As one of the world’s most respected organizations of photo and imaging magazines, the members of Technical Imaging Press Association (TIPA) know what digital photography equipment has the capabilities to perform in the fast-paced and often rough-and-tumble world of professional photography. These are the products that receive the prestigious TIPA Award every year; and for 2012, Vanguard’s Heralder Series received the award for Best Camera Bag.

Read real customer reviews of the Vanguard's Heralder here.

This PhotographyTalk article highlights the features of the Heralder Bags that compelled TIPA to honor them as the best of the year.

1. As a professional photographer (or even an enthusiastic amateur), you know that digital photography is a very active business. You’re always on the go and the camera bag you use to carry your equipment must be designed for convenience, comfort and versatility. That’s why Vanguard Heralder Bags score so high with so many pros and TIPA.

2. Heralder Bags may look like the common messenger bag, but they are so much more. Of special note is each bag’s Quick Top Access feature. As a busy photojournalist or event photographer, you don’t want to be fumbling with a camera bag and grabbing for equipment when you should be shooting. The main flap opens with a large, convenient zipper, so your camera is accessible without having to remove a Heralder Bag from your shoulder.

3. The exterior of every Heralder Bag is durable black polyester, with a rubberized bottom, so it can be placed on a wet surface without the moisture penetrating the bag. The included rain cover stores in a back pocket and is easily removed.

4. The essence of a messenger-style camera bag (or most all camera bags) is how comfortable it is to carry. The people at Vanguard have designed a clever shoulder strap that combines the pad and strap into one piece. With any of the 3 Heralder Bags, you won’t experience the annoying movement of the pad. Another clever, little strap feature is dual adjustment at either end. Another typical complaint about shoulder bags is that they bounce and rub against the photographer’s body excessively. Vanguard offers an optional ICS harness as a great solution. It attaches to the bottom of the bag and then over your shoulders and around your chest to transform the shoulder bag into a backpack.

5. The exterior of each Heralder Bag also includes a number of additional convenience features. One that you’re sure to love is the tripod holder. When not in use, it can be stored inside an exterior flap on the front of the bag. Otherwise, it securely holds your tripod in place, but is also easily removed for quick set up. Heralder Bags have a separate handhold grip and there is a designated strap to attach each bag to the handle of rolling luggage.

6. It’s likely the one feature that had more to do with winning the TIPA award is Heralder Bags’ one-piece interior equipment carrier. You’re able to lift the entire carrier with all your equipment inside, so it’s easier to exchange cameras and lens for a different kind of shoot. Plus, once the carrier is removed, each Heralder Bag is ready to be used for non-photographic purposes.

7. Vanguard designed three Heralder Bags, the 28, 33 and 38. Each designated for its size. The Heralder 28 has interior dimensions of 9.8 x 6.3 x 7.9” (250 x 160 x 200mm), which is enough room for a professional-level DSLR, 3–4 lenses (maximum 70–200mm f/2.8) and many accessories, such as batteries, memory cards, filters, etc. The largest Heralder model, the 38, has interior dimensions of 15 x 6.25 x 13.75” (380 x 160 X 280mm) and will accommodate 1–2 pro DSLRs with grips, 5–6 lenses (maximum 300mm f/4), flash system, remote triggers and all the accessories and supplies you’ll ever need.

8. All 3 Heralder Bags also include a second interior, well-padded insert for a laptop or tablet of 10”, 13” or 15”, according to the size of the bag.

You qualify for a $25 mail-in rebate on any of the Vanguard Heralder Bags when you purchase yours from B&H Photo Video by June 30, 2012. For more information, visit http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=vanguard+heralder+28&N=0&InitialSearch=yes.

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