Lowepro Classified 140 AW Shoulder Bag (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I use the bag for a Nikon D5000 with 55-200 and 18-55 lenses. All fit nicely along with spare batteries, filters and lens cleaner. With a flash unit or additional lenses get a larger size. Doesn't look like a stereotypical camera bag. I am very pleased.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Lowepro Classified 140 AW Shoulder Bag (Black)

Get 41% OFF

Click here for more information about Lowepro Classified 140 AW Shoulder Bag (Black)

Read More...

Lowepro Classified 250 AW Shoulder Bag (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First of all, this bag is pretty darn big. I plan on using it as a day bag for trips, but only because I'm the type of guy that travels with several lenses. It holds my Canon 7D body with five lenses, including the huge 70-200 2.8 IS. I'm also able to squeeze in an extra body in there if I need it. Of course, this will make the bag weigh a TON, but that's why you bought a big bag, right? I haven't even tried to stuff my laptop in there, for fear my shoulder will fall off.
The saving grace of the bag weight is the handle on top. It's such a nice feature that more bags should adopt. It's really nice to be able to grab the top of the bag by the handle when I need to shift positions for any reason (like getting in and out of seats or cars). It also helps for when I just want to pick the bag up off the floor and quickly move it somewhere. An A+ feature that more bags should have.
The other huge feature of this bag is the easy access top zipper. To many bags require me to open the whole flap to one side just to get at my equipment. The easy access top zipper makes lens swapping a breeze.
The only gripe (the reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5) I will give is the shoulder strap padding. I wish it was the type of pad that I could slide back and forth. Instead, the padding is in a fixed position. For a guy like me who is constantly shifting bags around to make them more comfortable, this is kind of annoying. That being said, the strap is perfectly usable, and I do use it.
All in all it's by far the most versatile bag I've found. I didn't even get to mention the fact that you can buy additional add-on accessories that will clip onto the sides of the bag (for stuff like filter and bottle holders). I actually plan on rigging one of the side-loops as a tripod holder (the only feature missing from this bag).
So, the bottom line--if your shoulder can handle it, you won't regret it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Lowepro Classified 250 AW Shoulder Bag (Black)

Get 26% OFF

Click here for more information about Lowepro Classified 250 AW Shoulder Bag (Black)

Read More...

Lowepro Classified 200 AW Shoulder Bag (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Bought this bag 2nd-hand in like new condition for $100. I use it to carry 40D+24-105 and 5D+ 100-400, and a Sigma 8mm fish or some little prime, or similar arrangement. This is one of the few bags that allow two body + two long zoom attached face down in the bag. So my choice is limited.
Pro:
- Extremely light weight for its capacity!
- Capacity to have 5D attached to big L zoom face down in the bag ready to shoot
- Looks like a cheap laptop bag
- Very reasonable price buying used
- Reasonably good quality
- Useful rain cover. I listed this as "useless" before and now after a trip to the snowy Lake Tahoe I changed my mind. This cover turned out to be really useful and effective. I ignored the light snow for a few minutes which almost killed my 5D camera. As the snow got heavier the bag starts to get dangerously wet and then I realized that I have this cover hidden inside the bag. It worked!
Neutral:
- Some cute but not so useful gimmicks in the bag - a rather large and bulky card folder (too large to be useful for me), a complicated (spells useless to me) body strap of some sort, two key links in the front pockets, two attached LCD wipes in the main divisions... I could do without any and all of these.
Con:
- Uncomfortable shoulder belt (immediately replaced with my own taken from a laptop bag)
- The top open zipper is of so-so quality, hard to open and close when the bag is loaded, must use both hands.
- The pockets in the front are hard to reach. The front flap is hard to open once locked.
- 5D+big zoom can fit in 1 of the 3 vertical partition but not easy to taking it out or putting back in.
Bottom line -
This bag does serve my purpose, but rather awkwardly with little elegance. The design was great but executed poorly. The original shoulder belt was designed for carrying on one shoulder only, which is odd considering the weight this bag is to carry. But the combination of stealth look, the extreme light weight (for its capacity), and the very reasonable price easily earn this bag a 4 star.
P.S. I've been using Tamrac System 6 and 12 in the past. Tamrac has far better shoulder belt, much easier access to the equipment (despite of the big top/front cover), and far more functional and accessible front and side pockets, even the zippers are better. But the Tamrac bags are simply not deep enough to carry big DSLR with big zoom mounted, which I love to do. I forced them in these bags in the past with a few close calls. Then the other day my 40D mounted with a Tamron 18-270VR (not even a big zoom) finally fell out from the bag with the front buckle still locked, damaged my lens. I have to switch to something deeper. So now I'll see how long the Lowepro will last.
After a few extended trip with this bag, I am happy with it. The zipper is not easy to work with, but I got used to it. With the camera+big lens in ready mode is really a big plus for this bag. It's pretty big, bigger than I originally thought. But not that heavy and not too wide like the System 12. So I can get around in a crowded elevator more easily.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Lowepro Classified 200 AW Shoulder Bag (Black)

