ShimodaLarge MIrrorless Core Unit - Padded Camera Bag Organizer Fits DSLR, SLR, Mirrorless Cameras and Lenses (520-223)

It fits the Explorer 30L exactly. You have to push it in completely. It fits perfectly without any extra room to spare. After that I removed the top pocket so my bag only has the core insert and nothing else. I found out that it can be removed from Youtube. If you do not remove the top pocket, it will rest on the core insert and flop around. I am so glad that I bought the L version. I can put in my Canon R6, Sigma 105 f1.4 (it is a monster), batteries and the 3 more RF prime lens. It is amazing! I also put in the waterproof cover for the insert. That required some effort. I left one side uncovered so that I can open the insert to get my equipment. I want the cover to cover the base of my insert. It is well padded and I rearranged the padding according to my lens. The weight was very well distributed and it was comfortable to carry. I made it a point to put all my heavy lens right at the top of the insert as I do not want the weight to hit my back when I walk. The weight was bearing on my shoulders but with the broad carry straps it was so much more manageable. Indeed it was one of the best camera bag that I have carried but it is far too expensive. Even for the core insert, it cost so much. Nevertheless it was very well made and I believe it will last many years thereby helping me to recoup my investment.

I have the Shimoda Explore 30 V2 with the medium core I use for everyday use especially when hiking. I needed something to carry all my large RF L series glass when going a destination that I need all my lenses for Portrait, landscape, street/travel and video so I purchased this Large Core to fit all my RF L series lenses: 70-200mm F2.8, 85mm F1.2, 50mm F1.2, 24-70mm F2.8 and 15-35mm F2.8 plus my Canon R5 and I arranged it so I am able to use the side access door with any size lens attached to the Canon R5. The top of the backpack still leaves room for my Wescott FJ 80 flash and XJ2M wireless trigger if needed and the rest of the pockets hold my filters, spare batteries, and cleaning stuff.

This is a great insert for the Shimoda Explore 30. Basically it adds an additional “row” above the zipper door compared to the standard insert. I prefer the smaller insert as it’s usually sufficient for my M43 gear, but when traveling internationally with more gear or longer lenses, I move up to this one.It’s a tad finicky getting it in the Explore 30, but the main announce is the amount of upper compartment space it eats up. But there has to be a trade off somewhere.