f-stop Tilopa DuraDiamond (m116 + m231 + m923-69), green

Product Information

With many of the minor issues I found with the previous version of the Tilopa now fixed, the DuraDiamond Tilopa feels more refined and for me, as good as it gets. Comfortable, functional, flexible and orange… what more could you ask for?

With a total dimensional length of 44.6″, the F-Stop Ajna will satisfy most national and international carry-on requirements, which is why this bag is an excellent option for travel photographers. Those that choose the larger Tilopa might occasionally find that they have to remove the bag’s internal frame to fit within those requirements, but this won’t be necessary with the Ajna. Ending this review with the same question as I ended the last review with… is this the perfect camera bag? Now, I've never had a problem with the plastic hardware on the old bag, but I can see why f-stop wanted to make this upgrade. Aluminum is light and strong, and for components that get a lot of use, wear, and tear, it makes sense to shift from plastic to metal. The big question is, when f-stop develops a new Tilopa in the future, how can they possibly top this one?! Contoured BLOOM™ EVA padded hip belt with super-duty dual density BLOOM™ EVA padded shoulder strapsUndoubtedly, the Cypress Green Ajna DuraDiamond is one of the best-looking camera bags I have tested.

When we discussed the best ICUs to use in the F-Stop Ajna, I underlined, in bold, the caveat that the XL Pro ICU is a very tight fit in this bag. It’s not designed to work with the Ajna at all, but it can be forced to work, so long as you don’t plan on needing to open the bag’s lid very often. I feel it is worth revisiting this discussion regarding flying with the Ajna. It’s common for photographers to buy multiple ICUs. For example, you might buy one that is the largest available ICU for your bag and a second smaller ICU that accommodates your “fast and light” setup – whatever that may be. This is the most common dual-ICU setup. Another big upgrade on the new bag is the introduction of aluminum hardware. Where the old bag has plastic hardware, the new bag features T-6 aluminum hardware for improved durability.

F-Stop Tilopa Review – Conclusion

Before writing this review of the F-Stop Tilopa, I wanted to make sure I tested the bag as best I could. Sure, I wouldn’t be able to fully push it to extremes, but I wanted to at least be able to push it as best I could. After using it for a few months as my main travel bag, I am extremely thankful that F-Stop asked Shotkit to review the Tilopa and let me keep it.