The Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II is a well-designed camera backpack that offers a blend of capacity, convenience, and comfort, making it a sensible choice for any photographer who needs to carry multiple cameras or lenses with them.
With its multiple access points, it allows quick and easy retrieval of your cameras, while the 15″ laptop pouch provides secure storage for on-the-go editing. The bag comfortably accommodates a DSLR with a 70-200mm lens and several additional lenses or flash units, with customizable dividers for flexibility. The design is also very comfortable, with lower back support and adjustable straps, making it practical for long shoots or travel.
Upgrading to the Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II from its smaller sibling felt like moving from a cozy apartment into a spacious, well-organized house. Having owned the ProTactic BP 350 AW for many years it was always a bag I enjoyed using and had recommended to others. I found myself needing to take more equipment with me on my photoshoots these days, so it was a no brainer to opt for the larger version of the same bag I’d loved for so long when deciding to upgrade. What I found was that it wasn’t just bigger, Lowepro had implemented many more upgrades on its newer, larger bag which had vastly improved it.
Being a photographer who lives at the beach in Cornwall, not having to put my camera bag down in the often-wet sand is of upmost important to me so having 4 individual access points to the bag is extremely useful from a practical sense. This bag offers top, side, and rear entry options, making it incredibly versatile. Whether I need to grab my camera in a hurry, switch out a lens, or dig around for a specific accessory, I never have to wrestle with the bag or put it down in places I rather wouldn’t. This multi-access design has made my shooting process whilst on the move a far more practical experience.
The laptop pouch is another great feature for someone who often edits on the go. Having a dedicated, padded compartment which fits my 15″ MacBook Pro is essential. The laptop is very well-protected, and the location of the pouch ensures it’s easily accessible but also secure from bumps and knocks. I love that I can carry my entire mobile editing suite in one bag, which has made traveling for shoots much more convenient.
One of the standout upgrades in this model is the lower back support. Carrying a fully loaded camera bag can be a workout, especially during long shoots or hikes. The lower back support on the BP 450 AW II has made a world of difference as it distributes the weight more evenly and takes a significant amount of pressure off my back. This, combined with the waist and chest straps, makes it possible to carry the bag comfortably for hours on end. The chest straps are adjustable, which is great for getting that perfect fit, and the waist strap not only helps with weight distribution but also provides additional stability, which is essential when navigating tricky terrains. It’s clear that Lowepro has put a lot of thought into the ergonomics of this bag, and it shows in the comfort level, even when it’s fully loaded with camera gear.
The main reason for my upgrade to this bag is its impressive load capacity. I was initially concerned about moving up to a larger bag, worried that it might be too bulky. However, the ProTactic BP 450 AW II strikes a good balance between capacity and manageability. It comfortably fits my DSLR with a 70-200mm lens attached, along with multiple additional lenses and flash units. There’s still room for other essentials like batteries, memory cards, and filters. The internal dividers are customizable, allowing me to tailor the layout to fit my specific gear setup. This flexibility means I can rearrange the compartments depending on the shoot, whether I’m packing more lenses, lighting equipment, or even a drone.
For overnight trips I can often fit my camera equipment along with a spare T-Shirt and other personal accessories into the bag meaning I don’t have to take 2 separate bags with me which is especially practical when travelling on public transport.
The Sliplock™ compatible exterior attachments are another area where this bag shines. It comes complete with water bottle pouch, accessory case, tripod cup and 2 cinch straps. These can attach to the bag all manners of configurations giving you flexibility in how you choose to set them up. I take a tripod with me on most shoots so being able to attach it to either on the side or the front of the bag allows me to continue my photographic adventures without the tripod swinging around awkwardly. These exterior attachments are all well-designed and durable, adding to the overall functionality of the bag without feeling like an afterthought.
Durability is, of course, a major factor in any camera bag, and this bag definitely appears to have taken that into account during its design. The zips are robust and glide smoothly, even when the bag is packed to the brim. I’ve had too many experiences with zips that catch, snag, or just feel flimsy, but these are clearly built to last. The all-weather cover which is attached to the bag is another good feature, especially given the unpredictable weather in Cornwall. It wraps snugly around the bag, protecting my gear from rain, dust, and even the occasional mud splash. It’s easy to deploy and folds away neatly when not in use.
One aspect I was pleasantly surprised by is how well this bag balances its rugged durability with a sleek, professional appearance. Despite its tough exterior, it doesn’t scream “camera bag,” which I appreciate. It looks professional, understated, and it doesn’t draw unnecessary attention, which is great when I’m shooting in urban areas where discretion is key.
Overall I’m really impressed with the ProTactic BP 450 AW II, it’s not a small bag by any means but this was a purposeful acquisition to take more gear with me on shoots. At the same time, it doesn’t feel too big that you wouldn’t want to take it with you anywhere and it feels like Lowepro have found a good balance here. I loved the smaller version of this bag I owned for so many years as it always protected my gear really well and when you spend so much on cameras and lenses, you want to ensure they are well protected whilst travelling to and from your shoots. This newer, larger version is super sturdy and appears to offer superior protection, so all in all I think I’m going to be very happy using it for years to come.
Find Out More At: https://www.lowepro.com
2 Comments
Hi Paul, thanks so much for this review. I can see in the images you are holding a Canon 70-200mm lens attached to your camera, does that fit into the bag sideways so it is accessible from the side access pocket?
Yes it absolutely does Katy!