Review: Vanguard Up-Rise 15Z vs Lowepro TopLoader 55AW

Best Value For Money

 
This is a follow up post to my original Lowepro TopLoader 45AW & 55AW Review, this is an alternative camera bag to the TopLoader 55AW, albeit with slightly different characteristics, hit the jump to learn more.
 

Both bags feature rain protection covers

 
WARNING: Long story ahead, if you want the conclusion, jump to the pictures immediately.
 
If you've been following the blog for some time, you should know by now that I am a one body, one lens kind of shooter, so I like to leave home with just one lens, however when I need to carry more gear, I could take my Lowepro Runner 200AW backpack (currently used as my storage box in the wardrobe, probably haven't seen daylight except for a couple of times), but that is not a practical solution when all I needed was to carry one more lens or a speedlite.
 
And that's why the 55AW served me well, it could easily carry my old 60D with the 15-85 lens, and take one more lens beneath, under the velcro separator (check the review if you don't get what I'm talking about), it can even carry a large 580EX speedlite in the front pocket, so that's one camera, two lenses and one flash. And even if I needed to carry an extra lens, I could attach one or two Lowepro lens cases to the sides. That's a great package in such a small size.
 
So why did I buy the Up-Rise 15Z then? Since I changed to the 5D Mark II, everything got slightly bigger, the camera body got larger, the 24-105 is larger than any of my old lenses, and both the 100 Macro L and 200 L are significantly tall, so I couldn't fit any lenses beneath the separator anymore, and even adding a speedlite to the outer pocket became a very tight fit since the camera body inside became larger and pushed against the outer pocket. So I only used the 55AW to carry the camera and one large lens (I only use the 45AW to carry the camera and the 50 1.4).
 
The Lowepro 55AW was reduced to just carrying the camera and one large lens, but it was taller than I needed, and then I saw the Vanguard Up-Rise 15Z, it looked slightly better to my eye, well padded, slightly shorter, and had a great, padded shoulder strap. So I bought one and gave the 55AW to my brother who has just got a 60D and the budget holy trinity (18-55, 55-250 and 50 1.8).
 

No slip lock on the Vanguard, it has much better build quality however

 
See that zipper in the middle, the Vanguard can be extended vertically by about 2 cm to house longer lenses, I never needed to extend it, it can easily hold my 5D Mark III + Canon 200 f/2.8 L + reversed lens hood.
 

Close up of the expansion zipper, have a look at the tough strap connection

 

Compare that to the Lowepro 55AW, lower build quality here

 

You have to unlock this before expanding the bag

 

Compare the shoulder straps, the Lowepro usually hurt my shoulder, but if you like this bag, you can buy an aftermarket strap

 
As you've seen above, there's obvious differences in build and material quality between the two, but not much difference in the price. That difference continues to the insides as well, the padding is much thicker as well.
 

Memory card pockets, the Lowepro had a much larger inside pocket

 

That holder helps carry the camera if the lens doesn't reach the bottom, useless with lens hoods

 

The outer pocket here is much smaller, the net separator is useful

 
As you've seen above, there's no inside separator, but that's not why I got this bag, that hole thingy is a great idea for people not using lens hoods, but I removed it (it uses velcro from one side) and happily use my lens hoods reversed. The outer and inner pockets are smaller, but they are ok for holding memory cards and small items (wallet, keys, mobile phone, etc...) easily. All in all, it is a more rugged choice to protect your gear.
 
 
CONCLUSION
 
If you are using small DSLRs and need to carry a few lenses/speedlite/table top tripod, go ahead and get the Lowepro TopLoader 55AW, it is an excellent value for money, and hosts lots of gear in a small package. It features a rain cover, a belt loop, and can make use of Lowepro's Slip Lock accessories.
 
On the other hand, if you need to carry one DSLR and one long lens, and want the bag to be strong, well padded and more comfortable to use, then get the Vanguard Up-Rise 15Z. It also has a rain cover and a belt loop.
 
You can't go wrong with either bags, both are excellent value for money.
 
