Lowepro Exchange Messenger bag for light duties??

[dsldub]

Hi,

I saw a Lowepro Exchange Messenger bag last week at BestBuy, and kinda liked it. It's small, doesn't look like a camera bag, and it's a shoulder bag. I'd like to use it when going lite, like my 30D and EF-S 10-22mm lens, and some bare accessories.

Anyone of you have this bag?? Would you recommend it?

Thanks.

Sample below
http://www.adorama.com/LPEM.html

[jacobsen1]

funny you mention this as I'm on a quest for a "three tube" small bag right now that can take a 24-70 on my FF DSRL. ;)... I also saw these at BB (actually found them browsing B&H's shoulder bag pages, yes all 31 pages). It's got very little padding and my other complaint is there's no way to store a magazine or paperwork in it if you needed to (the back side should be 2 layers with a zipper). But if you want ultra light it looks to be a hell of an option. I just wish there was a black option as well as the gray.

Here are 2 cell shots of my D700 in it though, one with the hood reversed, one with it on normally:
http://gear.benjacobsenphoto.com/wp-content/gallery/bag-shopping/photo-8.jpg

http://gear.benjacobsenphoto.com/wp-content/gallery/bag-shopping/photo-9.jpg

basically you have to reverse the hood for it to work, but if that's not an issue it WILL fit a 14-24, 70-300 AND 24-70 with a D700... Also check out these 2 if you're looking for something small:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/522804-REG/Tamrac_353701_3537_Express_7_Camera.html#specifica tions
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/425884-REG/Tamrac_553403_5534_Adventure_Messenger_4.html#spec ifications

[scot079]

$30 is a great price for that bag, might as well give it a go.

[LowriderS10]

30 bucks is still 30 bucks...that doesn't look like it provides much more protection than a cloth shopping bag.

No zipper up top, no meaningful padding...I wouldn't trust my gear in something like that...

[scot079]

No zipper up top, no meaningful padding...I wouldn't trust my gear in something like that...

Yep, just like a Domke. Some consider the lack of exterior padding a benefit.

[jacobsen1]

Yep, just like a Domke. Some consider the lack of exterior padding a benefit.

yeah, exactly. But I'm questioning it myself right now because half of the time I use a shoulder bag it'd be nice, the other half it's just added weight/bulk. So should I go with 2 bags, or one with padding? My bigger issue with it is the only way to close the top flap are the 2 clips. No velcro, no magnets (which lowepro has on some of their other bags) no zippers. I don't mind clips as one of 2 ways, but as the only way I'm not so sure.

Also, the tamrac 7 is only $35 at KEH:
http://keh.com/Product-Details/1/CS319990975130/CS31/FE.aspx
it's similar in size (I've heard) and has padding.

[LowriderS10]

What's the benefit of the lack of padding? (As far as your camera goes, NOT your style/comfort)

[scot079]

^I guess it's a bulk thing like jacobsen1 mentioned. As long as the bottom and the interior of a bag is padded, the multi-layer exterior fabric, whether it be canvas or other, is usually enough of a buffer to keep bumps from damaging your equipment.

[jacobsen1]

What's the benefit of the lack of padding? (As far as your camera goes, NOT your style/comfort)

well do you just DROP you bag all the time? How often do you actually slam it into things? Basically, all that padding makes the bag probably 2" bigger in all 3 directions. If you just want the bag to HOLD your gear, not protect it, then that's wasted space/weight.

But this also comes down to how you approach your bags. There are really 2 types of bag usage IMHO, traveling/protection and shooting. When using a bag to travel with and or protect you'll be wanting padding. But when you're just shooting, probably not as much. Look at the thinktank line. Their padded bags run thinner padding than other brands because they're focused on shooting (until you get into their airport line). They even offer some belt bag options w/o any padding at all. The boda is similar, the shootsack is just neoprene etc. So for shooting with something very small on your body, slim or no padding is ideal. This is when you're actively shooting though and the camera is NOT in the bag, just a few lenses accessories are.

