Lowepro DryZone Series

sailingphotography

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

Price Paid:  $240.00 from Adorama (NYC)

Summary:
If you need to keep photo equipment dry if the bag falls into the water, and you need to carry it on your back and not in your hand (a la the Pelican case solution), there are only two alternatives - the LowePro DZ100 and DZ200. I initially purchased the DZ100 but after lugging my EOS-1v, 24-70 f/2.8L and 70-200 f/2.8L around all afternoon I found the padding on the straps woefully inadequate (way too thin). So I exchanged it for the DZ200 and found the straps better (but I think they could be a tad thicker).

Strengths:
Watertight if zippered correctly and it reportedly floats. I know several pro photogs who trust the DZ200 to carry a Canon 1Ds body and 300 mm f/2.8 IS L when they're on a boat. Easy to spot yellow in case it falls in the water, or I fall off a boat with it on (neither has happened yet, knock on wood). Consider it an inexpensive and essential insurance policy if you take expensive pro camera on boats on a regular basis.

Weaknesses:
Straps on DZ100 are way too thin to carry pro 35mm equipment around all day. As other reviewers have noted, back flap doesn't open up all the way to the ground when vertical (this is the tradeoff for the watertight zipper).

Similar Products Used:
There is no similar product available from any other manufacturer at the present time.

Customer Service:
Not needed yet.

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

Price Paid:  $100.00 from ebay

Summary:
Excellent bag with ample size for all my equipment. I purchased this bag after purchasing the Lowepro Pro Trekker AW on the internet and found the bag was too big for me. The size of the 200 bag is just perfect. I love the bright color and it is easy to find.

Strengths:
The waterproof feature is great. The bag is thickly padded so I don't worry when I toss it in the back of the car. The color is great and easy to find. The bag fits my 5' 4" figure great

Weaknesses:
The zipper needs to be longer. The tripod would be better suited on the side of the bag like the Trekker bag I have. This is not a bag that you can get into quickly. The Trekker bags are much faster. Overall the bag is wonderufl though.

Similar Products Used:
Lowepro Trekker Pro AW Lowepro Lynx 200

Customer Service:
Never had to use it.

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
2 votes

Price Paid:  $235.00 from B&H Photo

Summary:
This bag is well built, and is highly recommended for those that shoot near or in water or in extreme conditions on a regular basis. I would not recommend this bag for general use if you are just looking for something to prevent gear from getting wet in periodic rain showers.

Strengths:
- Well built, waterproof bag - Lots of room - Lots of inner compartments - Adjustable harness system guarantees comfort

Weaknesses:
- Zipper on dry bag does not go all the way down to the bottom of the bag. - Lubricant used on dry bag zipper tends to get on hands when opening back, and then get on equipment if you're not careful. - Tripod mount only on back of bag and not side like Trekker series. If you put anything in the back inner pouch (like a fleece), the tripod is too far from your back to be comfortable (e.g. weight is shifted too far back).

Similar Products Used:
Never used a completely waterproof bag. Have used Photo Trekker AW and Orion AW otherwise.

Customer Service:
N/A - Never used.

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5,
2 votes

Price Paid:  $240.00 from Penn Camera

Summary:
I spend lots of time on the water in open boats with expensive camera gear and it's always a problem trying to keep the gear dry. Lowepro has fixed all of those problems. Gone are the days of garbage bags. I have used the Dryzone 200 on five river assignments ranging from fly fishing to class-five white water and my gear has stayed dry. I've wadded with the pack half submerged in water for hours and the pack went down the New River in a raft and was completely under water! No leaks!

Strengths:
Bag is well padded and holds lots of gear. I carry two Nikon D-1x's, four lens, including a 3002.8 and flash with room to spear. I even took my laptop!a

Weaknesses:
Not many it has worked flawlessly. This bag is a dry bag, meaning it's not going to be a quick access bag. If you need to keep your camera and lens dry it's the ticket. The one thing I can pick on is that things packed in the bottom of the bag are a little hard to get at because the zipper does not come completely to the bottom. So maybe the next one out can have a little more length in the dry zipper.e

Similar Products Used:
Garbage bags, ammo boxes, canoe dry bags and coolers.

Customer Service:
Lowepro is the best.