Lowepro Photo Active TLZ 45 AW Bag, Black

2021-03-05T19:00:00

I bought a "Toploader Photo Active TLZ 45 AW" for my Nikon z6 an a 28mm G (FTZ) but l sent it back and got a "Toploader Zoom 50 AW II." The fit was tight but perfect. The case was great in all regards except for the shoulder strap which was subpar (no padding, super basic design). Eventually, l decided to send it back and l got the "Toploader Zoom 50 AW II" because it has more usable pockets and more internal space, but only weighs 40g more (260g VS 300g). The "50 AW II" allows me to store my phone ("Galaxy s8" with case) in the front pocket, whereas the "45 AW" did not. The "50 AW" is also larger so the camera fits with room to spare (especially vertically, so l can store the 28mm with the lens hood on in working position. That makes things easier when it comes to taking the camera in and out with the lens hood on. Even though both come with a waterproof cover, I think the material of the "45 AW" will be more water repellent than that of the "50 AW." This is important because once you put the waterproof cover on, you can't access or store your camera without removing the cover (and this takes a few minutes to do). So, if only minor rain, the 'photo active range of products' may take it better than the 'toploader zoom' range. Overall, l think the "Photo Active TLZ 45 AW" is of slight better quality than the "Zoom 50 AW II." You'll find the material, colors, handlers of the zippers to be slightly better, but not by much. The pockets configuration are slightly different (check the front/side pockets of both models). They're almost the same model, TBH. Now, there is also a 'size 50' model in the 'photo active' range. At the time of my purchase, the "Toploader Zoom 50 AW II" was 20 pounds cheaper than the "Photo Active TLZ 50 AW" (20g heavier) so l went for the former model and l'm happy with it. These cases should last forever so if l was you, l'd go for the model you truly love, regardless of price. What's 20 pounds more or less if the case lasts +10 years? Jesus, l'm now considering returning the case and getting the 'photo active 50' because of the more water repellent material (without the rain cover on). One important thing to mention: I bought the 1st case ("Photo active 45 AW") in Lowepro website when it was on offer (l think l paid £38 + 6 shipping cost). When l returned it I got a full refund including shipping costs. Now, the returns website ("Kilbo") is a bit clumsy and confusing, but it does the job.

Anthony

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