Wedding shooters do this a LOT. Then they'll have a pelican or some other massive roller or big shoulder bag for protection, but something like a shootsac for shooting out of (holding the few lenses they're constantly rotating between). When I landscape or shoot my architecture shots that's how I work, I have my camera in my hands or on the tripod. But I'll have the other lens and my filters, level etc in the bag still. In these cases (walking around a really nice house) I prefer to have the smallest bag possible so I don't run into things with it. A vest would also be an option here.

But when I'm driving to and from a shoot I don't really want zero padding when it's in the car. Or when I'm traveling somewhere. This is why some of us end up with a group of bags, not just one. What works for one situation doesn't for another. So you either compromise and have one bag that's OK at a lot of things, or you buy ~5 bags (or more!) that are specialized. I've been down that road before, but have come back to "only" three bags. But I'm working towards better versions of what I have for what I need right now. Something super small/light is perfect for me for the shooting aspect of landscapes/architecture, but the lack of padding is a concern for traveling with it. I'm still toying with the idea though.

[dsldub]

^ I totaly agree with the above statement.

All I need is something light, minimum padding is fine as I don't (ever) drop my bags.
On my recent trip to NYC, I left my Slingbag at the hotel, and just carried the DSLR camera on my shoulder at all times. I found the bag got in the way too much. A messenger type bag would sufice, for just one camera and an extra lens.

[LowriderS10]

I'd rather have something bulky that can take a few bumps regardless of where they're coming from...oh, and one with a zipper in case of light rain/snow/dust/etc

[Wilt]

30 bucks is still 30 bucks...that doesn't look like it provides much more protection than a cloth shopping bag.

No zipper up top, no meaningful padding...I wouldn't trust my gear in something like that...

It's only $15 here !
http://www.sellnsend.com/Items/lpmessengerfactormblack-fl?&caSKU=lpmessengerfactormblack-fl&caTitle=.Lowepro%20Messenger%20Factor%20Medium%20B lack%2015.4%20Inch%20Laptop%20Case

And the laptop section affords some padding. You could buy dense foam which is used as a ground pad for sleeping bags on the ground, and cut it to width to pad the bottom of the main compartment.

A Lowepro shot of this bag...http://products.lowepro.com/Catalog/DisplayImage.aspx?ImgURL=http://products.lowepro.com//CatalogImages/18-1961-IMG2_LRG.jpeg&Title=Messenger Factor M

[jacobsen1]

It's only $15 here !
http://www.sellnsend.com/Items/lpmessengerfactormblack-fl?&caSKU=lpmessengerfactormblack-fl&caTitle=.Lowepro%20Messenger%20Factor%20Medium%20B lack%2015.4%20Inch%20Laptop%20Case


that's the wrong bag, they have the exchange for $29.99:
http://www.sellnsend.com/Items/lp-exchange-messenger-gray?&caSKU=lp-exchange-messenger-gray&caTitle=Lowepro%20Exchange%20Messenger%20Style%20D SLR%20Camera%20Bag%20Case

[LowriderS10]

It's only $15 here !
http://www.sellnsend.com/Items/lpmessengerfactormblack-fl?&caSKU=lpmessengerfactormblack-fl&caTitle=.Lowepro%20Messenger%20Factor%20Medium%20B lack%2015.4%20Inch%20Laptop%20Case

And the laptop section affords some padding. You could buy dense foam which is used as a ground pad for sleeping bags on the ground, and cut it to width to pad the bottom of the main compartment.

A Lowepro shot of this bag...http://products.lowepro.com/Catalog/DisplayImage.aspx?ImgURL=http://products.lowepro.com//CatalogImages/18-1961-IMG2_LRG.jpeg&Title=Messenger Factor M

correct me if I'm wrong, but that looks like a laptop bag, not a camera bag...

[Wilt]

correct me if I'm wrong, but that looks like a laptop bag, not a camera bag...

