Shimoda Core Unit - DSLR- XL40 RST (520-454) DSLR -XL40 RST

Shimoda Core Unit DSLR, XL40 RST (520-454) in detail

Sometimes it’s amazing how much high-end technology you can pack into a backpack without everything feeling chaotic. The Shimoda Core Unit DSLR, XL40 RST was designed exactly for this: so you can store your large DSLR setup, including really long telephoto lenses, in the Action X40 backpack in an organized, protected way while still keeping everything quickly accessible.

Perfect fit for the Shimoda Action X40

This Core Unit is precisely tailored to the Shimoda Action X40 backpack. It practically fills the interior from top to bottom and uses the volume in such a way that you don’t have to cram your gear in somehow, but can organize it neatly.

With an internal height of around 50 cm, it is designed for long telephoto lenses. Lenses with a length of up to 50 cm fit in here, and not just theoretically on paper, but in real everyday photography, when things have to move fast and you don’t want to play Tetris every time.

Compatible with large super-telephoto lenses

If you work with long focal lengths, you know the problem: most inserts are simply too short. This XL40 RST Core Unit is explicitly designed for large super-telephoto and telephoto zoom lenses. Among others, it accommodates the following models:

• Canon EF: Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM, Canon EF 600mm f/4 L IS USM, Canon EF 600mm f/4 L IS III USM
• Sony FE: Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS FE [SEL600F40GM] (2019), Sony 200-600mm f/5.6–6.3 G OSS FE [SEL200600G] (2019), Sony 400–800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS FE [SEL400800G]
• Canon RF: Canon RF 600mm f/4L IS USM (2021), Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9.0 IS USM (2023)
• Nikon Z: Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S NIKKOR (2022), Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR NIKKOR (2023), Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S NIKKOR (2023)
• Fuji: Fuji 150-600 mm f/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR XF
• OM SYSTEM / Olympus: OM System 150-600mm f/5-6.3 M.ZUIKO Digital ED IS

These lenses generally fit even when attached to a camera body, as long as the total length of the combination remains within 50 cm. This is extremely practical especially for wildlife, sports, or nature photography, because you don’t have to remove the camera every time just to store it safely.

Note on compatibility with Shimoda backpacks

Important before you order: RST Core Units are not compatible with backpacks from the Shimoda Explore series. This XL40 RST version was developed specifically for the Action X40. So if you are using an Explore backpack, this Core Unit unfortunately will not fit in a useful way, neither in terms of height nor access concept.

Rear, side, and top access (RST), flexible in use

The abbreviation RST stands for rear/side/top access and describes quite accurately what this Core Unit can do. It is constructed so that it connects seamlessly with the side access of the Shimoda Action X40. This allows you to reach the camera and telephoto lens from the side without having to completely take off and open the backpack.

In addition, the XL40 RST gives you top access to the camera and lens via the zipper at the base of the backpack’s expandable roll-top. This is especially valuable when you just want to quickly capture a scene: open the backpack at the top, pull out the camera, done.

Of course, the classic rear access is also retained. Via the back of the backpack you get access to the entire camera system, ideal when you want to repack in peace, change lenses, or completely reorganize your setup.

Designed for DSLR cameras with battery grip

This version is the deeper DSLR variant, optimized for cameras with a battery grip or generally taller DSLR bodies. Cameras up to a height of about 15.5 cm can be stored upright without the lid pressing down or the padding being compressed.

The additional depth has a pleasant side effect: you can also store typical standard zooms such as 16–35 mm, 24–70 mm or 24–105 mmvertically. This saves space, keeps things organized, and prevents lenses from lying crosswise and sliding back and forth during transport. It may sound almost trivial, but in everyday use it makes a noticeable difference.

Lightweight, water-repellent protective cover included

The Core Unit comes with a lightweight, water-repellent protective cover that serves two purposes. On the one hand, it acts as a storage container when your padded Core Unit is not in the backpack. This keeps it protected from dust and moisture at home, and your layout stays exactly the way you painstakingly set it up.

On the other hand, you can also use the cover as a packing pouch. Simply fill it with clothing, accessories, or other travel items and place it in your backpack or carry-on. It may sound unspectacular, but it’s very practical when traveling, because it lets you switch flexibly between a photo setup and everyday luggage without having to completely repack every time.

EVA protective shells and high-quality dividers

The walls and dividers of the Shimoda Core Unit DSLR, XL40 RST are made of EVA foam. Compared to the more commonly used, cheaper PE foams, EVA offers significantly better protection and more controlled material density.

This means the walls can be designed thinner without losing stability and cushioning. This leaves you with more usable volume inside for your camera, lenses, and accessories, while your gear is still reliably protected against impacts, pressure, and vibrations. Especially with heavy super-telephoto lenses, this combination of stability and slim construction is a real advantage.

Dimensions and weight – large but well thought out

Despite its generous dimensions, the Core Unit remains pleasantly manageable. The external dimensions are approximately 28 cm wide, 52 cm high, and 16.5 cm deep. Inside you have about 26 cm width, 50 cm height, and 15.5 cm depth available, enough space for a large DSLR setup with multiple lenses, teleconverters, and accessories.

With a weight of around 0.92 kg, the Core Unit remains relatively light, especially considering how solid and protective the EVA construction is. In practice, this means your backpack will become heavy because of the camera and glass, not because of the insert itself.

Conclusion: For everyone who seriously uses large telephoto lenses

If you are out and about with long focal lengths such as a Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM, a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS FE, or a Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S NIKKOR, then the Shimoda Core Unit DSLR, XL40 RST in the Action X40 backpack is a very coherent solution. It combines well-thought-out access from the back, side, and top with an internal layout specifically tailored to large telephoto lenses and DSLR bodies with battery grips.

In short: you get a robust, flexible, and surprisingly practical base for safely transporting your pro setup, without having to puzzle out anew on every trip how everything is supposed to fit in the backpack.