 
RELATED POSTS
 
Review: Lowepro TopLoader 45AW & 55AW
Review: Lowepro Runner 200AW
Review: Lowepro SlingShot 302AW
 

 

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Camera Bag for 2 Cameras: LowePro Slingshot 302 AW

Are you looking for a bag that can hold two cameras (even with a 70-200 2.8) and allow you to access either of them readily?  If so, check out the LowePro Slingshot 302 AW.


I have two cameras so that I can quickly use different focal lengths, without having to resort to using a superzoom lens (all the compromises that entails).  Usually, my Nikon D300 is equipped with a standard zoom (Tamron 17-50 2.8 VC) while my Nikon D70 has my tele zoom lens (Sigma 50-150 2.8).  I also like to carry two (or more) speedlights with me.

I was quite pleased with my previous camera bag, the Targus SBM200 backpack (reviewed here).  Besides being almost half the cost of the similar LowePro Slingshot 202AW, I found that the SBM200 (and presumably the 202AW) could be configured to carry both my cameras while still allowing me to access either camera readily.  Unfortunately, the Targus was not very sturdy.  It suffered a couple of ripped seams within just 3 months of using it.  It was still serviceable but it looked worn and beat up, and my wife was asking me to replace it.

One of the ripped seams on my Targus SBM200

So, after almost exactly a year, I decided to replace the Targus with the Slingshot 302AW, the bigger version of the 202AW.  The cost (around $73 shipped) was the same as that of the 202AW and I figured the extra space would come in handy.  I ordered mine from Amazon and the order was fulfilled through B&H Photo Video.

BUILD QUALITY
The 302AW looks well constructed although I would not describe it as premium quality.  I will update this review after a few months of use to see how well it holds up.

CAPACITY
The 302AW has a capacious interior.  In the default configuration, the main compartment can fit a camera with a lens plus 7 more lenses or speedlights.  If you're willing to go with 6 lenses or speedlights, then the camera can even be equipped with a 70-200 2.8.

My preferred configuration is to fit it for two cameras.  As you can see it has no problems whatsoever and could fit even two cameras with 70-200 2.8 lenses.

The top compartment is also very roomy.  Whereas I struggled to fit two speedlights in my old Targus, this one easily accommodates 3 speedlights, with ample additional room for other accessories (perhaps a TTL cord).

OTHER FEATURES
My favorite feature is the tripod holder (pictured above with a Targus TG-P60T tripod).  The tripod holder was added to the slingshots with the -2 model name (so the 100, 200, 300 and 350 won't have a tripod holder).  Unlike the Targus, the tripod holder is located in a way that doesn't prevent the main compartment from being opened even when a tripod is attached.  Unfortunately, I don't think it will be possible to use the holder for anything larger than a medium-sized tripod.

The 302AW has other nifty features, such as this built-in all-weather cover that slips out from under the bag (hence the "AW" designation in the model name).  That could come in handy not just for rain but also sand in the beach and other harsh environments.

Another feature that I like is the dedicated memory card holders in the flap of the main compartment.  The holders are large enough to fit Compact Flash memory cards.  The flaps make it very easy and convenient to switch memory cards, which can sometimes be hard to fish out of a larger pocket when you're in a hurry.

The 302AW does not have a laptop compartment.  For that you'll need the Slingshot 350, but the 350 doesn't have a tripod holder.  At the time of this writing, there is no Slingshot 352.

ERGONOMICS
The slingshot was designed to be able to swing quickly in front of you for quick access to the camera.  Unfortunately, that requires a compromise in the ergonomic design of the backpack -- it only has one strap.  That means the load will be borne primarily by one shoulder, and it can get tiring (based on my experience with the Targus).  I have to admit I'll be tempted to bring a few more accessories with this larger bag so I'm guessing it will be even more tiring to carry this.  However, the bag does come with a waist strap that distributes some of the weight to the hips when you're trekking and don't need to quick access to your camera.

