Benro Chameleon 101

I had introduced Benro before on their Travel Angel tripod. Benro started producing professional tripod under its own brand back in 2002. In the past 8 years, it has established a solid market with a wide range of tripods and heads. Only until recently in 2009, Benro steps into the camera bag market ranging from backpacks, shoulder bags, slingbags and rolling cases. First, you will notice that a lot of their designs are counterpart to  Lowepro, Kata, Crumpler.

I had a chance to check out the Benro Chameleon 101. The Chameleon series comes in three different sizes C100, C101 and C102. The largest can fit a DSLR with 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached. A tripod can also be attached on the front.

Size comparison to Think Tank Street Walker Pro

In term of size, the Benro Chameleon 101 is less bulky which is much more suitable for travel or casual walkabout. It doesn’t feel like you are carrying a box on your back. However, the material used is much softer yet still adequate and the straps are a bit too thin as well. The Think Tank street walker pro is certainly more solidly build of the two.

The Benro Chameleon is a unique three carrying options in one while changing from backpack to right sling then to left sling by using its quick release buckles. So it is a backpack and sling bag in one. It also features side access similar to the Lowepro fastpack and slingshot.

What can you fit in the Benro Chameleon 101 ?

The bag is divided in to two compartments, the top and bottom. The top compartment is large enough fit quite a few things, filters, batteries, a 70-200mm f/2.8 or two even.

The main compartment can easily fit a 24-70mm f/2.8 attached, SB-900 flash, 14-24mm f/2.8. 50mm f/1.4. It also comes with a raincoat.

I would say Benro Chameleon is more suitable for those who are looking for a small-ish backpack that doesn’t look oversize but still want to carry quite a bit of gear. While it is nicely designed and well made, it is certainly not as strong as the Think Tank street walker pro.

Other camera bag blog entries:

Benro Chameleon 101

Think Tank Street Walker Pro

Think Tank Street Walker

Think Tank Modular Set

Crumpler Whickey and Cox

Lowepro Flipside 400 AW

Lowepro Flipside 200

Lowepro Flipside 300

Lowepro Inverse 200 AW

Lowepro Stealth Reporter D200 AW

Lowepro Fastpack 350

Lowepro Fastpack 200

Lowepro Slingshot 200 AW

Lowepro EX180

Think Thank Lens Changer and Lowepro Lens Case

Using a belt system is by far the best option when you want to keep you gear accessible while you are shooting. The two most popular belt system come from Thinktank and Lowepro which offer a full range of belt system components. Check out my blog post on the Think Tank Modular set.

Which belt system is better? Think Tank or Lowepro ?

Only yourself can answer that question. But let’s do some comparisons.

Below are the Think Tank Lens Changer 35 and Lowepro LC 2S which are designed to hold a standard zoom such as 24-70mm f/2.8.  Both are about the same size and build quallity.

For telephoto lens, the LC 4 from Lowepro and  Lens Changer 75 Pop Down from Think Tank are both suitable for the 70-200mm f/2.8.

In terms of size, the LC4 is quite a bit bigger than the Len changer 75 pop down due to its thicker padding.

Some remarks:

Lowepro – Offers more padding and hence can be used as lens storage or lens carry bag. Access to the lens is by unzipping the top cover. The top cover helps to prevent dust from getting in. The lens cases are part of Lowepro’s Slip Lock system.

Think Tank – Offers less padding but compressible. This helps to fit them better in a suitcase or backpack. While the small amount of padding will give some protection, it is probably not ideal for carrying lenses around. Access to the lens by releasing the bungee cord is arguably faster but risks dust to get in.

Two major differences are in the top access and padding

Here is what the two system look like with the Think Tank pro speed belt. Note that the Lowepro lens cases are compatible with the Think Tank belt, but not vica versa. The Think Tank modules do feel abit more stable than the Lowepro lens cases, probably because of the wider flaps.

In summary:

If you want to use the Lens Cases to carry Lens around/storage then go with LOWEPRO

If you are an event shooter and want something not too bulky so you can move around, then go with THINK TANK

If you need to store you Lens Cases easily in a backpack or suitcase,then go with THINK TANK

If you shoot in a rugged place like in a warzone, then go with LOWEPRO

If you are a person who worry about your lenses getting bumped or dusted all the time, then go with LOWEPRO

If you are a traveller who carry your lenses mainly in a separate backpack, then go with THINK TANK

If you are a professional photographer, then go with THINK TANK, assuming you have enough revenue not to worry about dust and scratches on your lenses.

The main purpose of a belt system is to provide fast access to your gear when you are on the run, also the ability to take some weight off your shoulder. The lack of padding on Think Tank might not be as crucial to some, because they are not intending to use it for storage or transportation.

