Lowepro slingshot series - any experiences?

[zetomenon]

Hi,

I'm thinking about getting the Lowepro Slingshot 100AW.
The functions (as they appear on the video on the Lowepro site) suit the way I want to use a bag, as I want to be able to have it on my back, but easy to use.
I'm going for the small one because basically I only want to have a light kit with a body+lens and maybe two lenses with me (+batteries and cards) that can easily sit on my lap on public transport. I'll be leaving the charger and computer cables etc at home... Basically a tight compact way of getting round the city.

I've read a couple of reveiws that said it was good in design and function, but build quality was not good, mainly around the main shoulder strap and stitching.

I was wondering if anyone has used one?
Or if there are comparable bags that I could use instead (similar function and price)?

[Lester Wareham]

I have the 200 and 300 and love them. You can take loads of stuff in the 300 because it has a load belt.

I can't speak about the 100 but the 200 and 300 seem as well made as any other of the lowepro bags I have.

It is difficult to advise you more without knowing what you intend to carry in it. For a body and two or three lenses a small shoulder bag would probably be enough. I sometimes use a Rizo 170 AW for a body and a couple of lenses; but it feels much heavier than twice as much or more in the SS200 does.

Some shots of my bags are here for you if that is any help http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/mybags.htm.

[rral22]

I have one and use it.

It has proven to be exactly what it says it is, but it is just a little small at times. Not always, but ..... It seems solid, works in that you an swing it around and get access, but it is small, so I sometimes cram it full, and then it becomes a sort of "lump" on your back that is not great.

I use it mostly for things like a bike ride, or X-Country skiing where all I really want is to be able to carry a camera and lens, and maybe another lens. Then it works great. Good protection in some rough handling (including a couple of falls, skiing) and easy access if you want a shot.

But it's small. I think I would now have bought the 200.

[bakatari]

Originally Posted by zetomenon

Hi,

I'm thinking about getting the Lowepro Slingshot 100AW.
The functions (as they appear on the video on the Lowepro site) suit the way I want to use a bag, as I want to be able to have it on my back, but easy to use.
I'm going for the small one because basically I only want to have a light kit with a body+lens and maybe two lenses with me (+batteries and cards) that can easily sit on my lap on public transport. I'll be leaving the charger and computer cables etc at home... Basically a tight compact way of getting round the city.

I've read a couple of reveiws that said it was good in design and function, but build quality was not good, mainly around the main shoulder strap and stitching.

I was wondering if anyone has used one?
Or if there are comparable bags that I could use instead (similar function and price)?

Will you have an opportunity to try it on in the store? The 100 is pretty small...not necessarily too small for the eqpt., but too small overall. I bought the 100 online, I returned it and got the 200. The 100 series held my eqpt. fine. It was was just too small for my body frame. It felt akward.

[azpix]

i've had the 100 and currently use the 200.
awesome bags.

I use it anytime i'm hiking or riding my quad.

[ED-EX]

I have the 100AW but wish I had purchased something a little bigger. It was my first bag and I love it but at times you need a little more. Looking for another one now also.

[dfatty]

I love my slingshot 100. I've only had it for about 6 weeks or so, but I haven't had any quality issues even though I've crammed it full of stuff. I usually carry the camera with a lens on it, and then 2 or 3 additional lenses.

Like others have said, I'm now considering the 200 for a little bigger size. But I plan to continue to use the 100 when I can, most of the time it's big enough.

Good luck on your choice.

[Nick5]

zeto.
I would suggest the 200 for the number of lenses you have currently.
You may add more equipment in the future. I also have the 200 and the 300 for additional space when needed.

[bmwm3csl]

I orginally purchased the 200 but returned it because it was too small for my tastes and have been using the 300 for over a year now.

[ibdb]

Which body and which lenses? It can make a significant difference.

I've had a 200 for more than 2 years, and for the most part, it's been great. I used it extensively with a 20D + 24-105 mounted, a 580EX, 70-200 f/4, and some combination of two other smaller lenses. That's probably more than I should carry in it, not for size, but for weight. After a long day of shooting and running around, the single shoulder strap can be uncomfortable. After a long weekend, it's particularly noticeable.

The Slingshot bags function best when they're not crammed full. You want to have room to access everything quickly, without a whole lot of juggling and shuffling other stuff around. Sure, you can cram more stuff into one, but then you lose the quick and easy convenience they provide.

I've looked at the 300 and, for me, that's too big for a bag of this style. The 200 seems about perfect, and the 100 could be a bit tight.

[zetomenon]

Thanks for your help, guys.

I'm probably going to go for the 100 to start because i need something light and compact to take on a plane, and my kit is small right now. Later when i need to (read: when I buy more lenses and toys) i'll get the larger one and have two bags to switch between depending on what I'm doing that day.

Cheers

[ben_r_]

I didnt really like them. Had the 300 and sold it. IMO is was too difficult to get the camera in and out "quickly" like they advertise. I perfer the Flipside backpacks more as I can access the entire bag contents without taking the bag off. I Currently have the flipside 400 AW but liked the 300 a lot too.

[midnight_rider]

I had the 200 and did not really like it. It was a great bag but I had to take it off to get to some of my lenses. I went to the lowepro flipside 300 and Love it.

[Nick5]

Midnight.
Don't you have to take off the Flipside to access the storage area?

[ben_r_]

Originally Posted by Nick5

Midnight.
Don't you have to take off the Flipside to access the storage area?

Nope, you just buckle the waist strap, rotate it around the to front of you, then you can easily unzip the back part of the bag and youre in with access to everything, not just one body and lens, but all your lenses in the bag.

This is the back of the bag (the part that touched your back while wearing it):