockets, the two large exterior side pockets are much larger than its predecessor’s – actually they’re huge! It’ll be much easier for photographers to store extra lenses in there as so many have done in the past with their Boda Dry bags. Even the Boda V3′s “phone” pocket is bigger. I also like how GoBoda got rid of the front flap and exposing the awesome media pocket for easy access. And speaking of that, the media pocket is larger and deeper so you can hide other things in there with your CF cards. Overall I really am pleased again with the functionality of the Boda V3.
Bigger, deeper media pocket. Holds 8 CF cards. And it's perfect for hiding a CF card reader or other gadgets inside of it.
The big side pocket is still with us in Boda's newest V3 bag. Except it's even bigger and deeper. Still not deep enough to completely cover my flash, but it's not really meant to is it? I can easily hide an extra lens in there like a 50mm f/1.4 or 35mm f/1.4.
I've always loved this water bottle pocket, so valuable on those hot summer day photo shoots! The new V3 water bottle holder/pocket is even larger and deeper. Again, it can double as a place to put a lens like a small 50mm.
Boda includes a handy retractable lens cloth
Boda V3 now has locking hinge points so your shoulder or waist strap stays securely fastened to your Boda V3 lens bag.
GoBoda reinforced the locking hinge point with a strip of fabric across the hinge to prevent the strap from twisting over and around itself and pulling off backward, yet allowing enough play to work on either the shoulder or waist strap. (Photo from my iPhone)
On the left is the Boda V3, Boda Dry V2 on the right. While some may think twice about the increase in size, the V3 allows for more effective carrying space. The V3 also has those cool metal rivets on the bottom of the bag, or "feet" as I call them. The metal "feet" provide stability when standing on a flat surface like I demonstrated in my video and in the photos below. (Photo from my iPhone)
The V3 is taller than the V2, no denying that. Some may not like that, but some may accept that as a beneficial trade off for that extra bit of carrying space. Also take note of the V3's slight rake going left to right - the left side of the bag is slightly higher than the right. For ME, this aids in holding most 70-200mm telephoto lenses of all sizes with the lens hood on. It also aids in clearing the top of the bag when taking lenses out if you're shouldering the bag on your right hip. (iPhone photo)
Side views of my Boda bags. The V3 has a more stable stance due to its new high strength molding and metal "feet". Fully loaded it stands straight up. I could never get my Boda Dry V2 bag to do that without helping it into place as it would be susceptible to falling over. (iPhone photo)
SUMMARY
GoBoda listened to customer feedback and worked hard with the best manufacturers to find ways to improve their products and make them more effective. The Boda V3 Lens Bag is an overall improvement over the previous Boda bags in terms of comfort, security, and ease of use. The new two-piece ergonomic shoulder pad is worth the money alone. The stronger molding with Ballistic Cordura and weather proof materials takes gear protection to the next level in lens systems. And the simplicity and functionality that made the Boda bags popular is clearly evident in the new Boda V3 lens bag. While the added girth may make some photographers think twice about the bag, I feel the enhancements outweigh the bag’s size increase. GoBoda will be launching the smaller Boda Jr. bag soon for photographers wanting a smaller solution, I cannot wait to check that out! In addition, GoBoda will be launching a new product that will save on-the-go photographers both time and money: the BODA MODULAR STORAGE BAG. This carefully constructed roller bag is the perfect solution for traveling: the lens bag will fit right into it… hmmm sound familiar? =)
This is my ThinkTank Airport Security roller bag. I configured it to make space for my Boda Dry V2 lens bag so I can just "stow-and-go" =). GoBoda will be launching their very own roller bag soon and your Boda lens bag will fit right into it due to an interesting feature - Therm-a-Rest®. It's an insert that "tailors" the bag to cushion equipment effectively with no need to repack or reorganize. Again, just stow and go! I am VERY excited to check this out when it's available. (Photo from my iPhone)
One of the benefits of a slight increase in the bag's size is the ability to easily store a SLR camera if you really need to (without grip). Here is my 5D Mark II easily fitting into the bag in the upper right of the photo. (Photo taken with my iPhone)
The previous Boda bags were a proven success for many photographers. I believe the new Boda V3 will continue this success and surprise many photographers with its improvements. When you’re ready to purchase your Boda V3, visit http://www.GoBoda.com and use my Coupon Code B1210DeFiesta and receive $30 off. I will be showing this bag to my photographer friends at a photographer party within a couple of weeks. I hope to share some of their first impressions with you soon!
Just when I thought there wasn’t much to improve on the Boda Dry V2 lens bag, GoBoda proved me wrong! And for once, I’m happy that I’m wrong
The Boda lens bags are simply one of THE most important pieces of photography equipment I’ve ever had and the Boda V3 is no exception.
Thanks to Jim, Katarina, Claire, Lanae and the rest of the GoBoda team for their support and continuing with this great product!
Check out GoBoda’s promo video:
thanks for sharing
by Armin
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