Vanguard’s new Vesta Aspire bags offer photographers an elegant and practical way to carry their cameras and accessories, with options to suit a variety of needs. The collection includes five sizes of shoulder bags, a Camera + Zoom pouch and a sleek backpack. All models feature a light grey interior that makes it easier to spot your black camera gear, without the harsh contrast of the bright orange or red interiors seen in some camera bags. The dividers are removable and adjustable, ensuring a flexible fit for your equipment. Additionally, all but the smallest size include exterior pockets for small items such as snacks, as well as a front pocket for easy access to other essentials.
One standout feature, often requested by photographers, is the design of the bag flaps, which open away from your body rather than toward it. This provides added security by keeping the contents out of view when you open the bag and it also keeps the flap out of your way — a common frustration with shoulder bags that Vanguard has addressed.
One of my favourite features is the visual appeal of these bags. Available in a stylish grey and a striking blue, the bags are made from a durable yet soft-to-the-touch nylon. These bags don’t have the typical “camera bag” look, making them a refreshing alternative to the usual black bags on the market.
I had the chance to test the Vesta Aspire 33 shoulder bag, which I selected because I prefer larger camera bags to accommodate my gear. This bag did not disappoint. I brought it along to some family events, and it served as an excellent companion. My Nikon Z6, paired with a Tamron 45mm f/1.8 lens (with the hood reversed), fit perfectly. I also had plenty of space for my Hahnel MODUS 600 RT speedlight, Viper TTL trigger, TetherTools 150W PD power supply, my iPad, extra memory cards and Hahnel batteries. The front pocket easily held a few pens, my LensPen and a lens cloth, while the side pockets were ideal for my phone and, of course, a Snickers bar (which didn’t last long).
This bag proved perfect for lighter travel, with enough room for an additional lens and filters, which came in handy for another event. The padded shoulder strap was comfortable enough for a few hours of use, and I appreciated how I could adjust the strap to use the bag as a makeshift armrest — especially helpful as I’m now on the other side of 50.
For frequent flyers, the Vesta Aspire 33 would also make a great personal item. The adjustable dividers allow you to configure the bag for both camera gear and travel essentials. Plus, the strap on the back makes it easy to attach the bag to the handle of your roller bag or suitcase for seamless navigation through airports or train stations.
One feature that was both a blessing and a limitation was the bag’s size. Unlike my daily go-to, the Vanguard Alta Access 38X, which can hold up to 30 pounds of gear, this bag was designed for lighter loads. While I couldn’t fit my Nikon D810 with a grip and Tamron 24-70 G2 without removing the grip, that’s not the purpose of this bag. It’s ideal for mirrorless and bridge cameras, action cameras, and small drones — and my shoulder certainly appreciated the lighter load.
If you’re in the market for a camera bag that combines style, functionality and comfort, the Vanguard Vesta Aspire series might be the perfect travel companion. For more information, visit your local photography store or explore the range at vanguardworld.ca.
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Author: Will Prentice
A portrait, fine art and commercial photographer for 30 plus years, Will Prentice is not just a contributor to PHOTONews magazine, but also host of PHOTONewsTV, owner of Captura Photography+Imaging and Technical Support/Brand Manager for Amplis Foto, Canada’s largest distributor of photographic equipment.
Will teaches photographers of all skill levels how to improve their craft – from creative photo projects to picking the right gear for their needs to flattering lighting to getting the best expressions to creating final images for screen and print. His unique style of highly detailed images with perfect tonality, wide dynamic range and stunning colour is instantly recognizable. Commercial clients rely on Will’s creative eye and mastery of lighting.
When he’s not behind the camera or in front of a class, you’ll find Will outdoors in any weather – usually on one of his bikes or enjoying time with his grandchildren.
