Lowepro Toploader Pro 65 AW Review

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I have so many camera bags in my possession right now that I actually think I've beaten my girlfriend's stash of bags and purses. Each bag I have has a significant purpose for the things I do in life. Whether it be for a long trip overseas or an in studio photo session, each bag does it's job. I needed a bag that wasn't a backpack, a suitcase or even "a typical camera bag." Something that could lug around my Canon 5D mated with a 70-200 Telephoto lens and battery grip. I accidentally purchased the Topload Zoom AW thinking that's the one I needed. Apparently it's not modeled for a Camera with Battery Grip, so I returned it and picked up the Toploader Pro 75 AW. (Please be careful when selecting one of the 7 TopLoad bags that Lowepro has to offer.

The Toploader Pro 75 AW fits my Canon 5D (Series 1) with Battery Grip and Strap just about right. It's a little tight with no room to move, but after adjusting the removable foam pads around, I can say that the fit is almost perfect. I can have my 70-200 2.8 mounted to the body with the grip or my 17-40 with no problem. I just recently purchased the Lens Case LC 1 and LC 2 to take advantage of Lowepro's Sliplock System with this Bag. The Oblong shape is what I really like about this bag. I'm a skinny dude, 5'8 and the bag seems to rest just right around my hip and down my side. My Speedlite with in it's case fits comfy in the front pocket and the open pocket on the other side is nice enough to put little nick'nacks in as well. Overall, I'm very happy with this bag and with my purchase directly from Amazon. Do try to go to a camera shop and check one out for yourself to make sure it's the right fit for you before order. It will save you a lot of time. Thanks

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Lowepro Toploader Pro 75 AW

READ OTHER REVIEWS CAREFULLY. Look at what the reviewer actually was describing. Several of the "most helpful" were actually for the Zoom AW models (not the *Pro* AW, which are more expensive, better padding, better materials, more attachment options). It seems like an Amazon problem; I think the reviews sometimes get incorrectly attached to a product "family," even to distant relatives on the family tree.

Other reviews of *this bag* are pretty much on the money: well built, well padded, nice expanding accessory pockets, good zippers, good stitching, lots of attachment/carrying options. I own both a Zoom 50 AW (consumer grade/price) and this Pro 75 AW (pro grade/price). The Pro is worth the price premium to me because of the additional protection offered to my gear while hiking and Nordic skiing (with seemingly no weight penalty). The only negative is that the rain cover is relatively complicated (compared to the Zoom AW). The Zoom AW is as simple as a shower cap; but, it has to be removed in order to access your camera. The Pro AW rain cover is much trickier to get on the bag, but allows access to the main compartment while it is still in place (though the accessory pockets are inaccessible). Neither cover is effective in heavy rain; but, they are both very helpful to me as extra protection from light rain or snow (in wetter conditions, I put my gear in heavy duty Ziploc bags inside the Lowepro).

I'm impressed enough that Lowepro will be tops on my list for my next bag purchase.

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Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program Lowepro Topload Zoom 55AW Camera Bag (Black)

PROS:

Long enough to fit a Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens while attached to a Canon T1i camera (with the sun shade on the lens in the flipped around packed position).

Velcro divider that can separate two smaller lenses.

Lid has a zippered compartment with a protective triangle of fabric to tuck the zipper pull behind to not scratch the camera. (See note on camera lid in cons below.)

Loops on exterior webbing (possible use for slipping a small travel tripod through).

D-rings on top strap and more importantly on the bottom of this long bag can be used to keep the bag from flopping around while walking.

Handy rain cover for the bag that is attached to the bag and tucks neatly in the flap located at the back of the bag.

Belt loop attachment.

Carrying handle is sturdy and comfortable in the hand.

CONS:

The lid could be made out of a soft fabric versus nylon which would provide a softer surface as it does touch the camera screen. A thick micro fiber type fabric would be nice.

Exterior zippered compartment could be used for a flash unit if the compartment were padded.

This case would have received 4 stars if it had more padding in the bottom of the bag to protect the lens.

Honest reviews on Lowepro Toploader Pro 65 AW

I ordered the 55 AW for my D5100 with 70-300 VR zoom lens and hood attached, but it fell over 1 inch short of fitting, with hood in shooting position. When I reversed the hood, it barely fit; but the hood's outter edge snagged on the lower seams of the velcro that is sewn halfway down inside (for a divider), while trying to pull it back out of the case. It was frustrating to get it back out once, and I did not put it back in again; I was afraid I would break my hood or tear up the lens/camera trying to get it out. The padding is also thin on the 55 model, and does not seem adequate enough for the safety of my equipment, when wilderness hiking. However, I just got the PRO 75 AW, and it is perfect!!! Much better built in terms of padding and pockets; it holds my camera with battery grip, 70-300mm zoom lens attached and hood on, in shooting position. And it also holds my 18-55 wide angle zoom in the upper compartment in front, and extra batteries and a micro cloth in the lower. It came with both chest harness and padded shoulder strap, and is exactly what I needed for trail photography; I LOVE IT!!! For whatever reason, Amazon would not let me review the PRO 75, saying I had already reviewed it, and asked if I wanted to edit. When I clicked the link, it brought me here, to my review of the 55 AW, so I edited. The 4 stars is for the PRO 75; I originally only gave the 55 AW a 3 star rating, and that was being generous.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Lowepro Toploader Pro 65 AW

I am using this holster with a Canon 50D w/ a battery grip and a 70-200 f2.8. The camera and lens fit great even with the lens hood inverted. It even has enough room in the front pocket for my Canon flash. I added a Lowepro lens case mounted to the side for an additional wide angle zoom. The quality is top notch!