Terrascape Filter Bag Review
As your already know, I'm a landscape and seascape photographer, and as for the most photographers in this area, filters are the most precious tool we have to balance the light and to decrease the expositions time. Because of them we can now obtain excellent images straight from the camera. However, despite the filters nowadays are elaborated with much better quality then a few years ago, they remain a fragile material and a very expensive tool, so it is absolutely necessary to protect them from bumps and scratches as much as possible.
Some of the photographers like to have the filters on the brand box, but when you start to have a little more of variety of filters, you will soon realize that the use of so many cases on the field was really impractical and the more filters we have, the more complicate the situation becomes.
Terrascape is a Portuguese company that has been manufacturing and distributing filters bags in different sizes, and after more than three years in the field and four product upgrades they made a big improvement. I think right now it's time to share my own opinion.
The line of Terrascape consists of bags identical in construction materials but available in three different in sizes:
Terrascape SMALLONE: the smaller version, suitable for filters up to 75mm to 100mm
Terrascape CLASSIC: the “standard” version, perfect for my Haida M10 holder and for all my Haida ND and GND 100mm filters
Terrascape ONEFIVEZERO: the largest one, suitable for larger systems such as the 150mm system M15 Haida filters
In this review we will focus particularly on Terrascape CLASSIC, as it is generally the most widely used version. But, as mentioned, only the size changes so the structural characteristics and the materials used are absolutely identical in the other models. (Of course, it changes the number of filters that can be stored, for which you should refer to the above linked pages)
As anticipated, the bag object of this review is the fifth generation of the Classic family. Just taking it in hand, we immediately realize the quality of the materials used.
What I literally love about Terrascape is that the company is reactive to suggestions from photographers. The first version was already great, but having implemented a number of improvements that we have proposed over time makes this bag really something unique on the market.
First of all, the bag is composed of two compartments: the main one where the filters are stored, and the second one in the front, smaller and suitable to contain various accessories, including for instance the Haida M10 holder and the adaptor ring. The number of filters that can be stored obviously varies by the size of the filters used. For reference, consider that inside the Classic version you can place up to 11 slot-in 100x150mm sized filters. Not bad for a so compact bag!
In the main compartment is inserted a removable bellows structure made of polyethylene coated with a thin layer to separate filters. The materials are really top notch, this little structure is perfect to provide protection against abrasion.
Under the closure of the bag there is a small net in which you can store an indispensable microfiber cloth to clean filters or other small accessories.
Under the closure of the bag there is a small net in which you can store an indispensable microfiber cloth to clean filters or other small accessories.
In this bag there is no metal material applied to prevent the appearance of rust from rain or sea salt, the plastic parts are from YKK® manufacturer, the outer fabric is CORDURA® and waterproof, the interior is 100% polyester. Around the bag there is a rigid profile made of hard material and an anti-humidity gel sponge to ensure greater protection of your filters. The top flaps on the top cover protect the inside of the bag from dust and raindrops.On the external structure are applied three different anchoring solutions for the bag: shoulder, belt and tripod hooking (my favorite!). Finally, in this version it was implemented the very useful 3 velcro stripes and a security lock, what is very useful. This bag is also very practical it can be attached to your belt or to the tripod, the bag is always comfortable to open and close ensuring total protection of the filters.
The extraction of the filters is never a problem even with the use of winter gloves, and the filter identification is ensured by the rubber plug that we can customize.
Housing for the remote control is not to be underestimated as it allows us to not have wires hanging down with the risk of unwanted vibrations compromising the quality of the shot.
Housing for the remote control is not to be underestimated as it allows us to not have wires hanging down with the risk of unwanted vibrations compromising the quality of the shot.
Finally, the very compact size allows occupying only the strictly necessary space in our backpack, while still providing a tremendous impact protection.
Conclusions
Many brands have tried for years to copy what was very well done by Terrascape, but the bags that offers this Portuguese company are in my opinion the best you can find on the market today.
Top quality materials, total protection, this are just some of the features that make these products unique, and after three years of use in the field I have no doubt in recommending the purchase, whether you use screw-on or slot-in filters.
Many brands have tried for years to copy what was very well done by Terrascape, but the bags that offers this Portuguese company are in my opinion the best you can find on the market today.
Top quality materials, total protection, this are just some of the features that make these products unique, and after three years of use in the field I have no doubt in recommending the purchase, whether you use screw-on or slot-in filters.
The bags can be purchased directly from the manufacturer’s website:
www.terrascape.pt
www.terrascape.pt
