How big a bag do you really need? This is a Tardis bag if ever I saw one.

I'm not just fussy about camera bags. I exhibit some/many aspects of an OCD in my particular choices.

There have been many consequences to this. The first is that I've owned an extraordinary number of camera bags over the last 50 years. The second is that while I own comparatively few now, each one is the result of an immense amount of consideration and much trial and error. Having reached a point where I was sure and satisfied, the number of bags has reduced and it is a rarity now that I add anything new.

This brings us to the ThinkTank Darklight 14 bag which represents a solution to a need that is so perfect it seems bespoke.

I have bags to take a multi lens set, others to accommodate photo and outdoor gear, subtle shoulder bags and super light small backpacks. The option that I felt was missing was for a compack, light bag with a body, 70-200/2.8 and a second ( or third) lens (often 24-70) .

I wanted this as light and compact as possible while still providing adequate protection.

It was important ( to me) that the bag would firstly hold a body with 70-200/2.8 mounted but additionally with the lens hood in place ( adding another 2-3” to the required space). Room for 2 additional lenses and no wasted space at all. I wanted the most compact backpack possible. Finally I wanted quick access and no need to open the back, this bag allows you to pull the camera out straight through the ‘lid’. I should point out that this isn't my usual, measured, way of working, this is a specific repeated exception.

I'd almost given up and was looking at the prospect of designing a bag and having it made when I came across the Darklight 14. It met every single one of my peculiar requirements. A walk around bag. Effectively a grab bag. A little additional space for batteries and a small prime at a pinch along with hat gloves and a snack bar.

The quality of manufacture is a given in my view. There is nobody making bags better than ThinkTank. I have (and have had) a number of their products and they are flawless.

The nearest equivalent size bag that I've found was the Lowepro Flipside 200. Although suggesting otherwise, it wouldn't take the 70-200/2.8 mounted on the camera with hood in place.

If there are flaws to the Darklight, its weaknesses would be the non captive raincover and the unpadded waistbelt.

I've replaced the original (removable) waistbelt using an AER padded hip belt. It attaches by gatekeeper clips to the existing loops. It's a perfect fit.

In use

After just a few months ownership and use in The Lakes, Skye and Northumberland, I'm utterly delighted with this bag. It meets all my specified needs and exceeds in performance at every point. It hugs my back and moves with my upper body like an Alpine climbing sack.

Considering what it holds, this bag is TINY.

The bag seems to make kit weigh less ( anti scientific but it really does feel that way). The top access is a dream for ease and smoothness. I've chosen this setup because it allows the camera to have the 70-200 fitted and ready to use. The bag stands up securely on its flat reinforced bottom.

There are some compromises. The side pocket is a bit neat for a large water bottle or even my Series 1 Traveller tripod. It can only be used to carry that tripod by putting just two legs inside. A bag this small is never going to be suitable for stowing a large Series 3 size tripod of course. That's the sum total of the doubts or negatives. I love this bag.

It will take a Z8 and the trinity f2.8 lenses, 70-200, 24-70, 14-28mm or an equivalent set in a package that's a fraction of the size of most camera backpacks.

In my bag at various points I've carried:

Z7 with Z70-200/2.8S attached

24-70/4

One of: 85/1.8 - 100/2 - 50/1.8

Spare batteries X2

Rain cover for bag

Rain cover for camera

Hat

Gloves

A couple of energy bars

Wallet, keys & phone.

My Darklight 14. Z7ii + L Bracket, 70-200/2.8, 24-70/4, 85/1.8 rain cover, cloths and batteries. A GustBuster brolly in the side pocket. Hat, Gloves, etc in front pocket. Room for plenty more.

Some comparisons

The Darklight 14l weighs 1.22kg

F-stop Loka UL weighs 1.2kg bare and at least 1.7kg with a suitable core unit.

Shimoda x30 1.9kg + ~.34kg ICU 2.24kg

Summit Creative Tenzing 30L - 2.35kg

Bearing in mind that the heavier bags all have room for some extra clothing. An additional molle pouch could be added to the TT to take a down jacket however.

The Darklight is at least 0.5kg and up to 1.1kg less than other bags holding the same amount of photo kit.

A loud shout out to ThinkTank over in California. My bag arrived without its rain over. TT in CA replied by return and FedEx’d me a replacement on the same day I sent them the email. You cannot beat that for customer service. The bag shrugs off normal rain perfectly well without the cover. For Scottish or Borrowdale rain, it’s nice to have the extra layer of protection.

I’ve ended up using this bag much, much more often than I thought I would. The carrying comfort, diminuitive size, capacity and ease of use have caused it to be one of my more frequently chosen bags. This is, without question, not a universal bag for every photographer or every day. For me it is utterly perfect and may be for you too.

Well worth a look.