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New to SLR digital photography. I am an obsessive researcher when buying big items and ended up getting a Nikon D90 with the kit lens(18-105VR). Did the same with camera bags. I'm not as crazy as some about the "sling" bag by Lowepro. I found this at Best Buy then later ordered it on Amazon.
For the money I love this bag!
1)It seems extremely well made. I can not imagine dust or anything getting to my precious camera when it is in this bag.
2)It closes with a zipper and then a flap and then even has a bag for rain that covers the whole thing if needed. It comes from a hidden zipped pocket in the outside bottom of the bag.
3)Very versatile with the pads & velcro to design the inside any way you want. (I had extra pads and put them in the pocket under the lid which helps protect the camera screen even more when the bag is closed.)
4)Has a strong handle on top to carry or a an excellent over the shoulder adjustable strap that is easy to put on the bag but difficult to get off -which is good. You are not going to drop your bag due to the strap coming loose.
5) The bag is just the right size. I would not get the smaller one. This one has some growing room. Could fit another zoom or two, maybe a flash.
6) PLENTY of pockets, everywhere for memory cards (2 specifically padded for the cards)or whatever.
7) I even like the color.
My D90 with the lens hood on fits lens down into it perfectly with pads on each side and room on both sides for more. I believe it would work with the 70-300mm and the 18-200VR lens (on the camera).
I read a lot of reviews and looked at a lot of bags online. It was when I got the bag ,put the camera in and really looked it that I realized how great it is. There were no reviews yet but I could not be happier with this choice.
Hope this helps my fellow obsessive researchers make a decision.
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Previously, I had purchased the Lowepro Slingshot 200, thinking that it would be practical in its unique way of accessing equipment in a hurry. After auditioning it with all my equipment, I realized that there was no way that I would, or want to grow into the leftover space inside that huge camera bag. So, I returned it to the store. While researching camera bags further, I came across the Nova 180 AW. Knowing that I'd be satisfied with the quality from seeing other Lowepro bags, it was only the size that I was concerned about. Before I ordered this bag from Beach Camera through Amazon, I went to the local store to see the smaller, Nova 170 AW model to see how it looked for sizing. Although the 170 model is not actually very much smaller than the 180, it only would hold just my camera with lens attached, a second lens and one flash unit. After trying all my equipment in the bigger 180 model, I see that it fits my equipment (Nikon D80 w/70-300mm lens attached; a 28-80mm lens; 2 separate flash units -Sb600 & sdx50) and with room to spare for 2 other lenses or flash units. I believe that I could reconfigure the dividers to hold 2 DSLR's with lenses attached, plus 2 flash units or lenses. There are lots of pockets on the outside and an all weather cover which means a lot to me as I enjoy nature photography. The pockets inside the top lid hold lens filters nicely, and the smaller 2 pockets for SD cards is a very appreciated touch. I tried on the bag with all my gear inside to see how heavy it would be. Not bad, actually, and quite comfortable to wear on account of the padded strap. Prior to this whole 'camera bag hunting expedition' I used the Tamrac Expedition III backpack. It was a tad too small and was very inconvenient for getting at the camera in a hurry as I had to remove it completely and find a place to set it down flat in order to take anything out (otherwise, contents would just fall out of the bag once you'd unzip it, if it was upright). The Nova 180 carries like a purse, is accessable like a purse, is comfortable whether wearing the strap diagonally across chest or on one shoulder. I was concerned about its boxy appearance and how it would effect the wearability, but it doesn't feel cumbersome at all. This bag is going on a trip with me and I'll carry it on the plane. It crossed my mind that this bag screams 'camera bag' and I might be targeted by thieves, but I think wearing it across my chest will keep it pretty secure. The bag and I are both pretty sturdy, so we'd endure the struggle, no worries;-)I agree with the previous reviewer on this bag, particularly to get this size rather than the 170. The small difference in dimensions ends up being a big difference somehow, in terms of capacity.
