Lowepro Primus AW good ?

u2nofear · 7th July 2008

Hi,

Planning to get Lowepro Primus AW for travelling to finland, anyone used this bag before.. any personal comments will it be too big , heavy , fit 12 inch notebook,ugly design ? please share to me

Thanks

Headshotzx · 7th July 2008

Hi, I've been using this bag since December so maybe I can help you.

Firstly, the main reason you're getting a bag like this is to fit camera gear right? What kind of gear do you have? The primus can fit a 40D + 70-200 2.8IS (hood reversed) and 2 medium lenses below (I have a 17-40L and can also fit a 55-250IS as well).

For the upper compartment, I regularly put my a4 books and jacket there. Since the bottom photographic compartment is filled with optics, I place my 580EXII flash in the above compartment as well. Since 12" is smaller than a4 books, your laptop should fit.

For the open front, I usually put any paper or paperback magazines there. I don't find the front portion extremely useful in that regard - you can't put anything hard there. Just above that is the tripod holder, which is good as I can strap a Manfrotto 190xpro + head easily without any hassle.

It should suit your travelling needs well. The design is different from other bulky bags, and it doesn't look like a camera bag unless you strap a tripod to it. It's got a good number of straps to make the bag more comfy. The part just behind your back isn't air-cooled though, so if you're on a hike it can get a bit hot/sweaty there.

Hope this helps! If you want more details, just ask =)

u2nofear · 7th July 2008

Thanks it really help compare to review on other website...I don't have so many lens , but i wish to bring 2 DSLR body (D200 and D70IR) + 3 lens (18-200, 12-24,85 f1.4 or35 f2), monopod and 12inch notebook +charger, water bottle,Jacket and few exchange Tshirt or jeans as well.

Headshotzx · 7th July 2008

Originally Posted by u2nofear

Thanks it really help compare to review on other website...I don't have so many lens , but i wish to bring 2 DSLR body (D200 and D70IR) + 3 lens (18-200, 12-24,85 f1.4 or35 f2), monopod and 12inch notebook +charger, water bottle,Jacket and few exchange Tshirt or jeans as well.

Primus might be a bit too small for you. I'm not a nikon shooter so I really can't tell. The way I visualise it, The D200 + 18-200 mounted and fit in sideways (from the quick access pocket). The d70 right next to that. 12-24 and prime below. Notebook + charger + jacket at the top. Extra clothing might be difficult. Do you really need a monopod for travelling?

u2nofear · 8th July 2008

Originally Posted by Headshotzx

Primus might be a bit too small for you. I'm not a nikon shooter so I really can't tell. The way I visualise it, The D200 + 18-200 mounted and fit in sideways (from the quick access pocket). The d70 right next to that. 12-24 and prime below. Notebook + charger + jacket at the top. Extra clothing might be difficult. Do you really need a monopod for travelling?

No necessary need to bring monopod,hmm Extra clothing should have i think ..I went to CP to buy the bag but they don't have stock. If not primus AW, what bag is recommended ?

tim · 9th July 2008

I think Tamrac Adventure 9 should the bill nicely. I have one, could meet you in town to try-out with all the gears and stuff.

http://www.tamrac.com/5549.htm

Hope this helps.

Headshotzx · 9th July 2008

Originally Posted by u2nofear

No necessary need to bring monopod,hmm Extra clothing should have i think ..I went to CP to buy the bag but they don't have stock. If not primus AW, what bag is recommended ?

If you don't care about being glamorous, I think you could fit extra clothing at the open-top front (where I said you could place magazines). That what I regularly do when using the bag for school. Books and stationery at the top compartment, clothing out in-front, camera gear stored below. Simple and effective, if not a bit heavy for school use xD

I personally prefer lowepro or thinktank brands. The Think Tank glass taxi seems good, but that is definitely a photographic-expedition-ish bag. I prefer to think that I'm investing into a storage system instead of just a bag. Lowepro has slip-lock systems, and thinktank photo has their modulus systems for added customization.

KangS · 9th July 2008

I use the Primus for the better part of a year already.

It can as mentioned fit a 40D with 70-200 f/2.8 IS with hood reversed. And still have a bit of room for 2 small/medium lenses in the lower compartment. I took it along for a US trip last year, brought along a Tamron 17-50 and a 85 f/1.8 and the 580 ExII, and about 4 filters, and the accessories. The flash was left in the top compartment and the other stuff like chargers were in the check in luggage. And also a 2+kg tripod/ ballhead combo.

