Camera Gear: Lowepro Topload Zoom AW

If you’ve seen me out and about with my camera in the Vancouver area, chances are you’ve seen what I typically use on my photowalks; the Lowepro Topload Zoom AW.

When I first started looking for an easy to use bag that would fit my camera and largest lens (while attached) but not hamper me on my travels, I had looked at many different styles. I found that styles tend to change drastically from manufacturer to manufacturer as of course their functions. Eventually I settled on one that would suite my needs while I walked around taking photographs.

Lowepro Topload Zoom AW

The Topload Zoom (or TLZ) is designed for a smaller dSLR (digital SLR) camera and decent sized telephoto lens. In my case, it would be for my Canon XSi, with the battery grip and still allow me to keep my EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS lens attached. I tend to shoot a lot with my big white lens so a bag that would easily allow me to accommodate my setup without hampering my ability to pull it out and use it was something I was looking for. Other bags I’ve seen typically don’t allow for me to easily access a camera with a large lens like the 70-200.

The walls of the Topload Zoom are padded to help ensure small bumps don’t hurt your camera gear. There are also small dividers that are included which can help you organize some of your gear, but I found them to be more of a pain and got in the way. The two included dividers (which attach via Velcro) do have a pocket each, where you could easily store a memory card or perhaps a micro-fiber lens cloth.  Since I have my battery grip attached to my Canon XSi, I did not have enough room for the dividers and removed them. I could see the use of the dividers to keep the lens in the middle of the bag. I find that the width of the camera’s body keeps everything relatively in the middle.

The outside of the Topload Zoom is made of a tough, water-resistant fabric. I have found the fabric holds up to drizzly weather, but for those harsher, wet Vancouver days the included All Weather Cover provides great protection and keeps my camera gear dry. The AW covered is permanently attached to the inside pocket but can be scrunched up to easily fit inside without sacrificing room.

The Lowepro Topload Zoom AW comes with a pretty hefty shoulder strap which is long enough to wear the bag as a sling. I like being able to easily swing it around to pull out my camera or to change a memory card and then swing it back behind me out of the way. It also came with a chest harness, which was one reason I originally wanted to purchase it. I wanted something that was small enough for my dSLR but easy enough to stay out of the way when I snowboard. Though I have never used the chest-harness and found that using a simple backpack while snowboarding works out nicer than a sling would.

Optional Accessory

In the beginning of using my Lowpro Topload Zoom AW I used to sneak my EF 18-55 f3.5-5.6 IS kit lens into the bag along side my camera. Since I’ve upgraded my kit lens to a EF 17-40mm f4.0L lens I have not been able to have them coexist. My camera + 70-200 with the 17-40 is a bit too much for the Topload Zoom to handle. The solution to this little problem was to purchase one of Lowepro’s lens cases, in particular the Lens Case 1 or LC1.

This little guy fits my EF 17-40mm f4.0L perfectly snug. If you are wondering why I don’t have the lens hood, it is because I’ve read numerous forum posts that say due to the cropped sensor, the lens hood provides function at stopping things such as lens flare. For that reason, it is why I don’t use it or bring it along with me. Unlike my 70-200’s lens hood, the one for the 17-40 doesn’t provide any front-element protection either.

The LC1 utilizes Lowepro’s SlipLock technology which allows the case to be attached to the Topload Zoom and other Lowepro bags that feature SlipLock technology.

The LC1 is built with the same fabric as the Topload Zoom AW and is padded nicely to help suppress any bumps that might happen. Though I have found that there are a couple of downsides:

1. There is no All Weather Cover like there is with my Topload Zoom. The fabric and zippers do allow for some water-resistance, but take it out in the pouring rain as I have done with the Topload Zoom and eventually the water will work its way inside. Not so good for what is inside the case.
2. The other factor is how the SlipLock technology seems to work. It uses a system of reinforced Velcro straps that slides through a loop on the Topload Zoom, but there seems to be too much wiggle room. The LC1 wiggles around as I walk and it makes me feel like it will fall off. Perhaps if there was a strap I could cinch it would feel more secure. There are loops on the Topload Zoom that look as if a strap could go around the LC1 for a more secure attachment, but neither product came with such a thing.

Final Conclusion

I still use the Lowepro Topload Zoom everywhere I go when I bring my camera along. Granted I can’t fit all my gear in it, but when I’m on photowalks during the day it works great. There is even enough room for some other items like additional memory cards, change, lens clothes etc. Having the LC1 alongside the Topload Zoom allows me to make use of my telephoto lens and a wide angle lens, both where have their place in my photowalks from time to time.

When I upgraded from my Canon XSi to the Canon 7D there was no issue as the Canon XSi with battery grip is not much larger than just the Canon 7D itself. Though if in the future I pick up a battery grip for my Canon 7D I fear I might have a room issue. Lowepro does make larger toploading bags for pro camera bodies, though I don’t think I’ll spend the money on a bag similar to one I already have.

I really love the All Weather Cover that this particular model has. We’ve walked around the entire Stanley Park Seawall (10Km) in the pouring rain and my gear stayed nice and dry, we were soaked though. I was a bit worried, but I had faith in product and it did not let me down.

If you’re looking for a sling bag, but don’t plan on taking everything and the kitchen sink with you then I do recommend the Lowepro Topload Zoom AW.

Before I forget to mention it, when looking for a bag or backpack or pouch for your camera equipment, it is a good idea to bring the camera equipment you are going to lug around with you to the store. That way you can find the right bag/backpack/pouch/case that will fit it all and comfortably.