Fotoliner Ocean L in a practical test

Sina and Jan, the photographer couple behind the travel blog Lichter der Welt, had the opportunity to put our new Fotoliner Ocean Series and the Fotoliner Ocean L to the test in practice at its launch. In this blog post, you'll find all the details of the test, as well as the experiences of the travel photographers.

ROLLEI'S ROBUST SPACE-SAVER IN OUTDOOR USE

We were out in the wilderness with "complete equipment" and this time we tested the Fotoliner Ocean L. Compared to other camera backpacks in the Fotoliner Ocean Series, the L model offers significantly more space. Two to three DSLRs, lenses, drone, laptop, tablet, and tripod – with two photographers, that quickly adds up to half a photo studio! However, we obviously can't drag a rolling suitcase through nature, so the only practical solution here is clearly: a large backpack.

Here, it's about finding the perfect compromise between spaciousness and – in the truest sense of the word – portability. And this is where the Fotoliner Ocean shows its advantages. It's truly incredible what fits into this space marvel! Even a large telephoto lens like the Sigma 150-600mm, as used by wildlife photographers, fits into the backpack without complaint, and you save yourselves an additional bag.

COOL COLOR INSTEAD OF MONOTONOUS GREY

In the world of camera bags, it seems there's almost only monotonous black or grey, at best olive for the typical wildlife packs. We think it's great that the Fotoliner Ocean comes in cheerful petrol. Without being obtrusive or acting as a "fly catcher", like the yellow or orange camera bags, this shade of blue appears refreshingly new on the photography market.

Excellent workmanship, practical layout!

The overall workmanship makes a very high-quality impression. The zippers, for example, are sufficiently large and very smooth-running. Rollei has considered one hundred percent practicality, and this is evident in all the details. Uncompromisingly designed for bad weather, the zippers are rainproof, and as a sustainable camera backpack, it is optimally protected against water with its integrated rain cover if a heavy shower surprises you. Also well thought out, by the way, is the secure stand on the rubber feet.

Ideal for travel photography is the practical layout with many small extra compartments, perfect for spare batteries, memory cards, filters, or cleaning accessories. We particularly liked the quick access to the camera without having to take off the backpack. Only quick access to the battery compartment is missing.

The positive impression is rounded off by the softly padded shoulder straps, which, in combination with the breathable back padding, make even 11 kg of photo equipment comfortable to carry. The well-padded and stable hip belt provides excellent back relief, helping to shift a large part of the load from the shoulders to the hips. A small drawback for very slim people: The belt cannot be tightened short enough. Sina, therefore, could not benefit from the relief. Here, we would wish for consideration for slimmer people. Otherwise, there is nothing to complain about: Even for smaller people, the large backpack is very comfortable to carry. Sina, for example, is 1.69 meters tall.

Even regarding environmental friendliness, the Fotoliner Ocean L has nothing to hide: It was made from a total of 36 PET bottles.

When you see the Fotoliner Ocean, it's hard to imagine that, made from PET bottles, it is largely recycled. Its look is simply too high-quality to suspect its true origin.

Even packed with 11 kg of equipment including a drone, it doesn't lose any comfort, so you are well equipped with the Fotoliner Ocean L even for larger assignments. What really surprised us with so much quality and space was the truly extremely favorable price of €89.50, an excellent price-performance ratio!

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