Review - Slingshot 200AW vs 300AW

My equipment seemed to be stretching the 200AW a bit and when I got the Sigma 20-40 f/2.8 lens, I knew I wanted a bigger bag. Since I liked the 200AW for its ease of use, I decided to upgrade to the 300AW.

Intial impression on getting the 300 was that it looked huge compared to the 200AW. There is loads more space in the main compartment as well the front and top compartments. However, when I put in on my shoulders it just feels like a small backpack. Even though the shoulder strap is well padded, I feel that (as indicated by several reviews/comments here) extended use of this strap will give one a back ache. However, the waist strap seems to be very sturdy and I think using this during long distance hikes/walks, will ease the weight on the shoulder strap and (hopefully) there wont be any strain on the back.

Without mach ado ..... a few pics

First - the Slingshot 200AW

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Packed right it should all fit nicely in the 200AW I believe. Minus the generic flash for whatever reason...

Nope - dont think you can ..... in a practical way of course If I moved a few things (as shown in 200AW setup pic) I would be able to fit the 20-40mm lens but would have had no way to get the S3IS in there - with proper padding that is.

Anyway, even without the 20-40mm and the S3IS, I felt as if the 200AW was straining a bit at the straps and becos of the lack of a sturdy waist strap (the 200AW has got a very thin waist strap) it would be difficulto carry that weight on a long walk. The 300AW takes care of all that without any issue.

I'm not sure of the size of the 80-400, but here's what I did.

I used my Sling Shot 200 a few weeks ago while walking around Washington D.C.
It felt fine with my 40D with 17-85 lens attached. I also had my 28-135 IS and 70-300IS inside.

Nice! Great job and thanks for the comparison!