LowePro ProTactic 450 AW and F Stop Mountain Series Lotus Camera Bag Review
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2018
- After traveling with these two bags on international work trips I'm back, collected my thoughts, and ready to share with you. In this video, I discuss what I like and dislike about each camera bag. If you're in the market for a new bag, I strongly recommend looking into one of the f-stop bags.
Below are links to both of the bags in this review:
Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW www.lowepro.com/us-en/protact...
F Stop - Mountain Series - Lotus - 32l fstopgear.com/products/packs/...
If you enjoyed this video, consider giving it a thumbs up and let me know what you think in the comments below - I guarantee I'll get back to ya.
Thanks!
Stephanie
www.thewhybuilder.com - Jak na to + styl
Nice review, watching this after I bought the Lotus..... phew... I made the right choice.....
Loved the video, and I like the hydration pocket on the F-Stop Lotus...
Thanks a lot for presentation of this F-Stop bag.
Nice review luv fstop bags. The lowpro uses the molli system thus the lack of pockets . You can attach a very wide range of modular bags pouches sleeves hydration bladder carrier . There are probably hundreds of differant options for expansion with the molli system. The problem is it looks very military tactical . I use the fstop ajna the bag is nearly perfect and it dosnt look like a shiny suitcase on your back that plagues most of these camera bags.
Good review. I just purchased the version two ProTactic 350aw II. It has some upgrades such as better padding on the straps, pockets are designed better, more padding as well as an improved waist belt. I think it is a perfect pack for a daypack for hiking with photo gear or for doing some street photography. FStop gear is nice but so expensive. Heck the Lowepro cost more than I wanted to spend but it was the only thing out there that I could customize to my liking. I enjoyed you’re comparison.
Thanks! You know what's interesting...since recording this video I found myself going for the LowePro ProTactic for smaller day trips! Haha, I never would have guessed since I wasn't a fan at first. It's growing on me for certain occasions. I still believe the F Stop is the best for long trips when you need to pack a lot but it's a bit too much for a simple day trip.
@@thewhybuilder I'm in the process of going the opposite direction - the ProTactic350 is the right size to hold the mirrorless body, lenses, drone, 13" laptop/iPad, and tripod + gorillapod. Great to walk around for a day, and the molle is easy and robust for strapping things to - but it is no good as a carry-on bag to the plane, or an overnight. The Atlas bag looks perfect, but pricey and hard to get outside the USA. I'm deciding between F-stop Ajna and Mindshift Backlight as the next best thing.
I liked the video. The side entry access concept on to ProTactic seems like a good idea, esp now as cameras are getting slightly smaller with the invasion of mirrorless. I guess as an enthusiast either bag would work for me,
My top tip, never ever put your wallet in a rucksack (unless in wilderness) as a frequent traveller, I have seen people have their passports and wallets stolen inside the airport (not observed the crime but the realisation of their loss)
Good decent review, thank you
How did you decide on the overall size of bag to buy? The Lotus is 32L. My current bag is a Lowepro Fastpack 250AW and it is pretty small. The dimensions on the web are a bit misleading for my bag, as the top half of the bag tapers a lot. The dimensions are only a couple of centimetres smaller on each edge compared to the Lotus, but you lose a lot on top because of the tapering.
Because I was so cramped, I was actually looking at the next larger F-Stop bag (Ajna 40L). I figure that since you can put in whatever size ICU you want, going with the bigger bag gave more flexibility, as you could always use the smaller ICU and have extra space when needed.
Since the making of your video, have you made changes to your bag? You implied you might go smaller ...
Thx!
I say the Lotus is perfect for a weekend or week long+ trip but (in my opinion) it's too big for a day trip. Or it's great if you're going on a day shoot but taking multiple lenses and multiple flashes. If you're planning to hike, too big, it's too easy to overstuff it with heavy gear.... unless you're portioning a part of the bag for clothes... lots of variables.
I know what you mean about the tapering because the Lowepro bag I reviewed in the video does that and you definitely loose space, it's annoying. The Lotus doesn't taper at all, it has more square edges.
I haven't made any configuration changes to the bag since my trip because I spent so much time before hand getting it just right. But I would be interested in trying their smallest size bags for day trips, bike rides, hikes, etc.
Great review of the F-Stop Lotus. Did you get the Large Pro ICU or Large Slope ICU? I have the Lotus as well but am currently using the Medium Slope ICU. Contemplating on whether to get the Large Pro or Large Slope ICU to fit in more gear. Reason for asking is because I normally put my 15" MacBook inside a sleeve and placing it where you had it to give it more protection but wasn't sure if it is still gonna fit if I get the Large Pro.
Thank you! I have the Large Pro ICU and was surprised at how well my laptop fit in the slot. I didn't purchase the sleeve for the laptop. I was considering also getting a small to fit on top but I'm glad I didn't, it may have fit but I liked that upper space being open for things like my jacket or sweater, wallet, etc. I'm sure you'll love the bag as much as I do!
Nice commentary. However, you are still using an 80 to 200?
Myself and my friends both tried LowePro and F-Stop. Summary: IF you have the budget go for the F-Stop. You will not turn back ever again!
Agreed, it's pricey but quality is amazing and love the functionality
I’m glad I bought the F-Stop today..... I was fortunate enough to be in a store that had these on display. Both good bags, but ai felt the Lotus with the Medium Shallow ICU was perfect for my genre... which is a bit of everything......
Great review! Now i know not to buy the LowePro ProTactic 450!
Phew, I just bought the Lotus and thought I would see what CZcams reviews said. I thought the Proactive would be good for urban environment, I liked the side access pocket, but I’m sure the thieves would like that too... I thought the Lotus was the best all rounder, and I went for the medium shallow ICU. Both good bags, but for my activities, the Lotus was my choice
Shame you didn't do your homework on the F Stop. The frame is an integral part of the backpack making the bag multipurpose for for camera equipment and extra kit you might need of a long day photography hike.
Since this video is now 2 years old I'm not quite sure what you're referring to so I'll have to go back and watch it again. But I absolutely love my F stop bag!
Frame is to keep the bags structure and prevent it becoming “twisted” moving the load internally onto one side. A lot of hiking/mountaineering bags have featured this frame for years now.
Wish I had seen this sooner. Recently bought (and promptly returned after 2 uses) the PROTACTIC BP 450 AW II. Nothing perfect about this bag. Practically no pocket space and once you have a laptop in that back slot and any tall-ish camera gear, everything seems to get crushed.
Can you please redo the Video with loaded bags? it does not make any sense to look at empty bags. Especially if you already complain about the too small side openings. I wanna see how to get stuff in and out. Otherwise I could go for a trolley.
great review, but it was boring. I guess it's the voice or the speed of which it was presented, hahaha. Sorry, just my opinion. Gave it a thumbs up, anyway. Thanks.
I agree, so boring. Maybe I should make a new video after 4 years
YOU'RE SO BEAUTIFUL!!!
Your review was very sketchy. There were a number of things that you were not able to explain regarding the ProTactic, you need to research more prior to doing a review.