Manfrotto has announced their Pro Light Cinematic Collection, a series of new carry-on size backpacks designed to accommodate small video camera set ups, such as a Canon C100/200/300 or a Sony FS5/FS7. There are two models, the Cinematic Expand and Cinematic Balance.
Cinematic Expand
Manfrotto claims that the Pro Light Cinematic Expand video backpack is the first video backpack on the market built to hold and protect a complete videography kit and still comply with carry-on luggage regulations (although it’s always wise to check out the actual airline you are flying for their exact regulations).
It holds a modular camcorder (Canon C100/200/300 or Sony PXW FS5/7) with up to 70-200/2.8 mm lens attached and up to 10 lenses, video accessories and/or other camera bodies. 10 lenses sounds like a stretch to me, unless they are all tiny APS-C primes.
The bag has an expandable front panel, so the backpack can be made bigger to fit a camcorder with its handle assembled. The bag can be easily expanded and when it’s time to board a plane, the backpack’s front panel can also be made smaller, making the pack more compact overall. The Cinematic Expand video backpack has a dedicated tripod attachment that can be configured to carry either a fluid monopod or a video rig.
Cinematic Balance
The Manfrotto Pro Light Cinematic Balance video backpack can also be used as hand luggage and can hold a DSLR or mirrorless camera with several lenses and a DJI Ronin M/MX fully set up. There is a side pocket that accommodates the DJI RONIN M/MX remote control and the main unit, a dedicated zippered pocket inside stores the disassembled handle bars.
Thanks to the external side access, it’s easy to always have the Ronin available to hand. The NeverLose strap secures your support of choice for your video gear and there is an additional dedicated connection that keeps your assembled Ronin Grip attached. The Cinematic Balance also features a dedicated fluid monopod and/or Ronin Tripod connection.
The Pro Light Cinematic backpacks feature Manfrotto’s shock-absorbing Camera Protection System divider for dividing up your equipment and keeping is safely stored. The bags also have load lifters, sternum straps, shoulder straps and waist belts that are fully adjustable.
The bags are made out of water-repellent Rip-Stop nylon/polyester, hollowed ITW Nexus buckles and Duraflex hardware. Manfrotto claims both backpacks are ultra-lightweight, yet strong enough to keep large amounts of gear safe. To make airline travel easier the bags have an independent checkpoint-friendly laptop pocket for a device up to 17”, and external zip or stretch pockets for accessories and a water bottle. These models feature a dedicated fluid monopod/tripod connection and are carry-on compatible. The Pro Light Cinematic video backpacks also come with a DuoFace sun/rain cover.
Both bags are now available for £269.95 ($379 USD). What do you think about these new bags? Would you buy one? What bags do you currently use when you are taking your equipment on a plane as carry on? Let us know in the comments section below.
