Some of my most prized possessions I inherited from my father. I have the coin collection that he worked on as a teen. His tattered Boy Scout Handbook sits on my bookshelf. These connections remind me of him.

When I was working in Germany, I noticed that a young man was carrying an old Lowepro backpack. His name is Johannes Leitner. I was admiring his bag and asked him if I could photograph it. As we talked, I asked him where he got it. “My father gave it to me,” he said. He had used it for years, and now it’s my turn.”

I smiled and said, “I would love to meet him.”

“Well, he’s right here,” replied Johannes as he motioned for his father to come over.

So I took their picture. The bag still looks great, and it’s a terrific story that made my day.

Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.

The Lowepro Passport Sling

From the beginning, Lowepro’s Passport Sling has drawn the interest of female photographers in our community. But how would people feel once they had a chance to actually use the bag? I decided to find out by putting a Passport Sling in the hands of Natalie Andes. She’s an enthusiast photographer residing in Broken Arrow, OK, USA. I connected with Natalie via our Facebook Fan Page.

Natalie spent weeks with the Passport Sling, then sent me this review. I’m posting it in its entirety, without editing so you can get the best feel possible for this innovative bag.

The Passport Sling: One Photographer’s Review

by Natalie Andes

A bag is a personal thing. Finding the right one is trial and error. Just take a look into a girl’s closet and you’re bound to find several empty (or mostly empty) purses, totes, messengers, etc. For me, I’m on a quest for the perfect bag for my camera.

I got a Lowepro Passport Sling a few months back and have been spending my time testing it as I gear-up for vacation — the true camera bag test.

Once I got the Sling in my hot little hands, I started trying to place my gear in it: a Canon 40D, an 18-55mm lens and a 70-300mm lens.

I was warned beforehand that all of my equipment wouldn’t fit in the camera “box,” but I’m always up for a challenge. It was suggested that I leave the “box” out of the bag and just put my equipment in that way. That idea was quickly ruled out because the bag, in and of itself, doesn’t provide the protection the box does. Plus, if I’m going to carry around thousands of dollars in camera equipment, it’s going to be protected… period.

The “box” is quite sturdy, but not big. I’m able to carry my camera body with the 18-55mm lens attached in the box. The 70-300mm lens has to stay outside the box. For every day use, the 70-300mm stays home. It’s a sacrifice and I’m happy to make.

A look inside Natalie's Passport Sling. Photo by Natalie Andes.

The bag has several inside pockets for carrying cell phones and the like. I’ve found that it’s also perfect for carrying my little point and click. The camera is protected, and I have easy access on the fly.

The outside pockets are ideal for the little things — ponytail holders, hand sanitizer, etc.

There’s a large outside pocket that, according to the pictures on Lowepro’s site, is designed for a water bottle. I have to take issue with the design here. First, it’s a solid pocket — not mesh or expandable, thus limiting the size of the water bottle I can carry. Second, it butts up to the camera “box.” This means that as water bottles sweat, that condensation can get into the bag in an area closest to the “box.” I dislike this feature greatly.

The bag is expandable. It’s a nice feature if you’re taking it on errands and you just want to shove your stuff into the bag. On the whole, I found the expandable part made the bag cavernous. Not a feature for me, but it could be quite appealing for those who love the trash-bag-sized purses of the moment.

Overall, I like the bag. It’s comfortable to carry. Access to the camera is quick and easy. For travel, I plan to break it down and carry it in my Lowepro backpack. When it’s time to hit the trail, I’ll pack my Passport Sling and head out.

Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.

Rear view of the Lowepro Magnum 650 AW (bottom) and 400 AW attached to a trolley.

When you have *a lot* of equipment to move from point A to point B, there’s nothing better than the Lowepro Magnum 650 AW or the Magnum 400 AW. Why do I make such a bold statement?

I’ll start with capacity. In its main compartment, the 650 AW holds 1-2 Pro DSLRs with one 70-200mm F2.8 zoom attached, plus 8-10 lenses. Then there is room for accessories (flash, etc) and a 15.4″ widescreen notebook. Next, let’s talk about handles. You have great ones on top for two-handed loading. Then you have plenty of straps, buckles, and a trolley sleeve for attaching to carts or luggage. And if you have more equipment, the Magnums are designed for secure stacking, so you can really load up the gear.

Oh, and there’s one more thing, and this is a fun one. The laptop sleeve included with the Magnum 650 AW has an integrated sunshade for protection from glare and increased privacy. In fact, you can use your laptop with the sunshade on the top of the bag as an impromptu work platform in the field. It’s pretty cool.

Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.

I thought I knew everything about the new Lowepro Pro Roller Attache x50. That is, until I spent some time with product manager Tim Grimmer. After watching him work the bag in magic ways, I asked him if I could record his inside tips to share with you. Of course, he agreed.

So here’s a short, but pithy video that illustrates how versatile and amazing this bag is.

I filmed it at photokina in the Lowepro booth. So if you couldn’t be there in person, this is the next best thing.

Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.

Photokina: Cologne, Germany — I haven’t been surprised at all by the interest that our new products have generated here at photokina. But as I watch interactions in the booth, I begin to think about our existing lineup too. What are the favorites? For example, it seems like there’s always a Pro Trekker disassembled somewhere on the floor.

At the end of the day Thursday, I asked one of helpers, “What was your most requested product today?” She said the Flipside. I had noticed her conducting countless Flipside demos, so I wasn’t surprised at her response. Many booth visitors seem to appreciate the security of the bag while wearing it, and how you can access its contents just by swinging it around and opening it up like a table while it’s still secured to your waist. This capability is very handy when working in snow, rain, and muddy environments. It’s really quite innovative.

And that’s the thing about big shows like photokina. It’s not just the new stuff. I find it a great opportunity to watch how people use our bags, and observe their reactions to the various features. In the end, that is what we really care about.

One of my favorite components of the new Street & Field Series is the Lens Exchange 200 AW. This is the case that I’ve needed for years. Now when I have to make a change, I have a secure place for both lenses during the process. Here’s a short video featuring Lowepro Product Manager Tim Grimmer demonstrating the Lens Exchange at photokina.

I have lots more to discuss about this camera transport system, but I just had to show you this case today.

Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.

Photokina: Cologne, Germany — The just-announced Pro Roller Attache x50 is one of the most ingenious products I’ve seen for camera transport. It’s a roller, yet it’s compact enough to fit in an overhead compartment when traveling. It’s wildly stylish, yet a very easy case to work out of. You can roll it or remove the insert and work with a shoulder bag. And for short trips, it also serves as your carry on luggage for clothing and personal items.

The Lowepro Pro Roller Attache x50 is as functional as it is stylish.

To fully appreciate this transport system, spend a few moments on the product page. I also recommend that you watch the video. Every time I think I know this bag, I discover something cool and new about it.

Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.