f-stop Camera Inserts: Which ICU is right for me

One of the standout features of f-stop Camera Packs is the modular camera insert system. The heart of this system is the Internal Camera Unit (ICU), a padded, customizable insert that can be easily swapped between different f-stop bags.

50L Tilopa DuraDiamond® Magma with the Large Pro Camera Insert next to the Ajna DuraDiamond® 37L cypress green with the Small Pro

The Camera Insert comes in various sizes to accommodate different camera setups, from mirrorless cameras to professional DSLRs and even cinema cameras. Adjustable dividers within the Camera Insert allow photographers to create custom compartments for their camera bodies, lenses, and accessories. The modularity of the Camera Inserts allows users to adapt their bags to various shooting scenarios.

Camera Insert Customization Benefits

The flexibility of the camera insert system offers several advantages:

• Protection: The padded inserts and dividers provide excellent protection for camera gear, reducing the risk of damage during transportation.
• Organization: The organization of customizable compartments ensures that you can easily access and organize your camera gear, saving time when switching lenses or accessories.
• Modularity: The ability to swap Camera Inserts between different f-stop bags means that photographers can adapt to different shooting scenarios, whether it's a short hike or a full day of shooting.
• Expandability: As a photographer's gear collection grows, they can easily adapt their f-stop camera pack by adding or rearranging inserts and dividers. You can also read about Camera Insert stacking and hatchbacking.

Use Cases

1. PRO BODY / GRIPPED DSLR USERS:  Pro Series

Pro Inserts have a uniform external depth of 7"/17.9 cm throughout

• Do you rely on the strength and features of a full pro body DSLR, or use a gripped DSLR? The extra depth of the Pro Series camera Inserts is for you. 
• Do you always carry all your camera gear? In that case, consider a single Insert that is big enough for your entire kit. For example, for a two-pro-body camera kit with multiple lenses, look at the  Pro Large  or Pro XL. One body? The  Medium Slope  saves you valuable extra space in the pack for non-camera gear. 

For pro body users, gripped non-pro body users, and people who need deeper carry space, compare the loaded configurations of the  Large Pro ICU and  XL Pro ICU

Insider tip: Don’t be distracted by the "Pro" name of the Pro Camera Units! This refers to the depth being built around a full pro body, or DSLR with battery grip attached. Many "pro" users make use of lighter and more compact setups these days, so make sure to buy the Camera Insert that fits your gear – such as the Shallow or Micro series. 

2. NON-GRIPPED DSLR USERS:  Shallow Series;

Shallow inserts have a uniform external depth of 5"/12.7 cm throughout. 

• For non-gripped DSLRs, such as Canon 5d or Nikon d850, the Shallow series is for you.
• A popular and highly functional solution is the Shallow Medium ICU and Shallow Small ICU combination. The  Shallow Medium camera insert  is engineered around a non-gripped DSLR with a mounted 70-200 mm lens, with additional lenses or speed lights.
• Aside from these options, the Shallow Small Camera insert is perfect for those days when you only need a wide zoom and a couple of smaller primes.

Combine the Shallow Medium and Shallow Small Insert together, stacked in packs from the Tilopa upwards for extensive gear carry times. 

Insider tip: Do you always want to carry your entire setup in one Camera Insert or sometimes go lighter? Multiple Inserts can be combined, stacked, or ‘hatch-backed’ on top - Take advantage of the modular nature of the Camera Insert system to switch up your camera-gear capacity and free up space for the essentials for your journey. 

3. MIRRORLESS USERS: 

 Leaving the mirror at home? Go light and fast with the Micro series Inserts. The Micro Tiny is sized to fit most mirrorless setups, with a precise fit to avoid gear moving in the Camera Inserts. Similarly, the Micro Nano Camera Unit  takes compact even further.

Insider tip:  For Mirrorless setups with larger pro-level long zooms that are close to DSLR lens sizes, the Medium Shallow is a great option. 

4. CINE GEAR OR BIG LOADS OF CAMERA GEAR

Do you need something to hold a Video rig like the RED Epic? In that case, you probably already know about Master Cine Camera Insert which goes in the Shinn 80 L camera bag. For the rest of us using pro body DSLRs, non-gripped DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and all kinds of accessories, there are many choices with setups to match your gear and the environments you will be traveling through. 

Camera Bag Insert packing Examples:

Additional Tips around f-stop Camera Inserts

Not only can you use the Insert to store, protect, and organize your gear in your Camera bag. Here are some more tips and tricks on what else you can do with the Insert

• Put the flap behind the Camera Insert when inserting in the pack. Doing this allows you direct access through the back panel. We strongly advise against opening and closing the Inserts in the pack as this puts pressure on the main zippers. 
• Remove the flap padding of the Camera Inserts
  We recommend folding the flap behind the Insert for faster access through the bag panel. For extra protection on the ground, keep the padding in the Insert. On the contrary, you'll gain some little extra space by removing it from the pack. If bring the padding with you while you are out hiking, remove the padding of the Insert flap and use it as a little Seat pillow.
• Check out the Camera insert stacking and combination options:
  Although many Camera Insert options are available, you are not limited to a single option per bag. This is something we address in Tips & Tricks about different options for arranging your gear which we call: Camera Insert stacking and hatch-backing.
• Combine with another pack
  Even if you don't have a f-stop pack, you can use the Inserts with a variety of different bags and packs. Duffle or Cases or in Hiking bags. Please note to check the individual dimensions of the Insert and the bag you intend to use. We can not guarantee compatibility with all bags!
• Use as a Storage System outside of your pack
  The Camera Insert is not intended to be carried long-term as a stand-alone solution.
  Organize your gear, close the Camera Insert flap, and keep your gear organized and protected from Dust.
• Use as a carry-on luggage
  Important to know is, that the Inserts also fit in overhead compartments! In case your f-stop bag is bulky and is not accepted as Hand Luggage, remove the Insert from the pack and use it as a standalone carry-on. All Camera Units come with a carry handle and D-rings on which you can attach a strap or carry the Insert through the Airport.