PMA 2008: New quick-access bags from Lowepro

[DPNow]

Here is a summary or excerpt from an article that has just been published on DPNow:

Lowepro continues to demonstrate innovation in its camera bag designs and we found out why with the new Flipside and Fastpack backpack ranges demonstrated to us on the Lowepro booth at PMA 2008.

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[Stephen]

Originally Posted by DPNow

Here is a summary or excerpt from an article that has just been published on DPNow:

Lowepro continues to demonstrate innovation in its camera bag designs and we found out why with the new Flipside and Fastpack backpack ranges demonstrated to us on the Lowepro booth at PMA 2008.

More...

Its good to see Lowepro offering innovative designs for camera bags. I have used a Slingshot AW200 for a while now, but recently upgraded to the AW300. It is much better in terms of internal space. I can easily get my camera with 24-70 lens on, a 70-200, a 100-400 and a 17-40 plus a 1.4x extender in the bag. Not to mention a spare battery, a Flashgun (2 at a stretch) plus memory cards lens brush a few other bits and pieces.

The trouble with this of course is that it weighs a ton God help me if I had one that held a laptop as well.

I cannot speak too highly of this style of bag that allows access without taking it off. I have used standard backpacks and its most frustrating when you want to change a lens etc., but have to take the bag off. I tended to take it off, put it down, take the shots then on occasion forget to pick up the bag again.

Anyway, its a pity I didn't know about these new offerings before I bought the Slingshot AW300, as it would have offered me an alternative perhaps. The only problem I have with it is that there is no mens of fastening a tripod or monopod on the outside.

[Ian]

But the larger FastPack bags don't seem to feature tripod holders - as you observed, which is a bit surprising.

Ian

[ash]

I have also used the slingshot and love it for the reasons you describe stephen, I have the 100 version which is nice and small and light and holds a body and 2 fair size lenses among other bits and bobs. The thing what sold it for me was the fact you did not have to take the bag off for access.
Unless I was going trekking round the world, I would not consider the bigger versions, as you just end up filling it with stuff you dont use, I tend to take what I no I will need for the day's shoot and thats it, you have to be ruthless!

It will be interesting to see these new styles at focus, but it will have to be an exceptional bag for it to take over my aw100!

[Ian]

Originally Posted by ash

I have also used the slingshot and love it for the reasons you describe stephen, I have the 100 version which is nice and small and light and holds a body and 2 fair size lenses among other bits and bobs. The thing what sold it for me was the fact you did not have to take the bag off for access.
Unless I was going trekking round the world, I would not consider the bigger versions, as you just end up filling it with stuff you dont use, I tend to take what I no I will need for the day's shoot and thats it, you have to be ruthless!

It will be interesting to see these new styles at focus, but it will have to be an exceptional bag for it to take over my aw100!

I require room for my laptop (though it's a relatively small one with a 12 inch screen) so the Slingshots aren't for me. They smaller one also seems to be thinly padded, which is a concern?

Ian

[Kurt]

I am off to Focus on Tuesday, has anyone noticed any startling offers for the new Lowepro bag?