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pgbphotographytas
04-03-2010, 7:10pm
This is a small review of the LowePro TopLoad Zoom 2 camera bag which I purchased to carry my gear. For all the technical details see this link to the LowePro website on it:

My reason for deciding on this bag was that my camera kit is only small and as such my previous bag a LowePro Inverse 200AW was both too large and also hard to carry, being a waist pack / shoulder bag it was not really designed well either way. When used as a waist bag and carried around the waist the load was not very well supported and when carried via the shoulder strap it would not sit well beside me.

The TopLoad Zoom 2 is a small to medium sized bag which is designed to hold a DSLR camera with a small zoom lens and another small lens plus batteries, charger, spare memory cards and other small accessories. I have seen some people use the large front pocket to store a flash but as it is not padded I would not like to try this.

The TopLoad Zoom 2 is well built like all LowePro bags and features the ability to be used as both a shoulder bag and waist pack attached to your belt, I tried the TopLoad Zoom 2 loaded with the same model camera and lenses as what I have in the shop before I purchased it and found carrying it both ways it was much more comfortable then what the LowePro Inverse 200AW was to carry. Due to the smaller size and less weight it sits on the shoulder nicely and when carried on a belt it sits on the side well with little movement.

In the main compartment of my TopLoad Zoom 2 I have the following which fits well:
Nikon D3000 DSLR with Tamron 90mm F2.8 Macro lens attached.
Nikon 18-55mm VR “Kit lens”
Small hand towel.

In the front pocket I have this:
AC Charger and cord
Spare battery
2 x SD cards
LowePro gloves.
Small torch
Notepad and pen

Overall I am very happy with it, it cost me $50, holds everything I want without being huge and protects my gear very well.

Here are some images:
1) – Front view.
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z11/tanger32au/04032010_CTPLZ21-1.jpg

2) – Top view open with camera.
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z11/tanger32au/04032010_CTPLZ23.jpg

3) – Top view with no camera.
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z11/tanger32au/04032010_CTPLZ25.jpg

4) – Top view showing lens in bottom.
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z11/tanger32au/04032010_CTPLZ26.jpg

5) – Front pocket.
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z11/tanger32au/04032010_CTPLZ27.jpg

pgbphotographytas
04-03-2010, 10:50pm
I forgot the link: http://products.lowepro.com/product/Topload-Zoom-2,2052,8.htm

Gluggy
12-03-2010, 1:37pm
I have one of these too Paul and got it for the same reason (other bag too big for small trips). The best thing about this bag is that I can fit the 27-55 lens in the front pouch and the 50-200 on the camera and I still have a little room for a spare batt and cleaning brush. Perfect for those small meets around town. I still have my larger sling bag for when I go treking but this is a beaut for the other jobs.

pgbphotographytas
12-03-2010, 2:58pm
I have one of these too Paul and got it for the same reason (other bag too big for small trips). The best thing about this bag is that I can fit the 27-55 lens in the front pouch and the 50-200 on the camera and I still have a little room for a spare batt and cleaning brush. Perfect for those small meets around town. I still have my larger sling bag for when I go treking but this is a beaut for the other jobs.

Yes I have to agree, for me it is almost perfect :)