Sling type bags? how many use them?

[tjrenegade]

What do you like or dislike about them. I really need a messenger or sling style bag for my trip to Bermuda. I don't need to carry everything I own. I'd like to be able to carry my XTi with a 24-70 mounted (hood would be nice to have in position), 70-30 and a UW 12-24 plus a few extras like spare CF cards and batteries sunglasses that kinda stuff.

Looking at the Lowepro Slingshot 200 and the Tamrac Velocity 8

Any opinions on either? other suggestions?

thanks

[silvioi]

I am using the slingshot 200, I really like it, its great although I am not sure it would be the best bag choice for a trip.
I don't know the type of trip you will be doing but carrying a one strap bag loaded with gear for a full day out wouldn't be that comfortable, you rather go for a regular two straps backpack for that, lowepro got a new bag series similar to the slingshot but it got two straps and still has quick access to the gear, haven't seen them or try in real life so I got no opinion on them but its something you might think about if you want to go for the sling type bag, here are some links (their still not on the offical site):
http://www.photographybay.com/2007/11/28/lowepro-fastpack/
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&langpair=de%7Cen&u=http://www.photoscala.de/node/3775

another thing you might consider, that for a trip you would need some space for daIily stuff, food, water, some light clothing etc , the slingshot doesn't has this space
you would need a larger backpack for that like the lowepro Rover or similar
(I personally just bought a lowepro primus for a four month backpacking trip I am going soon).
anyway you should think first if your buying a bag specially for the trip or a bag for everyday that will be using you on the trip as well, that can effect you decision on the type you would need.

[Jon]

Sling bags tend to be "one shoulder only". Sometimes you want to shift to the other and they'll be really uncomfortable or really awkward. What you've listed should do OK in a Domke F-3x.

[blackshadow]

I was using a LowePro Slingshot 200 but found it to be uncomfortbale over lon gperiods and have now given up using it.

[tjrenegade]

I am going on a cruise that doesn't require a flight to the port of departure so I just need a bag for day trips not hiking. I have a NG medium back pack that I like I just found it a pain to keep taking off the backpack to get the camera out and shoot then put it away to walk around hands free....( I really hate carrying stuff in my hands all day). So I need some thing that I can carry stuff pull the camera out then put it away. Just looked like the sling design was fitting the bill but I don't want to be uncomfortable all day. I have a regular sling pack maybe I will try that around here and see how it feels. I assume the a messenger style bag would have the same comfort issues as the sling type with the exception that you can switch shoulders.

[S-Man]

I agree that sling-bags can be a pain (literally) on longer excursions. Especially if you have alot of gear/extra batteries which = extra weight.
I do love how you can sling it around to remove the gear without taking it off though. With a backpack you have to remove it, set it down, unzip, remove gear, then reverse the process.
I was wondering if a messenger bag would be the best of both worlds. You could switch shoulders when you get tired, and you don't have to set it down to remove stuff.
I just don't like the Idea of carrying around a "Murse" or, "Man-Bag" or, a "European Caryall".

[tdodd]

I'm very happy with my Slingshot 200. See my post - number 23 - in this thread....

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=416526&page=2

I also have a ThinkTank backpack with two straps and find it a bit of a pain that I need a (preferably dry, clean) surface on which to place the thing to access my gear. In wet/muddy/snowy conditions it is a real plus to be able to get to the kit in my SS 200 with the bag still round my neck. Also, with the "stability" strap attached the bag stays out of the way and does not swing around and bash into things when I move around or bend down, for example.

I could imagine a messenger bag being a real pain for swinging around - I know what a nightmare my sports bag is when slung over one shoulder and don't see why a messenger bag would be any better, especially when loaded with plenty of heavy kit. On a recent ski trip I was kneeling in snow to get some low angle shots of jumping skiers and boarders and the SS 200 stayed securely on my back and did not swing round or dangle in the snow.

[_aravena]

Used to but then I sold both. Didn't mind the AW100 'cause it's small so there wasn't too much gear in it to weigh it down. But the 200 did become a pain after awhile.

[tjrenegade]

So I guess I am back to square one.....I really wish there was a shop around here besides Ritz...I am seriously thinking of r road triping to B&H its only about 5 hours....

[S-Man]

I think for the quoted circumstances, a sling-pack would suit you well.
Depending on how much gear you plan on carrying, the SlingShot 100 AW is a good suggestion, since the limit on gear allowed would also limit weight, as was mentioned. This is the bag I would suggest.
If you do get a SlingShot 200, just limit your gear so that it does'nt get too heavy.

