Shimoda Core Unit - DSLR- XL50 RST (520-155)

Shimoda Core Unit DSLR, XL50 RST: When your super-tele finally has a proper home

Let’s be honest: A 600mm on the camera is not a toy, it’s more like a small cast-iron stove. The Shimoda Core Unit, DSLR, XL50 RST (520-155) is built exactly for such heavy hitters. It fills the Shimoda Action X50 backpack from top to bottom and turns it into a fully fledged tele rig—no loose rattling, no improvised padding.

Maximum use of the Action X50, from top to bottom

This XL50 RST Core Unit is tailored precisely to the Shimoda Action X50. It really uses the internal volume completely, from the base of the backpack right up to just under the roll-top. This way you don’t waste a single centimeter of space and you get one continuous, protected zone for your camera gear instead of a bunch of half-used compartments.

It gets especially interesting when you’re out with long focal lengths: The Core Unit is designed for lenses up to 53 cm in length. And not just “somehow laid inside”, but so that you can safely store them with the camera mounted.

For real tele beasts: super-tele and zoom lenses in XL format

The Shimoda Core Unit DSLR, XL50 RST is designed to hold modern super-tele setups, the kind you see all the time in wildlife, sports and nature photography. If you work with large primes or flexible zooms, you’ll quickly wonder how you ever managed without this thing.

Among others, the following lenses (depending on configuration also with camera attached) fit into the Core Unit:

• 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 150–600mm 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 super-zooms and super-telephoto lenses can be stored in the XL50 RST in a way that not only makes them fit, but also keeps them meaningfully organized. Especially when you transport the long barrels with the camera body mounted, the extra height and depth of the DSLR version really comes into its own.

Specifically designed for DSLR cameras with battery grip

The XL50 RST is the DSLR version with more depth. That means it’s designed for cameras up to a height of about 15.5 cm, making it ideal for DSLRs with battery grip or bodies with a taller profile.

Thanks to the greater depth, you can easily sort typical standard zooms like 16–35 mm, 24–70 mm or 24–105 mmvertically. This creates space and clarity, because you don’t have to lay everything flat; instead, the lenses can stand “upright” like tools in a well-organized toolbox.

RST concept: rear, side and top access in everyday use

The designation RST stands for Rear / Side / Top Access. The Core Unit is constructed so that it integrates seamlessly with the side access of your Shimoda Action X50.

Through the side door of the backpack you can quickly reach your camera and tele lens when things suddenly get interesting. In addition, the zipper at the base of the expandable roll-top gives you direct top access to the camera or lens from above. And when you want to repack in peace, you use the standard rear access and open up the entire system to get an overview of your whole setup.

Important note on compatibility

To avoid any nasty surprises: RST Core Units are not compatible with backpacks from the Shimoda Explore series. This XL50 RST is really intended for the Shimoda Action X50. So if you’re using an Explore backpack, this Core Unit will not fit inside due to its design.

Light, water-repellent protective cover – more than just dust protection

The Core Unit comes with a light, water-repellent protective cover. It may look unassuming at first glance, but in everyday use it’s quite practical.

On the one hand, it serves as a storage container when your padded Core Unit with gear is at home and not currently in the backpack. Dust, moisture and the usual everyday clutter in the studio or living room have far fewer chances this way.

On the other hand, you can also use the cover as a packing cube: simply fill it with clothing, accessories or other travel items and stow it in your backpack or carry-on. This keeps the Core Unit flexible in use, even when you’re traveling without your full camera kit.

EVA protective shells and dividers for slim yet robust protection

The walls and dividers of the Shimoda Core Unit DSLR, XL50 RST are made from EVA foam. Compared to the cheaper PE foams that are often used, EVA allows much better control over density, stability and resilience.

What that means for you: The walls can be made thinner without compromising protection. So you gain more internal volume for your gear, while cameras, lenses and accessories still remain reliably padded. Especially with heavy super-tele setups, this material difference is noticeable—the equipment sits securely without everything feeling unnecessarily bulky.

Dimensions, weight and internal layout at a glance

To help you better plan how your setup will fit, here are the key specs of the Shimoda Core Unit, DSLR, XL50 RST:

• Maximum lens length: up to 53 cm
• Weight: approx. 0.95 kg
• External dimensions: 28 cm width x 55 cm height x 16.5 cm depth
• Internal dimensions: 26 cm width x 53 cm height x 15.5 cm depth
• Compatibility: fits the Shimoda Action X50 backpack

With these dimensions, you can configure the Core Unit so that, in addition to a large super-tele, you can also sensibly store a second body, a few shorter zooms, teleconverters, batteries or filters. The flexible dividers help you tailor the compartments precisely to your combination of camera, Canon EF or RF kit, Sony FE glass, Nikon Z gear, Fuji XF telephoto or OM System lenses.

Who the Shimoda Core Unit DSLR, XL50 RST is especially worthwhile for

If you regularly work with long focal lengths like a Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM, a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS FE [SEL600F40GM], a Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S NIKKOR or zooms like the Sony 200–600mm f/5.6–6.3 G OSS FE [SEL200600G], the Canon RF 200–800mm f/6.3–9.0 IS USM, the Nikon Z 180–600mm f/5.6–6.3 VR NIKKOR, the Fuji 150–600mm f/5.6–8 R LM OIS WR XF or the OM System 150–600mm f/5–6.3 M.ZUIKO Digital ED IS, this Core Unit really plays to its strengths.

It is particularly interesting for:

• Wildlife and bird photography, where long focal lengths are in use almost all the time
• Sports and action photography, when you need to switch quickly between tele and a second setup
• Travel photography focused on nature and animals, where you want to transport your super-tele safely in your carry-on
• Anyone who wants to use their Shimoda Action X50 as a fully fledged, well-organized telephoto backpack

In short: If you don’t just want to own a large telephoto lens but also transport it sensibly and safely, the Shimoda Core Unit DSLR, XL50 RST is a very well thought-out foundation. Not spectacular in the sense of a “gadget”, but exactly the kind of solid, reliable interior you learn to appreciate on long tours.