VANGUARD UP-Rise II 14Z Zoom Bags with One Easy Zipper Motion Review

Customer Ratings:
List Price: $69.99
Sale Price: $49.99
Today's Bonus: 29% Off

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program There is nothing more annoying than carrying a traditional camera case around, especially if, like me, you enjoy shooting in more natural, rugged settings. Fortunately, there is a solution to the sore shoulder and neck.

The Vanguard Up-Rise II 46 is a large, lightweight backpack that has tons of space for my camera and just about any other equipment I may need. In fact, there are seven spaces just within the backpack that can be re-sized with the Velcro units. That doesn't even include the smaller pockets on the outside. While I'm not a professional, as an amateur who has a few lenses and an external flash, it is more than enough space.

The backpack is actually more like a suitcase with straps since it is designed to lie down flat and be opened. This keeps the camera and its components steady and secure. I've done some serious hiking with this backpack, including climbing up steep hills, and I've never felt my camera was in any danger.

At first, I figured I'd only use this backpack occasionally. However, I like it so much, I still haven't returned to my old case. It's so convenient and comfortable to have everything in one place and resting on my back.

The only downside is the price. While the backpack is very solidly constructed, you'd have to get a lot of use out of it to justify the price (even at Amazon's discount).

Overall, I highly recommend this backpack to any amateur photographer who wants a steady, spacious, and comfortable alternative to a traditional case. For those who frequently take nature photos off the beaten path, it is essential.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program I have been using my Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG for Canon EOS SLR Cameras (Black with Green Accent) for 6 six years. Never had any issues

You can definitely see the difference when stepping up to a professional grade camera bag.

The camera bag walls are built with protection in mind. The walls are thick and the bottom has plenty of foam cushion.

There is enough storage to carry one body, a flash, and 4 to 6 lens depending on your lens selection. You an adjust the storage sections quickly by moving the dividers around. This will allow you carry two bodies safely. You will sacrifice a lens or two by having two bodies.

The bag does have weather proofing for peace of mind when having to go out in wet weather. Though I would not want the bag get too wet.

The outside storage on the bag has plenty of room to carry extras. Unfortunately, the inside mesh storage is on the small side.

There is also a compartment for a tablet or a 14" or smaller ultrabook. However, I personally do not safe putting my tablet there with it being on the bottom and the heavy camera gear sitting on top of it. Yes there is foam in between.

My other concern is the quick access pocket. The zipper will drift lower. While the actual top of the quick access panel is attached with a snap-in connection, the zipper portion is not stable. I have not had issues with it but I am not 100% confident that there may not be an issue.

I rate this camera bag 4 stars and would recommend it. I have not used any other professional grade camera bag so I can only compare to my Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG for Canon EOS SLR Cameras (Black with Green Accent)

If you have any question please post a comment

Best Deals for VANGUARD UP-Rise II 14Z Zoom Bags with One Easy Zipper Motion

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program The Vanguard Up Rise II 46 backpack is not for the amateur photographer who has bought a Rebel T3i and is looking for something to carry it in. No, this backpack is designed for the serious upper end prosumer, and professional photographer. Its a large, roomy backpack with a large amount of storage space and some very useful and practical accessories (the rain protection, for example. It's comfortably padded, and is definitely a backpack for those who expect to be hiking long distances with a fair amount of camera equipment. If you are looking to go into the Yellowstone backcountry, or a long day up in the North Woods, this backpack, for the most part, will do you right.

Two things do stand out that could stand to be improved. The backpack has a "Trapdoor" that allows for relatively easy entry into the interior of the backpack to retrieve your camera without having to stop and undo everything. Its a nice idea, especially for those opportunities for a fleeting shot, but the design is suboptimal to me. It's a little too open and I am concerned that in inclement weather, this is going to be a a danger to the camera equipment within.

The other thing is the laptop space. I do appreciate that they have thought to have room for a laptop, a lot of professional photographers like that flexibility in working on photos away from home. However, the position of this laptop space means that it will be pressing into your back. I think a little more padding in that space might work better. Personally, my netbook won't cause this issue, but a 13 or 14 inch laptop will.

Overall, though, I am extremely pleased with it. This is not a backpack I'd use for a casual trip out to the city to shoot photos. But for a longer expedition to the Badlands, the North Shore, or to the Rockies? Yes, this is the backpack I will use, even given its flaws. The benefits and advantages of being able to easily carry a lot of equipment are not to be understated.

Honest reviews on VANGUARD UP-Rise II 14Z Zoom Bags with One Easy Zipper Motion

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program First off, this is a very well made, high quality bag. The materials and hardware are top notch. It is big and is best suited to someone who needs to carry around or transport a lot of lenses. However, this will not be the bag I use for most of my photo needs. The main issue I have with this bag is that it lacks storage pockets, nooks, sleeves, nets, etc. For example, there are no small pockets designed to hold memory cards, or batteries. Other than the voluminous main compartment, there is a vertically zipped storage pouch on the outside with nothing inside to secure or otherwise store various small items. Everything would just settle at the bottom.

Another curiosity is that the expanding feature only expands the main compartment, not the storage pouch. Since it expands out from the bottom, it appears its main need to use it would be when you have a long zoom lens you would need to store jutting outward in the bottom compartments. Not sure if I'd want to do it that way, though. Another thing that might be an issue is, when the expander is fully expanded, the main compartment pockets would then have some space above them. Seems to me a small lens could easily get loose in the gap.

I think I will probably stick with my Lowepro Fastpack 250 Camera/Laptop Backpack for most uses. It has less main compartment storage, but lots of places to hold a lot of accessories.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for VANGUARD UP-Rise II 14Z Zoom Bags with One Easy Zipper Motion

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program This bag is lightweight, well-crafted, and durable. When packed with gear, I've never felt that it wasn't adequately protected.

The soft padded dividers can be repositioned to more securely stow your gear away and to confirm to differently shaped cameras. Bottom line you're not locked into one position.

I also like the "quick access" door to reach into the bag and grab your camera without having to open up the entire bag, exposing all your gear to prying eyes around you.

Overall, I think this bag is good bang for the buck.