Got My Lowepro SlingShot 300 AW

[iacas]

I wrote about it here (http://nslog.com/2007/04/17/got_the_lowepro_slingshot_300_aw). I'll include the pictures, though - feel free to follow through to the link to read more.

http://nslog.com/imgs/photos/lowepro_slingshot_300_aw_001.jpg
http://nslog.com/imgs/photos/lowepro_slingshot_300_aw_002.jpg
http://nslog.com/imgs/photos/lowepro_slingshot_300_aw_004.jpg
http://nslog.com/imgs/photos/lowepro_slingshot_300_aw_003.jpg

[steved110]

Nice review - this seems a far more sensible size than the 200.

I found as soon as I had a 17-40 and a 70-200 f/4 the 200 was just too small.

I also found however that the single shoulder strap really digs in after a while, and I would worry about being comfortable with the 300 fully laden for any period of time.

I found it difficult to get gear in and out the bag and change lenses while wearing the bag . In the end i just used to unclip the main strap and take it off before accessing gear. I would also agree that the straps come too lonmg, and should be trimmed with a hot knife. Of course if they came too short, that would be far worse!

I don't use that bag very much any more, unless I'm going single lens shooting.

[iacas]

I also found however that the single shoulder strap really digs in after a while, and I would worry about being comfortable with the 300 fully laden for any period of time.

Supposedly the strap on the 300 is much thicker than the 200, and it seems rather comfortable to me.

I found it difficult to get gear in and out the bag and change lenses while wearing the bag . In the end i just used to unclip the main strap and take it off before accessing gear.

Yes, aside from taking the camera and the already attached lens out (or putting it back), you have to take the bag off. But that's no worse than a true backpack, of course.

[Mike K]

Yes, aside from taking the camera and the already attached lens out (or putting it back), you have to take the bag off. But that's no worse than a true backpack, of course.

Perhaps you can arainge some of the dividers such that one layer opens to the side, the direction you take the camera out with the flap half open. Then one or two of the extra lenses would be readily available for changing without taking the bag off. The SS200 can be used in this fashion, depnding upon what lenses you want to carry.
Mike K

[Dack]

I have had the 300 for a while now. I have to concur with an earlier poster that it can become uncomfortable after a while. In my case it has to do with the weight of the gear that I am able to fit in it. I can just cram more stuff in and because it will fit I decide to bring it (just in case). It would probably help to use the waist strap to take off the weight from the single shoulder, but it makes it less convenient.

I had the 200 but couldn't fit the 70-200 into it (at least not easily). I still think these are great bags but I am looking forward to getting to a photo store soon to try out some backpack type bags. The new (not released yet) Lowepro Primus AW looks interesting.

just my 2cents.

[mdmedicgod]

Mine got heavy when walking NYC with the 1dMarkII w/24-70 connected and the 20D and 70-200 in there

[MDJAK]

I own the 200 and agree that it gets uncomfortably heavy when loaded.

I only saw, though, one brief mention here of the waist belt on the 300. I would think that would go a long way to relieve the pressure on the over the shoulder strap. Is that not the case?

As to fitting a 1 series in the 200 with 70-200 2.8 attached, I have no problem with that. I simply insert it sideways.

I've also never experienced a problem changing lenses and have never had to take the bag off to do so.

mark

[davem720]

Interesting comments. I'm thinking about getting one of these: I take it that if you can get the 70-200 in, you could get a 100-400 in (which I'll hopefully be purchasing soon)? I like the convenience aspect of it, as I hate having to spend 2 minutes getting stuff out of a bag.

[kharakim]

I was using the 200 for the better part of a year and liked it very much for its comfort and accessibility.

When I added a 70-200 f/4 to my kit, the 200 seemed too crowded (although when pressed I could manage to use the 200 with the new lens mounted on my 30D). Anyway, I decided to get the 300.

Initially I found the 300 to be noticeably less comfortable and accessible than the 200, both because of the weight increase from the added equipment and the bag itself, and because of the newly designed strap-and-belt configuration.

But after using the 300 for several months, and on a couple of outings that lasted several hours, I concluded that the 300 could be made much more comfortable with a careful adjustment of the belt and straps. The key for me has been to make sure that most of the weight is riding on my hips, and that the upper straps are adjusted to avoid placing any unnecessary weight on my shoulders and back, in effect "balancing" the pack.

Overall, however, I find that the 300 is less accessible than the 200, both because of its bulk and the strap-and-belt design.

[Costa Del Canon]

I got the 200 and I give it 11/10!

[_aravena]

Haven't had a problem with my 200. Although I don't carry it full often. If I'm out shooting, i have my body and lens out shooting leaving only 2 lenses int here and flash.

As for getting things out, with the way the dividers move, I just open them up from the side and throw w/e was attached down the middle and take out on of the ones on the side. I only use 3 lenses right now but still, if I had more I'd set the more used ones closer to the opening and not on the other side of the bag where I totally have to open it.

Then of course the S3 sits nicely in the top. Mainly used for video now.