We're Giving One Winner $570 In Lowepro Bags

We're Giving One Winner $570 In Lowepro Bags

We were talking with our good friends over at Lowepro, and decided to sneak in one more contest before Christmas. We're giving away Pro Roller Lite 150 AW, Pro Messenger 160 AW and a Lens Exchange 200 AW to one Fstoppers reader who needs them dearly. That's $570 worth of gear! Basically, we wanted to have you covered in any situation you might come across in the world of photography. To win, you just have to show us how bad your bag situation really is.

I'm certain that there are thousands of you who just have the most abysmal bag situation. Toting your camera gear around in a high school backpack, rucksack or even a grocery store paper bag (I actually really hope that last one isn't true). That said, we want to help remedy the situation for one of you.

Show us just how bad your bag situation is in one picture. Submit your image by attaching it to the comments below (or linking to it to a hosting service of your choice; we recommend Photobucket or DropBox). Tomorrow afternoon (Friday December 21) we will pick a winner based on the person we think is in the most dire need.

Who can win? Anyone in the United States and Canada.
How do you win? Attach a photo of your bag situation in the comments below (You can also link to them in the comments if you're having trouble uploading an image).
How long do you have? Until the end of the day tomorrow, December 21.

The photo doesn't have to be your best shot, just one that gets your situation across. Good luck!

Jaron Schneider's picture

Jaron Schneider is an Fstoppers Contributor and an internationally published writer and cinematographer from San Francisco, California. His clients include Maurice Lacroix, HD Supply, SmugMug, the USAF Thunderbirds and a host of industry professionals.

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150 Comments
Previous comments

It's all a joke until...it's actually true :'(

Wedding + Candle = New AC unit :( Please help! 

I said...

It's all a joke until...it's actually true :'(

This is how I showed up to my last architectural photo shoot. Luckily I get to be alone so no one sees.

I dream of roller cases.

Here's my bag situation:  it's an empty Canon backpack.  Empty because it's old and was over-stuffed causing the zipper to break and all my gear to fall out while I was hiking!

Vintage Eastpak bookbag held together with safety pins. Plastic freezer bags for waterproofing. Old t-shirts for padding. Never had any real complaints about this setup, except that it's not the most accessible while shooting and when wearing it in backpack mode it digs into my back. Most of the time I just carry my camera around by the strap with maybe a spare memory card and battery in my pocket. I only use the backpack when I need to bring my flash or if I think it will rain.

Boy, I could really use this... This is how I've been getting around.
I just added the "Please Help" for you!

I'm using a nettop bag these days. I seriously need a good big camera bag. Help me out! Please.....

I just added a new camera body and honestly the shoulder strap is digging way too much into my shoulder.  I have the Nikon D50, Nikon D300 with battery grip, 50mm 1.8mm, 28-105mm, 50mm 1.4mm, 18-55mm VR, SB-28 (2), SB-600 (1), flash triggers and a macbook pro 15".  Yeah it cuts and I need help!

I don't have a bag but I need one, and I'm looking everywhere for the reviews to learn what can I fit into these bags, shopping online for camera bags isn't easy, I think I'm going to get either Fastpack 200 or Fastpack 250... I made a Pinterest board to help myself, and maybe other people: http://pinterest.com/meemab/photography-camera-bags/

I have a fastpack 350.  I think it's great and it gets the job done.  Of course loading all my stuff in it takes a toll on my back.  but otherwise I'd recommend it

I think that's too big for me, and a little expensive :) by the way, what do you think about SlingShot 102 or 202? which one is easier to take the camera out, Fastpack or SlingShot?

Okay, this is my bag. My poor old bag. My lens has outgrown my bag!
Whoa is me for I need something new! Maybe the holiday elves will grant me one wish!
Thanks Guys and gals at fstoppers.com

The cooler works better than it looks... big, a little padding, and doesn't look worth stealing.

great idea

I have so much equipment HELP ME I need organization and Lowpro is my savior!!

gotta love Tony Stark bag!

I wish my bag had a little more protection for my equipment...

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/7199/12122068.jpg

My fathers old bag from late 1980's.. Lens war inside. Camera barely fits in there ... and when it does, it always comes out with a nice new scratch :'(

I am still using my old Micro Trekker from 2006 or so. I have 2 bodies, 4 lenses and extra batteries etc in it. Also I have a flash in each side pocket out of their carrying cases. I need some more room to expand for sure ;)
(scott.herdling@gmail.com)

Though I would love a new lowepro rolling bag I know I do fine with my fastpack 350.  Good luck to you guys.