Its very difficult, if not almost impossible to fit a 12" laptop into the top compartment. But you can fit it into the padded cover/sleeve compartment.

The thing I like about the bag is that is support system is very well designed. In fact, I brought it along with the tripod, minus the flash and 85mm lens, minus notebook and adding a water bottle plus a sweater for a 6-7 hour walkabout in session through some of the hilliest city terrain anywhere in the world.... San Francisco !

At the end of the day, by shoulders and back were perfectly fine but rather it was my kness and feet that were killing me!

If you die-die must bring a notebook along, may not be the best option for a back. But it is indeed a very well designed / supported bag for long walks.

Headshotzx · 9th July 2008

If you're bringing the laptop to finland, ask yourself whether you'll always have it with you while travelling. If the answer is yes, then get the Lowepro CompuRover instead. Bulkier and more expensive, but can fit more gear in one dedicated camera compartment, thus saving you a lot more space up top.

u2nofear · 9th July 2008

Originally Posted by tim

I think Tamrac Adventure 9 should the bill nicely. I have one, could meet you in town to try-out with all the gears and stuff.

http://www.tamrac.com/5549.htm

Hope this helps.

thanks

..but look like don't have rain cover ?

u2nofear · 10th July 2008

Originally Posted by Headshotzx

If you're bringing the laptop to finland, ask yourself whether you'll always have it with you while travelling. If the answer is yes, then get the Lowepro CompuRover instead. Bulkier and more expensive, but can fit more gear in one dedicated camera compartment, thus saving you a lot more space up top.

I was be there last month visit the Oulu finland, found that the whole town have free wirelss internet access, so notebook is needed when taking break for coffee.This time will spend more time for other city and other country, i still miss swiss and germany. I think should find the actual bag then decide, but too bad i went to CP there don;t have stock ..think try TK photo few days later

.. thanks

u2nofear · 10th July 2008

Originally Posted by KangS

Its very difficult, if not almost impossible to fit a 12" laptop into the top compartment. But you can fit it into the padded cover/sleeve compartment.

i'm also think that

...that why asking you all opinions.

KangS · 10th July 2008

Originally Posted by u2nofear

i'm also think that ...that why asking you all opinions.

Ok, just test fitted a 12.1" Wide screen laptop into my back. Frankly, I was surprised that it went in nicely.

However, do note that other items will have to squeeze a little or you have to be a little inventive with their placement. Else the bag will look very bloated...

Headshotzx · 10th July 2008

Lowepro CompuRover AW or Primus AW definitely beckons you..

u2nofear · 11th July 2008

TK photo also don;t have primus AW liao...where should i get it ?

KangS · 11th July 2008

Originally Posted by u2nofear

TK photo also don;t have primus AW liao...where should i get it ?

Cathay Peninsular ? Else perhaps you can ask the shops to order for you?

u2nofear · 11th July 2008

Originally Posted by KangS

Cathay Peninsular ? Else perhaps you can ask the shops to order for you?

i have ask Tk Foto but don;t carry this model anymore...CP, i went last week also no stock , but din ask them to order yet, i might need to take a look the bag first

Headshotzx · 11th July 2008

Originally Posted by u2nofear

i have ask Tk Foto but don;t carry this model anymore...CP, i went last week also no stock , but din ask them to order yet, i might need to take a look the bag first

When are you planning on traveling to Finland? Don't ever rush into buying a bag unless it's an emergency, like you're in the camera store and your current photog bag gets torn apart right in front of you. Yes, that's what happened to me with my dad's 1988+ dslr slingbag

drewdam · 11th July 2008

U2, did u thought of fastpack 250/350? tamrac adventure9 is tough, waterproof zipper at laptop compartment..

and u can buy the rain cover from sport connection between $10-25 depend on brands..

u2nofear · 12th July 2008

Originally Posted by Headshotzx

When are you planning on traveling to Finland? Don't ever rush into buying a bag unless it's an emergency, like you're in the camera store and your current photog bag gets torn apart right in front of you. Yes, that's what happened to me with my dad's 1988+ dslr slingbag

August, I sell off my lowepro Computtrekker Aw last week..so don;t have camera back bag, left shoulder bag...