Well the OP stated LowePro Exchange Messenger and that was the only thing I found that fits that description on the LowePro web site! :confused:

[Jon]

well do you just DROP you bag all the time? How often do you actually slam it into things? Basically, all that padding makes the bag probably 2" bigger in all 3 directions. If you just want the bag to HOLD your gear, not protect it, then that's wasted space/weight.

But this also comes down to how you approach your bags. There are really 2 types of bag usage IMHO, traveling/protection and shooting. When using a bag to travel with and or protect you'll be wanting padding. But when you're just shooting, probably not as much. Look at the thinktank line. Their padded bags run thinner padding than other brands because they're focused on shooting (until you get into their airport line). They even offer some belt bag options w/o any padding at all. The boda is similar, the shootsack is just neoprene etc. So for shooting with something very small on your body, slim or no padding is ideal. This is when you're actively shooting though and the camera is NOT in the bag, just a few lenses accessories are.

Wedding shooters do this a LOT. Then they'll have a pelican or some other massive roller or big shoulder bag for protection, but something like a shootsac for shooting out of (holding the few lenses they're constantly rotating between). When I landscape or shoot my architecture shots that's how I work, I have my camera in my hands or on the tripod. But I'll have the other lens and my filters, level etc in the bag still. In these cases (walking around a really nice house) I prefer to have the smallest bag possible so I don't run into things with it. A vest would also be an option here.

But when I'm driving to and from a shoot I don't really want zero padding when it's in the car. Or when I'm traveling somewhere. This is why some of us end up with a group of bags, not just one. What works for one situation doesn't for another. So you either compromise and have one bag that's OK at a lot of things, or you buy ~5 bags (or more!) that are specialized. I've been down that road before, but have come back to "only" three bags. But I'm working towards better versions of what I have for what I need right now. Something super small/light is perfect for me for the shooting aspect of landscapes/architecture, but the lack of padding is a concern for traveling with it. I'm still toying with the idea though.
Exactly. I've been using unpadded Domke bags for my gear since the early '80s and haven't had any gear damaged in (or out of) the bag due to impact. Your gear is more rugged than you may imagine and the dangers are less than many seem to think.

[_aravena]

I keep looking at this bag. I don't really need it but it's taller than my 5MDH which is a plus and may even replace it. It's $15 for me.

[Citizensmith]

I'd see a padded bag the same as a lens hood. Most of the time you don't need one, but when you do (bright lights or the camera takes a hit) you'll be glad its there. I'll take bags with light padding (Nat Geo bags for instance) but never with none. And no zipper or velcro? That would be a huge miss.

The bag could be good for picnics though, to carry condiments, napkins, cutlery and such. :)

[_aravena]

Just got it. Will post pics but it holds my 70-200F2.8 with hood and collar, 20D with 18-50F2.8 attached, and 430EX. Pockets are for essentials only but can hold spare batteries, wallet, etc. Will be selling the 5MDH...again...now. I needed a small tall bag and it seems rare to find. I do hate to sell the 5MDH. It's nicer looking....ugh. Decisions.

[_aravena]

Here it is!!! Very awesome bag actually. It's light and thin as you can see but holds exactly what I wanted. The 5MDH was always a problem as it wasn't tall enough. There wasn't really, until now, a bag like this. It's amazing how many similar bags are made but they leave out simple ones. First thing is that it is tall enough for a 70-200 lens. Won't hold it attached but that is ok as I have another bag for that which is slightly bigger and now there are plenty of versions of those such as UD35, Classified 160, Pro 5, and my DIY bag. :D

THe problem with the 6MDH was size. It was taller, but it was also wider and I have the 7MDH so it seemed pointless. I just wanted a taller 5MDH. Well here we have it where I can carry little or the walk-around necessities and it fits without bulge. It is not well padded, but that's fine. I'm not big on that really. I do appreciate a well padded bottom as we do set our bags down but nothing I couldn't come up with. Some foam or select one of the MANY inserts I don't used shoved in a bag in my closet. So look, it's simple but quite awesome IMO.