I am going on a cruise that doesn't require a flight to the port of departure so I just need a bag for day trips not hiking. I have a NG medium back pack that I like I just found it a pain to keep taking off the backpack to get the camera out and shoot then put it away to walk around hands free....( I really hate carrying stuff in my hands all day). So I need some thing that I can carry stuff pull the camera out then put it away. Just looked like the sling design was fitting the bill but I don't want to be uncomfortable all day. I have a regular sling pack maybe I will try that around here and see how it feels. I assume the a messenger style bag would have the same comfort issues as the sling type with the exception that you can switch shoulders.

[::John::]

The only reason I stopped using my Slingshot 200 was I bought MORE gear.

I regularly spent all day carrying it without too much discomfort.

I am seriously considering the Slingshot 300 just so I can fit in the extra stuff.

I like the concept of the bags and find them to be very comfortable.

[nutsnbolts]

I had the Slingshot 300AW. IN the beginning, I thought of this as a great concept. Styling, fits everything I need, however, over time, I found the sling to be over bearing on my shoulders with no way to have the ability to switch shoulders. The size is like a regular backpack, however, I wanted this because it can store more equipment than the 100 and 200 slingshots. Unfortunately, if you fill up a 300AW, it will get pretty heavy.

Overpacking is something you don't want to do and the waist support doesn't do much.

All in all, I can't recommend the slingshot series. Some people love these and I guess if you don't overpack it, you'll be fine, however, I found more people struggling with them than stating, they love it!

[tjrenegade]

I had the Slingshot 300AW. IN the beginning, I thought of this as a great concept. Styling, fits everything I need, however, over time, I found the sling to be over bearing on my shoulders with no way to have the ability to switch shoulders. The size is like a regular backpack, however, I wanted this because it can store more equipment than the 100 and 200 slingshots. Unfortunately, if you fill up a 300AW, it will get pretty heavy.

Overpacking is something you don't want to do and the waist support doesn't do much.

All in all, I can't recommend the slingshot series. Some people love these and I guess if you don't overpack it, you'll be fine, however, I found more people struggling with them than stating, they love it!

I'm suprised you haven't suggested the Rotation 360....I like the concept but its a bit big and it doesn't look like a gripped camera will fit with a lens vertically....

So no one uses the Tamrac Velocity series...??

[S-Man]

I thought of the Tamrac Velocity series too. I used to want a Velocity 6x, but i think I like the Lowepro better. I used to have a velocity 4, for my canon S3. It was comfortable, but all it fit was the camera itself. It was fairly comfortable, but after using the Lowepro bags, the Tamrac bags seems under-cushioned and less ergonomic. My Velocity 4 didn't have the waist strap, so most of the time, if I bent over to tie my shoe, etc. it would sling around the top and slap me in the face. Quite upsetting.
Personally, I'm going to be sticking with the Lowepro Slingshot 200.
If I could afford it, I'd try a Kata bag. They look "T'zight"!

[thekid24]

I have the slingshot 200 and absolutely dig it. But Ive noticed an odd pattern with those who have problems with it. They want to pack it with all of their equipement and are upset with the discomfort of the weight. Obviously when a bag is full it is going to be heavy, especially when its a sling or a shoulder bag, backpacks are generally better for distributing the weight. A user just has to know the slings weakness, and that is, it isnt a backpack......its a sling.:rolleyes:

I will normally carry all I need for what I aim to shoot so my sling is usually pretty light. I dont try to pack it full. I honestly think the 100 and 200 are prefect, the 300 seems to cause more problems than it solves. The bigger the bag the more the weight which in turn will create more discomfort and therefore will cause more people to whine.;)

[LightRules]

For those of you with the Lowepro SS 200 AW, will the 70-200 f2.8 or 300 f4 IS or 100-400 IS fit in it? I don't mean all of them, but any or all separately? [Not attached to the body, just will it fit inside.] I tried one out at a local photo store months back, but don't recall the sizing.

[_aravena]

I think so. Barely though. Very tight fit depending on how you put it in. One way will give you easy access the other, might as well get a backpack.

[tdodd]

For those of you with the Lowepro SS 200 AW, will the 70-200 f2.8 or 300 f4 IS or 100-400 IS fit in it? I don't mean all of them, but any or all separately? [Not attached to the body, just will it fit inside.] I tried one out at a local photo store months back, but don't recall the sizing.