Hey guys, I'd LOVE to win the bags.

I've got tons of camera gear at home in New Zealand, but unfortunately could only fit a little in my bags to bring to the USA while we're here for the Dec - January holidays. No specialised camera bags = Department Store bags!! No joke. I'd LOVE to win as I dream of doing travel photography but can't afford any bags. Btw... it's my birthday tomorrow too so it would be amazing to win. Thanks so much!
Rhys Lake (rhys.lake@gmail.com)

Help Me!

Lowepro...Fstoppers...Lee Morris... you're my only hope. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/0x93cer6c1hf48k/Bagless-001.jpg

Guys we need to be more realistic and not take our gear out of the bag we have and put them in a plastic bag! See mine here is a travel bag which fits my camera gear and my gear is protected by the cloths i put next to it!

1

My bag definitely doesn't hold all the things I'd like to have on a shoot, would love to win just even the rolling suitcase bag for taking stuff on the go for assignments. Thanks for the opportunity Fstoppers.

Hi guys. Well what can I say, I love her, I love her that much that she has it now. I do not know why she liked it that bad since she was born but what can a dad refuse to his loved daughter? Gear got bigger and so did she and my bag needs a serious upgrade and yours seems to be just perfect. And the one with the wheels on it? Hey, she is in. I mean I am, but once she sees this, I am in trouble again. My daughter Sofia Maria enjoying her sleeping with some of my Nikon gear in my Crumpler bag which is already falling apart :). Thank you.  Jozef Povazan - Povazan Photography Vancouver Wedding Photographers

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3K2Upk2I2og/UEI_Sg8qIxI/AAAAAAAAA4U/Q0TWAAVxzJ... .... This is my ....actually i dont have any and i need one I am an exchange student and i will travel back home and i dont have money to buy some.

Has just barely enough room!  But now I have another camera and hopefully a lens on the way, and just don't have the room anymore!

I could so use a nice LowePro case, I only have a Cotton Carrier vest which is nice but that leaves me with having to carry extra lenses and flashes in my purse or pockets or leave everything at home and just shoot with one camera and one lens.

...

http://i.imgur.com/mLiny.jpg
I was getting together my gear to pack for the move to LA and realized I don't have enough bags! By the way, this is just the capture side that needs packed, still have to load up the entire studios worth of lighting equipment and grip into something. Yes, that is my old Army ruck that still gets used, and a pistol case for the PocketWizards. Could use the bags for sure!

My gear in my really old Lowepro bag, 7-8 years old. Still good and I think will serve me forever :)

On the right, that's a medical supply tote bag... a friend felt bad for me lugging my stuff around in a backpack, so he gave me that, oh and it's broken. On the left, that is the "crap" box with all the gear I don't have a place for.  Me need new bags. 

I no longer have a camera bag...I live 600 ft from the Bay and less then a mile from the ocean on long island..my streets got flooded during Huricane Sandy and we were unable to get back to our home, but that didnt stop people from breaking in.  Luckily My Canon was with me cause i wanted to take pictures but my bag was still at home.  The bag wasnt anything fancy just a medium to large sling bag, but now i use my kids old diaper bag and it never leaves my sight. Jamie Valenti-Haugland

 I no longer have a camera bag...I live 600 ft from the Bay and less then
a mile from the ocean on long island..my streets got flooded during
Huricane Sandy and we were unable to get back to our home, but that
didnt stop people from breaking in.  Luckily My Canon was with me cause i
wanted to take pictures but my bag was still at home.  The bag wasnt
anything fancy just a medium to large sling bag, but now i use my kids
old diaper bag and it never leaves my sight. Jamie Valenti-Haugland

.

.

when you show up to a shoot and all your bags mismatch its pretty embarrassing. Not only that, I definitely  need help in the consolidation department. I have 1 main case which is just way to heavy and has no wheels, and multiple small bags and cases with equipment scattered throughout them, such as flash brackets,Mics adapters...you name it I have it in there. My hand held video rig doesn't even fit in one of them. As you can see its sticking out of the green canon bag which I got from my uncle 2 years ago and its so old it may have asbestos embedded in it. so I try to wear gloves when handling it. In other words. If I can consolidate all my gear into a matching set. That would rock so much,and honestly help my businesses image.

