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Archive 2009 · Lowepro Toploader Pro 75 AW or Thinktank Digital Holster 50?

lsquare
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p.1 #1 · Lowepro Toploader Pro 75 AW or Thinktank Digital Holster 50?

Ok, so I'm currently in the middle of a 240 day backpacking trip in Asia. My Lowe Pro Toploader 75 AW bag (last generation), which I bought in April 2009, is falling apart. I'm not sure if it's because of the heavy usage or not, but the zippers have failed. As a result, the top flap isn't fully secured. Since I'm currently in mainland China (in Nanchang as I type this post), it's hard to find Lowepro bags and even then I'm not sure if they're real or fake. It's been a bit of a hassle to use my current bag since the camera may fall out if the bag is flipped, but I don't have a choice as not using the bag will mean exposing the camera to scratches as I move around. Since I'll be arriving in Hong Kong on November 24th, I intend to buy a new bag there. However, I'm a bit torned between the Lowepro bag and the Thinktank bag. Does anyone here have experiences with either of these bags? I would assume the Pro version to be more or less the same as the current bag that I have. My only requirement is that I want a "slim" bag where it holds the body like a glove. I currently have a Nikon D300 with MB-D10 grip with Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. I would assume a Canon equivalent to be a Canon 7D with grip and 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. I don't need the bag to carry any extra accessories, although the ability to expand by clipping a smaller bag to the side would be nice.

Nov 18, 2009 at 09:03 PM

ken.vs.ryu
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p.1 #2 · Lowepro Toploader Pro 75 AW or Thinktank Digital Holster 50?

have you tried contacting lowe pro? maybe they can help you.

the zippers on my toploader seem beefy enough.

Nov 18, 2009 at 09:10 PM

lsquare
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p.1 #3 · Lowepro Toploader Pro 75 AW or Thinktank Digital Holster 50?

No I haven't, but I probably will at some point rather than just throw away my current bag. I'm not sure how to explain it, but I can't even zip the top flap anymore. I think it would be dangerous to continue the trip as is with my current bag. I won't be home for another 2 months. I think I'm going to need something in the interim.

Nov 18, 2009 at 09:15 PM

Cableaddict
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p.1 #4 · Lowepro Toploader Pro 75 AW or Thinktank Digital Holster 50?

I have both the think Tank 50 and the Lowepro 75AW (not the new, even cheaper "Pro" version).

The Thinktank is better made, overall. (zippers, stitching, etc) It's slightly more compact, and if you are wearing it on a belt (as I do) it is SIGNIFICANTLY better balanced.

However, if you are using it more as a small shoulder bag, perhaps with pouches added to the sides, then the Lowepro is a little nicer as it holds more.

They both are about the same dimensions, able to hold my 5D with battery grip and a 300/4 lens.

If I could only have one, it would be the think tank, no question. - but again, I wear mine on a belt, where the Lowepro fails miserably.
===============

BTW- A 240 day backpacking trip in Asia? Holy cow! That's just mind-numbingly incredible.
We need details when you get back.

Nov 18, 2009 at 10:36 PM

lsquare
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p.1 #5 · Lowepro Toploader Pro 75 AW or Thinktank Digital Holster 50?

Hey Cableaddict,

Thx for the information and one of my complaints about the Lowepro 75 AW bag is that it's a bit big. It doesn't quite fit into my Northface Terra 30 bag without using some sort of force, which kind of disappoints me as it's a pain to put on the shoulder bag versus putting it inside a backpack.

Do you know how much does Lowepro and Thinktank sell those pouches for? At the time I bought my Lowepro 75AW bag from Amazon, I don't think I saw the availability of those pouches. I would love to strap a pouch to the side and store a Nikon SB-900 when necessary.

I think I know what you mean with the belt on as I've seen a picture of it on Thinktank's website. With so much weight placed on one side of the body, doesn't it hinder your mobility?

One of the disappointing part about Thinktank is that they still haven't responded to my e-mail. I asked them where I can buy their products in Hong Kong as I'll be there in a couple of days. I'm pretty disappointed as I sent that e-mail 2 months ago!

As for my 240 day trip, I don't think it's that special. It's easy for me to do this given how cheap travelling in Asia (except Japan, weak USD makes it super expensive compared to previous years!) is. I'm averaging about $60 USD/night in China and I've already spent 4 months here. I can eat well and stay in hotels with a decent internet connection. I don't think you can do this anywhere in Europe or North America. lol, I don't know what kind of details you would want to know, but I would be glad to answer any questions that you may have!

Nov 19, 2009 at 01:54 AM

aborr
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p.1 #6 · Lowepro Toploader Pro 75 AW or Thinktank Digital Holster 50?

Cableaddict wrote:
IThe Thinktank is better made, overall. (zippers, stitching, etc) It's slightly more compact, and if you are wearing it on a belt (as I do) it is SIGNIFICANTLY better balanced.

However, if you are using it more as a small shoulder bag, perhaps with pouches added to the sides, then the Lowepro is a little nicer as it holds more.

They both are about the same dimensions, able to hold my 5D with battery grip and a 300/4 lens.

+1

But, you may have a problem finding TT stuff locally in Hong Kong. Think Tank is a relatively small, California company that doesn't (yet) have very extensive international distribution. They do, however, sell direct, and might be willing to ship to you in Hong Kong. They also sell through some U.S. dealers (like Adorama) that do a lot of international shipping.

Nov 19, 2009 at 06:35 AM

aborr
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p.1 #7 · Lowepro Toploader Pro 75 AW or Thinktank Digital Holster 50?

aborr wrote:
But, you may have a problem finding TT stuff locally in Hong Kong. Think Tank is a relatively small, California company that doesn't (yet) have very extensive international distribution. They do, however, sell direct, and might be willing to ship to you in Hong Kong. They also sell through some U.S. dealers (like Adorama) that do a lot of international shipping.

I've just been corrected, TT does have a distibutor in Hong Kong. The contact email addresses and phone numbers for their distributors in Teipei and also in Shanghai are on the Think Tank web site.

Nov 19, 2009 at 06:56 AM

Cableaddict
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p.1 #8 · Lowepro Toploader Pro 75 AW or Thinktank Digital Holster 50?

lsquare wrote:
Hey Cableaddict,...

I think I know what you mean with the belt on as I've seen a picture of it on Thinktank's website. With so much weight placed on one side of the body, doesn't it hinder your mobility?

Not at all. see my first post on this thread:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/830614/0#7724272

I don't remember the cost, but certainly under $100. (Without the belt)

Nov 19, 2009 at 10:28 PM

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