Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

I was looking for a bag that I could fit a laptop into, and this one is great for that.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

I will never leave anything behind. Everything fits in this bag.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

I thought I had the bag I needed, held 2 lenses and my camera. Then I added a grip, speedlite, 2 more lenses, iPad and rapidly outgrew the bag I had. With a little help from an online chat with the great customer service team at B&H they steered me in the direction of this bag. I couldn't be happier with the purchase. In it right now I have a gripped Canon T2i, EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS II and EF 24-105 F/4L with hoods, EF-S 10-22, EF 50 1.4 prime, 430EX II speedlite, iPad and a Gorilla Pod. Even with all of this I still have room to grow. The mesh bag comes in handy to keep cords and chargers in as well as the memory card wallet. The strap is sturdy and doesn't hurt when carrying all of this around. Very happy with the purchase and the service from B&H was top notch as always.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

This is my third LowePro bag. I use it to carry two 1D Mark IIIs with lenses attached, another lens, a 580EX II speedlite, necessary spare batteries, spare memory cards and miscellaneous items. I like the wide shoulder strap and the other strap at the bottom which helps to shift the weight to the hip. The construction provides solid support and protection for the contents.
However the construction of the bag means a sacrifice for space. I don't like the presentation showing all of the packed items and the representations about how much equipment the bag accommodates. When I go to shoot, I don't have time to unpack and reassemble two cameras and lenses and other items I may need. Another limitation is the space; it's hard to squeeze another lens in with the two cameras with lenses attached. Arrangement is made to attach lens cases at each end of the bag, but this makes the whole thing very bulky. I'm better off with my Domke J2 with two side lens pockets for space, but the tradeoff is lesser comfort.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

Make no mistake, this is a large heavy bag. Some people have complained about that, but it was exactly what I was looking for. Just know what you want.

This bag can hold two full-frame camera bodies (or medium-format bodies with battery grips), both with a lens attached (up to and including a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L), in a lens-down configuration so that both are easily pulled out independently. There is plenty of room left over for 2 or more lenses, depending on size, a speedlight or two, flash modifiers, batteries, chargers, memory cards, and a small rocket blower. There's also a spot for a small laptop or a tablet, and this space can easily accommodate a softbox or other flash modifier if you don't carry a computer. About the only thing for a day of shooting this bag cannot hold are tripods or tripod-mounted lighting accessories.

If you need to carry more, there are attachment points along both sides for add-on pouches.

I do not, and would not recommend, using this as a walk-around bag. It gets heavy. I use this for transporting my gear when going to a photo shoot where I will be able to set it down somewhere and work out of it from there. In this roll, this bag excels. That said it is quite comfortable to carry, and the shoulder strap is very well padded. I've never been uncomfortable carrying this bag, but I've also never carried it far.

The construction is excellent, it is well padded and the internal dividers are actually easy to move around. The organization of the inside of the bag a simple and works. The bag is taller than it is wide, so most equipment is intended to be stored vertically. This makes everything pretty quick to get at, unless you are stacking smaller objects on top of one another - as there is easily enough room to store two smaller lenses in one vertical space.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

There are so many good things to write about this product that I just made a 5 minute video instead which showcases the fun features of this line. I know they say not to include html but it really is the best way to see this product. If you like, check out the review on: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150294528103511&saved Wheels up! JSJ

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

I'm a videographer and needed a 2nd bag for my lenses, laptop, drives camera monitor and this worked great. For me it was taking all the dividers out and reusing only 2 of them. My main concern was check on baggage as a "personal item". It barely fits in that category - I have yet to try and cram it under the seat but I think it will on larger planes.

My 15" MacBook Pro was a VERY tight squeeze in the pouch for it but it does fit. As an added precaution I cut a piece of plexiglass to slip in the section behind it.

