Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW Backpack Review
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The Photo Sport 200 AW backpack from Lowepro is a great bag for the landscape and nature photographer as well as the outdoor sports photographer, offering a novel camera carrying system in a well made daypack. Lowepro offers a few different models in the Photo Sport line and I choose to go with the largest one available. The 200 is marketed towards professional photographers with larger sized camera bodies and professional grade lenses. I have always disliked choosing between a good camera bag and a good backpack and the Photo Sport 200 is the best compromise I have encountered. Lowepro has managed to make a backpack that can comfortably carry the essentials for a day hike or approach to a rock climbing route and also the basic professional photographer kit. I can photograph almost all situations with just two lenses and a flash and I was able to fit all this in the Photo Sport 200.
My basic kit consists of a Nikon D700 camera body, a Nikon 24-70 2.8 mid range zoom lens, a Nikon 70-200 2.8 short to medium telephoto zoom lens, and a Nikon SB-900 flash. The camera compartment in the Photo Sport 200 is able to securely fit my camera with the 24-70 lens attached (lens hood in the stored position), and the flash. Unfortunately, the camera compartment is not large enough to store a professional telephoto lens like my 70-200 so I resorted to putting that in the main compartment in its own case. A consumer level telephoto lens would most likely fit in the compartment where I stored my flash. The beauty of the Photo Sport line of daypacks is the design of the camera compartment, offering easy access without having to empty out the contents of your pack. The camera compartment is located in the bottom portion of the bag and has a side mounted access flap secured with two quick releasing zippers. This keeps things nice and organized and allows quick retrieval of your camera. The compartment is well padded and has a unique system for tightening down the inner storage flap to keep your gear from moving around. I ran around with the pack fully loaded and experienced no bouncing of camera equipment.
As mentioned before, I’ve often had to chose between a good backpack and a good camera bag and it usually comes down to the manufacturers simply throwing backpack straps on a camera bag. To design a good camera backpack requires knowledge of overall good backpack design and Lowepro has experience in this area that they applied to the Photo Sport 200. The pack uses lightweight but decently padded straps in its suspension system and a reasonably wide hip belt to help distribute the weight. A semi rigid plastic frame sheet provides good stability and weight distribution and keeps the camera compartment from jabbing you. The back panel offers good padding and nice sized air channels to help keep your back cool. I loaded up the Photo Sport 200 and did a 7 mile hike in the Mt Evans Wilderness and was nearly as comfortable as I am with my favorite daypack.
Feature Rundown:
- Zippered pockets on lid and waistbelt for sunglasses and small items
- Upper compartment with drawcord fits larger items
- Front stretch pocket is great for light jacket
- Side stretch pocket for water bottle or other quick grab item
- Compression straps on bottom for attaching extra gear
- Dedicated hydration pocket hold 70 oz/2 L hydration reservoir or can be used as an extra storage compartment
- Built-in All Weather AW Cover protects the entire bag from the elements
The Lowepro Photo Sport 200 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to carry a camera into the outdoors or even for a day out with the family. It offers a novel and well designed camera carrying system and enough space for essentials. The all weather cover make it a versatile option for any weather condition. For more info on the Photo Sport 200 AW and other Lowepro gear, visit www.amazon.com/lowepro.
