Lowepro Stealth Reporter D300 AW Camera Bag
See it at Amazon.com for $119.85Average Customer Rating
(5.0 out of 5)
Amazon Customer Reviews
Most Helpful First | Newest First (5 out of 5)Great Design, Good Quality
I went to several electronics stores around my area, Best Buy, Wolf Camera, Target, etc., and was unable to find a camera bag that I liked enough, that would work for the new Sony HDR-SR1 camcorder that I had just bought. There was a Canon one that came very close, but it still had some issues for me.
I have a couple of Lowepro bags now, actually three, now that I have this one, and I've always been impressed by their quality, and well designed bags. I was unable to locate a Lowepro bag that I thought would work well with the particular application I had in mind. The HDR-SR1 is 6.5" long, or 8.25" long with the wide angle lens attached. I wanted something that would fit this camcorder, with the lens attached, along with the dual battery charger, and all other accessories.
I searched Lowepro's web site, which, in my opinion, is pretty poor. They have good pictures, and a good amount of information, but it seems to be organized a bit odd. I was almost about to buy one of the backpack style bags, when I stumbled upon the Stealth D series bags. I thought the idea behind them was interesting, and they looked good on paper, and in pictures, but without seeing one, I was a bit nervous spending $89 on a bag, not knowing if it would work well in my application.
Well, I'm happy to say that I'm very pleased with this bag. Not only can I fit everything related to the camcorder in the bag, but I'm also able to add my digital camera to the bag, and still have some room left over. I currently store the camcorder as shown in the picture, but if I removed the lens, and a divider, I could store it long ways as well.
The bag is pretty flexible as far as positioning the dividers, however, there isn't an easy way to leave an entire section open, going the longest length of the bag. I'm happy with the way it worked out though. I'm not sure what I'll use the memory card wallet for, but I'm sure I'll find a use.
One of the features I really like, is the water resistant top zipper which you can use to get your camera/camcorder out in a hurry. The shoulder strap seems very well padded, unlike many other shoulder straps I've seen. Even the hand handle is padded well.
I think the previous reviewer is right though, you can really load this bag down, if you want too. I think mine probably weights at least 20lbs right now. Check out the photo I posted.
(4 out of 5)Phenomenal Bag
This is a fantastic bag. The construction is solid and the materials are bomb-proof. It can comfortably hold my Nikon D200 with 18-200mm lens attached, 70-200mm f/2.8, and a big sigma 180mm macro. I'm also able to throw in extra batteries, cf cards, charger, journal, pens, cleaning kit, flash, and still have room for one more lens. I've carried the bag through Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand and it has stayed very dry in some heavy downpours. The bag can accomodate waterbottles on the side if you buy the accessory (which I highly suggest doing) and you can use the compression straps it comes with to attach a small tripod or to stow a jacket or sweater. It seems quite large when you get it, but it fills up quickly. If you intend to load it all the way up I suggest you purchase either a waist belt for it to help support the load, or a more heavily padded shoulder strap. The strap it comes with is fine for light loads, but should be a bit more padded for the loads the bag is capable of carrying, which is why I give it 4 instead of 5 stars.
(5 out of 5)Superior
I have nothing but praise for this bag. It is very well made, very sturdy, and I believe, although I haven't tested it yet myself, it will take a beating with stoic silence. It is also comfortable to carry around (although for people with back problems/weak lower backs, it is probably not comfortable to carry it around for an entire day of shooting due to it having only one strap), and keeps your gear easily accessible while protected from the nasty weather (that you might encounter).
It is spacious enough for you to take along with you all of your daily shooting needs, camera, couple of lenses, cleaning kit, flash, leads and cables, filters and memory cards (that go in an included, seperate pouch), as well as a note book and pen(s). One could also fit in a tasty, fizzy beverage, if one had problems filling the compartments with photo relevant stuff. Yet despite all this space on the inside, it is not big and lumpy on the outside. It doesn't get in the way and doesn't take up the entire boot of your car.
Only bad thing is, that you can't really fix your tripod to it, which makes it less than ideal for trekking. For long treks, you'd probably need a more traditional backpack anyway, so it is but a small problem.
I take mine everywhere and use it all the time. Definitely highly recommendable.
(5 out of 5)Fantastic All Around Camera Bag
After ordering and returning several bags, I finally bought the Stealth Reporter and my journey for the ultimate camera bag was over. (Thank God.) The bag is big enough to carry just about everything you'll need for a days' shoot. And no need to worry about the weather, the bag is very well made and pretty element proof. The bag takes a pretty good banging around, (not by me, but someone who was "helping" me carry gear) and all of the equipment was fine. I would recommend this bag to friend and foe.
(5 out of 5)Nice bag
I got this for the Canon 40D, and I put it in the bag with the 28-135 lens on it. It keep 2 other lenses and a flash in there also, but there is room for 2 other items. Plus with the zippers, it holds papers, cords and other little things. It is nicely constructed, but I would never have paid this full price, I think I got it at a bonus price for ordering something else at the time.