Lowepro Pro Roller x200 Review

The Lowepro Pro Roller x200 is an option to the recently reviewed Think Tank Airport International roller bag. How does the Lowepro measure up to the fine bag from Think Tank that we enjoyed to use? Find out in this quick review.

The Lowepro Pro Roller x200 was kindly provided by B&H Photo – where we buy most of our photo equipment.

1) General Information and Dimensions

1.1) Features

1. TSA approved cable lock system
2. Reserve Pack feature provides a dual carrying system – back pack or roller
3. Retractable Telepod system to mount a camera or light
4. Premium replaceable wheels
5. Front pouch to hold a laptop
6. Empty/Full indicator flaps on memory card pockets
7. Business or ID card holder
8. Flexible divider system
9. Cord management pouch

1.2) Dimensions

Internal Dimensions: 12.2W x 6.6D x. 19.8H in. (31 x 16.8 x 50.5 cm)
External Dimensions: 15.7W x 11.2D x 24.2H in. (40 x 28.5 x 61.5 cm)
Weight: 13.23 lbs / 6kg
Notebook Compartment Inner Dimensions: 12.7W x 1.1D x 18.1H in. (32.5 x 3 x 46 cm)

1.3) What’s in the Bag?

Below is a loaded Lowepro Pro Roller x200. Note that there are two empty spaces: one for a flash and the other for either another lens or a camera body, in this case, all were being used to take the photo. Also note that the LensCoat RainCoat Pro is not pictured but lays on top of the gear before it is zipped closed.

Here is a list of what was packed in the above-pictured Lowepro Pro Roller x200 which still had space for more gear:

1. Nikon D4 DSLR
2. Nikkor 500mm f/4 VR (attached to the D4)
3. Nikkor 18-200mm VR II
4. Nikkor AF-S Micro 105mm VR
5. Nikkor AF-S Micro 60mm
6. Nikkor AF-S 50mm f1.4G
7. Tokina 11-16 mm
8. Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E II
9. Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II
10. Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III
11. Nikon Battery Charger MH-26
12. Nikon MH-18A Battery Charger
13. LensCoat RainCoat Pro
14. Assorted Filters x7
15. Extra Compact Flash Cards x3
16. Extra XQD card
17. Nikon EN-EL3a Battery
18. Nikon EN-EL18 Battery
19. Extra lens caps

Here is a photo of all the gear that was packed and listed above:

2)Size and Function (Handling)

2.1) Outside the Bag

The front of the bag has two zippered compartments, the larger to hold a laptop or files and the second, smaller compartment to hold chargers, phones, keys, etc. When the bag is fully packed, the laptop is very snug to slide in and out of the compartment. I tried with a MacBook Pro, the newer one with a retina display that is thinner than the older model and it was very tight to slide in and out. If the LenCoat RainCoat Pro is removed, it makes it a bit easier but it is still tight. A thick laptop will be harder to slide in. Included is a tripod holder with a foot holder and a strap to secure at tripod to the outside of the roller.

There are three grab handles on the outside of the bag – 2 padded handles on the top and the side and a molded plastic handle on the bottom. The retractable pull handle recesses into the bag and is covered with a zippered flap which has a small compartment on the inside which you might put keys or loose change. I am not sure what else would fit in there, but it’s there. The retractable handle is what Lowepro calls their “telepod” system, there is a mount in the handle so that you can turn the roller into an impromptu stand for a camera or a remote flash:

On the back of the bag there is a stand that folds out to let the bag rest at an angle. The stand seems somewhat cheap and if the bag is full, I wouldn’t trust it, so it seems fairly useless to me. Maybe if the bag is front heavy after being packed, you can tip it back on to the stand if you so desire:

On the side of the bag is a TSA-approved cable lock to secure the contents of the zippered compartments:

2.2) Inside the Main Compartment

The main compartment like most bags, has ample dividers to customize the interior to best fit your gear needs. It can carry 1-2 DSLR bodies and 6-8 lenses. It is large enough to accommodate an unmounted lens up to 600mm or a 500mm mounted to a pro body. A small separate cable management bag is included to help keep things organized.

2.3) Overall Size and Weight

This bag will hold a large amount of gear, very comparable to the Think Tank Airport International v2.0 bag. I have to give the nod to the Lowepro on being a bit bigger inside, despite the removable backpack adding a layer. With the larger bag comes more weight as well, and the Pro Roller x200 is heavier empty than the Think Tank Airport International. When carrying heavy gear, every pound adds up, so please remember to watch weight restrictions on international flights as it is easy to over-pack either of these bags.

The inside of the cover has zippered pockets for accessories and dedicated memory card pouches. Each memory card pouch has a flap that indicates whether the card inside is full or empty. This is a nice bonus – the Think Tank counterpart does not have this particular feature:

3) Build Quality

Lowepro has made the exterior of the bag out of 1680 D ballistic nylon (the same as the referenced Think Tank Airport International v2.0). On all corners there are plastic guards to prevent wear and abrasion. The wheels roll smoothly and are replaceable, should the need arise. The zippers are heavy duty zippers designed for Lowepro. The pull handle feels flimsy, although I had no problems with it.

4) Value

Lowepro has made a good, functional bag here and it represents a good value overall considering its build quality and features.

5) Lowepro Pro Roller vs. Think Tank Airport International v2.0

Both bags are pictured below, with the Lowepro on the left and the Think Tank on the right:

1. The Lowepro will hold a little more gear so if amount of gear is critical, the edge goes to the Pro Roller x200.
2. The Think Tank Airport International v2.0 is a more compact bag and I like that, because it is less likely to draw the scrutiny of airline personnel that might ask you weigh it or to gate check the bag.
3. I have to give a slight edge in value to Lowepro, but that is a very difficult decision because, while the cost of the Lowepro is lower, I like the overall feel of the Think Tank better.
4. Speaking of feel, I prefer the padded handles on the Think Tank better. If you have smaller hands, the Lowepro might suit you better as the padding is not as thick. Also in the subjective area of “feel”, the Think Tank wheels seem quieter and smoother, they are a polyurethane like on skateboards and inline hockey wheels, whereas the Lowepro is more of a hard rubber.
5. I like the divider system in the Think Tank better than the Lowepro.
6. I like the separate case for the laptop in the Think Tank. A couple of downsides to that: added cost and the strap on the case can drag, so you have to tuck it between the roller bag and the laptop case to keep it out of the way.
7. A notable difference is that there are three locks on the Think Tank and one lock on the Lowepro. Take your pick, because there are pros and cons to both.
8. The exterior material is the same, but the Lowepro has rubber corner guards, something that I think would be helpful to guard against wear.
9. The Lowepro has a backpack option to unzip the inner backpack and still have a light suitcase that you can check.

6) Conclusion

Lowepro has made a nice bag at a good price point. It doesn’t have the same quality and feel that the Think Tank bag has, but it is functional. It will hold a lot of gear and it will serve your needs if your particular kit will fit in this size bag or if you are looking to conserve a few dollars.

7) Where to buy

The Lowepro Pro Roller x200 is avaialble at B&H Photo for $349.95 (as of 08/26/2012).