Camera Bags: Lowepro Street and Field system Lowepro Toploader 75 AW Lowepro Toploader 65 AW
Important: I recently switched to the Think Tank Belt
System, see my review here
I have a modified version of the Lowepro Street and Field system. It has taken
me years to perfect this system. With help of a shoe repair guy down in the
Peruvian Amazon, who finally permanently sewed it all together, I now have
created my perfect system. It works for travel and for shooting out of, if
necessary due to weather conditions. Please note: I much prefer going "naked"...that
is, carrying my cameras, unprotected, over my shoulders, ready to shoot, but
this belt system is necessary for inclement weather and while traveling.
Here's
a photo of what my modified Lowepro Street and Field holster system looks
like.
Total weight of this is 21 lbs or just under 10 Kilograms.
To see what's inside these bags click here !
Here are
the components that make up my system. You can attach them to the belt using
the built in straps and loops, but I found that the camera bags "rode"
too high on the belt and tended to tip outward, so I had mine hard sewn onto
the belt with super heavy duty twine by a shoe repair guy in the Amazon basin
in a town called Pucallpa...he charged me about $1.50. I have supplemented
his handiwork with a few, strategically placed, small, lightweight keychain
carabiners as a fail safe backup in case the twine ever wears out and fails.
For your
Mark II with 70-200 attached: you need the Lowepro Toploader 75 AW
Description
A pro-quality holster bag that's designed to accommodate a Large Pro SLR (including
Nikon® F5) with attached 80 - 200mm f/2.8 lens (most makes) and hood (reversed),
is a shoulder bag, chest pack, or (with an optional S&F Deluxe Waistbelt)—
a beltpack. Great for sports, nature photography and travel, with hands-free
movement and instant access to gear through the reverse-open lid. Includes
a DryFlo mesh-covered backpad, All Weather Cover, Chest Harness, and attachment
loops for SlipLock Pouches, Lens Cases and other SlipLock add-ons. Specifications
Internal Dimensions 7W x 6D x 12.5H in. (18 x 15 x 32 cm) Weight 2.4 lb (1088
g) Material Water-resistant 600D TXP ripstop and 2000D ballistic nylon Capacity
Large Pro SLR (including Nikon® F5) with attached 80 - 200mm f/2.8 lens (most
makes) and hood (reversed) Colors Available Black
order
it here from Adoramas page for $78.95
For your
Mark II with 16-35 attached you need the Lowepro Toploader 65 AW
Description This compact Toploader designed for an SLR with attached small-to-medium
zoom lens and accessories, has closed-cell foam protection, plus an All Weather
Cover. A generous front pocket organizes the small stuff and simplifies film
and filter changes. A belt slot lets you slide the bag onto your belt. Optional
Chest Harness and Cinch Straps are available. Features For smaller Pro SLR's
with shorter lens (with hoods) Front pocket with 2 compartments, Interior
mesh pocket inside lid Easy access with Reverse-open lid All Weather Cover
for pro-tection Attaches many Street & Field or SlipLock accessories through
loops Specifications Internal Dimensions 6.5W x 6D x 8H in. (16.5 x 15 x 20cm)
Weight 1.25 LB (567 g) Material Water-resistant 600D TXP ripstop and 2000D
ballistic nylon Capacity SLR with attached small-to-medium zoom lens and accessories
Colors Available Black
Order
it here from Adorama's page for $51.95
The
belt you need is a Lowepro Street & Field Deluxe Padded Waistbelt #11, #13
or #15 depending on your waist size , #11 Fits 28" to 34" Waists. #13 fits
34"-42" and the #15 fits 42"-48" waists (be sure to order
the correct size) Shown below with stuff attached...(you only need and get
the belt)
Order
it here from Adorama's page for $26.95 or two dollars more for the larger
sizes
Get one of these Snap Pouches for easy access to your flash and other items:
Description Lowepro's revolutionary one-handed, quick-access pouch for film
or accessories. Features patented MagBag spring ring for instant access and
closure All Weather Cover for protection against extreme elements and dust
SlipLock attachment tab to fasten to many Lowepro bags, packs or a belt Specifications
External Dimensions 6W x 4D x 7H in. (15 x 10 x 18 cm) Material water-resistant
600D TXP ripstop Capacity up to 30 rolls of 35mm film in canisters, or accessories
Colors Available Black,
Order
it here from Adorama's page for $27.95
Of all the Lowepro accessory bags, I find the snap pouch to be the most unique and convenient. My Canon 580EX flash lives in there, along with a lens brush, lens cleaning cloth, press passes, aspirin, and Rolaids.
Although the Lowepro bags have built in "rain covers" I always carry a few medium size garbage bags in my camera cases for rain or when situations requiring protection from water pop up. (overloaded ferry boats, canoes and other water transport in the developing world).
In addition,
as a secondary safety measure, and as a convenience handle, I have two full
sized carabiners linked together with a 6 inch strap which I fasten to the
top carrying handles of the camera bags. This keeps the waist pack from falling
in the event the buckle fails or is accidentally opened. When not around my
waist, the 2 carabiner and strap, doubles as a great "handle". (photo
coming soon
Total cost for this set up is $240 plus a few carabiners, and a bit of sewing
work by a shoe repair or upholstery shop.
Using the belt system means that during travel between countries, my shoulders are free so that I can carry my backpack (luggage).
When traveling with all my stuff, the cameras are safely around my waist, my large backpack with my clothing is on my back and in one hand is my small day-pack (with all essential photography support items, like battery charger and laptop). This leaves my other hand free for handling airline tickets, filling out entry visa paperwork etc.
Having
all your personal belongings "on your person" while still having
a free hand is absolutely essential...this stops porters from grabbing your
bags and trying to hustle you off to a cab, or worse yet having two porters
grab two different bags and each taking off in different directions.
Often times I arrive extremely tired after a long international flights...scammers
know that most people arriving are in the same situation....not only tired,
but confused by the new unfamiliar surrounding and not 100% alert. In order
not to be taken advantage of, one must be as "together" as possible
on arrival.
When stepping out of the relative "protection" of the airport arrival area, into the sea of waiting taxi drivers, hotel hawkers and other folks, I want be perceive as having all my gear "under control".
If I appear to be in control of all my stuff, opportnists will look for "softer targets"....While the "sharks" hassle all the other arriving travelers, I am free to look around, find the transportation I need, select an honest looking cab driver, negotiate a fare and get on my way.
Once I get to my hotel, check in, safely lock up my computer and other vauable equipment with my PacSafe, I can head out into the world to start working...often times that means getting my own transportation...a scooter.
Wearing this camera bag system I can travel easily on motorcycles, my favorite transportation option in most countries. As opposed to a backpack system, I am ready to pull over and shoot at a moment's notice..
.Laos
2003
Read more about transportation in developing countries here on my "Honda Dream page"
.
