Feb 2014 365 Day Project Update

Lowepro Video Fastpack 350 Review

Lowepro Video FastPack 350 with the Quantaray Photo Backpack

After 20 + years with my trusty Quantaray photo backpack, I finally looked to upgrade to something modern with extra slots for video/audio extras.  The Quantaray has travelled to and around India 5 times and has made extensive trips throughout the northeastern US.  With the extra storage on top for miscellaneous items, the pack has served me really well.

Lately, I have been getting frustrated rummaging through the case for filter, batteries in the dark or even sometimes is well lit situations.  All those accessories did not have proper access slots and I finally caved an upgraded my backpack with a Lowepro Video FastPack 350.  The reason I chose the video version was because it have those extra slots I was looking for.  It was built for audio/video items, but I could also use it for my photo stuff.

The Fastpack 350 has sternum and waste straps as seen below.  This makes the loaded pack very comfortable.  When I first lifted the case with camera and gear packed, I thought it was rather heavy.  Once I put it on my back and adjusted the straps, I found it very balanced and comfortable.  It remains to be seen what effect a laptop will have on the setup.

 On one side the case has a camera entry point.  If you slit it over your right side, you will be able to quickly access your camera.  I really wished I had this on my recent New Hampshire Trip, so I did not have to offload my backpack fully onto the ground/snow.  It is a nice feature for hike and I image street shooting.  Although, for the latter I would rater use a small kit, hence a smaller bag.

On the other side there is not only a water bottle mesh pocket, but also a hidden tripod sleeve if you are inclined to carry it that way.  Again this would have been handy on my recent trip.  The shots below show the tripod pullout sleeve and mesh pocket.  Unfortunately, you cannot carry a bottle and tripod at the same time.

On the top pocket there is a removable audio pouch that can be used for not just audio items.  It Velcro's to the bottom of the top pouch.  There is also a few pockets to told an audio recorder, filter pouch, batteries...etc.  You can even put business cards, ID cards in there.  The is also a clip in the front for a headphone cable.  With all those items, you still have room to pack a small jacket or similar item and even food items.

He is a full on view of the camera compartment.  It is well padded and quite spacious.  Actually the pack has a good depth to it and you can actually stack 2 prime lenses comfortably.  On the left, even though it is quite narrow there is space for 2 Speedlights with no problem.  On the inside of the pull up flap there is space for a couple of SD/CF cards.  On the bottom of the case is a pullout rain cover.  It also adds the padding when setting the pack down.

 So far, on first use, I am quite pleased with the pack.  I will have to reserve full judgement for after a few uses in the field.  That will require a followup review.

2014 365 Day Photo Challenge Day 15

About the best I could get of her today.  It took some live Eric Clapton from the 1970's to calm her down

2014 365 Day Photo Challenge Day 13

Sarah does not want to have her picture taken today.  Rare for her, but she is in-between basketball practice and gymnastics lessons, so can be forgiven.

2014 365 Day Photo Challenge Day 12

Sophie was not up to doing her walking at first today.  Put on some Eric Clapton and started plying the bongos and she perked up and took some reps.  Music rules!

2014 365 Day Photo Challenge Day 5

Warm apple pie and the last night of the Christmas season.  Is there a better way to closeout the season and weekend?

2014 365 Day Photo Challenge Day 4

Getting ready for some town basketball.  The temperature was a balmy 25F this afternoon.  Better than the -1F this morning!

2014 365 Day Photo Challenge Day 3

Quiet Bongos.  Hopefully in the new year I will master them.  They are the only percussion I can sneak into the house.

2014 365 Day Photo Challenge Day 2

Sophie is enjoying a seat in Sarah's chair.  Not in view are her feet which are perched on a bean bag on the floor.  

2014 365 Day Photo Challenge Day 1

I decided to go all in this year with a daily meaningful photo challenge.  I feel these photos should not be random and should have some story behind them.

Lets get started!

Sarah got a new Ikea desk back in Nov and I finally used the holiday break to set it up.  Lets hope the room stays clean.

From the NorthFace Collection

Sarah let me indulge in my a sunset shoot yet agin.   I get about 5 minutes before she has had enough.

Sarah Playing in the Leaves

I cannot remember the leaves coming down like this in the fall.  It's like a blanket of snow as we cannot even see the grass.  Sarah was kind enough to indulge me in paling with said leaves sp that I can capture some fun shots!