*sigh* Lowepro alternatives? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II

09/05/2009 09:38:46 AM · #1

So, 18 months...give or take...and my Slingshit 200AW is all but done. After the bottom-side zipper went off the rail about 3 months ago, my resourceful better half managed to nip-and-tuck it back together, as evidenced here:

Now, the frikkin' POS may be beyond help, as the zipper track itself has itself has lifted away from the "canvas":

I'm not particularily rough with my gear, but the more I think on it, the 200AW may not have been enough bag for me. I've collected a couple more lenses and assorted stuff like strobes, modifiers, wireless triggers, and more. Plus, the one-armed sling has some pros and cons to the design...I liked being able to access my camera body without unslinging, but it was a bit awkward when not strapped across my chest (since I often have other things in my hands, like my Manfrotto). Even when it was, after an 8-hour day, the imbalanced nature of the design had a tendency to leave my shoulder/neck a bit sore.

Here's my gear list:

Rebel XSi
70-200 F4 L
28-135 IS USM
18-55 IS
50mm 1.8 II
580EX II flash
Sigma EF-530DG Super flash
ST E2
Alien Bees wireless flash trigger (Rx & Tx)
Lumiquest Softbox III
Cameron Gold/White fold-away reflector
non-camera related detritus like wallet,keys

I'm not un-sold on Lowepro, but honestly...this bag should have lasted longer for the price. What do you carry? Let the linkage begin!

Message edited by author 2009-09-05 10:06:05.

bergiekat

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

09/05/2009 09:40:49 AM · #2

Check these guys.

ALSO...contact LowePro as this isn't an isolated issue. They should replace it.

OdysseyF22

Panasonic DC-G9

Olympus 12-45mm f/4.0 Pro

09/05/2009 09:46:30 AM · #3

I've always used Tamrac bags, and they're one of the few brands I'm loyal to. The quality has been great - all the abuse I've put them through, not a single one has ever failed in any way.

09/05/2009 10:07:30 AM · #4

Originally posted by bergiekat:

Check these guys.

ALSO...contact LowePro as this isn't an isolated issue. They should replace it.

lol, I agree...but does their warranty run for more than a year? Your link just takes me to "linkedin.com", and prompts for a login.

09/05/2009 10:08:31 AM · #5

Originally posted by OdysseyF22:

I've always used Tamrac bags, and they're one of the few brands I'm loyal to. The quality has been great - all the abuse I've put them through, not a single one has ever failed in any way.

Yep, on my short list of manufacturers. Any particular model you've enjoyed? Something that will fit most, if not all, of my gear?

Bebe

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

09/05/2009 10:23:50 AM · #6

I'm sad to hear about the LowePro. I have no suggestions, but DON'T get the canon backpack. The zipper on mine broke & my camera & lenses fell onto a concrete floor about a year ago (fortunately no major damage). All I know is that I'll never get another backpack with that design - the consequences are too awful when the zipper fails.

Message edited by author 2009-09-05 10:25:28.

OdysseyF22

Panasonic DC-G9

Olympus 12-45mm f/4.0 Pro

09/05/2009 10:47:13 AM · #7

Originally posted by david_c:

Originally posted by OdysseyF22:
I've always used Tamrac bags, and they're one of the few brands I'm loyal to. The quality has been great - all the abuse I've put them through, not a single one has ever failed in any way.

Yep, on my short list of manufacturers. Any particular model you've enjoyed? Something that will fit most, if not all, of my gear?

I'd think the Model 5608 Pro 12 would probably hold it all (except maybe the softbox & reflector - not sure how they fold down. But I have the Pro 12 myself, and it holds two bodies, 4 lenses, flashes, accessories, all with room to spare.

If that seems too big, the Pro 8 model is somewhat smaller but just as good a bag - that's the one I had back a bit, when all my stuff still fit in it.

If you're more into a backpack-style, their Expedition series is very good. I had an Expedition 5 that did pretty well with holding my gear - an Expedition 6-10 would be even bigger and one of those models would eventually hold all you needed. Me, I decided it was easier to store/carry a shoulder bag instead of a backpack.

bfox2

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

09/05/2009 11:38:05 AM · #8

Originally posted by david_c:

Originally posted by bergiekat:
Check these guys.

ALSO...contact LowePro as this isn't an isolated issue. They should replace it.

lol, I agree...but does their warranty run for more than a year? Your link just takes me to "linkedin.com", and prompts for a login.

Originally posted by Lowepro:

How Long Does The Coverage Last?

This warranty lasts as long as you, the original purchaser, own your Lowepro product.

//www.lowepro.com/support/warranty

FWIW I had a lowepro backpack where the shoulder strap began to come undone after having owned it for 6+ years and put it through some extremely rigorous travels. I contacted lowepro and a rep was very responsive in trying to help me replace it. Unfortunately they didn't have that model (or anything similar anymore) and while they were more than happy to replace it for something of equivalent cost I ended up just getting it fixed at a pack repair shop.

If you really like the Lowepro back I'd suggest trying that route first.

ETA: warranty link

Message edited by author 2009-09-05 11:38:36.

09/05/2009 12:07:08 PM · #9

Originally posted by bfox2:

If you really like the Lowepro back I'd suggest trying that route first.

ETA: warranty link

Thanks for that link, Ben...I think they'll tell me: "nor does it cover the natural breakdown of materials that occurs after extended use (i.e. zipper wear, fabric abrasion, etc.)."...but I'll look in to it. For all of me, it does look like shoddy workmanship on the zipper instead of any sort of "normal" wear.