The only thing that might be a nice add on would being able to convert to a backpack. As some have said, be careful not to overload it which is easy and end up with a boat anchor.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

I bought it because I need a shoulder bag to carry my gear when a Shoulder bag is the right tool. I already own a Backpack and I used them according to my project. Shoulder bags are easy to handle. I carry my Canon 7D w/grip and the Canon 70-200 f/4 with the Canon EX 1.4 III atached, Canon XTi w/grip with the Canon 24-105 L atached, Sigma 180mm Macro, Canon 430EX II Speedlite, and other things.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

I need something I large enough for 2 cameras, multiple lenses, flash and accessories that I could carry on my side as opposed to backpack style bags and this did the job.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

My first bag (purchased from B&H of course!) was the Lowepro Slingshot 300AW which I did not like because of how it sat on my shoulders and i really wanted to like it but it was just NOT for me.I went on to purchase the Tamrac 5584 Expedition 4x Backpack which I then used for the last year and a half and it served its purpose well! A VERY tough backpack that held my gear just fine and was quite comfortable to use. Not one complaint about that backpack. I only sold it as I have been purchasing more gear and needed something bigger and more convenient for easier access.So, onto this backpack in review! I LOVE it. Stores my Nikon D200, D300, 17-55mm, 70-200mm, 50mm, 105mm and SB-800 plus numerous other items such as a light meter, extra batteries, manuals, remote releases, memory cards (great pouch included for this!), memory card reader, digital recorder, rocket blower and more! It is well built and I absolutely love the way Lowepro makes access to your gear quite convenient with the zippered opening on top of the bag. Like stated here, the regular carrying (hand) strap gets in the way of this but I just "fold" it behind the bag and use the shoulder strap to carry the gear and have no problems at all accessing my camera gear this way.The all-weather cover always comes in handy and is a great feature of Lowepro! I missed having this from my old Slingshot backpack! And there are also loops on the sides of the bag for you to attach other accessories such as lenses (in cases). I have a Gorillapod attached here.Overall it is well built, lots of room depending on how much gear you do have. It is great for two bodies and a few lenses depending on their size, plus flash units etc. ONE THING TO NOTE - if this bag is packed with all your gear it can be very heavy to carry around all day! You will feel it in your back and shoulders but who wants to carry all their gear ALL day long? I'd pack light if you know what you need specifically!Highly recommend this bag and any Lowepro item to be honest as they are a very reliable product![...]

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

This is a great bag and the second Lowepro bag I own. I was a little surprised at the handle when I received the bag. The handle was strapped across the quick entry to the bag. As is it will take about 5 minutes to attach or detach it for access to the bag. So a trip to the hardware store to get two 1" black plastic snaps did the trick. Now the handle can quickly be clipped on or off as needed.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

One of the best bags i have ever had. I miss others colors, i don't like black: it can be very hot and it's not funny. It fits my 15' new macbook pro, canon 5d and 6 prime lenses. It's also nice to go around with just the laptop, books, etc. All my bags are lowepro. I have a lowepro trekker with maybe 15 years of heavy use and it's amazing how it still look good.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

It's a great bag. I now have a bag that I have what I need when i need it, and I even know where its at. My wife saw it and said "wow what a great bag."

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

I use the bag most days in my work as a (photo)journalist. I can fit everything in it, and some, and never have to worry about whether I've packed it properly because everything is always well protected.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

I am a hobby photographer and i like to take my cameras every where I go. I got tired of having the right stuff but not having it with me. Now I have what I need, Great bag.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

I have 2 canon dslrs, three lenses (largest is the 70-200 L lens) and flash.
Great access with zipper on top. Good shoulder strap. Decent overall protection from the elements with weather cover. Can also hold a small laptop. Could use built in side pockets but otherwise it's well designed.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

This is a great, well-made bag. I use it to carry two cameras, three lenses & all my little accessories. It is strong and durable. My only complaint is that it doesn't have enough pockets. Otherwise this is a great bag, can't really go wrong with Lowepro though.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

There's a balance between mobility, accessibility, and storage space. Cost gets thrown in there somewhere too, but if you're really serious about your photography 'stuff' it's further down the list than the first three.

Simply put this bag is too big for me to use as a 'shoulder bag' and, while it has a decent amount of space inside, it lacks a good supply of pockets and pouches that many other bags do have. The front pockets it does have simply don't feel remotely secure enough for my taste.

You have one main compartment with a slot in the back for a small laptop and a memory card/etc book that slips between the padding and front pockets. Then you have two front pockets, one of which doesn't not have a top closure at all and the other only a 75% coverage flap to hold things in place. Not pockets you're really going to want to hold small objects in (batteries, pens, etc).

On the positive side is has wonderful top access and, as mentioned, lots of primary storage space. But when the size (and, by default, weight when full) stop you from actively carrying it that top access becomes irrelevant. I've actually returned this to get something slightly smaller with more storage pockets.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

I did a lot of online 'research' for a bag as a store that carries a LARGE selection of bags is difficult to find.

