Tamrac or Lowepro ?

[slovnitjki]

Excuse me if this question is a little off-topic for this part of the forum but couldn't find a suitable location

I'm buying a shoulder bag for my equipment (D70 with three Sigma lenses)
Have narrowed it down to two candidates...sort of...
Tamrac Velocity 3(or 2) http://www.tamrac.com/5743.htm
and
Lowepro Stealth Reporter 400 AW(or 300AW) http://www.lowepro.com/pages/series/street/rep400aw.htm

Any opinions on either of these two brands?
Is one more reliable than the other?
They do differ quite a bit in price so I'm curios if the extra for the Lowepro is really worth it.

Regards.........../Magnus, Sweden

[framewerkz]

I've been using the Lowepro Stealth 300AW for a couple of years now. The thing I like about it is the flexibility you get by being able to add extra S&F pods on the outside for stuff, which is then easily accessible. You shouldn't need th 400AW, current contents of mine are a Canon D60, 3-4 lenses at any time. The good thing with the 300AW is that it doesn't actually count as carry-on luggage... so I can have that AND a carry-on bag when I travel. Not sure if the 400AW will pass muster on that front, being that much larger.

[matiasasun]

I´ve used Lowepro all my life and Im absolutly happy with every single product´. But that´s all I can say to you.

[framewerkz]

The only criticism I have specifically with the 300AW is that although it supposedly fits the waistbelt, it's bloody useless as it sags, and there's no lower back eyelet on which you can fix the harness. So the ojnly way to carry it is slung on one shoulder, which, with about 15kg's worth of equipment at any time, makes my physiotherapist shudder every time I go on assignment.

[slovnitjki]

Is it possible to use the AW as a "messenger" bag or can it only be used as a shoulder bag? I mean, can you use it crossed over your chest instead of hanging it on one shoulder? is it comfortable like that?

According to Lowepro and Tamrac sites it seems like Tamrac isn't "waterproof" so I think I will go for the 300 AW.

[framewerkz]

Nah, it's strictly a shoulder bag. Too bulky to wear crossed over. Speaking of waterproof, the built-in dust shied (and indeed the waterproof cover) has saved my bacon a few times.

[eldavo]

http://www.edinburghcameras.co.uk/acatalog

usually have the best out the lot - advice etc. If your in the EU anyways - same bags anywhere

lowepro or delsey - the rest never have the same amount of padding, flex, or look.

[slovnitjki]

eldavo:
thanks for the link. I'm in the EU so buying from that link wouldn't be a problem.
Although the Lowepro 400 AW is actually cheaper here in Sweden. It costs about £76(USD 141) here, £110 at the link.

Thanks anyway.
Looks like I'm getting the 300AW.

Thanks to all who replied to my question.