7th July 2008	#1
u2nofear Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,487	Lowepro Primus AW good ? Hi, Planning to get Lowepro Primus AW for travelling to finland, anyone used this bag before.. any personal comments will it be too big , heavy , fit 12 inch notebook,ugly design ? please share to me Thanks

7th July 2008	#2
Headshotzx Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Punggol Posts: 3,986	Re: Lowepro Primus AW good ? Hi, I've been using this bag since December so maybe I can help you. Firstly, the main reason you're getting a bag like this is to fit camera gear right? What kind of gear do you have? The primus can fit a 40D + 70-200 2.8IS (hood reversed) and 2 medium lenses below (I have a 17-40L and can also fit a 55-250IS as well). For the upper compartment, I regularly put my a4 books and jacket there. Since the bottom photographic compartment is filled with optics, I place my 580EXII flash in the above compartment as well. Since 12" is smaller than a4 books, your laptop should fit. For the open front, I usually put any paper or paperback magazines there. I don't find the front portion extremely useful in that regard - you can't put anything hard there. Just above that is the tripod holder, which is good as I can strap a Manfrotto 190xpro + head easily without any hassle. It should suit your travelling needs well. The design is different from other bulky bags, and it doesn't look like a camera bag unless you strap a tripod to it. It's got a good number of straps to make the bag more comfy. The part just behind your back isn't air-cooled though, so if you're on a hike it can get a bit hot/sweaty there. Hope this helps! If you want more details, just ask =) __________________ Our pictures are our footprints. It’s the best way to tell people we were here - JoeMcnally \| Flickr

7th July 2008	#3
u2nofear Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,487	Re: Lowepro Primus AW good ? Thanks it really help compare to review on other website...I don't have so many lens , but i wish to bring 2 DSLR body (D200 and D70IR) + 3 lens (18-200, 12-24,85 f1.4 or35 f2), monopod and 12inch notebook +charger, water bottle,Jacket and few exchange Tshirt or jeans as well.

9th July 2008	#6
tim Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Eastern Singapore Posts: 788	Re: Lowepro Primus AW good ? I think Tamrac Adventure 9 should the bill nicely. I have one, could meet you in town to try-out with all the gears and stuff. http://www.tamrac.com/5549.htm Hope this helps.

9th July 2008	#8
KangS Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 895	Re: Lowepro Primus AW good ? I use the Primus for the better part of a year already. It can as mentioned fit a 40D with 70-200 f/2.8 IS with hood reversed. And still have a bit of room for 2 small/medium lenses in the lower compartment. I took it along for a US trip last year, brought along a Tamron 17-50 and a 85 f/1.8 and the 580 ExII, and about 4 filters, and the accessories. The flash was left in the top compartment and the other stuff like chargers were in the check in luggage. And also a 2+kg tripod/ ballhead combo. Its very difficult, if not almost impossible to fit a 12" laptop into the top compartment. But you can fit it into the padded cover/sleeve compartment. The thing I like about the bag is that is support system is very well designed. In fact, I brought it along with the tripod, minus the flash and 85mm lens, minus notebook and adding a water bottle plus a sweater for a 6-7 hour walkabout in session through some of the hilliest city terrain anywhere in the world.... San Francisco ! At the end of the day, by shoulders and back were perfectly fine but rather it was my kness and feet that were killing me! If you die-die must bring a notebook along, may not be the best option for a back. But it is indeed a very well designed / supported bag for long walks.

9th July 2008	#9
Headshotzx Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Punggol Posts: 3,986	Re: Lowepro Primus AW good ? If you're bringing the laptop to finland, ask yourself whether you'll always have it with you while travelling. If the answer is yes, then get the Lowepro CompuRover instead. Bulkier and more expensive, but can fit more gear in one dedicated camera compartment, thus saving you a lot more space up top. __________________ Our pictures are our footprints. It’s the best way to tell people we were here - JoeMcnally \| Flickr

10th July 2008	#14
Headshotzx Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Punggol Posts: 3,986	Re: Lowepro Primus AW good ? Lowepro CompuRover AW or Primus AW definitely beckons you.. __________________ Our pictures are our footprints. It’s the best way to tell people we were here - JoeMcnally \| Flickr

11th July 2008	#15
u2nofear Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,487	Re: Lowepro Primus AW good ? TK photo also don;t have primus AW liao...where should i get it ?

11th July 2008	#19
drewdam Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,491	Re: Lowepro Primus AW good ? U2, did u thought of fastpack 250/350? tamrac adventure9 is tough, waterproof zipper at laptop compartment.. and u can buy the rain cover from sport connection between $10-25 depend on brands..