To make a long story short, I think this bag is too bulky for the amount of storage space. Forget the possible weight if filled, but just the dimensions of the bag make it unwieldy. If I want a storage container that I can't actively carry around with me I'm going to spend this kind of money on a hard shell transport case (like a Pelican 1500 or 1600 series).

The inside is fairly roomy and the laptop sleeve is nice, but there is very little in the way of pockets for all the various small items I normally carry around. Not lenses, or the camera, flash, or even the filter cases... but the things like a filter wrench, small flashlight, cables and wires, etc. And the outward most pockets simply are not secure enough for objects much smaller then the size of the pockets themselves.

To each their own, but I found this limiting and inconvenient.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

I have been a big fan of LowePro camera bags for years. I have owned three or four. This bag was the result of a recent trip to Europe where we packed light and moved from place to place by foot, bus, and railroad. I carry my clothes around in a backpack, I have a small daypack for day trips, and another Lowepro camera belt for my photo gear. The camera belt is a great tool for carrying a camera and a lens or two and I still use it. A two week trip with this as an extra item to carry, wear and stow convinced me that I needed something larger that could hold all of my photo gear, including chargers, extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies. While I considered that I realized that I needed a bag that was a little larger than that. I needed to stop putting my camera belt in my daypack and just fold the daypack function into my camera bag. This way everything is still padded in a fitted compartment and very easily reachable, but also the redundancy of two bags is eliminated. My wife's video gear fits in nicely as well.

In addition to the great features of the camera bag which you can read about elsewhere, I would draw your attention to the rain shield. It works great, it is very out of the way, and very easy to deploy. I have chased the problem of keeping my camera bag dry out in the world, and this solves it perfectly, mostly because it is always onboard the bag. You can 't forget it, talk yourself out of it, or leave it in the car.

I also love how the whole top opens, but that there is also a waterproof zipper in the lid for easy access to your camera. I miss fewer shots with this. When you are on the move, if you can't grab your camera you can miss those money shots.

Lastly, if you travel with a backpack, consider a shoulder bag for your camera gear. To me it has proven the most compatible with backpacks. You can cross sling it, that is loop the strap over your head and carry the bag on your opposite hip, very efficiently with most backpacks on.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

I was looking for a bag that I could fit a laptop into, and this one is great for that.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

I will never leave anything behind. Everything fits in this bag.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

I thought I had the bag I needed, held 2 lenses and my camera. Then I added a grip, speedlite, 2 more lenses, iPad and rapidly outgrew the bag I had. With a little help from an online chat with the great customer service team at B&H they steered me in the direction of this bag. I couldn't be happier with the purchase. In it right now I have a gripped Canon T2i, EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS II and EF 24-105 F/4L with hoods, EF-S 10-22, EF 50 1.4 prime, 430EX II speedlite, iPad and a Gorilla Pod. Even with all of this I still have room to grow. The mesh bag comes in handy to keep cords and chargers in as well as the memory card wallet. The strap is sturdy and doesn't hurt when carrying all of this around. Very happy with the purchase and the service from B&H was top notch as always.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

This is my third LowePro bag. I use it to carry two 1D Mark IIIs with lenses attached, another lens, a 580EX II speedlite, necessary spare batteries, spare memory cards and miscellaneous items. I like the wide shoulder strap and the other strap at the bottom which helps to shift the weight to the hip. The construction provides solid support and protection for the contents.
However the construction of the bag means a sacrifice for space. I don't like the presentation showing all of the packed items and the representations about how much equipment the bag accommodates. When I go to shoot, I don't have time to unpack and reassemble two cameras and lenses and other items I may need. Another limitation is the space; it's hard to squeeze another lens in with the two cameras with lenses attached. Arrangement is made to attach lens cases at each end of the bag, but this makes the whole thing very bulky. I'm better off with my Domke J2 with two side lens pockets for space, but the tradeoff is lesser comfort.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

Make no mistake, this is a large heavy bag. Some people have complained about that, but it was exactly what I was looking for. Just know what you want.

This bag can hold two full-frame camera bodies (or medium-format bodies with battery grips), both with a lens attached (up to and including a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L), in a lens-down configuration so that both are easily pulled out independently. There is plenty of room left over for 2 or more lenses, depending on size, a speedlight or two, flash modifiers, batteries, chargers, memory cards, and a small rocket blower. There's also a spot for a small laptop or a tablet, and this space can easily accommodate a softbox or other flash modifier if you don't carry a computer. About the only thing for a day of shooting this bag cannot hold are tripods or tripod-mounted lighting accessories.

