Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II Review Round-Up

lowepro-nature-trekker-aw-iiThe main storage area of the Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II Backpack is very configurable as the hook & loop-attached padded dividers are movable/ removable. Many are removed in my sample configuration above including a thick set designed to hug the mount base of a large lens. The other/outer side of the lid has a large zippered pocket that snuggly/just holds my 14″ laptop in a padded neoprene slip case.. This storage area is padded on the inside only – thus I use a neoprene slip case for my notebook. This large zippered pocket can alternatively hold the included Lowepro Trekker DayPack. The daypack may be used alone or attached to the back of the Nature Trekker II. The main storage area of the Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II Backpack is very configurable as the hook & loop-attached padded dividers are movable/removable. As shown above, a tripod can be attached to the Nature Trekker II – on either side or in the middle of the back. Large tripods are not the best match for this backpack’s standard attachment pouch – they ride too high. SlipLock cases (such as a Lens Case) can be added to the many side, back and belt SlipLock loops. The Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II Backpack does not included the two long/tubular SlipLock cases that come with the larger, more expensive Lowepro Pro Trekker II AW. D-rings, loops and elastic cords with quick-release clips are abundant. Storage is not the only configurable on this camera backpack (and perhaps not the most important). Adjustments are found all over the pack to maximize the support and comfort the Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II Backpack provides to each of our unique bodies. Perhaps the biggest and most unique adjustment involves an ingenious device called the Pack Jack. Shaped like a large, flat arrow, the thin, stiff plastic Pack Jack slides down behind the shoulder strap harness to release the hook & loop that holds it in place. Adjust the shoulder harness to your preferred ride height and slide the Pack Jack out. The hook & loop again takes solid hold and the Pack Jack stows out of the way behind the shoulder harness (or can be removed completely). You are left with a pack customized for your back. Adjustments on the shoulder strap, sternum strap and the belt complete a customized-to-you fit. Thick padding surrounds your body, a breathable mesh allows moisture evaporation from your back. Lowepro was generous with the length of belt they provided. ? ?The exterior of the Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II Backpack features water-resistant 600D ripstop nylon and 600D Enduraâ„¢ nylon. It is attractive and rugged with a quality feel. Zippers are quiet and water-resistant. A rain coat-like cover is included (stowed in a pouch under the pack) to help keep the backpack dry. ? ?The Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II Backpack features a nice rubberized handle on top – Nice for carrying the pack or for assistance when putting it on or taking it off your back. I miss the side handle included on the Pro Trekker II as it makes it easier to remove the pack from your back. An included shoulder strap attaches to one side of the pack. I’ve accumulated a lot of Lowepro bags, cases and accessories over time. Well thought out design, good quality construction, great support and a lifetime warranty keep me coming back. It also helps that many of these items work together as a system. The Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II Backpack a great base for this system (though you may never need more). I’m using this pack for carrying small and mid-sized lenses on excursions including air flights (as carry-on of course). READ FULL REVIEW AT DIGITAL PICTURE

If you own or have used this bag, let us know what you think! Leave your comments and thoughts below.

Get information and user reviews for this bag at Amazon: Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II Camera Backpack (Black)

(more…)

Continue Reading

Canon 28-90mm f/4-5.6 USM EF Review Round-Up

canon-ef-28-90mm-f4-56-usm

If you own or have used this lens, let us know what you think! Leave your comments and thoughts below.

Pop Photo:

Overall lightweight and plasticy, this lens is well-suited for the value-minded snapshooter who seeks low cost and lightweight in a lens. The lens is significantly smaller and lighter than the 28-80mm it replaces. For the price ¬and on an ounce-for-ounce basis its 3.2X 28-90mm zoom range is surprisingly ample. The softening we encountered at its 90mm end may actually improve portraits! READ FULL REVIEW

(more…)

Continue Reading

Lowepro Vertex 200 AW Review Round-Up

lowepro-vertex-200-awThe Lowepro Vertex 200 AW Backpack, like all the other Lowepro I’ve used to date, is a very good quality case. I ordered this backpack prior to a trip where I required two carry-on sized backpacks. A new Lowepro feature found on the Vertex packs are Glide-Locks. Glide-Locks slide up and down over a nylon-covered piping on both sides and hook-and-loop attach into place. An adjustable strap and buckle grip the tripod. I like the new strap more than the Trekker II straps, but “glide” does not accurately define the hard-to-adjust Glide-Locks. Most likely, you will position them one time and not worry about them again – and in this case, there is no problem. Like many of Lowepro’s camera backpacks, the Lowepro Vertex 200 AW Backpack includes an attached rain cover that elastic-grips around the pack (shown above right). The rain cover stores in a hook-and-loop closed, thin pouch under the pack. ? ?One feature that distinguishes the Lowepro Vertex series from the Lowepro Trekker II series is the padded notebook computer compartment. I sometimes use the zippered compartment on the main Trekker II lids (where the daypack can be stored) for notebook transport (inside a padded sleeve), but the Vertex notebook compartment is a nicer solution if you plan to have the notebook with you most of the time. The size of the 2″ thick notebook storage area varies (mostly in height) across the Vertex line. The Lowepro Vertex 200 AW Backpack very comfortably carries my current Dell Latitude D630 notebook. The main storage compartment lid obviously becomes heavier with a notebook computer stored in it – care should be exercised when opening it. The computer is in a padded section, but you still do not want to subject it to the unnecessary impact of dropping the lid open. If you have used any of Lowepro’s SLR cases, you will not find any surprises in the quality of the Vertex 200 construction. The pads, zippers and zipper pulls are very nice. Provided padding is very protective and the pack is very functional. A handful of Lowepro Slip Lock attachments are provided for additional modular storage. So, there is little to not like about the Lowepro Vertex 200 AW Backpack. READ FULL REVIEW AT DIGITAL PICTURE

If you own or have used this bag, let us know what you think! Leave your comments and thoughts below.