Get 27% OFF

Click here for more information about Lowepro Classified 200 AW Shoulder Bag (Black)

Read More...

Kata KT D-3N1-30 Sling/Backpack (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I needed a backpack bag that would hold my Nikon D300 with the Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 VR zoom attached. My vetted choices came down to either the Lowepro Slingshot 300 or the new Kata 3N1-30. Both are very large bags, and while there were others worthy of consideration, these two were at the top of my budget range.
The Lowepro is a nice bag (my brother owns one and loves it), however, I gave the nod to the Kata for a couple of reasons. I like the yellow interior - very easy to find small parts even in low light. I like the flexibility of converting it from a sling to backpack. Finally, I personally like the styling better than the Lowepro (which is functional but homely). The Kata, in my opinion, doesn't scream "camera bag" quite as much as the Lowepro.
The Kata is generally well designed and exceptional quality. The interior dividers are configurable to the user's specific needs, access is flexible providing for easy swing around "quick draw" as well as through the traditional rear flap. Initial configuration was a little cumbersome due to the restricted ability to fully open the rear flap. This limits easy access to the uppermost compartments, but once I figured out how to fit everything inside it was fine. There is ample room in this bag for a large SLR with lenses and attachments. My D300 with both MB-D10 and the 70-200 attached fit snugly in the horizontal position. However, finding an additional spot for my 17-55 f2.8 was a little more challenging. (Note these are both relatively large lenses with even larger hoods). I still have room for my flash and another small lens or accessory, but that's about it for the main compartment in my case. There is an additional compartment in the top for other stuff (flash cards, batteries, charger, lunch, etc). The extra straps for converting to a full backpack tuck neatly out of sight. The pack is very comfortable to carry, even with a heavy load.
Pros: Overall design is good (with exceptions noted below) and the quality of construction is excellent . Very manageable and comfortable to use. Very spacious and flexible for varying needs.
Cons: I would really like for it to have some means of attaching a tripod or monopod (something the Lowepro omits as well). For a pack of this size, that seems to me to be a reasonable expectation. Also note there is no compartment for a laptop - not important to me, but perhaps for others. My biggest gripe is the inability to just lay the thing out fully open on its back (note the product photo - that's as far as that rear flap opens). It makes configuring the compartment dividers very awkward.
Acknowledging those limitations and the fact that no camera bag is perfect, the 3N1-30 or one of the two smaller versions should impress you. You'll be hard pressed to find a better pack in this price range.
Bottom line: I'm happy with my decision to purchase this pack over the Lowepro and highly recommend it. I'm only giving it 4 stars for the omission of a tripod/monopod attachment and the awkward main compartment access. Despite those caveats, this is an excellent, albeit not perfect, large camera backpack. I may end up getting something smaller for occasions where I won't be using the large zoom - perhaps the 3N1-10, W-94, or one of the DR series packs. Definitely Kata, though.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kata KT D-3N1-30 Sling/Backpack (Black)

