Alternatives to Lowepro Camera Backpack ?

[Jola]

I have been using a Lowepro Compu Trekker Plus AW for a few years, but the zip for the main compartment has collapsed and I can't use this any more.

All the zips in the bags are quite flimsy, but the only one that really gave me trouble is the main one, because that is where the heavy stuff goes.

It is unfortunate, because the design of the backpack bag is ideal, and has a padded compartment for a notebook computer.

I don't trust Lowepro any more because of the zip issue, and they are now also really expensive, so am looking for something else.

Needs to take a small notebook, 500mm lens, 80-400 zoom, WA zoom, D750, D5.

Any recommendations ?

Old backpack : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEZgsfIFMuU

Looks great but the zips are flimsy. My cheap old Billabong backpack has better zips.

 

[bwana]

Which 500mm?

 

[Jola]

Which 500mm?

Nikon 500mm F4 VR, fits nicely in the middle of the current bag.

Don't always have the 80-400VR in at the same time.

 

[RanzB]

ThinkTank?

 

[Jola]

ThinkTank?

Thanks, they seem to have some nice bags, and they are highly rated.

Will investigate further.

 

[bwana]

Unfortunately I'm not going to be of much use now that I think about it - both my current bags (https://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/463449-Post-your-equipment-bags-!) are Lowepros and I love 'em. I abuse the **** out of them and they keep coming back for more.

That said a few of the guys I work with have Thinktanks so maybe they're worth taking a look at.

 

[koffiejunkie]

I'm not sure if this one would be the right design for you, but have a look at the Tamrac Corona 26. The long lens go in horizontally, so you'll have to check if it fits. That said, I have one of these, and it is much better build quality (zips in particular) than any of the Lowepro bags I've had (and like bwana I don't have any complaints about them despite heavy use).

 

[RanzB]

Thanks, they seem to have some nice bags, and they are highly rated.

Will investigate further.

I'm using one now in Thailand and it seems great. The weight distribution especially is fantastic.

In a Perception 15 I've got a 15" MacBook, Spark drone, X-T2, 56mm 1.2, 18-55mm, a flash and trigger, power bank, and various other small bits and bobs.

Feels like nothing on my back.

 

[prod]

The ThinkTanks are quite nice, alternatively look at Fstop (https://www.landscapegear.co.za/photographic-accessories-f-stop.php) or if you want something real rugged import a Mountainsmith through Scotty (https://mountainsmith.com/gear/products/all-backpacks.html).

 

[Dom1n8tr1x]

I have been using a Lowepro Fastpack 250 for the past 3.5 years to carry my laptop and camera equipment to work. The zips are holding up pretty good.

 

[bwana]

I'm using one now in Thailand and it seems great. The weight distribution especially is fantastic.

In a Perception 15 I've got a 15" MacBook, Spark drone, X-T2, 56mm 1.2, 18-55mm, a flash and trigger, power bank, and various other small bits and bobs.

Feels like nothing on my back.

Compared to what he's planning to carrying, it is nothing.

 

[RanzB]

Compared to what he's planning to carrying, it is nothing.

Haha that's true. Just pointing out that the Think Tank is holding up well.