Archive for November, 2011
Lowepro Pro Messenger 200 AW Quick Review
I just got my hands on the new Lowepro Pro Messenger 200 and I thought I would share my initial thoughts on the bag. Now, please bear in mind that I have not had a chance to do a shoot with it yet, but I did want to share my first impressions. First and foremost, I love that the new material and strap make the bag look very modern while at the same time it feels like it is built as strong as a tank.
One of the first things I noticed with the Pro Messenger 200 is the amount of space that it has. The bag has a large main compartment that can be configured in many variations to fit your personal preference with your gear. It will accommodate a 70-200 2.8 standing straight up in the main compartment but not attached to a camera unless reconfigured to hold the camera body horizontally. For more detailed information on this configuration, please be sure to view this great video on the Pro Messenger 200 by Derrick Story from Lowepro. You can also view Derrick’s overview video on the Pro Messenger 200 AW Here. Also, on both sides of the main compartment are built-in accessory pouches that could hold a flash or even a small lens. The pouches have a Velcro strap built in so that you can secure your gear so you will not have to worry about things getting jostled.
The front compartment has plenty of room for an iPad or Netbook computer along with your filters, extra batteries, cables, portable hard drives, etc. You could also configure it to fit 2 Pro Body cameras instead of the iPad or Netbook along with an assortment of your gear. With this front compartment there are a number of ways that you can store gear depending on your personal taste. Built into the front compartment is the ‘All Weather’ cover that will protect the bag in the event of rain, snow or even dusty conditions.
In the back compartment of the Pro Messenger 200 you could also store an iPad or a Netbook. I would think, though, that it could be a little uncomfortable resting against your body. You could always fill it with other equipment for your kit or even small personal items that you may need. One thing that I really like is that Lowepro has made good use of this space with zippers at both the top and the bottom of the compartment doubling as a trolly sleeve.
The strap on the Pro Messenger 200 AW is very comfortable and well constructed, and I would like to note that the padding can be moved along the strap to fit where it will be the most comfortable for you. It has a camera strap keeper built into so that you snap your strap into it to keep it from slipping off of your shoulder, too.
There are 2 pouches that are built into the outside of the Pro Messanger 200 AW along with SlipLock Attachment Loops on each side above the pockets. The pockets can each hold bottles of water or a spare lens. I was able to fit my Canon 24-70 2.8L lens in both sides – it fits a little snug but it does fit. I was able to also fit my Hydro 40 oz. stainless steel water bottle in the pouches just to give you an idea of how much they can handle.
The last thing I wanted to talk about was the Lowepro FlexFlap design. You can use the full length of the flap to cover the enitre front of the bag that is attached with Velcro. You can also fold the flap in half and connect it with a built-in magnet that makes the opening of the bag silent. This would be good for weddings or other events where being as silent as possible is the key. And last but not least, you can open the flap completely and tuck it to the backside of the bag for quick, open access to gear. I especially like the ability to use the bag like this which is very similar to the way I use the Lowepro Classified 200 AW.
I am looking forward to using the new Lowepro Messenger 200 AW and hopefully soon I will be posting a full review once I get to use the bag in the field in the coming months.
Scott
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