Think Tank Street Walker

Having tested so many Lowepro backpacks and shoulder bags, I think it is time to try out the Think tank range. I got my hands on a Think Tank Street Walker. First impression when compared to Lowepro backpacks is that the Think Tank has a bit less padding and hence feel less bulky which is what I preferred. The build quality is good, but not better than Lowepro's. This is probably due to thicker material and padding used on Lowepro bags, so the Lowepro bags feel a bit more solidly made.

Comparison of the size between a Think Tank Street Walker (Left) and Lowepro Flipside 400 AW (Right). The Flipside is wider, thicker and bulkier which is more suitable for hiking purposes. Both have tripod mount on the front, rain cover and waist belt. The Flipside 400 AW features a much thicker waist belt which will give you a better support for those long trips.

Internal space comparison between a Lowepro Mini Trekker AW (Left), Lowepro Flipside 400 AW (Middle) and Think tank Street Walker (Right) . Notice the padding on Think Thank is much thinner. The Mini Trekker AW and Flipside 400 AW can fit a bit more gear than the Think Thank Street Walker.

What can you fit in a Think Tank Street Walker ?

Nikon D700 (Unfortunately, it won’t accommodate with a battery grip MB-D10)

Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8

Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 (attached)

Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8

Nikon 50mm f/1.4

Nikon 85mm f/1.4

 

Overall, I would say the Think Tank Street Walker is a better option as a travel bag because it is less bulky. It is well made, but lacks the attention to detail from Lowepro bags. For something bigger and stronger use for hiking, Lowepro Mini Trekker or Flipside 400 AW might be a better choice.

Other camera bag blog entries:

Crumpler Whickey and Cox

Lowepro Flipside 400 AW

Lowepro Flipside 200

Lowepro Flipside 300

Lowepro Inverse 200 AW

Lowepro Stealth Reporter D200 AW

Lowepro Fastpack 350

Lowepro Fastpack 200

Lowepro Slingshot 200 AW

Lowepro EX180

Lowepro Flipside 400 AW

Lowepro flipside 400 AW is the largest of the flipside range. It is also the only model equipped with AW.

It is a medium size backpack that is not overly large on your back. The access of the main compartment is from the back so it is more secure when on the move. It has an integrated quick release tripod holder and a large pocket at the front which are missing from the Flipside 200 and 300.

Size comparison between mini trekker AW ( left) and flipside 400 AW (right)

On the side, there are attachment loops for sliplock accessories. Also included for additional support is a padded waist strap. The shape of the flipside 400 is much more contoured which is a bit more appealing.

What can you fit in the Lowepro Flipside 400 AW ? Actually quite a bit of more gear when compared with the Flipside 300 and Flipside 200

It fits:
Nikon D700 + MB-D10
Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 (attached)
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR
Nikon 20mm f/2.8
Nikon 50mm f/1.4
Nikon 85mm f/1.4
Nikon TC-14E

Flipside 300

It fits:

Nikon D700 + MB-D10
Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 (attached)
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR
SB-900

Flipside 200

It fits:

Nikon D700 + MB-D10 (sideway)
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 (attached)
Nikon 50mm f/1.4
Nikon 85mm f/1.4
another small lens

Lowepro Flipside 400 AW is a good medium size backpack for those adventurous photography trips where you might be bringing quite abit of gear. In fact, it can fit a pro DSLR with lens attached up to 300mm f/2.8 plus additional 6-8 lenses and accessories. However, you might want something bigger like the photo trekker if you are on a professional photography trip or something smaller for trips that are less photography orientated. So far, I have to say the Flipside 400 AW suits me the most (but not perfect) out of all the other Lowepro backpacks that I have encountered. Next, I will continue my search of the perfect backpack trying out the ThinkTank Streetwalker.

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Lowepro Mini Trekker AW

Yet another Lowepro backpack for the collection. This time is the Lowepro mini trekker AW.

It is a fairly small backpack, but can hold quite a bit of gear. It has an integrated quick release tripod holder and a large pocket at the front. The size is a little bit smaller and thinner than the Lowepro flipside 400 AW (to be review soon) and hence the internal space is also a bit smaller than the flipside 400 AW.

Size comparison between mini trekker AW ( left) and flipside 400 AW (right)

On the side, there are attachment loops for sliplock accessories. Also included to additional support is an un-padded waist strap. The shape of the mini trekker is less contour than the flipside 400 and so it does look a bit like a box.

What can you fit in the Lowepro mini trekker AW ? Actually quite a bit of gear consider it is a fairly compact backpack.

Fits:
Nikon D700 + MB-D10
Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 (attached)
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR
Nikon 20mm f/2.8
Nikon 50mm f/1.4
Nikon 85mm f/1.4

Lowepro mini trekker AW is small enough for day to day use, yet big enough for those adventurous photography trips where you might be bringing quite abit of gear. However, you might want something bigger like the photo trekker if you are on a professional photography trip.

