Customer Reviews

OP/TECH USA 7401204 6 x 4.5 x 8 Inches Soft Neoprene Pouch for Digital D-SLR Zoom - Black

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this item, not because I wanted a case to haul my camera around, but rather because I needed temporary, minimalist case to provide protection for traveling. I travel for my job and I usually use a Lowe Pro camera backpack because they're handy and inconspicuous. The problem is that it means that I have an extra bag to haul through the airport and security with the backpack. This item offers basic protection for the camera without all the bulk of a regular, padded camera case with zippers and pockets. I now put my camera in my carry-on flight case along with my computer and work papers. I stick the backpack in my checked-in roller bag, to be used on my layover when I go out to take pics.

Now to the important part of the review. This item will comfortably fit a Nikon D300 with a Nikon 17-55mm AF lens. The D-SLR version (as apposed to the D-SLR ZOOM) is too short for this lens. The neoprene is stretchy, so there's no problem with leaving a tripod quick-release attached to the bottom of the camera. With this lens, you will not be able to leave the lens hood attached to the camera. Once the camera is in the case, you can turn the hood around backwards, and slide it over the lens/case for packing in your luggage. Construction is good quality and the design exposes the camera's carry strap attachments, so you can still carry it by the strap with the camera inside. I don't own a D200, but I would assume that this camera would fit equally as well as the D300.

I used to have a pouch similar to this, but could not find it when I got my Canon XSi Rebel a month or so ago. I definitely wanted something like this again because my old one was fantastic - just couldn't find it or remember the brand.

While I'm sure this would protect your camera and lens just fine - it's good thick neoprene - I don't like the way it closes. There are 2 snaps that you have to attach on the back/bottom of the camera every time you want to close it and that's just too time consuming. I returned it.

I'll be getting a Zing - which is the neoprene pouch like I had before. They are very similar, but attach either with a loop that hooks over the lens, or with velcro. Makes it much easier to put on or take off the pouch.

I purchased this pouch to use with my Nikon D90 with a Tamron 18-270 lens. Overall it's a nice pouch, and if I lost this one for some reason I would buy another one.

Pros:
-Good quality construction. The stitching seems good, the snaps to close the pouch work well.
-It's form fitting. It fits perfectly around the camera body and the lens. It's really easy to slide the camera in and out. I am going to be doing bike touring in France for about a year and I didn't want anything bulky, just a little protection. This is exactly what I wanted.
-There is a space for the camera straps to come out, so you can still sling the camera around your neck with the pouch closed.

Cons:
The pouch comes with 3 different options for attaching it to the camera. In my opinion, they are all cheap and annoying to use. One way is to attach it to the camera strap, another is to attach it to the bottom of the camera in the tripod mounting area, and lastly there is a little rubber thing that attaches around the lens. The strap attachment was probably the best, but I didn't like it. The rubber one I just threw away because it looked cheap. Finally, the one that screws into the bottom of the camera completely unscrewed itself after I took the camera in and out of the pouch a few times. I finally just took the darn thing off. When I want to take a picture I'll just hold the case. I took one star off construction quality for this.

Other:
-With my setup, the pouch is slightly longer than the lens (approximately .25 in. longer). It's not bad or annoying at all, just something to be aware of. It certainly wouldn't stop me from buying another one.
-This pouch is not a replacement for a bigger bag. Bigger bags have padding which will protect the camera if you drop it. If I drop my camera in this thing, I am expecting the camera to be damaged. I'm willing to take the risk because I don't want bulk.
-It's not "waterproof", it's water "resistant". If you submerge this thing in water it will most likely ruin your camera.

I hope this helps.

I've used this case for 2 years now w/ a Nikon D80 and a D90. The largest lens I've used it on is the 70-300VR and it fits in the case with the hood on the lens. There is another Optech pouch for DSLRs w/ zoom lens and extra battery pack that is sold at other camera retailers like B&H, etc. for anyone who may be interested.
The snaps on the Optech pouch are good to access your camera in near silence as opposed to Zing which uses velcro and makes noise. (That can be a problem when shooting wildlife, in a show or any environment which requires near silence.) I'd buy this pouch again if the one I had broke because I've gotten a lot of mileage out of it. It's so easy to carry your camera around when using this (and now I WANT to take my camera with me everywhere). It provides some basic protection from banging and scratching the body/lens. I wouldn't drop it in this pouch though, as obviously it's not a thick padded KATA bag. (It also doesn't weigh as much as a thick Kata bag!) As long as you keep the camera on your body, you should be fine. This bag is perfect for walking around Disneyland or WDW all day long.
The pouch is designed to be worn on the camera, as the camera is worn on your body, using your existing camera strap. (Or for more comfort, get the Optech camera strap!) It comes with 2 attachments. One is a rubber gasket that you slide onto the lens. When you open the bag, it hangs there off the lens. This is the one I use. The other attachment screws into the tripod mount. I use my tripod mount, so I prefer to use the rubber gasket attachement. It looks like a thick rubber band, but not as stretchy as a rubber band.
It literally is no longer a pain in the neck or shoulders to carry my camera around everywhere with the combo of the Optech pouch and the Optech Pro camera strap! Yay!

The OP/TECH USA SOFT POUCH-DIGITAL D-SLR Zoom is easy use and it protects my camera. I enjoy carrying my camera without lugging around a case and accessories. However, I am always concerned with damaging my camera body and/or lens.

Other neoprene cases that I have used were more difficult to get on and off than my new OP/TECH. I like the snaps on the bottom and the concealed strap. I would recommend this case.

I was looking for somthing to hold and protect my camera while I'm out tromping in nature. This product is PERFECT. I usually have one SLR with 500mm on my monopod, ready to shoot. I like to have my other slr with 100-300 zoom on a camera strap at my side, just in case I need it. I didn't want the usual holster style case. The Op/tech is well made and is just what I needed. This particular size/style holds a Maxxum 500si with 100-300 zoom WITH the hood in "ready position"

This is a great cover for a DSLR if you don't want to carry around a traditional camera bag. It reminds me of the leather cases that I used to use for my SLR back in the day. The model I purchased easily fits over my zoom lense (with the hood on too) and the cover's camera attachment mechanism makes it possible to take out the camera and do a quick shot without figuring out where to put the cover while you shoot. Works for me!

Be careful! Screwed it into the tripod fitting with the plastic screw (included)as directed. My husband lost it the first time he used it--evidently the screw does not hold well and the pouch fell off unbeknownst to him. Waste of $$$$.