I bought the Lowepro Protactic BP 450 AWii to see if it's worth the upgrade over the original BP450 AW. In this video I talk about what's new in the AWii, if it's an improvement, and ultimately if the AWii is a better bag in the real world for a mixture of photography, videography and travel uses. If like me you've been wondering which bag to buy, this should show you all the options before you commit. Lowepro Protactic BP 450 AWii : @t Lowepro Protactic BP 450 AW : @t I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co.uk. Additionally, I participate in other affiliate programs, and sometimes get a commission through purchases made through my links.
I’m happy with it too, although currently mine has all the dividers out as I’m trying to make a more efficient packing solution and totally ruining it!
No problem at all, I'm loving the awii having used it a lot recently. It's definitely the best choice, I've discovered a few new things to love about it too, like using the water bottle holder and tripod strap combined to pack my gimbal on the outside of the bag!
Thank you so much, I’m doing the kind of reviews I really want to see but can’t find anywhere myself, so I’m really glad it was useful to you! The AWii is fab, a little muddier now than it was a review time though!
@@faircloughstudios2552 honestly version 1 was great for me but occasionally, a long day can get me abit beaten up on the shoulder areas (essentially i am too weak and should train harder 😭) which sometimes leave a mark or cut in so I was hoping version 2's shoulder straps are more padded and from your review, i established that. Be trying to look out for some promotion to hopefully get it at an discount altho i wont be disgruntled if i gotta buy it at full cost as a good bag really goes a long way. Version 2 also look sleeker. I appreciate your review and thank you for coming back to reply to my comment :) be safe during these times and keep it going.
I've had the version 1 450AW since 2017, and it's served well. Only problem I have with it after countless travel is the padding on the shoulder straps are now essentially flat, with no cushioning. The version 2 can now be gotten for quite a good price (~GBP130) locally and I'm finding it hard to pick something else like a Shimoda E30 that's more than double the price. The Protactic is an extremely versatile bag...
I’ve had the version 1 shoulder straps break/snap on me a handful of times over the last 2 years and I’ve had to stitch it back up myself, so I’m getting the version 2 today and hopefully it lasts me a lot longer
This literally happened to be yesterday. One of the straps just completely severed. Another one is very damaged already so i think i need to replace it asap. I was thinking i was overfilling it sometimes and perhaps it's not taking the weight, which is annoying as i feel they should be very strong! How are you finding the version 2?
A good review. But I was waiting till end for you to speak something on the "depth" of the version II. If I am not wrong the depth in the old version is 27cm and while it is 22cm in the version Ii.
I think the depth difference is only at the widest point near the top, not all the way down. The v1 kind of comes out a bit as it gets to the top, so for the main compartment I don't notice a difference in the actual capacity depth of the v1 vs the v2 models. I certainly have never struggled for space in it but then I shoot mirrorless and primes, so haven't even come close to needing the full depth of it!
@@faircloughstudios2552 Thanks for your reply. I still use dslr with vertical grip. So my main concern is accessibility with the grip. 450 ii is a dream come true but 52cm length seems a little too big while the 18cm depth in 350 ii is a little too thin. I am in a kind of a fix. Can't decide...
@@konsamprincesingh7763 I see your dilemma - the side flaps are pretty big (they seem HUGE with an A7 in there!) so i don't think you'd have an issue with accessibility with a gripped SLR. I do think the 350 is a little thin for using a gripped body, it just depends if you'd use the overall extra size of the 450. If I'm travelling or hiking i section off the top and keep a jacket, food for the day etc in there and camera stuff in the main compartment. If I'm shooting a paid job with it then it keeps all my gear handy without having to nip back to the car for charge kit etc.
I did also think it was too big at first but I think I'm used to it - if I want to take a tiny bag around I usually take our Billingham Hadley Pro, but for long walks with gear a backpack is essential.
@@faircloughstudios2552 True, I used to carry a vanguard skyborne 48 which was the best bag I ever owned and more or less same size of 450 ii. Shock proof and padded like a tank but too bulky and loud. Anyway thank for time and advice.
Absolutely, I do think they really got it right with the mk ii, I’m really enjoying using it and it’s surprisingly weather proof even without the cover on
Thanks, I forgot to show how it fits in there, but it's the perfect fit for the Mavic Air - I'd love to try out the Mavic Air 2 to see if it fits as well, that would be the perfect combo! I'll try and do an update to the reviews for the best bag for drones, as I have the Mavic 2 pro now too and I'm still trying to figure out the best combination!
I am thinking of upgrading my protactic 450(7 yrs old) to the series II. Is the weight the same in ver II? Also thinking of 450 pro trekker. Thanks for informative video
The version 2 for me, I use it all the time. Seems a little more robust than the first version and the hard top has saved my gear a couple of times. Also surprisingly waterproof even without the cover on!
No sense at all, but I'd take the mkii over the original any day, so grab a bargain while you can! I've been shooting out of this bag a LOT over the past couple of months and it's superb.
Haha that was literally the first thing I ever filmed for the channel and realised I needed to put things on a table! every subsequent one has been filmed on a desk or table though :) Thanks for watching!!
