Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

Price Paid:  $50.00 from Henry's

Summary:
I don't know why people gave low marks to this bag. On its manual it says it is designed for REPORTERS. The zipper on the top is for easy access without opening the top. It is more soft than other Lowepro series, more flexible... these are what reporters and journalists want. They don't need a bag with optimal protection, they just want flexibility and accessibility. With regard to the lack of padding in the lid, I don't think it's a problem to me. This part is unlikely to be bumped often. Comparing Reporter 100AW with Nova 2 or Nova 3, you will find the difference in the handwork and material. That's why 100aw is usually twice the price of Nova 2. If you really want a bag with good protection, I would suggest you choose Lowepro Professional Mini Mag.

Strengths:
Seems small, but can contains more than you think. Not as bulky as Nova 3. Flexible. A good bag when you don't want to carry all things with you.

Weaknesses:
No padding in the lid means... but this is a bag for urban reporters, do they care?

Similar Products Used:
Nikon

Customer Service:
No need

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5,
1 votes

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
A nicely configured little bag for a 35mm body and short to medium zoom, plus an additional 1-2 short lenses. Have a careful look at the Lowepro Nova 1, however. I think I would have happier with one of them...can zip them up and everything is secure and protected...not the case with the 100 AW (which is almost twice the price).

Strengths:
Well constructed with quality hardware. Looks good and is pleasant to carry.

Weaknesses:
Major weakness is the lack of padding in the lid of the bag. For this reason alone I think the Nova 1 or 2 would be a better choice. The zip in the centre of the lid is of questionable value and having to otherwise open the two clips is slow. The lack of a zip is worriesome too...if the bag rolls upside down count on losing pens etc from the front pockets. Have never used the pull-out rain protector.

Similar Products Used:
Lowepro Nova 3...good bag Domke original...great bag...but no lid padding either (although has MORE top protection than the 100AW)

Customer Service:
Not required

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Summary:
If it fits your size/configuration requirements, you can buy it.

Strengths:
It fits my current need (what else can one say?). Besides that, it seems to be well made, with no skimping on quality and best materials.

Weaknesses:
I should warn you of two problems.

Firstly, while it has three slots for attachments on each side, just like larger bags (200, 300), only middle slot is wide enough for an attachment! That means, to attach a Film Organizer or two pouches on one side, you either have to hammer them in (not really convenient) or pick up a needle and spent an evening sewing - which is what I did.

Secondly, I didn't like that the cover is not padded. I sewed in a zipper on the inner side, which made it a pocket, and put there coupons for names of people in group picture ( http://www.vad1.com/photo/coupons.html ). That protects the back of my camera and viewfinder.

Similar Products Used:
Lowepro Pouches, Film Organizer. I had a Hama bag before: it was badly sewed and soaked like spoon under rain.

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Model Reviewed:
Street & Field Reporter 100 AW

Summary:
Very good bag for the price with lots of features.

Strengths:
Great size in a quality bag for a small system. Seems most good bags are aimed at the shooter toting a ton of gear.

Weaknesses:
None so far.

Similar Products Used:
Billingham

Customer Service:
Not needed so far.

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Model Reviewed:
Street & Field Reporter 100 AW

Summary:
Comfortable little bag for 1 body/ motor drive and a couple of small lenses.

Strengths:
Compact, modular design

Weaknesses:
No zipper for main access, elements can leak through.

Similar Products Used:
Tamrac Zoom system 3

Customer Service:
-