Why choose between a backpack and a sling when you simply can pick up one of the new Kata 3N1 bags and get the best features of each type of bag? These unique bags provide ultimate freedom designed with three carrying options in one bag: right-handed sling, left-handed sling and backpack. Quick access to a camera has never been faster with a sling that offers a quick release and one-handed bag opening for camera access. Left-handed photographers can celebrate as they discover the first photo bag that can be configured as a left-handed sling. When not in a situation that requires quick camera access, convert the 3N1 into an ergonomic and comfortable backpack. All these product features come in a package that includes the unique combination of protection, light weight and style that has become Kata's calling card. In sling position, the bag easily swings around from back to front providing quick draw access to your main camera & accessories via a quick release clip with single pull opening of the camera compartment door. In standard backpack position and "X" position (both straps crisscrossed over the user's chest) you can comfortably carry your equipment for long distance walking when needed. The included balancing hip strap helps take the load of your heavy equipment off your shoulders. The 3N1-30 is designed to fit a D/SLR with a long range zoom lens attached and 5-6 extra lenses with accessories.

Click here for more information about Kata KT D-3N1-30 Sling/Backpack (Black)

Read More...

Lowepro Classified 160 AW Shoulder Bag for DSLR and 1-2 Lenses (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a perfect bag for carrying:
- 1 DSLR camera with 70-200mm f/2.8 (i.e. big) zoom lens attached (mine is Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 which is comparable in size and weight with Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8)
- 1-2 additional lenses and/or flash (I put 17-80mm and 50mm f/1.8 lenses and the SB-400 flash
- a couple memory cards and extra battery
It's pretty sturdy and tight (with the stabilizing strap), but that's good because the camera and lens won't move much inside the bag.
Here are the pros and cons:
Pros:
1. Can fit SLR attached with the big 70-200mm f/2.8 lens (or equivalent)
2. Enough room for extra lenses and flash
3. Topload feature for easy access
4. Sturdy and good padding to protect the expensive equipment inside
5. Slim profile and more discreet design (vs some other pro camera bag)
6. Stabilizing strap to minimize movement
7. Lots of compartment for memory cards, batteries, lens cap, etc
8. Less than 3 lbs, and compact size
9. All weather cover is nice to have (and essential for professional)
10. Expandable (i.e. you can manage the divider/padding to create different size of space)
Cons:
1. Only take 1 full size SLR (I tried 2 D40s + 18-55mm and it works)
2. A bit pricey (for my amateur standard)
3. Close to 3 lbs (depend on how you see it)
4. Not a backpack model (if you prefer carrying backpack type bag when photographing)
5. Can't put your regular 15 inch laptop in this bag (however you can squeeze in the 8.9 inch netbook). If you want to add your regular notebook, you will need to get the Lowepro Classified 250 AW series
6. Might be a bit too much bag/space for a quick short trip where you don't need to bring your 70-200mm f/2.8 lens (use the Lowepro Topload Zoom series bag instead)
7. Not as easy (as I thought it would be) to pull out the camera in and out of the bag but it's reasonable (maybe it's because of the design and position of the zipper and the fact the bag is still stiff since it is new. I'm expecting it will get better as the bag will get softer/break-in with use)
In conclusion, this is a very good (and very stylish) bag if you want to carry a camera attached with the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens (or smaller lens), with 1-2 extra lens (smaller lenses than the 70-200mm f/2.8) and/or flash.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Lowepro Classified 160 AW Shoulder Bag for DSLR and 1-2 Lenses (Black)

Get 37% OFF

Click here for more information about Lowepro Classified 160 AW Shoulder Bag for DSLR and 1-2 Lenses (Black)

Read More...