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/4060/img1444s.jpg

http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/89/l_131afd7a84a64edf848c2862cad3f1ef.jpg

Sigma 70-200F2.8 w/ hood and tripod collar / 40D w/ Sigma 18-50F2.8 w/ hood / 430EX
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/38/l_59f1f82f15c8418da4b050e3b8f51a70.jpg

[jacobsen1]

Well the OP stated LowePro Exchange Messenger and that was the only thing I found that fits that description on the LowePro web site! :confused:

Wilt, go back and check out your link and my link below:

that's the wrong bag, they have the exchange for $29.99:
http://www.sellnsend.com/Items/lp-exchange-messenger-gray?&caSKU=lp-exchange-messenger-gray&caTitle=Lowepro%20Exchange%20Messenger%20Style%20D SLR%20Camera%20Bag%20Case
you linked the laptop case WHICH IS NOT THE EXCHANGE MESSENGER!!! Not to beat a dead horse...

Just got it. Will post pics but it holds my 70-200F2.8 with hood and collar, 20D with 18-50F2.8 attached, and 430EX. Pockets are for essentials only but can hold spare batteries, wallet, etc. Will be selling the 5MDH...again...now. I needed a small tall bag and it seems rare to find. I do hate to sell the 5MDH. It's nicer looking....ugh. Decisions.
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/38/l_59f1f82f15c8418da4b050e3b8f51a70.jpg
whoa, NICE! With you camera LCD down like that, I'd bet if you put it LENS down you could fit a lens where your flash is with part of the camera over that "tube"? (That'd be how I'd use it)

[_aravena]

Yup! If I wanted to do without the flash I could fit another lens. I like having my flash though in case but I could fit the 11-16 there.

[dsldub]

Well, I picked it up. It's a very nice bag indeed.
I'll try to get pics soon, but on mine I have the 30D w/ EF-S10-22mm attached, EF-S55-250mm in the middle, and to EF50mm f/1.8 II on top of the EF-S18-55mm IS.

[dsldub]

http://www3.sympatico.ca/fernandesj/POTN/IMG_2778.JPG

^ 30D w/ EF-S 18-55mm, EF 50mm f/1.8 II with lens hood on top, EF-S 10-22mm and 1 filter ^

http://www3.sympatico.ca/fernandesj/POTN/IMG_2779.JPG

[_aravena]

Why don't you reverse the hood?

[jacobsen1]

Why don't you reverse the hood?

and make one that actually works worth a damn...
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=558590

basically, canon has used that same hood on the 16-35I, 17-40 and 10-22. It SUCKS for all three. It's way to wide/cumbersome in a bag and this ALSO makes it less effective with blocking light. If you get a 24L or 24-105 hood and trim them down they work MUCH better and aren't as hard to store (I've heard the 17-55 hood also can be used). If you're handy at all it's not that hard and it's WELL worth the effort.

[dsldub]

As jacobsen1 noted, it's huge!

[xairsoft808x]

does it fit a body and 70-200mm attached? saw it at bestbuy also. intriguing at the least.

[_aravena]

It does sideways and I've been meaning to try a layout of the bag with a 70-200 attached sideways and lenses underneath.

[Headshotzx]

Hey, sorry to dig up an old thread, but can I ask owners if the velcro is really adjustable along the length of the bag? Is there velcro stretching across?

[_aravena]

Two strips one either side high and low. You can always buy strips if you have to and I need to get photos up of the 70-200 going in long ways. It works and I love using it.

[Headshotzx]

Sorry I don't get what you mean. I'm asking where the female side of the velcro (the one on the bag itself, not the dividers) are - do they cover the whole inside of the bag, or are they at specific spots so that we have to conform to the same layout all the time?

And it's good to hear that you can put a camera + 70-200 inside length-wise. It would be great if I can put a jacket and bottle underneath with the setup above - that's what I've been doing with my crumpler 7mdh, but that bag is thick!

[_aravena]

It's like this on either side:
_____________________________________


_____________________________________

One high and one low.

[_aravena]

Jacket yes...bottle. Probably considering one is as round as a lens.

[Headshotzx]

Ah I see. Two strips running across most of the bag's interior length. That's nice. Thanks!