Hi Fstoppers,
Huge fan i think its the perfect Christmas i have had my bag since i bought my first camera a Nikon D40 since 2007. It has gone above and beyond but i think its time, every time i looked at bags and went to purchase them i looked at my cart and saw the total.....i was like no my money is better spent elsewhere. 
But now i have grown and my bag is just too small to accommodate me and my gear. And plus its an old Nikon bag i don't even shoot Nikon anymore :)

These are few images of my gear in pelican case which belongs to my friend. I wanted to take it to the gig so I wouldn't look like a looser. Case is very nice but weights 35lbs without gear, when packed it is around 80lbs! - I ended up not using it because lenses sticked out too much and I couldn't get the lid closed. Well, tough luck - at least I got some cool images. Happy Holidays everybody!

Hi Fstoppers!
I carry my SLR in this small little bag, and then I have a 2 extra lenses that are probably scratching the hell out of my camera whenever I travel. If you see on the back side, the linings inside are almost about to break.
I also carry a normal backpack with me with all my other equipment (chargers, batteries, reflector and I also carry 2 other lenses in my backpack that are in no where safe whenever I walk around) I always have to be careful whenever I travel with my gear, and it's getting to the point where I feel like everything in my bag is going to break.

After purchasing my kit and not having enough money left for a bag, I have been forced to share my husband's gym bag.
This is how it looks (and smells) when its in my custody. It is a totally different story after he goes tyo the gym with the bag. (Thankfully not the camera!)
I wish daily for my own bag!

I like to shoot outdoors and do a  lot of hiking which is why I purchased the clik backpack which has great support and also a rain cover built into the bottom but I second shoot for a mitzvah photographer which is why I have to carry two flashes, battery pack, rechargeable batteries, regular batteries, extra nikon battery, lens hood, lots of CF cards, USB cable, card reader, filters, air blower, D800 with 24-70 lens. Every spot that could be filled is pushed past what it can handle.Bag weighs a ton but as most photographers know....we do what we have to when we love what we're doing. 

I've got too many of the wrong bags.... Leaves me with lack of organization and a unwanted pile in my kids room...
I resonate with the ones being given away mainly the Pro Messenger & Roller. The two of them would fit most of my gear needed on both small and large jobs and wont make me look like an... ok I have to admit, walking into a hall in the city with a backpack and bright orange bag is pretty funny.Personally I am a fan of Lowepro bags.Currently I am good with what I have on my smaller jobs but gets complicated when I need 2 or more of my bags/cases. What I hate the most is the need to "Pack accordingly" for each job and having to make judgments on what I may not need,  to save space.A new bag system for me would allow for having everything that might be important always packed and ready to go.Oh and if I win... My wife will be more then happy to rid my "junk" from the kids room and get a play kitchen or something.

I love my Lowepro, and this is what I have inside it. (Missing from the photo is another flash and other junk)

At this point I'm full. I have plans to buy a new body another 580EX and at one point some prime lenses...
So time for a new bag. I would love a backpack but I must admit I never use the straps. I hate having things on my back... So I always use the rollers!
At the moment I'm looking at: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/672940-REG/Lowepro_LP36147_PEU_Pro...

30 years old my camera bag is finally ready to retire. However, his fellow Minolta can continue to work with Canon 5d mark iii. Salute!

     This is what happens when you listen to your teacher and
spend your available money on good glass. 
You end up walking around with a 20 year old Lowepro Compact 35 bag and
having to make some hard decision on what to bring on a vacation or a photo shoot.

 

It doesn’t look so
bad now but it’s been through many shoots, a French fry and gravy accident and a
washing machine only 3 months ago. 

 

The bag is barely held together by its stitching.  The outer material is badly frayed and the rubber
on the shoulder pad has almost completely worn away. 

 

I really need a new Lowepro (for the next 20 years) and to
stop stuffing my extra lenses in my GF carry on.   Help
me Fstoppers!!!!! :o(  

  

30 years old my camera bag is finally ready to retire. However, his fellow Minolta can continue to work with Canon 5d mark iii. Salute!

Usually when I leave the house I have my 5D around my neck. Sometimes, when I head out in the car, I need to take them in something to prevent them from bouncing around. I don't have a camera bag at the moment. Last month, when searching for something to put my camera in, I saw a box of oranges next to the fruit bowel. It fit my body, flash and two lenses snugly. Even better, if I forget to take my camera out of the car, nobody will break in with the expectation of finding anything other than mandarin oranges!
That said, it is a pretty lame setup. I need an overhaul. I also hate having to leave my 70-200 f2.8, charger and off camera flash at home.

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