The Classified AW series is a new range of shoulder bags from Lowepro, with the emphasis on style, without shouting ‘camera bag’! With the Lowepro Classified AW series, Lowepro has succeeded in producing an understated but smart design, looking more like a high-end travel bag than an expensive photography bag. This is good news for photographers and means you’ll be able to carry your valuable kit discretely as you walk about town.
The Classified 200 AW has plenty of useful compartments and an impressive interior capacity – we managed to cram in a large D-SLR with a 70-200mm lens attached, plus a fast standard zoom and a wide-angle lens.
This still left space for a hefty 100-400mm zoom and a flashgun in the main compartment, along with a range of filters and extra accessories in the two pockets situated underneath the front flap.
Elsewhere you’ll find a useful memory card wallet that’s capable of holding six CompactFlash cards, an all-weather cover to protect your kit from the elements, and an impressive three-point stabilising strap. With the shoulder strap placed round your neck, the stabilising strap prevents the bag from jolting around too much when you’re on the move.
Most importantly with any bag, it remained comfortable on the shoulder throughout a full day’s shooting, and the large, smooth-running zips provided fast and easy access to camera kit.
If the 200 AW doesn’t seem like the right size for you there are three other models and two different colours (black or sepia) to choose from. The 140AW and 160AW are the two smaller options and the larger 250AW could make the better choice if you require a really big capacity – this even has room for a 15.4in laptop.
At £140 it’s not cheap by any means, but the superb materials, fantastic build quality, attention to detail and all-round practicality make it worth the money. If you’re after an understated camera bag that offers good protection for your kit, this is a great choice.
www.lowepro.com