Tenba Axis 2 Sling: The Thunderbird 2 Of Camera Bags
When Danny Dullforce of Tenba UK asked me about my view of slings, I was fairly ambiguous but interested by the concept. Little did I know how hooked I’d become.
The Axis v2 Sling 16L, to give it full title is described by Tenba
Tenbas tactical Axis bags were inspired by the ultra-durable bags we’ve made for the military throughout our 40+ year history. The 6L sling bag will fit a mirrorless or DSLR camera with 2-3 lenses (up to 70-200mm 2.8), or it can fit a DJI Mavic drone kit. The bag can be instantly converted from sling to a waist pack. MOLLE webbing allows expandability with Tenba Tools Battery Pouches and Memory Card Wallets, as well as a multitude of military-standard pouches and accessories. Soft, body-contouring memory foam in the strap ensures all-day carrying comfort. Straps on the bottom will fit a tripod or monopod, and as with other Axis v2 bags, there is a hidden pocket compatible with an Apple AirTag or Tile Bluetooth Tracker.
It is available in two sizes, 4 and 6 litres. I opted for the larger. The v2 in the description refers to version so it is an upgrade from its predecessor.
First impressions were very good. The material, design and built quality is top notch and it does look like a tough bit of military kit in many ways. The external fabric looks super tough and is available in a choice of black or camouflage (AKA “Multicam Black”) so a choice of either stealthy or ultra stealthy. I haven’t seen any of the rest of the Axis range but they are described as, “Technical. Tough. Tactical” and the Axis Sling certainly seems to be all these things.
Not just super tough materials and a mega durable construction to protect your camera gear but also an added rain cover should the elements turn against you. Opting for the larger sling, I found it capacious and can fit my Sony A7RIV with L bracket and an attached 16-35mm GM lens along with an 85mm prime and all the necessary accessories such as spare batteries, filters etc. Alternatively, it can fit the A7RIV with an attached 70-200mm GM (without the large lens hood). This makes for a nice compact and versatile outfit.
So, what’s the Thunderbird 2 connection, I hear you ask? Well, Thunderbird 2 was a transport vehicle capable of carrying a variety of different payloads each best suited to a particular task. Think of the Axis Sling as the transporter, its innards infinitely reconfigurable to the task at hand.
For example:
1. Use it for a small landscape photography kit (as detailed above).
2. Use it with a 70-200mm lens for more intimate landscapes or wildlife/birds.
3. Use it with a single body and lens and a set of filters for the ultimate compact camera kit set up.
4. Use it for wildlife and bird photography. Bridgette often wanders down to the beach with her Sony RX10 with its huge zoom lens and a pair of binos and comes back with lovely bird photos.
The options are limitless but I’ve also found it to be the perfect “manbag.” Nothing too fancy looking but it does the perfect job of carrying a single camera/lens/filters with room for phone and wallet and other necessities. Ideal for a walk down to the Glen Brittle campsite where I might be meeting clients for coffee or B and I may be going for a walk and/or coffee/cakes. Heading for the shops and it’s my go to grab bag knowing I’ll have my essentials covered and a camera just in case.
In the mountains it has proved a worthy addition and in many ways it has performed outside its specified remit. I have often used it as a small ICU (internal camera unit) instead of something like Tenba’ BYOB or FStop’s ICU. Should the weather look a bit iffy and I’m not 100% certain the effort involved in carrying my full camera set up then the Sling and a single body/lens makes a good coverall option should I encounter that perfect lighting situation. Once at a potential photo location, I can dump my pack and wonder around with the Sling over my shoulder and a tripod and seek out the most photogenic location. In many ways, the Sling makes the perfect super tough mini ICU. My gear is well protected from knocks and bumps and the included rain cover means it is easily protected should the heavens open. Thus, in many ways, especially if you’re not carrying much gear, then it makes more sense than an ICU type pack.
What I like
1. Super tough materials
2. Well thought out design with a large main compartment with easily changeable Velcro dividers but also plenty of separate storage space for photo accessories and everyday essentials.
3. Versatile carrying options since it can just be slung over your shoulder of used as a waist pack with the attached belt.
4. Expandability using the Molle webbing so you could add numerous pockets/pouches to expand capacity or aid with organization. I reckon the sling would work well with a Tenba Top Loader or Shimoda Loader camera pouches to make a very viable ICU type alternative with the option of thus being able to carry your camera and lens outside the pack and ready for that instant shot.
5. The design and the foam padding make for a comfortable carry.
Things That Could Be Improved
1. A supersized 10 or 12 liter version would be awesome and I’d definitely replace my BYOB/ICU type units should one become available.
2. I wish the belt was removable just to save a bit of weight/bulk when not being used.
3. I know the design reflects Tenbas military heritage but it would be nice to be offered a brightly coloured version!
A pretty short list of improvements which aligns with my total surprise at how versatile a sling like this could be. Notice, I say sling because I’ve only ever used it in that option but the versatility of carrying a waist pack is good to have.
Let me detail the perfect example of me using the Sling. At home one day doing some admin, I was getting cabin feverish after a morning at the computer. The rain had eased off but the hills were clagged in. I had an inkling that the tops might be clear, the peaks poking out above the cloud. It was just an inkling, not a strong enough basis to convince myself to carry the burden of full camera set up and a hefty tripod. The odds were stacked against it being a successful photo mission but I looked on the trip as being, at the very least, some free phys, some exercise to blow the cobwebs away.
Unburdened, I raced up to An Dorus then up the Munro, Sgurr a Mhadaidh. On the summit, there were zero views and I felt vindicated in not lugging all my camera kit up. Stopping to drink some hot coffee from my flask and munch on some slices of cold pizza,
Suffice to say that I have used the Sling much more than I could ever have imagined. The major downside is that it is so good that Bridgette often wants to use it so there can be a mad rush if we’re heading out of the house. It is a place I often visit but mainly when guiding so the luxury of just being able to sit and wait was a bit of a luxury. It was a bit of a forlorn hope but, even though he odds were stacked against me, things came good.
Snapping away, I was really happy and pleased that I could just keep the sling on my shoulder rather than having to place an ICU on the soaking wet rocks. The freedom engendered by the sling was invigorating and enabled me to wander at will, scrambling here and there on the narrow summit to find the best angle to take photos.
The clouds began to part and Sgurr Thuilm came into view, then the bulk of Sgurr a Ghreadiadh. Soon, there was a perfect temperature inversion, the majestic peaks poking from the clouds. Taking the Sling from my pack, I slung it over my head, grabbed my tripod and began free ranging, looking for the best spot.
I have packed the Sling numerous times just in case and the light is right approach with minimal gear has worked well. It has also been loads going to the shops, to cafes, the climbing wall and more. It is a very versatile bit of kit and highly recommended. I’ve only had it for maybe three months or so but it’s already covered a load of mountain adventures but, equally, it’s been a constant companion on the more mundane everyday chores.