If you need to carry more, there are attachment points along both sides for add-on pouches.

I do not, and would not recommend, using this as a walk-around bag. It gets heavy. I use this for transporting my gear when going to a photo shoot where I will be able to set it down somewhere and work out of it from there. In this roll, this bag excels. That said it is quite comfortable to carry, and the shoulder strap is very well padded. I've never been uncomfortable carrying this bag, but I've also never carried it far.

The construction is excellent, it is well padded and the internal dividers are actually easy to move around. The organization of the inside of the bag a simple and works. The bag is taller than it is wide, so most equipment is intended to be stored vertically. This makes everything pretty quick to get at, unless you are stacking smaller objects on top of one another - as there is easily enough room to store two smaller lenses in one vertical space.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

There are so many good things to write about this product that I just made a 5 minute video instead which showcases the fun features of this line. I know they say not to include html but it really is the best way to see this product. If you like, check out the review on: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150294528103511&saved Wheels up! JSJ

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

I'm a videographer and needed a 2nd bag for my lenses, laptop, drives camera monitor and this worked great. For me it was taking all the dividers out and reusing only 2 of them. My main concern was check on baggage as a "personal item". It barely fits in that category - I have yet to try and cram it under the seat but I think it will on larger planes.

My 15" MacBook Pro was a VERY tight squeeze in the pouch for it but it does fit. As an added precaution I cut a piece of plexiglass to slip in the section behind it.

The only thing that might be a nice add on would being able to convert to a backpack. As some have said, be careful not to overload it which is easy and end up with a boat anchor.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

I bought it because I need a shoulder bag to carry my gear when a Shoulder bag is the right tool. I already own a Backpack and I used them according to my project. Shoulder bags are easy to handle. I carry my Canon 7D w/grip and the Canon 70-200 f/4 with the Canon EX 1.4 III atached, Canon XTi w/grip with the Canon 24-105 L atached, Sigma 180mm Macro, Canon 430EX II Speedlite, and other things.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

I need something I large enough for 2 cameras, multiple lenses, flash and accessories that I could carry on my side as opposed to backpack style bags and this did the job.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

My first bag (purchased from B&H of course!) was the Lowepro Slingshot 300AW which I did not like because of how it sat on my shoulders and i really wanted to like it but it was just NOT for me.I went on to purchase the Tamrac 5584 Expedition 4x Backpack which I then used for the last year and a half and it served its purpose well! A VERY tough backpack that held my gear just fine and was quite comfortable to use. Not one complaint about that backpack. I only sold it as I have been purchasing more gear and needed something bigger and more convenient for easier access.So, onto this backpack in review! I LOVE it. Stores my Nikon D200, D300, 17-55mm, 70-200mm, 50mm, 105mm and SB-800 plus numerous other items such as a light meter, extra batteries, manuals, remote releases, memory cards (great pouch included for this!), memory card reader, digital recorder, rocket blower and more! It is well built and I absolutely love the way Lowepro makes access to your gear quite convenient with the zippered opening on top of the bag. Like stated here, the regular carrying (hand) strap gets in the way of this but I just "fold" it behind the bag and use the shoulder strap to carry the gear and have no problems at all accessing my camera gear this way.The all-weather cover always comes in handy and is a great feature of Lowepro! I missed having this from my old Slingshot backpack! And there are also loops on the sides of the bag for you to attach other accessories such as lenses (in cases). I have a Gorillapod attached here.Overall it is well built, lots of room depending on how much gear you do have. It is great for two bodies and a few lenses depending on their size, plus flash units etc. ONE THING TO NOTE - if this bag is packed with all your gear it can be very heavy to carry around all day! You will feel it in your back and shoulders but who wants to carry all their gear ALL day long? I'd pack light if you know what you need specifically!Highly recommend this bag and any Lowepro item to be honest as they are a very reliable product![...]

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

This is a great bag and the second Lowepro bag I own. I was a little surprised at the handle when I received the bag. The handle was strapped across the quick entry to the bag. As is it will take about 5 minutes to attach or detach it for access to the bag. So a trip to the hardware store to get two 1" black plastic snaps did the trick. Now the handle can quickly be clipped on or off as needed.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

One of the best bags i have ever had. I miss others colors, i don't like black: it can be very hot and it's not funny. It fits my 15' new macbook pro, canon 5d and 6 prime lenses. It's also nice to go around with just the laptop, books, etc. All my bags are lowepro. I have a lowepro trekker with maybe 15 years of heavy use and it's amazing how it still look good.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

It's a great bag. I now have a bag that I have what I need when i need it, and I even know where its at. My wife saw it and said "wow what a great bag."

