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Tamrac 5501 Explorer 1

Reviews	Views	Date of last review
1	7402	Sat June 20, 2009

Recommended By	Average Price	Average Rating
100% of reviewers	None indicated	4.0

supersize

Description:	Internal Dimensions: 8W x 4¼D x 6¼H 20 x 11 x 16 cm External Dimensions: 9W x 6¾D x 8½H 23 x 17 x 22 cm Weight: 1 lb. 2.3 oz. (519 g) Color: Black Blue The Explorer 1 carries and protects a digital or film SLR (like Canon's 20D or Nikon's D70s) with a lens attached, an additional lens and accessories. The main compartment features Tamrac’s Dual Foam Technology™ for shock protection and a custom fit to equipment. An external front pocket features Tamrac’s patented Memory & Battery Management System™, which uses red flags to identify which memory cards and batteries are available and which ones are used up. A Speed Pocket on the front flap secures and provides quick access to small accessories. A Total Coverage Top with quick-release buckle and zipper closures provides weather protection. Inside the lid is a smooth nylon pocket for holding lens cleaning paper and an open pocket in the back holds an instruction manual. An adjustable, BioCurve™ non-slip shoulder strap, and an EasyGrip™ carrying handle provide convenient carrying options for the Explorer 1.
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	Paul/Cambags Site Admin		Posts: 897 Registered: November 2005 see this user's products

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Anonymous

Review Date: Sat June 20, 2009

Would you recommend the product? Yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 4

Pros:	Holds SLR and extra lens. Small and light.
Cons:	Handle location and buckle

My day bag is a Lowepro Stealth 200 AW. I was looking for something smaller for just a Canon 40D w/ 17-55 attached and an EFS 10-22, spare battery, CD cards. Attaching a ThinkTank accessory bag to the side for the times I want a flash (580 EX) or long lens (EF 70-200L f/2.8 IS).

I took this bag to Hawaii and it worked well for what I wanted but I found two major defects that have me looking for a better fit.

First: The handle is on the bag cover. If the buckle is not secure and you pick up the bag there is a good chance the contents will fall out. On my Lowepro Stealth the handle attaches to the side of the bag and you can pick it up and the bag remains upright.

Second: The "Easy Squeeze Buckle" is difficult to secure with two hands and impossible with one. You can get it miss aligned and it gets stuck. As described above, if the cover is not secure and you lift the bag by the handle your camera may fall out.

I am happy with the size and weight of this bag but wish it was secure and easier to use.