Lowepro Toploader 75 AW

Review for the Lowepro Toploader 75 AW. I've used this bag for over one year now and find it well designed and well made. I bought it for my Canon EOS 1V-HS with the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS zoom attached to the camera. There aren't many bags large enough for this set-up. With this rig in the bag my 550EX and a Sto-fen diffuser (not attached) will also fit in on top of the camera. The camera with the Canon 300mm f/4 IS will fit too, but without the flash. The larger of the two outside pockets (this has a double zipper) will hold a Canon 50mm macro lens in the internal nylon pouch with one roll of film tucked in next to it and room above for several more rolls. This larger pocket has the rain cover stored inside in it's own small pocket in the flap. The smaller outside pocket will hold an eight pack of "AA" batteries with a couple rolls of film. Inside the top flap (this has a double zipper) is a see-thru pocket that will hold a couple filters and some business cards and the custom function card. Inside the bag is a flat nylon pocket that is full lenght and closes with velcro. I haven't used the harness straps that came with this bag. One small modification I did was to buy some 1 inch diameter split rings like you have on your key chain. I put one of these on one of the zipper pulls for each opening. This makes it easier to open with gloves on and easier to find the zipper pull if you are working in a fairly dark area. The shoulder strap has a 1/4 inch thick pad where it rides on your shoulder with grippy stuff on the bottom and is detachable. There is a small nylon grab handle on the top of the bag that's useful. Tha bag is fully padded with 3/8 inch thick dense foam. The out side pockets are not padded but the rain cover in the larger pocket does provide some knock protection for it's contents. Easy and quick to get into to grab your gear. I haven't used this bag in wet weather so I can't comment on water proofness.

Large, padded, in addition to the main compartment there are 5 pockets.

Doesn't float

none

haven't used it

Superb Bag. Does exactly what it says on the tin.

All Weather waterproofing Takes a Pro camerabody (1Dmk2) and wide aperture 70-200mm Lens attached (70-200mm L IS). Still has space for additional bits and bobs. Can Add 2 extra lens pouches or S&F puches on sides. Very comfortable strap included.

None.

Crumpler Loyal Chap. Lowe Pro Magnum Bags (Various). Lowe Pro Nova 3&4 bags.

Not needed.

Having used Lowepro holsters previously, I was looking forward to the reputedly more robust Street & Field series. I wasn''t disappointed. This holster has extra thick padding all around, and will hold a pro-size SLR plus and 80-200 f/2.8 with hood (reversed). There''s also a two piece front pocket compartment, and an All Weather (AW) cover for really inclement conditions. The external pocket holds a full-size shoe flash, and the little partition at the bottom holds 4-5 canisters of film. A breathable mesh at the back wicks away moisture and the bag comes with both a shoulder strap and a chest harness. Modular users can also buy the Street & Field light belt or deluxe belt which has integral connectors to turn the holster into a beltpack. You can also put other Street & Field components on the Sliplock (TM) connectors on each side of the holster.

Solid construction, well-built specs. Lots of room as advertised. Very spiffy black exterior.

Huge - but what do you expect? An 80-200 isn''t exactly the epitome of subtlety in 35mm lenses. Depending upon the accessories used on the Sliplock points, it could become easily unbalanced.

Lowepro TLZ2 Lowepro TLZ Mini

Model I bought was last in stock and was missing shoulder straps. Vendor has ordered another from Lowepro...

My favourite bag for carrying Nikon FE2 with motor MD-12 and 50mm, 35mm F1.4, 70-210F4, SB-26 with plenty of room for accessories, a lens or two more and film. The bottom front pocket is perfect for film storage!

Sturdy, lots of room, 2 front pockets and lid pocket, rain cover.

Heavy, although that means lots of padding and not much plasic.

Nova 3
PhotoTrekker AW

Not needed.

This is a great bag. The design makes for a very quick setup and the harness works killer when you are backpacking. You can put this on, and then your pack over it. Your camera is right there in front of you and even makes a little 'table' for you to change film, etc. I have an older Topload Zoom AW which is similar for my Canon, and in this bag I keep an RZ system!! A spare RZ back fits like a glove on the bottom, and the RZ w/ 110 fits right over that. It's like it was custom made for it. I can even keep a Polaroid back in the front compartment although it's not as protected. Excellent gear from LowePro!

Well built, modular system, great design

none really

none like this bag

haven't had the need