marketnews: PMA 2010 Show coverage
Day 2 at PMA 2010 – Robert Franner: It continues to amaze me how every year, specialty photo bag manufacturers somehow manage to redesign and enhance their ranges. You'd think that something consisting of nothing more than fabric, zippers and padding (as opposed to electronics, optics and sensors) would provide relatively little scope for continual innovation.
But changing priorities call for different materials and approaches to bag design. A trip to the Lowepro exhibit illustrates the process. The firm has revamped its popular Mini/Compu Trekker line of convertible backpack and rolling camera bags to better suit urban travelers, rather than hikers. Where the former range used thicker, heavier materials, the new Pro Runner line is lighter and slimmer; and configured to fit in airliner bulkheads or under seats.
Models comprising the new six-model line (Pro Runner 200AW, 300AW, 350AW, 450AW; and x350AW and x450AW) come with compression straps, and zippered expansion sections (depending on the model) to fit in tight places; and they all provide some means of carrying a tripod.
Thoughtful design touches like hideaway waist belts make it easier to stash the bags quickly on an airliner without snagging on things. The ‘450 is the deepest, and it doesn't compress that much, but this model needs its girth to accommodate pro DSLRs with the hand grip attached.
The ‘x' prefix denotes rolling versions: like previous Lowepro designs, they have detachable wheels for easy servicing; and provide wide tracking for extra stability.
Lowepro has also improved its Slingshot series. The second-generation (the 1st gen models 100, 200, and 300 become the 102, 202, and 302) line provides easier access to the camera through a redesigned zipper that provides less effort. The camera's path has been smoothed by relocating the built-in micro-fibre cloth away from its trajectory, and there are new zippered compartments that fall to the horizontal position for when the bag is slung in front of the user. Other enhancements include a pocket for a small tripod (secured by a compression strap) and an inside pocket with elastic strapping to keep cables organized.
The same objective, to provide easier and smoother access to the DSLR
inside, informs the redesign of Lowepro's popular top-load series (now called
the AW45, AW50, and AW55). All three now feature the firm's all-weather wraparound
cover, lower-friction zippers, and a choice of blue or black.
The "D" rings for the shoulder harness have been repositioned from nearer the
middle to the back of the bag; and at an angle such that the strap is no longer
in the way of the zipper path. An additional pair of "D" rings further down allows
use of a chest harness.
Lowepro says these bags are enjoying brisk sales in lock step with the rise of
the DSLR category. New users tend to gravitate towards them because of their
compactness, but soon find them limiting. The models AW50 and 55 address
that with Lowepro's slip-lock straps (two in the case of the AW55) permitting a
measure of modular expansion.