LowePro Nova and Stealth bags

[Rainyday]

I'm debating between the LowePro Nova series and the Stealth Reporter series of bags. Besides color choices, what is the difference? They both come in a range of sizes, both offer good protection...I'm confused. I usually use my Crumpler 6MDH but it's gotten too small for my gear.

It would need to hold a Xsi body, nifty fifty, 70-200 f/4L, 480 flash, 18-55 kit lens, and misc small items. Oh and a small video camera, the Canon FS200.

Thanks!

[_aravena]

The 6MDH is too small for that? Weird. Not much difference except the Stealth series costs much more for its "stealthiness" and a few more pockets I believe.

[Rainyday]

The 6MDH is too small for that? Weird. Not much difference except the Stealth series costs much more for its "stealthiness" and a few more pockets I believe.

I tried a quick pack of the bag and it seemed stuffed. However, I'm going to try again this weekend, perhaps if I reconfigure it, it'll work. Love my Crumpler.

I admit, I don't like tightly packed bags. I like a bit of wriggle room, so what might seem okay to somebody might seem too tight to me. :cool:

Thanks!

[tvphotog]

Advantage of the Stealth is ability to get into it from the top. I think this is a major advantage over the Nova series and the Crumpler.

[Rainyday]

I went ahead and bought a LowePro Nova 200AW. I would have liked a Stealth but that would have meant mail order and higher price.

Anyway, it's roomier than my Crumpler 6MDH and I think it'll work nicely. As I mentioned earlier, I like wiggle room in my bag, in case I want to stick a sandwich or souvenir in there.

I also bought a canvas messenger bag from J. Crew. Technically, it isn't a photobag, but it'll hold a camera with lens, flash and assorted stuff. Useful when I am not technically on photo safari but folks ask me to bring a camera and get some snapshots. And it's a heck of alot cheaper than those awful bags from Jill-E etc.

When my cat wakes up and gets off my new bag (evidently it makes a great snoozy place for a cat) I'll post some pics.

Thanks.

[tvphotog]

Good for you. I have a Nova bag that I've used for a photosafari, and despite the weather and dust, it was the most solid piece of photo equipment I had other than the camera and lenses.

Congrats. Let us know how it works out.

[katodog]

I use the Nova 5 AW, and it holds a remarkable amount of gear. I've got 2 gripped bodies, a Canon 28-300mm L w/hood reversed, Sigma 180mm macro w/hood reversed, Nifty Fifty with 2xTC attached (to save space), Kenko rings under one body, batteries for flash under the other body, a Sigma 18-200mm OS w/hood reversed under the Nifty, and a Digital Concepts E-TTL Pro flash. In the flaps and pockets is all kinds of stuff, like wireless triggers, filters, batteries, etc.. And to be honest, I could fit a bit more in there.

It's a very capable bag, and even with all this gear in it it's not too heavy to walk around with all day. Strapped around your neck on the opposite shoulder it's very easy to carry.


http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/DSCF7853.jpg

[JuliusUpNorth]

I bought a Stealth Reporter and could not be happier--although all my gear does weigh it down, especially when I pack my 100-400, 17-40, 100 mm Macro, 24-105, flash, memory cards, filters, extension rings, tele=converters and other goodies...

I highly recommend this bag if you must pack a lot of gear.

Julius

[Wilt]

The Stealth Reporter has the following, that I believen the Nova does not:

Access thru zipper on top, without fully opening the top
belt loop that fits the Lowepro padded belt (and harness)
Expandability with loops on outside to attach Lowpro lens cases and accessory cases
All Weather rain cover folded in a pocket
I have the Lowepro Stealth Report 200AW and love it for compact size, yet expandability that permits me to attach lens cases that I know will be used, rather than carrying along lenses which I know have no purpose for a particular shoot.