If you'd followed my earlier link to an old post of mine you would have seen pictures and remarks about fitting a 100-400 mounted on a 30D/40D body, plus a 17-55 (or 10-22) mounted on a 40D/30D body and a 10-22 (or 17-55) lens all into the main compartment of an SS 200.

For convenience, here's the original post and a photo repeated....

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=4511118&postcount=23

[DDCSD]

I use a Slingshot 300 and it does get quite heavy as I keep almost everything I have in it. I can use it on the other shoulder when I get fatigued though, and its not terribly awkward to me. I love the bag and concept.

I remember a thread where someone modified their Slingshot and added a strap to it to make it more backpack-like. Looked like a fabulous idea and the poster said that it work fairly well. I cannot seem to find it right now though. I was seriously thinking of doing this to my Slingshot.

[delhi]

Another Slingshot 200AW happy user. I replaced the smaller 100AW with the 200 and couldn't be happier. I find the regular shoulder camera bag looked kinda dorky. :)

[nutsnbolts]

I'm suprised you haven't suggested the Rotation 360....I like the concept but its a bit big and it doesn't look like a gripped camera will fit with a lens vertically....

So no one uses the Tamrac Velocity series...??

The Rotation 360 will fit a gripped 40D 17-55 f/2.8 lens on the top portion of the bag.

I didn't recommend the 360 because it's not a sling bag per the OP's post. However, if you really want to compare, the amount of stuff you can put in a 200AW/300AW can be accomplished in a Rotation 360 with perks which can also be expanded to accommodate more, however, as with any bag, you shouldn't over pack, sling or not.

[mikechong]

If u like the Slingshot, but are worried that the weight on one shoulder will be an issue, how about the Lowepro Fastpacks? They are essentially Slingshots in backpack form.

[_aravena]

Interesting new bag. Google it, lots of good links. This I like. reminds me of how I try to get stuff out of my backpack. I'm definitely getting one. Now...which one??

http://www.photographybay.com/2007/11/28/lowepro-fastpack/

http://www.dslrmagazine.com/accesorios/accesorios-para-digital-y-analogico/lowepro-fastpack.html

http://picasaweb.google.com/GrahamPhotog/LoweproFastpack350

[djeuch]

I do carry a fair bit in my Lowepro 200AW:

I carry:

Main compartment:
40D with Grip, 24-105mm f/4L IS mounted
70-200mm f/2.8L IS on the side, hood reverse mounted Canon 1.4x TC, 24-105mm hood, and 24-105mm "soft" case in the center Video and USB cable Spare AA batteries ( for flash Spare 6-battery-filled backup tray for grip Spare memory card(s) - currently my spare is a 2GB Ultra II
50mm f/1.8

Top compartment:
580EX II
Lens cleaning kit
Small/compact tripod
Digimate III flash-to-hard-drive backup (40GB HD)

Front compartment:
40D/other manuals
Couple "Lenscrafters" pre-moistened lens towelettes (they work quite well for me in an emergency case) Motorola/USB charger (for Digimate/cell/etc) Canon single battery charger "gallon" zip-lock bag with silica gel inserts (for either shooting in the rain or drying out after being in the rain)

Pictures (poor quality - had to use my old P&S and it really wasn't up to the task!)

http://www.jeuch.com/jpg/Lowepro200AW/

[ypx3]

I just bought the Slignshot 200 and LOVE it! I didn't have a decent bag before this one but I bought it for the obvious utility of the thing. I use it for snowboarding and I find with the second strap fastened it is secure enough to carve down the hill and then with one clip i can swing it around and be ready to shoot in no time.
I don't find it at all uncomfortable but I am young and don't have any back or shoulder problems.
I think a messenger bag would be less stable especially in a lateral motion like skiing but thats up to interpertation.

[LightRules]

I just bought the Slignshot 200 and LOVE it! I didn't have a decent bag before this one but I bought it for the obvious utility of the thing. I use it for snowboarding and I find with the second strap fastened it is secure enough to carve down the hill and then with one clip i can swing it around and be ready to shoot in no time.
I don't find it at all uncomfortable but I am young and don't have any back or shoulder problems.
I think a messenger bag would be less stable especially in a lateral motion like skiing but thats up to interpertation.

This is exactly why I'm looking into the SS 200 AW. We're heading to UTAH for some s'boarding in March/April and I'm trying to determine which "bag" will be best for flying down the slopes. I wasn't sure if the sling-type was conducive for 'boarding, or if a normal backpack type would be better. I'd prefer the utility of the sling, but I am thinking the backpack style is more stable. But you liked it, eh?