One of the comments I've read about this bag is that because it's so big, it's hard to swing it forward for camera access, unlike its smaller siblings, the 202AW and 102AW.  Although it's definitely bulkier to swing forward compared to my old Targus, I personally don't find it bothersome:

[BTW I'm not sucking my gut - I've really lost weight.  15 lbs over 3 months - thanks to Brazilian jiu-jitsu! :-)  ]

So far I'm pleased with this purchase.  I'll update this as I continue to use it.

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2x Lowepro Review: Toploader Zoom 45 AW & 55 AW + Unraveling The SlipLock™ Mystery

Left: Lowepro Toploader Zoom 55AW, Right: 45AW, Middle: Canon 60D + 15-85

Welcome to a new rare photography accessory review as I'd like to call them. There are just these photography accessories that you don't find enough reviews for, take today's subject for example, check this link and this one for a couple of google searches about these bags, can you see any reviews about them?

That's why I will be reviewing these bags in this post, along with Lowepro's SlipLock system which was a complete mystery for me until I bought the bags and finally understood how it worked. Hit the break for the full treatment.

P.S. This will be a user review (as usual on this blog) rather than a purely technical/features review, if you didn't notice, this is a thing that we are proud of over here.

UPDATE: I have replced my Lowepro 55AW with the Vanguard Up-Rise 15Z, you can find the review here.


BACKGROUND

Before I delve into the review; I would like to talk a little about my requirements in a bag, since not all people will necessarily have the same requirements as I do. I bought my first bag with my first DSLR (the 550D), I wanted something safe and strong to carry the 550D with the kit lens plus the 55-250 lens, I ended up with a boxy camcorder bag, this bag was neither practical nor small enough to carry around, but it fit the purpose as a storage for my camera and lens.

As I acquired more lenses I wanted somewhere (i.e. a bag) to store my camera and lenses and another bag to take with me when I am going out shooting, I wanted a bag with the following features:

• Can easily access the camera quickly.
• Not expensive.
• Large enough to carry my camera and an extra lens or two, yet not huge.
• Can be worn as a sling across my chest.
• Looks professional.

I found all of these features in the Lowepro Toploader Zoom 55 AW, being a toploader it meant that the camera can be easily accessed by opening the top zipper directly, an added bonus was the all-weather-protection in the form of a built-in weatherproof cover that covers the whole bag except for the rear part touching your body, I used it in rain and it protected my equipment 100%.

After a while I upgraded most of my lens collection, acquired some more and I needed a larger bag, so I started looking for something able to carry almost all of my equipment, and I chose the Lowepro Pro Runner 200 AW which I reviewed here.

This is my lens collection so you could get an idea about the relative size of the different lenses, from left to right: 55-250mm, 85mm f/1.8, 60mm f/2.8 Macro, 35mm f/2 and the fat 15-85 mounted to the 60D

They always say that the best camera is the one that you always have with you, so I wanted to buy a bag small enough for my camera plus one lens only, this way I could carry it always with me, I ended up getting the smaller sister of my Toploader 55 AW, the Toploader 45 AW.

From left to right: Pro Runner 200 AW, Toploader Zoom 55 AW, Toploader Zoom 45 AW

THE REVIEW

I usually carry minimal equipment when I'm out shooting and I hate carrying a large bulk with me. I never used the camera strap that ships with it, I hate it because it is not practical and I feel like a mobile advertising agency, I use a nice hand strap instead, but if I need the camera ready all the time I use my brilliant BlackRapid RS-5 strap which I will review later. There are three scenarios for the camera/lens combinations I use:

• All of my equipment: this happens only 5% of the time, that's when I go all out and carry almost all of my lenses, several speedlights, tripod, lightstands, light modifiers, etc... In this situation I use my Pro Runner 200 AW to carry the camera + lenses + one or two speedlites.