I do like some aspects of the LowePro, but if they don't repair/replace it for me, I may go for a full-backpack style.

soup

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

09/05/2009 12:39:45 PM · #10

i have a tenba back pack that holds a 10d, 30d, 550ex, 430ex, 70-200 f:4, 17-40 f:4, sigma 105mm f:2.8, hoods, charger, laptop, tripod, etc. that's my main storage.

i also have a small backpack that i use for walk arounds. i can attach the small one to the big one with a spring clip...

//www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/552236-REG/Tenba_632_323_Shootout_Backpack_Large_Black_.html

err.. i actually have the medium one..

//www.tenba.com/products/Shootout-Medium-Backpack.aspx

watch the video.

Message edited by author 2009-09-05 12:49:30.

Strikeslip

Canon EOS-5D

09/05/2009 01:31:14 PM · #11

Hehe, check out:
Slippy's Lowepro Slingshit Review video for a laugh. :-)

Intelli

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

09/05/2009 01:41:31 PM · #12

I use Delcey Pro. Extremely durable and I am amazed by the quality.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

09/05/2009 01:47:47 PM · #13

Have a look at the Tamrac model 3375. It is a backpack with two straps, but if you swing off one strap, it swings around and accesses just like the ~~Slingshit~~ Slingshot. (Can't diss mine yet, it is still in good working condition)

Message edited by author 2009-09-05 13:47:56.

marbo

Nikon D5000

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

09/05/2009 01:48:11 PM · #14

I use a Kata t-14. Very tough, will last forever.

Intelli

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

09/05/2009 01:55:05 PM · #15

Originally posted by marbo:

I use a Kata t-14. Very tough, will last forever.

Looks like they need a new product photographer.. that guy needs to lose the gay sweater!

soup

Canon EOS-30D

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

09/05/2009 02:07:26 PM · #16

nice t-shirt.... not :)

Originally posted by Strikeslip:

Hehe, check out:
Slippy's Lowepro Slingshit Review video for a laugh. :-)

chromeydome

Nikon D7000

09/05/2009 03:16:02 PM · #17

My main bag is the Kata 467 and I highly recommend it. They have a new sling style series which I have not used, but based on the quality of the two Kata products I have, I could at least say they will be of superior construction and features--whether they support your particular needs is a personal choice, of course. Same as the slingshot (I have the small one, grew out of it too fast) it seems the middle size one is about right, the largest one is probably not so useful for slinging & swinging. These Katas are convertible--can sling either way, or use as a regular backpack. I got to look at one briefly, but no chance to try it on....

I particularly like the 467 for several reasons--not the least of which is that it looks like a regular sort of backpack and does not scream "camera gear inside"

The design suits me well--I can get two cameras with lenses attached in it, a couple extra lenses, a light meter, speedlight, batteries, etc. Give up one camera body, and a couple of speedlights will go in easily. The yellow interior makes it easy to see inside the bag.

A buddy has the Kata 103 and it is a very nice set up--can carry a lot of gear, well organized, etc.

Tez

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

09/05/2009 03:20:47 PM · #18

I'm looking at getting the Tenba Shootout medium because it looks as if it can hold all my stuff (2 bodies, laptop, tripod, 5 lenses, flashes) and still be portable.

I looked at the Tamrac Expedition, the Lowepro Computrekker, Kata, National Geographic bags, Delsey, Da Kine (one called the Reload looks pretty good) amongst others.

I'm gonna get the Tenba because it seems to simply hold everything.

soup

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II

09/05/2009 04:36:40 PM · #19

it's a nice backpack...

US to eastern europe and back... ( it was my carry on... ) plus local travels.

i'm happy with it.

Originally posted by Tez:

Message edited by author 2009-09-05 16:37:15.

bergiekat

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

09/05/2009 08:03:58 PM · #20

Fixed my dumb link!!!
Sorry 'bout that!

thinkTank photo The Rotation360 got great reviews!!

AND....Lifetime Warranty

Message edited by author 2009-09-05 20:05:00.

glad2badad

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Lensbaby Sweet 35 Optic

09/05/2009 10:42:47 PM · #21

Hmmm...I have a closet full of LowePro bags of various shapes and sizes, including the Slingshot 200. I've had good luck with them over the years (knock on wood). The tags on the bags say Lifetime warranty (at least the last couple I looked at). I'd think LowePro would replace the bag for you. ???

If something else works for you, great, but personally I wouldn't be so quick to abandon LowePro. JMO of course. :-)

Tez

Sony 16-35mm f/4 Vario-Tessar T* FE ZA OSS Lens

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

09/05/2009 11:35:10 PM · #22

yeah it's worth giving lowepro a call and explaining the situation. You never know, they might send you a new bag or discount another one. Their Computrekker looks like a pretty damned sweet bag.

bryanbrazil

Sony Alpha a7R III

09/07/2009 06:39:18 PM · #23

They'll replace it. I've had my Slingshot 200 replaced twice because of zipper issues.

Originally posted by david_c:

Originally posted by bfox2:
If you really like the Lowepro back I'd suggest trying that route first.

ETA: warranty link

Thanks for that link, Ben...I think they'll tell me: "nor does it cover the natural breakdown of materials that occurs after extended use (i.e. zipper wear, fabric abrasion, etc.)."...but I'll look in to it. For all of me, it does look like shoddy workmanship on the zipper instead of any sort of "normal" wear.

I do like some aspects of the LowePro, but if they don't repair/replace it for me, I may go for a full-backpack style.

spiritualspatula

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

09/10/2009 07:41:01 AM · #24

Originally posted by Strikeslip:

Hehe, check out:
Slippy's Lowepro Slingshit Review video for a laugh. :-)

My favorite part, by far, was the intensity brought by your music selection.