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

I use the bag most days in my work as a (photo)journalist. I can fit everything in it, and some, and never have to worry about whether I've packed it properly because everything is always well protected.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

I am a hobby photographer and i like to take my cameras every where I go. I got tired of having the right stuff but not having it with me. Now I have what I need, Great bag.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

I have 2 canon dslrs, three lenses (largest is the 70-200 L lens) and flash.
Great access with zipper on top. Good shoulder strap. Decent overall protection from the elements with weather cover. Can also hold a small laptop. Could use built in side pockets but otherwise it's well designed.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

This is a great, well-made bag. I use it to carry two cameras, three lenses & all my little accessories. It is strong and durable. My only complaint is that it doesn't have enough pockets. Otherwise this is a great bag, can't really go wrong with Lowepro though.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

There's a balance between mobility, accessibility, and storage space. Cost gets thrown in there somewhere too, but if you're really serious about your photography 'stuff' it's further down the list than the first three.

Simply put this bag is too big for me to use as a 'shoulder bag' and, while it has a decent amount of space inside, it lacks a good supply of pockets and pouches that many other bags do have. The front pockets it does have simply don't feel remotely secure enough for my taste.

You have one main compartment with a slot in the back for a small laptop and a memory card/etc book that slips between the padding and front pockets. Then you have two front pockets, one of which doesn't not have a top closure at all and the other only a 75% coverage flap to hold things in place. Not pockets you're really going to want to hold small objects in (batteries, pens, etc).

On the positive side is has wonderful top access and, as mentioned, lots of primary storage space. But when the size (and, by default, weight when full) stop you from actively carrying it that top access becomes irrelevant. I've actually returned this to get something slightly smaller with more storage pockets.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

I did a lot of online 'research' for a bag as a store that carries a LARGE selection of bags is difficult to find.

To make a long story short, I think this bag is too bulky for the amount of storage space. Forget the possible weight if filled, but just the dimensions of the bag make it unwieldy. If I want a storage container that I can't actively carry around with me I'm going to spend this kind of money on a hard shell transport case (like a Pelican 1500 or 1600 series).

The inside is fairly roomy and the laptop sleeve is nice, but there is very little in the way of pockets for all the various small items I normally carry around. Not lenses, or the camera, flash, or even the filter cases... but the things like a filter wrench, small flashlight, cables and wires, etc. And the outward most pockets simply are not secure enough for objects much smaller then the size of the pockets themselves.

To each their own, but I found this limiting and inconvenient.

Comments about Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Shoulder Bag:

I have been a big fan of LowePro camera bags for years. I have owned three or four. This bag was the result of a recent trip to Europe where we packed light and moved from place to place by foot, bus, and railroad. I carry my clothes around in a backpack, I have a small daypack for day trips, and another Lowepro camera belt for my photo gear. The camera belt is a great tool for carrying a camera and a lens or two and I still use it. A two week trip with this as an extra item to carry, wear and stow convinced me that I needed something larger that could hold all of my photo gear, including chargers, extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies. While I considered that I realized that I needed a bag that was a little larger than that. I needed to stop putting my camera belt in my daypack and just fold the daypack function into my camera bag. This way everything is still padded in a fitted compartment and very easily reachable, but also the redundancy of two bags is eliminated. My wife's video gear fits in nicely as well.

In addition to the great features of the camera bag which you can read about elsewhere, I would draw your attention to the rain shield. It works great, it is very out of the way, and very easy to deploy. I have chased the problem of keeping my camera bag dry out in the world, and this solves it perfectly, mostly because it is always onboard the bag. You can 't forget it, talk yourself out of it, or leave it in the car.

I also love how the whole top opens, but that there is also a waterproof zipper in the lid for easy access to your camera. I miss fewer shots with this. When you are on the move, if you can't grab your camera you can miss those money shots.

Lastly, if you travel with a backpack, consider a shoulder bag for your camera gear. To me it has proven the most compatible with backpacks. You can cross sling it, that is loop the strap over your head and carry the bag on your opposite hip, very efficiently with most backpacks on.