Hmm, very nice I thought. Doesn't even look like a camera bag. Very stealthy, won't attract those camera theives. I opened it up had a good look at the innards, looked well padded, in a light greyish material.
I needed a new camera bag as I recently discovered that my new Nikon D700 and 14-24mm combo will longer fit into my faithful Lowepro slingshot 100.
I decided to go home and find out more about this camera bag. I found a couple of reviews both had goods things to say about it. I then found an online retailer in Sydney selling them for only $215 AUD. Nice.
I called them up and asked if we could come and check if my camera and lenses would fit. My kit consists of a Nikon D700, Sigma 70-200mm, Nikon 14-24mm and Nikon 50mm. They said no problems. Anyway, everything fitted nicely and only comes in two colours, black or sepia (looks more khaki to me). I got the sepia.
Outside - Lowepro Classified 160 AW
Front View
Back View
The outside of the bag is made from nylon, looks and feels quite tough and durable. Will definitely be able to stand up to the elements. The stitching is uniform and straight which good news. The shoulder strap is padded provides cushioning and relief for the "poor" shoulder when the bag is fully loaded.
There are 3 separate compartments, 2 in the front and one at the back.
First compartment
The opened zipper you can see is not another compartment, it is a gusset to allow for expansion if additional capacity is required.
Second compartment with memory card wallet
Memory card wallet opened
The memory card wallet can hold up to 6 CF cards.
Third compartment is around the back
Uniform and straight sticthing - check the discrete logo
Uniform and straight sticthing
Buckle for attaching the strap
Lowepro Logo - very discrete
The Lowepro logo is more discrete, which is excellent. I really hated the logos on my other Lowepro bags. It's a beacon for camera theives.
Inside - Lowepro 160AW
The interior is grey padded material, nice and soft. There are 3 separate compartments. The center one has leather trimming on the top where the camera rests with an adjustable support pad depending on the length of your lens.
The compartment on the left has 2 separate pouches on opposite sides, one at the top and other at the bottom. The one at the top contains a microfibre cloth, the bottom is empty for storage. Closer inspection revealed that the compartments can be adjusted to suit, they are held in place by velcro.
View of the inside - coat hanger used to keep it opened
Can I really fit these items in?
Sigma 70-200mm and Nikon 50mm in first
Nikon D700 with 14-24mm last to go in
With everything packed in the bag does not look bloated at all. Check both views of the bag. Still pretty streamline. Nice.
Horizontal View
Vertical View
The only annoying thing is that whenever I pull my Nikon D700 & 14-24mm out the lens cap on the 14-24mm gets left behind. This only happens when the Sigma 70-200mm is packed in. I guess the girth of the Sigma pushes the padding against the 14-24mm lens cap and holds it in place as the D700 is pulled out.
It is also a tad heavy, not sure if I would want to walk around for long periods with his across my shoulder. I bought it mainly to the carry my 14-24mm and 50mm. If I need to carry all 3 lenses then I will resort to my Lowepro micro trekker 200 which is more comfortable and less stress on the shoulder.
I have only ever taken the bag out with just the Nikon D700 & 50mm combo. It was very comfortable but that combination didn't exactly weigh that much. I will test it with the Nikon 14-24mm next time and see how that goes. I let the bag hang around waist height as it allows me access to the camera quite comfortably and easily.
Update:
I took it out on the weekend with both the 14-24mm & 50mm. It was very comfortable, my shoulder didn't get sore and I never took the bag off once in over 2 hours. It was quite handy as I was able to store the 14-24mm lens cap safely inside the bag and was able to quickly retrieved it when I needed to replaced the lens cap back onto the lens.
All weather (AW) - Classified 160 has its own built-in "rain coat"
Hidden in a secret pouch at the back
Back View
Front View
Buckle poked through the "rain coat" slot
Won't have to worry about inclement weather. You need to undo the strap and poke the buckle through the slot in the "rain coat" and put the strap back on.
Pros
Stealthy & discrete apperance
Nikon D700 and 14-24mm combo fits
Excellent build quality
Highly Recommended!
