Call me old fashioned, call me a Luddite, but I still use filters. I’d much prefer to get things as right as possible in camera than spend extra time at the computer blending shots and other digital jiggery-pokery.
As such, I’m a big fan of filters and regularly take several graduated neutral density (GNDs) filters as well as a circular polariser (CPL). Occasionally, I’ll also pack a couple of neutral density filters (NDs) to allow for longer exposure times which will impart a degree of movement into water, clouds and the like.
Photographers often see the perfect camera bag/pack as the holy grail of gear searching but I’ve had equally as much trouble finding the ideal method of carrying filters. I’ve bought a whole host of expensive filter pouches from various big brand names. None has proved suitable mainly due to weight/bulk considerations or just not being simple and easy to use. For me, gear has to work, to make my life easier otherwise it doesn’t get used.
Thus I have a bit of a collection of filter cases, all pretty much brand new, all pretty much unused. Enter the Shimoda Filter Wrap 150. I admit that when ordering it, it felt like a bit of a gamble but with a RRP of £28 it seemed a bet worth taking.
They say that the proof is in the pudding (whatever that means) but all I can say is that the Shimoda wrap has been used on every photo trip that I’ve made since its purchase. It just works, it helps me get on with the job and thus it has become a constant companion in the mountains.
The fact that the other cases have stood idle, shut away in a cupboard for, literally, years tells a sorry tale. Conversely, the Shimoda Filter Wrap has been in constant use ever since it arrived in the post.
Shimoda’s website best describes the Filter Wrap;
“The Filter Wrap 150 was designed to simplify your shooting experience while bringing greater efficiency to your workflow. When in use, it hangs from your tripod or can lay on the ground and provide visibility to your all your filters and support accessories like step-up rings, lens cloths and mounts. When not in use, the wrap folds up into a compact size and stows away easily into your backpack.
The water-resistant Filter Wrap is padded for protection and uses TPU sleeves to limit any chances of scratching. The outer shell is made from Carbonate-coated nylon which helps keep moisture from collecting. Filter wraps are easy to use in the outdoors and they protect your glass from unexpected moments of foul weather and run-ins with unpredictable terrain.”
Well, what’s so great about the Filter Wrap?
1. Size and Shape; thin and flat, it is nicely compact unlike the boxy shape of most filter cases, thus easy to stow inside a bag or pack.
2. Weight; at only 0.16 kg it’s nice and light unlike some. Some cases are incredibly heavy and whilst that may work for roadside photography it’s a no go for the mountains where every gram is important.
2. Design; simple is best and Shimoda knows this and has executed the perfect blend of necessary features without any unnecessary gimmicks.
3. Practicality; the wrap can be hung from your tripod or laid flat on the ground or on your pack. I usually opt for the latter, the flat rear opening panel of the Shimoda packs doubling as a fantastic improvised work bench.
4. Protective Without Overkill; Shimoda has struck the perfect balance of protection without going over the top. Some cases are rock solid, rigid constructions that feel capable of stopping a speeding bullet. The Filter Wrap provides an excellent level of protection at a minimal size and weight so hats off to the designers.
The outer is made material which tends to shed water and provides a good degree of protection for your expensive filters. The white interior is a brainwave and a contrast to the dark insides of many cases. The TPU sleeves protect your filters yet are clear enough to see which filter is tucked inside.
At the moment, my filters of choice are H & Y’s magnetic system which is quick and easy to set up and use. Previously I was a big fan of Benro’s filter system and was disappointed to learn that is no longer being imported into the UK.
Typically I will take a filter holder, two GNDs (2 and 3 stops), one reverse GND and a CPL which all fit easily into the wrap. The sleeves are each split in two so it would be possible to take a total of six 150 by 100mm filters. My H & Y filters even with the added bulk of their magnetic frames fit easily.
The fact that I use it pretty much on a daily basis says more about Shimoda’s Filter Wrap than any amount of words ever can. Shimoda are well known for their packs but they also make a whole range of accessories so do check out their website. Not sure why Shimoda accessories are not getting bigged up and a google search revealed zero reviews of the Filter Wrap so hopefully this puts that straight!
https://uk.shimodadesigns.com/filter-wrap-150-army-green/
PS Well done, Shimoda for creating something that so many other companies have tried and been found wanting.
