I'm living in Bangkok now, and I'm using my Pro Messenger 200AW every second day here. Both that one and the Pro Messenger 180AW are the best shoulder bags that I have used. And I have owned/used a lot from all the well-known brands. I brought the 200AW to Bangkok instead of the 180AW because it's a bit larger. If you (mirkoc) will use it with all the lenses you write, I would probably recommend the 200AW. If only bringing 2-3 lenses the 180AW will be perfect. The 180AW is a taller bag and maybe a bit more easy/comfortable to have on your shoulder. But it also fit better for larger/taller lenses. Lenses like 70-200/2,8 in size.
You can't go wrong with any of these two bags. IMO they are better than the ThinkTank Retrospective bags.
Here is a review and comparison of those bags. And I agree with it. http://www.gadgetmac.com/reviews/lowepro-pro-messenger-aw-camera-bag-review.html
The 200AW is a fantastic bag. In the main compartment I typically keep the following:
5dIII with grip
35L
50L
85L
70-200 2.8IS
EOS M with 22mm
One lens is always attached to the body and the above gear easily fits with room to spare. I typically keep the front pocket empty but will on occasion add a flash or two. The front pocket can actually hold quite a bit but I'll switch to my Lowepro Vertex 200 AW if I'm carrying that much gear.
What I really like about the bag is that I can mount the 70-200 on the 5dIII and still fit it in the bag with minimal rearrangement. That same combo fits even with the lens hood properly attached or a 2x extender attached; it does stick out a bit but the flap still works. Very convenient for storing for easy access.
It appears as though on the Messenger bags, on the left/right, above the pocket but below the ring that holds the shoulder strap that there are 'loops' of fabric that could fit accessories like the Thinktank skin pouches or so. Can someone tell me how wide an individual loop is? Looks like maybe 1+ inch wide and there are 2-3 of them on each side of the bag.
howardm4 wrote:
It appears as though on the Messenger bags, on the left/right, above the pocket but below the ring that holds the shoulder strap that there are 'loops' of fabric that could fit accessories like the Thinktank skin pouches or so. Can someone tell me how wide an individual loop is? Looks like maybe 1+ inch wide and there are 2-3 of them on each side of the bag.
There are 3 loops on each side where you say they are. They are very very strong. The one in the middle where the strap is would be about 4-5 cm. And the the ones on each side of that is about half that size
I purchased the 180AW almost a year ago and couldn't be happier. One of the main reasons was that I was always carrying all my equipment in the backpack but only several items would get used, also wanted something that I could work out of rather than having to take it off.
While the 180Aw won't carry my full kit it still does carry quite a bit. Currently carrying the D800 with the 24-120 attached , 300mm f4, 1.7tc, SB900, hoodman loupe, and PN11 extension tube in the main compartments. Also inside the main compartment there are three additional pockets, a rear zippered pocket and two inside side pockets with a smaller shallow pocket within each. Use one of the inside side pockets for the MC-36 and the other for a Leatherman all purpose tool. The rear zippered inside pocket usually has my filter wallet and four 77mm filters.
In the front zippered pocket I carry my cf card wallet, a rocket blower, and in their cases Lee foundation Kit and 5 4x6 filters. Also within the front pocket have my car keys, lens cleaning cloth and fluid, and if shooting birds a Better Beamer. It also has a back pocket or slot where if needed can be placed over the handle of a rolling suitcase when traveling or in my case I use it to carry a small Lumiquest soft box. On the outside on either side of the bag there are two elastic pockets that I use to carry water bottles. As well as 3 heavy duty loops that I'm not using at this time. Bottom of bag is a velcro'd compartment that holds an attached rain fly.
The bag's strap is the most comfortable strap that I've come across, with the padded portion having a surface that will not slip of your shoulder. Worn the bag in full day excursions in Florida heat and humidity and still very comfortable.
Mirkoc ..Believe the 180Aw would fit your needs. The front zippered compartment is large enough to fit a extra body or lens.
Lars Johnsson wrote:
There are 3 loops on each side where you say they are. They are very very strong. The one in the middle where the strap is would be about 4-5 cm. And the the ones on each side of that is about half that size