[Hermeto]

I like my Slingshot 200.
The trick is just not to overload it.

[ypx3]

This is exactly why I'm looking into the SS 200 AW. We're heading to UTAH for some s'boarding in March/April and I'm trying to determine which "bag" will be best for flying down the slopes. I wasn't sure if the sling-type was conducive for 'boarding, or if a normal backpack type would be better. I'd prefer the utility of the sling, but I am thinking the backpack style is more stable. But you liked it, eh?
I think the backpack would be better but the AW 200 comes with a strap that starts at the waist and can be connected to the shoulder strap at about the middle of the chest. If that is fastened the bag IS secure enough to board. I don't do jumps, so no idea on that.

[ekk_xt]

slingshot 200 here also. i thought about the 300 but after taking a look at it in the store, it was a bit too bulky for me. i like the compactness of the 200 yet still able to carry a good amount of gear inside.

ive taken it to DC and chicago as well as disney and was comfortable for the most part. having the 70-200 f2.8 IS in there gets a bit heavy though if youre walking around for hours like i did in DC and Disney (was there from 10am till 9pm) lol.

[LightRules]

I don't do jumps, so no idea on that.

Me neither, at least not with a bag full of gear ;) I'll go to my local photo store or Samys and check it out. Thanks for the input.

70-200 f2.8 IS in there gets a bit heavy though if youre walking around for hours like i did in DC and Disney (was there from 10am till 9pm) lol.

Ouch.

[ypx3]

Me neither, at least not with a bag full of gear ;) I'll go to my local photo store or Samys and check it out. Thanks for the input.

Yeah probably a bad no idea no matter what bag your using. lol

[tmonatr]

I have a 200AW and like it.

[_aravena]

No one noticed the new bags Lowepro released?

[DDCSD]

No one noticed the new bags Lowepro released?

I chose to ignore them, as they look very interesting and I just got my SS 300 a few months ago. :lol:

[nutsnbolts]

The new fastpack is definately nice. They seem to have figured out that the Slingshot series are good but could be better if they gave options to the users for a backpack version to compensate for users who prefer it.

Now if I didn't love ThinkTank, I would probably be in for one. I already gave up a slingshot 300AW and I'm definately keeping my Vertex 200AW (i love this bag) for carrying all or most of my gear. Not a walkaround bag but then that's where my other thinktank bags and domke bags come into play.

[LightRules]

No one noticed the new bags Lowepro released?

They sort of look....ugly :cry: Or maybe it's just me :D
I like the way the SS series looks more.

[sm1rf]

Arrrgh, just got Tamrac Adventure 9 and really wanted what this fastback offers, i.e. big lens mounted in bag, laptop compartment and spare separate compartment for stuff. What do now?????

[tjrenegade]

So how does the fastpack work? do you just unclip one shoulder strap and let it slide to the front? That seems kind awkward to me if thats the case.

[slimninj4]

I have the sling 100. Fits my XTI, 17-55 and my 50mm. It is light weight but I wish I could put it on one shoulder sometimes instead of across the chest. That is a MAJOR complaint from me. I just have to find a bag that can do both.

[_aravena]

So how does the fastpack work? do you just unclip one shoulder strap and let it slide to the front? That seems kind awkward to me if thats the case.

Ever try to get something out of a backpack with it still on? Same idea from what I can gather. Slip off a strap bring it up and pull out your camera. then it can hang for a sec if you need to shoot quick or throw the strap back on. Pretty much like the...um...what's it called. The waterproof one Lowepro has.

[nicksan]

I have the SS200 and it's great.
Definitely can't fit all my gear in it, but I never have to bring everything anyways.

[Superficialodds]

I have the sling 100. Fits my XTI, 17-55 and my 50mm. It is light weight but I wish I could put it on one shoulder sometimes instead of across the chest. That is a MAJOR complaint from me. I just have to find a bag that can do both.

I wear my sling 200 only on my left shoulder all the time. Try it, it works.

[ypx3]

I wear my sling 200 only on my left shoulder all the time. Try it, it works.
I don't do it "all the time" but on occasion I throw it on my shoulder if I need to drop it real quick. (safely for the gear inside) It is not made for it but I can make it work.

[MDJAK]

I like my Slingshot 200.
The trick is just not to overload it.