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This is a great bag for someone looking for a good carry-all and storage solution for a medium size DSLR with extras. This bag is large enough for me to carry *all* my camera equipment with me. It has room for my Canon 60D with EF-S 18-135mm lens attached its the perfect height for lens-down storage, and the body fits across the width or length depending on configuration. Plus it fits an additional lens, external flash, battery charger, etc. It has enough space if I decide to buy another lens or two, or if I carry a charger for rechargeable AA batteries (for the flash). The pocket on the exterior flap is good for lens caps or filters, and the exterior pocket can hold batteries, cables, you name it. While it has a good amount of storage, I think it's a bit too bulky for regularly carrying around while shooting I'd get something smaller and more basic that can carry just the camera with lens attached and maybe an extra battery.
The bag feels solidly constructed/stitched, nice zippers, and it's fairly rigid it will maintain its boxy shape even when empty. It comes with two large (~6" wide) dividers (with floppy tops) to be used across the width, three narrow (~3" wide) dividers to span between the large dividers, and one half-height divider to create a small compartment (e.g. for a 50mm prime). All the dividers are padded and have full-length velcro along the edges. The top of the bag features a nice sturdy lip that keeps the interior fairly protected when the top is latched but not zippered this is a feature I like and it is present on Lowepro and some other brands, but not all. The lip will keep the bag fully closed when carried by the shoulder strap, and somewhat closed when carried by the handle. The front buckle can be cinched tight. The shoulder strap is very adjustable, and the pad features a surface that is neither slippery nor rubbery/ultra-grippy, which I think is a good compromise. The buckles are metal ans seem strong enough.
When wearing the bag, the top flips toward the user's body (opening facing away) and can be flipped completely down against the body for access to the interior [for an example that opens towards the user (top flips away) see M-ROCK Glacier Bay 661 Digital SLR Camera Cases (Black) ]. The two 'water bottle holders' on the sides are elastic but I'm not sure that anything would fit securely there. As for the all-weather cover...it's stitched into the seam of the front pocket and although it folds up compactly in a dedicated compartment, it can't be removed without cutting it off.
As another reviewer mentions, the Chestnut Brown color is hard to describe (it's actually two tone) but I find it to be a nice change from ubiquitous black luggage and gear cases. As far as the style...well it is obviously a camera/camcorder case. I had been searching for a bag that looked more subtle, like a generic messenger bag or shoulder bag, but none of the ones I found featured zippered tops something I deem as essential for travel. I sacrificed some style for a lot of functionality and so far I don't regret it.
Honest reviews on Lowepro Nova 180 AW Camera Bag - Chestnut Brown
I am a new photography student so everything is a new experience. We were told to make sure we get a bag with lots of padding and Lowepro was a suggested brand offering those features. My bag holds a my big camera, a 50mm and short zoom lens, an SB600 flash, card reader, lens cleaner, eye glasses, eight batteries in holders, several cards, and the owners manuals for the camera and flash. There are two little side pockets for cell phone and chewing gum. This bag seems to be the right size for storing everything. To other newbees, as the collection of photographic equipment grows over time, another bag might be needed. However, it was recommended that the photographer take only what is needed for the intended photographic excursion. So, this bag will serve me for a very long time because it is the right size for me to travel with.
The handsome bag is muted in color and offers custom interior configurations for your stuff. The zippers are well constructed and offer easy in and out of the compartments. The handle is well padded and large enough to accomodate even large hands. The shoulder strap is wide with extra padding providing comfort when toted in that way. Although I had not shopped much for bags outside of the internet, it is sturdy and comfortable. I read in previous postings that the hardware on this bag were well made. Although I have not thought to examine the hardware, it seems to fit the calibur of the bag. For me, it is not too big and not too small and offers portability, organization, and protection of my little collection of stuff.
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I have two other Lowepro bags that are extremely well made. I purchased them about three years ago. I was shocked to see how much their quality has gone downhill. The canvas used was thin and stiff. The seams are not all double stitched and the cording they used to use around the seams doesn't exist any longer. Also, the plastic clamps are much less heavy duty and don't appear they will stand up as well over time. I have loved all of my old bags by Lowepro, but I purchased another camera and needed a larger case. I am so disappointed and will be returning this bag and going to the local camera store to check out some other brands before I purchase my next bag. As far as the size, there is no way this holds a DSLR and 4-5 lenses. I have a Canon 5D Mark II with the Canon 24mm-105mm lens. I also carry my 85mm lens. With these two items in the bag, most space is taken up. You would have to have extremely small lenses to have it hold 4 to 5 lenses.