Get information and user reviews for this bag at Amazon: Lowepro Vertex 200 AW Backpack

(more…)

Continue Reading

Canon 17-40mm f/4L USM EF Review Round-Up

canon-ef-17-40mm-f4l-usm

If you own or have used this lens, let us know what you think! Leave your comments and thoughts below.

Get information and user reviews for this lens from Amazon: Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

Photo Zone:

The Canon EF 17-40mm f/4 USM L showed a very good to excellent performance in the lab as well as during the field tests. The lens exhibited very little vignetting and excellent resolution figures. On the downsode the level of distortions could haven been a little better at the wide-angle setting. Typical for most wide-angle zooms chromatic aberrations can be visible but the problem remains comparatively low. The quality of the construction is next to perfect. READ FULL REVIEW

(more…)

Continue Reading

National Geographic Earth Explorer Review Round-Up

national-geographic-earth-explorerMost of us won’t ever get an assignment from National Geographic, but this huge, rugged, well-built khaki bag will hold enough gear for self-styled photo treks to slot canyons or the Serengeti. It has a dedicate laptop slot, and its top and bottom compartments can be joined by unzipping the divider panel to haul seriously long glass. In a category in which ballistic nylon is the standard, these safari-style bags stand out from the pack. READ FULL REVIEW AT POPPHOTO

If you own or have used this bag, let us know what you think! Leave your comments and thoughts below.

Get information and user reviews for this bag from Amazon: National Geographic NG 2475 Earth Explorer Medium Shoulder Bag

(more…)

Continue Reading

Lowepro Vertex 300 AW Review Round-Up

lowepro-vertex-300-awThis big, rugged bag can accommodate lots of big gear, including both a 17-inch laptop and a 400mm f/2.8 supertele. That space and weatherproof construction make it a good choice for hardcore sports and adventure photographers, and photojournalists too. The new Vertex even features silent zippers, for times when even the slightest noise might spook a skittish wildlife subject, set off an avalanche, or annoy a VIP on the podium. READ FULL REVIEW AT POPPHOTO

If you own or have used this bag, let us know what you think! Leave your comments and thoughts below.

Get information and user reviews for this bag at Amazon: Lowepro Vertex 300 AW Backpack

(more…)

Continue Reading

Canon 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 USM EF Review Round-Up

canon-ef-28-105mm-f35-45-usm

If you own or have used this lens, let us know what you think! Leave your comments and thoughts below.

Photo Zone:

The Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 USM proved to be a quite solid performer without any spectacular strengths nor weaknesses except maybe low contrast performance. On APS-C DSLRs it is surely not a first choice due to its focal length range which feels a little odd here. READ FULL REVIEW

(more…)

Continue Reading

M-Rock Extreme Zion 523 Review Round-Up

m-rock-extreme-zion-523Backpacking to a remote location to get the pictures you want can be hungry and thirsty work, and that’s why you’d be wise to carry your gear in this new model from M-Rock. It holds a small laptop, D-SLR with 70-200mm f/2.8 (or similar size) lens, some compact zooms, and accessories — with room left over for water. A flat 200ml water pouch with a drinking tube is incorporated into the bag, making it easier for you to stay hydrated while hiking. And when you get hungry, you don’t even have to take off the bag; just get your sandwich out of the Extreme Zion’s integrated lunch cooler. If you want to haul more gear and less food, just pop the cooler out. About $150. READ FULL REVIEW AT POPPHOTO

If you own or have used this bag, let us know what you think! Leave your comments and thoughts below.

(more…)

Continue Reading

Review: David Ziser Digital Wake-up Call Seminar

David Ziser is currently on tour with his Digital Wake Up Call Seminar. Last night he was in Tampa, and I went to see his presentation.

I’ll be honest and tell you that I’ve never actually been to this sort of seminar before. Occasionally, a big-name photographer will pass through Tampa running some sort of seminar and I’ll toss around the idea of going to see it… but usually I pass. I’ve been a fan of David’s work for some time and so I decided to lose my virginity with his seminar. (more…)

Continue Reading

Nikon D60 Review Round-Up

nikon-d60

If you own or have used this camera, let us know what you think! Leave your comments and thoughts below.

Get information and user reviews for this camera from Amazon: Nikon D60 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

Imaging Resource

The Nikon D60 has a sensor resolution of 10.2 megapixels, and offers ISO sensitivity ranging from 100 to 1,600, with the ability to extend this to ISO 3,200 using the Hi-1 setting. The Nikon D60 makes a really excellent entry-level model for those just making the move to an SLR. Even for established photographers, the D60 is a pleasure to use, making a great second (or even first) body. … The D60 maintains the same body design and control layout as the earlier models, with a grip that’s remarkably comfortable for a wide range of hand sizes. Best of all, image quality is, if anything, improved. Bottom line, this is another excellent model for Nikon in the entry-level DSLR derby. … No matter how you look at it, the Nikon D60 stands up well against the competition, with great image quality at all speeds, and near-perfect utility as a family camera. It’s very fun to use … polite, attractive, and well-built; just the kind of companion you want to have along on your next family outing. READ FULL REVIEW

(more…)

Continue Reading
Close Menu