Ditto. I usually will carry my camera on my shoulder or around my neck, while I'll have one lens and a flash in the slingshot200. It's still heavy and can get uncomfortable though after a long while. I still like it though and carry it almost exclusively.
me

[S-Man]

I've recently found my SlingShot 200 is a pain in the neck...literally. That right trap really gets to ache after a short walk. And all I have is what's in my sig...seems pretty light right? I might be looking into a backpack in a bit.

[Strayz]

I've recently found my SlingShot 200 is a pain in the neck...literally. That right trap really gets to ache after a short walk. And all I have is what's in my sig...seems pretty light right? I might be looking into a backpack in a bit.


might look at the SS100 for that amount of gear.

but I have not had any issues untill I decided every space needed to be filled with glass and water and ... and.. but anything around 3-4 "L" lenses and that thing gets to much for just one shoulder.

[S-Man]

i had that, but was unpleased with the tight fit of the XTi with grip attatched. I had a difficult time closing the zippers. But I did love the overall size. I was thinking about those new Lowepro Backpack-sling bags that use 2 straps but can still be slung down like the SS-series after removal of one shoulder.

[Rudy M.]

I have a SS300 and like it as long as I don't load it up. I do not like the integrated padded waist belt, but it works well to hold the heavy load when I do load it up--the trick is to put the waist belt on first, hitch it tight so the load rides on your hips, then tighten the shoulder strap to pull the pack against your back. I have had a broken collar bone on my right shoulder, plus a total AC joint separation reparired with surgery. I have a wires in my shoulder over my clavicle and a big bump where the bone healed. If I don't get a strap correctly positioned, I have pain. I have had no issues with the SS300 in this regard. I use this bag to store all my stuff, and don't take it out very often, and when I do, I take what I need. This leaves room for other stuff, like water, food, a rain jacket. The SS300 will hold my gripped 40D with 70-200 f/2.8 with a 1.4x t-con attached, hood reversed, at the ready for quick shooting. I used mine last Spring skiing in CO, but I would not recommend skiing all day with this rig and camera combo on unless on groomed blue and green. I found I got much better skiing and photos using my Olympus 5mp C5050 camera than carrying all the weight of a DSLR. After all, I was there to ski, not snap photos. The Toploaderzoom 75AW worked much better than the SS300AW for skiing. There are a few other threads on this bag that are very informative with photos by Ben.

The big thing to do is to take your photo gear to the store and load up a bag, then figure what you want to do with it. Ski moguls with it--do jumping jacks in the store! Sneak up on wild game, load up the bag and crawl on the floor with it! Just don't carry ALL your crap with you--you don't need it! You can only take photos with one camera and one lens at a time!

[Stefan A]

Little late here, but I thought I would throw in my 2 cents. I use the slingshot 200 and I don't have a big problem with pain. I have it stuffed to the gills as you can see in these shots. As you can see, I have set it up so when it's in the slinged position, I have access to all the contests - except for one of the primes which is behind the other. But now that I have a 40d it's a bit tighter inside than I would like. I may look into the 300 or one of those fastpacks.

http://santwarg.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p188254117-4.jpg

[Lester Wareham]

What do you like or dislike about them. I really need a messenger or sling style bag for my trip to Bermuda. I don't need to carry everything I own. I'd like to be able to carry my XTi with a 24-70 mounted (hood would be nice to have in position), 70-30 and a UW 12-24 plus a few extras like spare CF cards and batteries sunglasses that kinda stuff.

Looking at the Lowepro Slingshot 200 and the Tamrac Velocity 8

Any opinions on either? other suggestions?

thanks

I use the sling shot 300 mostly now but started with the slingshot 200 which I still use from time to time.

Obviously the 300 is larger than the 200 but two major advantages with the 300:

1) Has a belt to take most of the weight
2) I can fit my 300/4 IS + 1.4X in mounted

I like these mostly because I can get to my kit without having to put the bag down on wet or flooded ground and also for the security issues this avoids.

Also faster to get into than a backpack, shoulder packs tend to put too much weight to the side and mess my back now.

Some review and pics here http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/mybags.htm

[DDCSD]

I use the sling shot 300 mostly now but started with the slingshot 200 which I still use from time to time.

Obviously the 300 is larger than the 200 but two major advantages with the 300:

1) Has a belt to take most of the weight
2) I can fit my 300/4 IS + 1.4X in mounted

I like these mostly because I can get to my kit without having to put the bag down on wet or flooded ground and also for the security issues this avoids.

Also faster to get into than a backpack, shoulder packs tend to put too much weight to the side and mess my back now.

Some review and pics here http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/mybags.htm

And I thought I loaded my SS 300 up! Great reviews by the way.