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Lowepro Flipside 200

Flipside 200 is the smaller version of flipside 300. It is less bulky than the flipside 300, so it looks less like a box on your back. In terms of size, It is about right without attracting attention on the street. It could go a little wider but certainly not thicker, otherwise i will look like a “box”.

What can I fit in the flipside 200?

• Nikon D700+MB-D10 with 24-70mm f/2.8 attached (70-200mm f/2.8 attached is also possible, but tight). The camera and grip is too tall for the depth of the flipside 200, so it needs to be placed side way
• 50mm f/1.4
• 85mm f/1.4
• TC-14E
• room for another small lens
• small compartment for filters, batteries, etc

Fitting a 70-200mm f/2.8 is also possible but will need to remove the small compartment on the top. This is actually a good backpack (in terms of look and fittings) if you don’t need to carry much.

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Lowepro Flipside 300

Another Lowepro backpack that I got my hands on was the Flipside 300. In terms of size, it is a bit smaller than the Lowepro fastpack 200, but the partition compartments utilises the whole backpack whereas for the faspack 200, only the bottom half of the backpack is arranged with partition dividers. The flipside also includes a small waist belt for added support. A tripod can also be amounted on the front. It feels comfortable enough as expected from a backpack but it doesn’t look that nice due to its “box-like” shape. Personally, I prefer the shape of fastpack 200, but wishes it has the inside layout like the flipside 300. Perhaps, a Lowepro Flippack ??

Below is a size comparison between flipside 300 and fastpack 200

What can I fit in the flipside 300?

• Nikon D700+MB-D10 with 24-70mm f/2.8 attached (70-200mm f/2.8 attached is also possible)

• 14-24mm f/2.8

• 70-200 f/2.8

• SB-900

• small compartment for filters, batteries, etc

In my opinion, the flipside 300 gives a perfect fit for the Holy Trinity (14-24mm, 24-70mm and 70-200mm), but lacks physical appearance.

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Lowepro Inverse 200 AW

Lowepro Inverse 200 AW is a beltpack camera bag that has a 3D contoured mesh lumbar belt which distribute weight evenly. It also has a shoulder strap that can be used for added support. The belt pack actually felt very comfortable and both of my hands are free to move. I would favour using a belt system for short/light photography trips as you have access to your gear around your waist. For light travel, a shoulder bag would be suffice. Ultimately, I am waiting for the S&F belt which I can attach and remove lens cases.

Below is a size comparison between Inverse 200 AW and Stealth Reporter D200 AW

What can I fit in the Inverse 200 AW?

• Nikon D700+MB-D10 with a short to medium lens attached (in this case 50mm f/1.4)
• 24-70mm f/2.8 and another small lens
• It is also possible to fit another two small lenses underneath the camera.

The Inverse 200 actually wouldn't fit the D700 with 24-70mm f/2.8 attached. It is not tall enough.

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Crumpler Whickey and Cox Vs Lowepro

A new addition to my camera bag collection is the Crumpler Whickey and Cox. This is a fairly large bag and I only intend to use it for trips where I need to carry my “Holy Trinity” (14-24mm, 24-70mm and 70-200mm). It has a tripod strap at the front.

It can fit all of my gear + my new acer netbook.

Enough room to fit:

Nikon D700+MB-D10

14-24mm f/2.8

24-70mm f/2.8

70-200mm f/2.8

50mm f/1.4

1.4x Teleconverter

SB-900

My camera/lens bag collection. The Crumpler Whickey and Cox is a little bigger than the Lowepro Fastpack 200, but it can hold alot more gear. Perfect for those photography trip where you need to carry lots of lenses and a tripod. In the photo, also are the Lowepro Stealth Reporter D200 and EX180.

Lowepro Stealth Reporter D200 AW

Lowepro Stealth Reporter D200 AW

Comes with Memory card holder and accessory case

Top access

Internal compartments

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Lowepro Fastpack 350

Lastest backpack I have is the Lowepro Fastpack 350. It has a notebook compartment which will fit a notebook with 17" screen

Alot bigger compares to the fastpack 200, looks abit like a trekker with waist belt, but fits everything with room to expand.

Lowepro fastpack 200 is abit smaller without notebook compartment. Fits everything, less bulky and wont be so obvious as a tourist, but it is abit tight for my gear and won't have any room for expansion.

Lowepro slingshot 200AW, smallest size of the three, but the interior is alot bigger. However, slingshot design is not very good for long trips.

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Lowepro EX180

Lowepro EX180 shoulder bag <$50

Perfect for those "carrying light" trip

Lowepro fastpack 200

Lowepro slingshot is a good concept, but not ideal for travel. A fully packed 200aw can weight as much as 7kg+. It would be very tired to carry with one shoulder.
Solution? A Fastpack 200

Lowepro slingshot 200aw

Left: Crumpler 7 million dollar home

Right: Lowepro slingshot 200aw

Fits: Nikon D300 + 4 lenses