Behind the Design: Optics Series

Build a comfortable, flexible carrying solution for birders and wildlife watchers. That was the mission of our product and design teams as they set out to create the Lowepro Optics Series.

We learned that most birders and wildlife watchers explore the natural world with three items: binoculars and/or a spotting scope, a field guide and/or tablet and a notebook. Some carry cameras, extra lenses and digiscoping adapters. And most like to keep a few creature comforts within easy reach (water, phone, snack, sunglasses, etc.).

 

We also gleaned that comfort and protection were key issues—both in-field and in-transit. So we considered the different needs while hiking and observing versus auto and air travel with gear.

After many hours, days, weeks and months of discussions, outings and observations with birders, naturalists, wildlife photographers and weekend enthusiasts, we finalized the collection. One beltpack: the Field Station. Three backpacks: Scope Porter 200 AW, Scope Travel 200 AW and Scope Photo Travel 350 AW. Each purpose built for protection, comfort and easy transport of optics and camera gear.

 

Before the Optics Series launched, we took out a crew from our home office in Northern California to test the beltpack and backpacks at Las Gallinas wildlife ponds and marsh. The results were favorable.

 

The hands-free designs made it easy to use binoculars and big glass. The silent zippers and clips didn’t disturb the avian subjects. The supportive harness systems and padded backpads added comfort while walking or standing patiently for long periods of time.

 

We created a mini-site devoted to the Optics Series where you can get a better look at each design and feature, plus watch videos with the bags in action. We’ve even added a helpful Optics Series Fit Guide so you know which designs will fit your kit. Please check it out. We hope it inspires you to find a bag for your big day!

Katrina Neill

About Katrina Neill

Katrina was the Senior Editor & Communications Manager for Lowepro.

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