Rolling Camera Bag: Lowepro vs Think Tank

I'm mulling the Lowepro x200 and x300 vs Think Tank Airport International v.2 and Airport Security v.2

Lowepro Advantages:
-Cheaper
-Bigger
-Tripod mount
-sturdier handle

Think Tank Advantages:
-most everyone recommends TT, why?
-i like the two column camera position (for 2 cameras as opposed to the lowepro single camera column opposite each other)
-separate security cable and zipper lock

comments and opinions?

i don't think i will be bringing this stuff on the plane (or travel). but when i go to a 'shoot', i currently use two bags, and i'd rather have one rolling bag.

I don't have any actual miles with a Lowepro roller. I have compared a TT Airport International to my buddy's Lowepro X roller (I can't remember the size but I think it was the X200). Both bags are nice and I'm sure you'll be happy with either choice. I prefer the TT rollers for various reasons. My friend has also sold off his Lowepro gear are replaced it with TT products.

Benefits to Lowepro:
- Slightly bigger sizing
- Has a "Reserve Pack" which you can unzip and use as a backpack

Benefits to Think Tank:
- More streamlined for when you do need to fly
- 3 locks (2 are TSA approved) vs Lowepro's 1
- Better wheels
- Cleaner styling and better handles
- I am friends with several people at TT and I like to support them

If you decide on a Lowepro, it looks like Amazon has a good price on the X200 and X300

You may also want to look at Lowepro's brand new Pro Roller Lite AW series ...

http://www.lowepro.com​/pro-roller-lite

Mike. I have had my x200 for a few years now. It holds everything that I need to hold, plus my monopod. As stated before, it has the 'reserve pack' which I have unzipped and used. If you have the chance, physically check them out. You cannot go wrong with either one. It is a personal preference.

The wife and I swear by our Lowepro proroller 200 bags. We have rolled them all over the States and to South Africa.

if the lowepro bags can do this:

I had an X100 which saw a lot of use but I decided to change it about a year ago for a TT Airport Takeoff. The main reasons were:

- Space. Despite having similar external dimensions to the X100, there is a lot more space in the Takeoff. Enough to hold a 300/2.8 in addition to what I could fit in the X100.
- The back-pack 'system' on the Takeoff is much more substantial than the X100's and the straps are easier to deploy and stow. IIRC the International also has deployable back-pack straps but they're only intended for occasional use.
- Better laptop provision. The TT bags are designed to accept one of their laptop bags in the front pocket and they come with a lockable wire loop to secure it to the main bag. The good thing about this is that the laptop pocket only takes up space if it's actually in use. If you remove the laptop, both the Takeoff and International will fit under the seat on even small aircraft. This has enabled me to avoid gate-checking my bag on at least two occasions. You can also get a set of 'low' dividers that lets you put a laptop inside the main compartment.
- The TT dividers allow more flexibility in configuring the bag.
- The carry handle on the Lowepro is semi rigid. This proved to be a real pain when trying to sit a briefcase or rucksack on top of the bag as you might do when rolling through an airport.
- I found the external cable lock on the X100 to be vulnerable to damage. Mine had to be replaced after a few months.
- I will say however that the rigid sides of the Lowepro would be a benefit if you ever did have to check your bag.

If you're not intending to fly with the bag then you'd be as well going with the Security as it's the biggest. Be aware though that it only meets the carry-on requirements for US domestic flights. The Takeoff and International both meet the carry-on requirements for international flights.

mike cabilangan wrote in post #13336254
I'm mulling the Lowepro x200 and x300 vs Think Tank Airport International v.2 and Airport Security v.2

Lowepro Advantages:
-Cheaper
-Bigger
-Tripod mount
-sturdier handle

Think Tank Advantages:
-most everyone recommends TT, why?
-i like the two column camera position (for 2 cameras as opposed to the lowepro single camera column opposite each other)
-separate security cable and zipper lock

comments and opinions?

i don't think i will be bringing this stuff on the plane (or travel). but when i go to a 'shoot', i currently use two bags, and i'd rather have one rolling bag.

When i was in the market i took a big sheet of cardboard and draw the measurements (internal) of the different bags i was researching, it gave me a rough idea about size and how much gear i would be able to fit.

Of course handling them and comparing them in the store is preferable.

I went with TT due to the fact their wheels are better, and their zippers and fabric seemed more heavy duty as well. But mainly because of the size, the lowepro is not shallow enough, and the dividers and option to rearrange them is better with the TT.

I have three TT roller bags.

Airstream
Airport Security 2.0
Logistics

I use them professionally and I'm very happy with them and they hold very well to daily (ab)use.

The lowepro handle do have a less play then the TT but it's not sturdier, the tripod mount is not the best either as iv read people who had it come loose. The fabric handles on the TT are more comfortable and more heavy duty then that of the Lowepro.

I managed to rip the top handle off my (older) lowepro roller
Replaced it with the similar sized thinktank airport security and havent looked back
I like having the backpack straps in the thinktank bag too - makes it easy to carry over muddy ground or over big puddles.
I have 3 lowepro bags, they are good, but i prefer the thinktank stuff, it just feels better built to me

this is helping out a lot guys thanks and keep the ideas/comments coming

ok, lowepro is out.
at first i thought about getting padded inserts and putting that into standard suitcases, but the suitcases don't have equal depth inside due to the telescopic handles ... so it's back to:

the Thinktank Airport Security vs. Pelican 1560

380USD vs 222USD shipped w/in the USA

what do you guys think about this matchup?

I just made the same thread a week ago.

I ended up purchasing the new lowepro series (250aw lite series). Cant wait to receive it.
Plus it was cheaper than the thinktank.

mike cabilangan wrote in post #13346281
this is helping out a lot guys thanks and keep the ideas/comments coming

ok, lowepro is out.
at first i thought about getting padded inserts and putting that into standard suitcases, but the suitcases don't have equal depth inside due to the telescopic handles ... so it's back to:

the Thinktank Airport Security vs. Pelican 1560

380USD vs 222USD shipped w/in the USA

what do you guys think about this matchup?

Two very different bags, the Pelican strong points is durability and security, it won't fail on you. The weakest part of the pelican is the wheels. The think Tank is easier to organize comes with zillion pockets, and can be easier to shoot from when your on the go.

If your shooting in areas and conditions where the security of your gear is very important the Pelican would be a given. If not the TT will most likely be a better fit given how you can organize.

I wouldn't exactly call Lowepro "junk"...

What I find ThinkTank lacks are for instance real outdoor camera backpacks, such as Lowepro's Pro Trekker AW series.

And the StreetWalker series (which I'd compare to Lowepro's Pro Runner AW series) doesn't even have rainflap lids...I mean, that's such a basic feature yet they didn't integrate it. Unless it's raining severely, I ain't pulling out the rain cover everytime...That's why the rainflap lids are so handy .

i'm a bag junkie and i have both those brands, they each have their strengths ...
generalizing, i'd say TT had maximum capacity for their compact size, Lowepro had maximum protection and comfort care of soft materials.

I'm glad for the options because some of my bags are simply not available in the other brand.

i'm still leaning towards the pelican 1564 over the TT AS (60-40%)