I have discovered that there's an event in Southampton on Dec 2nd at the Novotel where quite a few photo manufacturers will be demonstrating their products, and Lowepro will be one of them, so I'll hopefully wander along with my kit in a traditional gadget bag and try out their range.

Since I want something that won't conflict with a daysack when I'm walking, I'll probably take that along as well, and see what works. I suspect it will be one or other of the Inverse models, but the larger outback might just do the trick.

Thanks for those, I wondered about the Outback, but the lens size for extra lenses probably wouldn't take the K0-1.

Looking at the Toploader it looks as if I would have to add a suitable belt, and an additional attachment for the second lens or the Ko-1 which would make it quite an expensive item. I think I looked at one of them locally.

I'm not committed to Lowepro, but my forays to local dealers came up with nothing suitable from other manufacturers. I'm reluctant to buy without a hands on check, so it may be a drive to Burgess Hill, or wait until my following trip to London in January, when I could make time to get to a couple of central dealers. Although the price of the Inverse on line is very tempting and would be a complete system I'm not sure if the 100 would be big enough, just as I don't want the extra size of the 200 unless I really have to.

Looks nice, but that doesn't have capacity for an extra lens and it isn't a belt bag by the look of it. I'll be wearing a daysack with all the walking gear, so it has to be a belt bag.

Thanks Barrie - that's only marginally nearer than London unfortunately. I do have to attend a meeting in London at the end of next week, but it is likely to be an all day job, so I doubt if I would have time to make it to a London dealer with stock, and I will be heavily laden, so i would need to load up the bag with some of their stock for a test.

Hi Carl

Neither of the above, its the Lowepro Inverse 100AW and 200AW that I am looking at. I have taken a look on Amazon, and there are some user images with a Pentax K200 fitting pretty snugly, along with a DA star 300 so I might just take the plunge. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lowepro-Inverse-100AW-Photo-Beltpack/dp/B0016JA2RK/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_t_3
The reviews there seem failrly positive. I'll hold on though over the weekend before making a decision.

Keith

I do a reasonable amount of walking, some of it over difficult ground such as the gallipoli battlefields. I have been using a mature waist bag, an Oyster 3000, which just holds an SLR, and is a bit tight for my new kit( K-30 with the 18-135mm zoom). I normally end up with a daybag for water, waterproofs, food etc, so a waist bag is definitely the way forward for a long day's walking.
I would like to be able to carry additionally either my 100-300 4.7 FA lens, or occasionally and alternatively my K-01 with the 40mm pancake lens.

I seem to be heading towards one of the Lowepro Inverse bags, but no dealer nearer than London seems to have one I can check out before buying. Does anyone use either the 100AW or the 200AW, who could advise on space as well as comfort. I would prefer to use the smaller bag if it will hold the kit.

Keith

Explanation - the lens was in a box printed to show the lens with a hood, but boldly printed "DC Only". I took that to mean that my order was complete.

I replied to the sales address, thanking them for the fast dispatch, but expressing my concern that it was not clear that no lens hood was included, and have had a very prompt email reply confirming that I should have had a hood and that one would be in the post. So, Thanks Chris, its sorted, and well done to the sales team for such a quick reply.

It still seems odd that Pentax chose to pack the hood separately, but hey no problem.

With prompt customer service like that, I'm sure I'll be back when I can afford a prime to go with the outfit.

Keith

Chris


I can't send a PM as I have not been registered on the forum for long enough - I have replied to the email confirmation from sales. The order number was 28792

Keith

Just received my new K-30 with the 18-135 lens bundled from SRS. Its a good deal, but not quite as good as it sounds, as the bundled lens is supplied without the lens hood that is shown in every advetisement or desription of it.

I can see nowhere where SRS tell the buyer that the lens is supplied without a hood.They charge £34.95 for a hood as a separate purchase, substantially reducing the advantage of the deal.

Very frustrating.I even phoned before purchasing to check that the included lens was the kosher Pentax item, and received confirmation, but no advice about the hood.