Lowepro Topload Zoom Mini Questions & Compare to Tamrac 515

[Michael Mattox]

I have not been able to locate the Tamrac 515 here in Paris so I'd like to ask a few questions about the Lowepro Topload Zoom Mini. I saw it in the store today and they had a DR XT with the Sigma 18-200 which is the lens I'm planning on picking up in NYC next week, so I got the sales person to let me try it in the TLZ Mini to verify that it'd fit. I also tried the TLZ 1. I found the TLZ 1 to be way too big. Also, the lens with the lens hood attached was very difficult to get into the bag because of the velcro'd side supports for the camera body. When I took it out it pulled on the lens etc. Not an easy in/out by any means. With the TLZ mini it fit perfectly. Since there is no support for the body there is nothing to interfere with the lens and it goes in and out smoothly. However that worries me a bit, cause the camera's weight is resting on the lens. Is this a problem? I first thought the TLZ 1 would give more protection since there is about 1" space on all sides but then again if it's dropped the space would collapse and I'm not sure it'd make a huge difference since it's just air.

Next question is about the belt. Anyone used LowePro's belt? It's pretty basic when compared to Tamrac's belt. But maybe that's enough?

And finally, I would love to get my hands on the Tamrac 515 to compare the two but it doesn't seem to be available in France. I'm curious if it's the same size as the TLZ mini. Will the DR XT fit inside with the Sigma 18-200? (I don't plan on getting any larger lenses and if I do I don't mind spending $30 on a new case). Has anyone used the padded belt of the Tamrac MAS system?

The Tamrac belt was one reason I was leaning towards Tamrac but if this really isn't necessary then I think I will go with the Lowe TLZ Mini. I am a big fan of Lowe products, I've backpacked in Africa & Asia with a Lowe backpack and I find their quality top-notch and their lifetime guarantee very assuring.

-Michael

 

[Pepys]

Hi Michael,

Have you tried the Kata range of bags. You should be able to get one in Paris - I just bought one in Lyon.

The one I have is top-loading - about the size of the LowePro Toploader Zoom - it's called simply the camera case - C-59.

It's very solid - well protected - has side pockets and an outside pocket that fits my i-Pod. Perfect for putting in my backpack, or just carrying about town. Other plus - it doesn't really look like a camera bag.

See what you think...
http://www.kata-bags.com/Literature/NEWphoto.pdf

Cheers.

 

[Michael Mattox]

The Tamrac lens pouches are cheaper and it seems they are available in sizes that correspond more to small lenses that I will purchase (50mm 1.4 & Sigma 18-200).

 

[Michael Mattox]

anyone? (nt)

 

[Michael Mattox]

I went to B&H and looked at the Tamrac and LowePro. I just felt more impressed with the LowePro and it was $10 cheaper too. I have a LowePro backpack that I've taken on trips on africa & asia and I am a fan of their quality. I got the TopLoader Mini, the DR XT with Sigma 18-200 fit inside perfectly. I also got the LowePro belt, the big padded one. I am glad I did, it's very comfortable. I love it. I also got a couple lens cases that I can attach to the belt but I haven't needed to do that because the Sigma hasn't been off the camera.

If your lens isn't any longer than the Sigma 18-200 then I highly recommend the TLZ Mini. Put an extra lens in a lens pouch and attach it to the belt. Any other gear can go in a backpack.

It took a few days to get used to the belt and having the camera on my waist. I even tried going back to the neckstrap that comes with the TLZ Mini but that only lasted a few minutes. Once you get used to having the TLZ mini on the belt it's great. Your shoulders will thank you!!

-Michael

 

[skanter]

I use the TLZ Mini with the XT and Sigma 18-200 -- it fits perfectly! I haven't tried the belt, still use shoulder strap. I will go to B&H and try the belt out...

 

[skanter]

Do you have a link with pic of belt -- I couldn't find one...

I went to B&H and looked at the Tamrac and LowePro. I just felt
more impressed with the LowePro and it was $10 cheaper too. I have
a LowePro backpack that I've taken on trips on africa & asia and I
am a fan of their quality. I got the TopLoader Mini, the DR XT
with Sigma 18-200 fit inside perfectly. I also got the LowePro
belt, the big padded one. I am glad I did, it's very comfortable.
I love it. I also got a couple lens cases that I can attach to the
belt but I haven't needed to do that because the Sigma hasn't been
off the camera.

If your lens isn't any longer than the Sigma 18-200 then I highly
recommend the TLZ Mini. Put an extra lens in a lens pouch and
attach it to the belt. Any other gear can go in a backpack.

It took a few days to get used to the belt and having the camera on
my waist. I even tried going back to the neckstrap that comes with
the TLZ Mini but that only lasted a few minutes. Once you get used
to having the TLZ mini on the belt it's great. Your shoulders will
thank you!!

-Michael

--
Sam Kanter, NYC

 

[mevans7]

I've got the Lowepro TLZ mini and it works great with both the kit lens and the Sigma 18-200. Now I need a solution for when I've got the Canon 75-300IS attached. (I love these problems!)

 

[Michael Mattox]

I use the TLZ Mini with the XT and Sigma 18-200 -- it fits
perfectly! I haven't tried the belt, still use shoulder strap. I
will go to B&H and try the belt out...

You may not like it in the store, it takes some getting used to. The sigma is heavier than the camera which puts the weight on the bottom and makes the TLZ mini want to "tip over". I find it most comfortable on my hip, that way it doesn't interfere with my backpack, or if I don't have the backpack then I put it in the middle of my back. The belt is very padded and has lops to attach the accessories. It's very comfortable, I've been wearing it about 6-8 hours a day on vacation.

So far the Sigma 18-200 that we've discussed on other threads is very nice. I'm really enjoying it. Haven't used the kit lens at all except to try it out briefly in the hotel room. I don't think I could give up the extra reach of the Sigma. I can't compare sharpness but I think that when printing 8x10" or smaller one wouldn't be able to tell the difference although I haven't verified it yet.

For anyone who's interested: The Sigma 18-200 does fit in the LowePro 1S (small) lens case with the lens hood attached but it's very difficult getting it in and out. In fact the lens hood comes off when getting the lens out and then getting the hood out is hard. the ideal is getting a bigger case but the next size up was way too long. So I haven't worked out a solution other than not putting the hood in the case.

-Michael

 

[Michael Mattox]

Do you have a link with pic of belt -- I couldn't find one...

Me either, in fact I didn't know Lowe had this kind of belt. All I could find was the basic $8 belt. This was a major reason I was leaning towards tamrac. Then in the store the guy showed me this belt and I really liked it. I guess you have to go see it in person. I don't know why Lowe doesn't market this belt, it really is nice. The TLZ will slide around on it so you can get to it when you need it and slide it around back when you don't need it.

 

[Michael Mattox]

actually I don't cause I'd have an even bigger problem with the wife unit. It was funny when after I bought my Sigma, she remarked "lenses are expensive". Funny cause she didn't know I had already ordered the 50mm 1.4 mail order!!! hehehe.. she thought it stopped with the kit.

I think the next size up from the mini could handle it. I looked at it in the store and it seemed huge.