Home > Consumer Reviews > Lowepro Nova 4 AW Camera Bag (Navy)

I've had this bag for about a year and a half, and it's remarkable. As others have said, the movable/removable velcro dividers provide enormous flexibility, and there are plenty of pockets and strong zippers. The walls and the velcro dividers are well-padded and they secure the contents well to prevent most movement and vibration. There's a little pocket in the bottom front that contains a nylon shroud that can be pulled out to help secure the bag from dust and moisture.

It's a good size: large enough to hold the essentials but not so big that I load it with my entire household (and then have to lug all that extra weight). In the main compartment, mine holds a Canon 20D body, a 17-85mm zoom, a 50mm prime lens, a 70-200 f2.8 zoom (BIG), Speedlite 580 flash, plus polarizing filter, battery charger, spare AAA batteries, and a USB cable. There are other compartments that hold another battery charger and extra rechargeable battery for the camera (the speedlite and the camera use different rechargeable batteries), extra flash memory card, various booklets, maps, and guides, airline tickets, and various other odds and ends.

There are loops on the back of the bag so that it could be attached to a backpack, though they don't look like they'd support much weight for very long.

When I'm travelling, I can sling this bag across one shoulder, a notebook PC case across the other, and still carry a modest suitcase. With all my stuff in it it's barely 12x8x10 inches. Strong, comfortable shoulder strap, comfortable handle, rubber footpads that keep the bag pretty much off the surface, and expansion pockets all over the place.

Seconding what another person said about the color: the green is more subdued and attractive than the photo suggests.

Everything about it just exudes quality. I'd buy it again in an instant.

I've had this bag for almost two years and it's been excellent. The only problem I've had with it is that it doesn't magically expand and get lighter as my camera equipment increases. It's definitely not a small bag, but it also isn't so huge that you're embarrassed to carry it on your shoulder in public.

I have crammed probably too much into this thing: A Nikon D200, Tokina 12-24 DX lens, Nikon 18-70mm DX lens, Nikon 50mm 1.8D lens, Nikon 75-300mm zoom, SB-600 flash, memory, camera and AA batteries, cleaner, filters, remote, flashlights, and various small flat things that fit in the flap. Even with all of this, I've done photo shoots with this bag strapped across an opposite shoulder comfortably for hours at a time.

Positives:
1. The main compartment has plenty of room for a good-sized collection of photo equipment, and the front zippered pouch has a lot of room for batteries, tools, cleaner, etc. There are also lots of places all over the bag for extra things, like a zippered back pocket for gloves or docs, belt loops for an add-on belt, elastic side mesh panels on both sides, zippered front pouch that's great for a remote or filters while you're shooting, a thick zippered see-through panel inside the top-flap of the bag. Lots of room!

2. Excellent quality build material that resists scratches and abrasions, and zippers that are pretty satisfyingly heavy-duty where they need to be.

3. Very configurable main compartment with lots of movable velcro'd partitions.

4. Shoulder strap is light and has a good heavy-duty feel, is comfortably padded, and is curved to fit your shoulder, and it stays put. It also has metal clamps that connect to the metal rings on the bag. I've never had this strap come off the bag, ever.

5. Has a cool hidden water-proof cover that you can pull out and cover your bag within a few seconds if the weather turns wet.

6. Large rubber feet on the bottom so your bag material doesn't wear out, and a large rubber-covered handle for a good grip on the bag.

I should note that the green and blue bag colors look much better in person. The colors are much more subdued and normal in regular non-flash light.

I don't really have anything negative to say about this bag. It's awesome. If you're looking for a good camera bag with plenty of room, this is a great choice!

First, the bag arrived in super fast time. I expected to wait at least a week but it got here within days!

The bag easily holds my Nikon D-50 and 4 lenses with an open slot for one more. Many zippered flaps and pouches for those flash cards, extra battery and filters. The bag is very secure in that it has a flap that covers the top (and helps with keeping out moisture) plus two zippers that secure it as well.

The internal dividers are secured with velcro and can be moved to accomodate larger items, even a second digital camera body (would eliminate the space for one of the lenses).

I am well pleased with the bag and it is very well padded and has a shoulder strap that is contoured so it will be less likely to slip from one's shoulder if carrying it by that method. There is also a solidly built handle that provides an alternate method of carrying.

All in all it is a good deal especially at less that $44.00 with free shipping when I purchased it.

It is a nice bag if you are interested in protecting your equipment from the elements. Nicely built, and all compartments are adjustable.

Other reviewer wrote

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" I have crammed probably too much into this thing: A Nikon D200, Tokina 12-24 DX lens, Nikon 18-70mm DX lens, Nikon 50mm 1.8D lens, Nikon 75-300mm zoom, SB-600 flash, memory, camera and AA batteries, cleaner, filters, remote, flashlights, and various small flat things that fit in the flap. "
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I have the Nikon D90 and four lens and the SB600 flash.
The only way I could get all that in this bag is if someone paid me money to do it. I would then have to unload two of the lens. I would not treat my equipment like this. I feel foolish for not checking or paying closer attention to the actual size. I bought this based on everyone rating this as 5 stars. Good bag, but it is too small for camera, four lens and a flash unit.