Pro Runner 200 AW carrying my 60D and all of my lenses, sometimes I remove one or two lenses and would be able to fit an extra speedlite

• Camera + one lens only: this happens 60% of the time, I pick only one lens (usually a prime unless I know I will need the flexibility of a zoom) and spend a marvelous time only worrying about shooting, it is a refreshment to force yourself to use just one focal length and adapt your shooting style to it. In this situation the Toploader 45 AW is very good, it is small enough yet can carry my 60D with any of my lenses up to the fat 15-85, only the 55-250 does not fit because of it's length. It has an internal pocket for carrying small items like memory cards, and an external pocket that can carry a spare battery, your keys and extra small stuff.

Here's the 45 AW beside the 60D and the 15-85

60D + 15-85 inside the 45 AW, you can see the belt loop at the back, you can hang this bag to your belt, but I believe you have to be quite large to get away with this

Same as above but a different view, you can see the quick release plate attached to my camera

60D + 35mm f/2, one of my favorite combos, as you can see the bag quite large for this combo

Here's the small memory card pocket I told you about

• Camera + one/two lenses and a flash: this happens 35% of the time, I use the Toploader 55 AW usually when I need a speedlite with me, this bag is very versatile, it can carry my 60D plus two lenses, one mounted to the camera and another below the divider inside the main compartment (will show you in the pictures below) and my 580EX II in the outer pocket. Another combo is to use the camera with one lens and fit the 430EX speedlite below the camera in the main compartment, then I fit my Slik table tripod in the outer pocket. If I need more lenses with me I will use the external lens cases and attach them to the outside of the bag, I will show you how this works by the end of this post. You can also carry your camera with a large zoom like the 70-200 f/2.8 in this bag.
  
  
  
  

  

  There's a movable separator which can go up or down to accommodate taller/shorter lenses

  
  

  

  Here's the 55-250 lens in the lower part, when I do that I move the separator up so that when I put the camera it's weight is on the divider and not the lens below it

  
  

  

  Here's the 60D + 15-85 and the 55-250 at the bottom

  
  

  

  580EX II in the outer pocket, which can also fit my not-so-small tabletop tripod

  
  

  

  Like the 45 AW you can attach this bag to your belt

  
  

  

  Unlike the 45 AW this bag supports Lowepro's SlipLock accessories

SlipLock™ System

This is the system Lowepro advertises for attaching extra accessories to their bags, these accessories vary between lens cases and various pouches with different purposes. I have four of these accessories, three lens cases and a sturdy memory card/small battery pouch. My Pro Runner 200 AW backpack and the Toploader Zoom 55 AW supports two SlipLock accessories on each bag. I will let the pictures show you how it works.

Lowepro Toploader Zoom 55 AW, two lens cases and a memory card pouch

Here's the memory card pouch from inside

And this is where it fits to the bag

Here's how it looks attached to the bag

Empty lens case, I believe this was the Lowepro 1S lens case

60mm f/2.8 Macro inside

Lens case backside

This lens case has a double velcro system for more security since this will be carrying a lens

And here's the lens case attached to the bag, you can attach another one to the other side

CONCLUSION

I currently have four camera bags, you saw three in this post and read about my first one (the boxy camcorder bag), I use my first bag to carry my speedlites, wireless triggers, spare batteries, rocket blower etc...

Do I need more bags? I was always tempted by slingshots, and an opportunity arose before me to buy this Delsey Rondo 72, the bag was extremely roomy and carried everything I had with space to spare, but I was not fond of it's large-ish footprint, besides it was the most uncomfortable bag I ever wore, so I returned it and I am very happy with my current bag collection.

This post has taken a long time to write because I got interrupted several times during the process, so I hope it helps you decide on your next camera bag, if you have any comments please don't hesitate to let me know about them.

All of the photos in this article were taken with a Nikon D3100 and the 18-55 kit lens, lighting was a 580EX in a reflective umbrella to camera left and another 580EX bounced to the ceiling for fill light, flashes were triggered using the eBay wireless trigger. On a separate note, I was really impressed with the noise performance @ ISO 3200 of this little camera, maybe I will review it in a later time.

RELATED POSTS

Camera Bag Review: Lowepro Pro Runner 200 AW

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