Lowepro Exchange Messenger Courier

I'm looking for a shoulder bag that will hold the K5 with the DA 55-300 attached, plus one additional lens.

This setup would be used when I wanted a lighter alternative to the take everything Vanguard Pampas 57 sling bag (plus going on holiday in five weeks).

This Lowepro bag fits the bill size wise, is cheap and there are favorable reviews on Amazon link

However my biggest concern regarding this bag is the lack of protective padding.

Does any members have any experience of this bag?

Thanks
Adrian

I would have thought it would be padded, to call itself a DSLR bag? I've just ordered a Crumpler Messenger Boy 2500 bag from SRS - i'll let you know if it looks big enough for the 55-300. It's only £20.

Hi Adrian,

I have a black one of these. It is extremely lightweight and very unobtrusive. I usually carry K5 with DA35mm 2.4 attached, a Sigma 10-20mm and maybe one other lens (sometimes even DA*50-135 which is pretty chunky.

If it looks dodgy weather wise I select only WR lens because there is very little protection against the elements.

I took it to Rome earlier in the year and it was very light and comfortable. There is only minimal padding- covered foam on the inside of the base and the dividers, however the bag slung across your body feels secure and I have never had any problems with knocks etc.. Care is needed but I am sure you wouldn't chuck your precious gear around. When I carry it it never leaves my side even when I am sat down.

I bought it because at the price it was so cheap. There is a lot of talk on the forum about walkabout lenses- I can take one on camera and two others and barely notice I'm carrying it- great for days out and very easy to access over a rucksack style bag.

There are some fabulous alternatives out there but some can be a bit pricey. I can recommend it adn would buy it again but the doubts you have are fair.

Not sure how I've managed to write so much about a bag!

Actually I am looking for one to carry the K-5 with 18-135mm and 55-300mm so will keep an eye on this thread.

i have a Lowepro Rezo 170aw ,this holds k7 with 55-300 attached ,da 16-45, 105 sigma macro or you could replace one of these two with 2 small primes and carry 3 spare lenses. also has pocket for memory cards, wireless remote. i also push a Gorillapod zoom tripod through the 2 loops on the front.being an aw it has the waterproof cover

The Messenger Boy 2500 looks great. I'm fairly sure it would take the 55-300 mounted and there's space for another lens at the side (with a divider). And it's small and well padded. Downside is I got their last one in Khaki... burnt orange anyone? link

Thanks for the suggestion
The spec specifies that the width is 26cm, which it seems would be too small to fit the K5 & 55-300 mounted, plus an additional lens.

japers45, thanks for your detailed analysis of the bag.
When I bought the Kx, it came with the Pentax DSLR shoulder bag link
This also offers limited padding, although I've never had any problems whilst using it.

Unfortunately it's a bit too small for the DA 55-300.

At double the cost of the Exchange is this one, although obviously offering much better protection and weather resistance link

Thanks redbusa99.
The size of this is very similar to the Hama (more food for thought)
link

Thanks all.
Adrian

I think you're right Bychan. Now I've got it home, I can see it takes the K7 and Tamron 17-50 (without reversing the hood), with space for a clutch of primes or something like the 70-210mm, but the 55-300 would be tight unless you reversed the hood.

I don't understand what you mean about the width - the camera is stored lens down, not sideways.

Thanks for the update.
Oopps, my error regarding the width.

I eventually went with my initial thoughts, and purchased the Hama Rexton 150, see link

The good, it's built like a tank (metal rings holding the strap, rain cover, plenty of space for accessories), plenty of space for the K5 with lens mounted, plus 2 additional lenses.

The bad, I thought that the shoulder pad wasn't thick enough, and after a short period of time I developed a pain in my shoulder and neck. Suffice to say that it become unbearable, which was a shame in that it was a great bag.

Thankfully I got to return the bag, and I shall be changing it for a Tamrac model, link

Hopefully this will prove more comfortable for me.

Regards
Adrian