2009 PhotoPlus Expo
October 22-24, 2009 - New York City

October 22 - 24, 2009: The PDN PhotoPlus Expo tradeshow bills itself as “the most important event in the photo industry.” That might be overstating things a bit, but it is the largest and most important consumer photo tradeshow in North America. Every fall, photographers gather at the Javits Center in New York City where they get to take a closer look at new digital cameras, lenses, tripods, camera bags, software, studio lighting and more. There are also more than 100 photography workshops, covering everything from marketing your photography to improving all kinds of photography skills and techniques.
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 Lowepro had some new camera cases at PMA this year, including an updated version of their popular Topload Zoom AW, the new Toploader Pro AW. The Toploader Pro AW incorporates some thoughtful refinements to the old case that look like they’ll make a real difference for outdoor photographers. Lowepro product manager Tim Grimmer gave us a video demo of the new Toploader 75 AW.
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I visited the Lowepro booth at PMA this year and got some demos of new camera cases, including the cool new Flipside 400 AW backpack. I’m seeing more and more innovation in camera backpack design - especially when it comes to quick camera access. The Flipside 400 AW is full-featured pro-sized camera backpack with a neat new twist that should make all outdoor photographers excited.
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Lowepro Primus AW Backpack
List Price: $279
Quick camera access is key for the Primus AW backpack from Lowepro.

by Alan Davis www.alandavisphoto.net
As an active mountain biker, hiker and photographer I have always been on the lookout for a photo backpack that carries well and allows for quick camera access to help capture fleeting photographic moments. The Primus AW immediately caught my eye with its unique side-access pouch. A U-shaped side zipper gives fast access to a complete SLR without removing the pack or even one shoulder strap.

The primary feature in this pack is its lower storage area that has both side and a lumbar access. By unzipping a U-shaped zipper on the right side of the pack via the extra-long zipper tab I can access a compartment big enough to fit my Canon EOS 5D with a 70-200 f/2.8 L lens without removing the pack (It’s not big enough for my 1D body however). I can also use the U-shaped lumbar zipper, but I have to remove the pack to do so. This option gives additional access to my camera and lens, a few small accessory pouches for batteries or filters plus I can reach another padded pocket just big enough for my 24-70 f/2.8 L (an optional divider is provided for use with a combination of smaller lenses or flash).
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 Lowepro Vertex 200 AW Camera Backpack
A Serious Backpack For Outdoor Photographers

I’ve been using the Lowepro Vertex 200 AW backpack for a few months now. Generally it carries a Canon EOS-1D Mark III, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L, Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di, Canon EF 28-300MM f/3.5-5.6 L IS, a Canon 550 EX flash, Pocket Wizard radio slaves, memory cards, extra AA batteries, and miscellaneous other pieces of photographic paraphernalia. The backpack has a sophisticated harness system, holds a laptop computer, and features Lowepro’s adjustable Glide-Lock system for attaching a tripod or Lowepro Slip-Lock accessories to the outside of the backpack. It also has weather-resistant zippers and Lowepro’s Patented “All Weather Cover.”  The Glide-Lock system carried my compact travel tripod securely and was easier to use than other tripod attachments I’ve used in the past. The Vertex 200 AW also comes with another removable tripod holder that will carry a larger tripod on the rear of the backpack.

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