Professional photographer Carl Battreall, one of our beloved Friends of Naneu, explains why he likes the Correspondent C-9.

The majority of my photography takes place in remote wilderness areas throughout Alaska. I usually travel by foot, skis or bike, so it is important that I keep both my camera gear and outdoor gear to a minimum. When the weight counts I usually carry one body and a lens. For my current book project on Alaska's Chugach State Park, I am using a Sony 900 and a Sony CZ 24-70mm lens. Not lightest or most compact system but the quality and durability of this combo is hard to beat.

The Correspondent C-9 is the perfect camera bag for my wilderness assignments. The Sony 900 with the lens fits perfectly, even with a Really Right Stuff L bracket attached. Though the bag would be too small if I used a vertical grip on my Sony. This bag also includes enough room for all my accessories which include: 2 extra batteries, 2 extra cards, remote release, cleaning cloth, polarizer filter and two Singh Ray split grad filters with holder. This compact bag fits easily into my large expedition backpack.

How does Naneu get this much room out of such a small bag? First, the camera is offset when inserted in the bag. Most "holster" style bags I have used have the camera centered in the middle of the bag. But having the camera offset allows for a moderate amount of space on the right side of the camera under the grip. There is a zipper that accesses this compartment from the side. Naneu describes this area as an extra lens space, but only the most compact lens could fit there. Instead, I find it to be a perfect place for all my filters.

The Correspondent also has a zippered pocket on the front of the bag, where I put my batteries. Under the lid is another pocket that is padded so items inside can't damage the Camera's LCD screen. This lid pocket is where I put my cable release and cleaning cloth, a tight fit but it works. There is a hidden media pocket underneath the lid pocket that has a movable media holder, a gimmick? Yes, but I have been using it and well, it works fine.

I have been using Naneu bags for a few years now. The funny thing about Naneu is what they get excited about and what I get excited about. They have been promoting the fact that the Correspondent has a buckle on the lid that allows it to stay open for easy in and out access of the camera. I am usually working in pretty ugly conditions: ice, snow, wind and rain, so the last thing I want to do is leave my bag open!

What I have always enjoyed about Naneu bags has been their durability and the Correspondent continues to impress. So far the Correspondent has survived two winter storms and temperatures down to -15F. And of course Naneu's signature orange interior, if only my lens caps were this color, I wouldn't keep losing them.

Follow the Correspondent for the next year as it travels with me on my latest book project.

http://chugachstateparkproject.wordpress.com/