ThinkTankPhoto Sling-O-Matic 20 video review:

I just wrapped up my sling-o-matic 20 video review. Check out the whole thing here:
http://benjacobsenphot​o.com …ing-o-matic-video-review/

but the gist of it is I really like this in terms of a sling. I do wish it had a backpack option but it is the best sling I've tried to date (which is in line with 4 others). Sorry to link to a blog for the review, but the formatting works much better there and this way I only have to write everything out once.

Great review as always Ben. I was looking into this bag and the Tamrac Evolution 8 (which serves as a sling on both shoulders AND a full on backpack if you need it). Because of your review I think I'm leaning towards the Tamrac. Great job and thanks again!

Excellent video review. Thanks for taking the time.

Great review but not so sure about this one. Looks a little bulky and uncomfortable. Why not just get a UD 35?

RIgnacio wrote in post #11126533
Great review as always Ben. I was looking into this bag and the Tamrac Evolution 8 (which serves as a sling on both shoulders AND a full on backpack if you need it). Because of your review I think I'm leaning towards the Tamrac. Great job and thanks again!

yeah, the evo 8 is a bag I was looking at as well but I HATE bags/backpacks with a separate space specifically for NON photographic bits. The top of the tamrac is just dead space. One thing to consider though, TT's backpack harness will work with this bag if you're willing to modify it. I'm doing it tonight actually. So mine will be a backpack tomorrow. I should be able to use ONE of the straps and still sling it -or- both and backpack it. I'll also be able to drop the straps off completely and go with it as a normal shoulder bag.

Tommydigi wrote in post #11126661
Great review but not so sure about this one. Looks a little bulky and uncomfortable. Why not just get a UD 35?

it's square, but for what it can carry I wouldn't call it bulky at all. The incase is a bit more rounded though for sure. But the UD35 is a completely different bag. You want a shoulder bag you get that (or the 30). you want a sling you get this. Also, the sling 20 is a lot bigger than my UD30 was, the 35 is just a tad taller right?

but I will agree this bag is a blocky design. I hated the lowepro classifieds for that reason but it was because they were so stiff and blocky. This is much softer if you know what I mean.

Thank you for the review

Ha! Thats funny because the separate space is what I was looking for to store my non camera stuff (jacket, snacks, etc..) for when I go on hikes. I'm looking forward to your review of the sling o matic with the backpack harness. Once again awesome job and keep those reviews coming.

RIgnacio wrote in post #11129847
Ha! Thats funny because the separate space is what I was looking for to store my non camera stuff (jacket, snacks, etc..) for when I go on hikes.

yeah, see as a father/husband that also hikes with my family, I could use it then too. But I don't like the side access any of those bags has given me to date. I'd rather see the entire part that against your back be a camera section, then have another compartment FURTHER from your body, but the whole height of the bag for the other stuff since it's so light anyway? And I could go for the camera section being thinner so that a non gripped body fit sideways only. Then make the top edge soft so you could squeeze in something gripped or a 1 series but you'd lose some of the room in that other section?

I just hate not having access to all my gear from ONE side of the bag w/o taking it off. I'm on slippery rocks with waves or in mud about half the time I shoot, so I CAN NOT set the bag down....

It's amazing. I cut the strap off last night and wow. I can't believe they DIDN'T do it this way themselves... With some better engineering to it (make the strap for the bag, not use a strap for the UDs on a sling) this bag could have been a shoulder bag, backpack AND sling!!! If I take my right strap and cross it diagonally to the other side I keep the sling aspect, or the backpack is obvious. Then I remove the new strap and add a normal old shoulder strap and it works well for that as well. And you can still sling it either way if you want (but it takes more effort to switch).

Nice review on the bag Ben. How many lenses can you fit in there if you have one body? I assume from the size, it can fit up to four? Thanks!

jdizzle wrote in post #11131162
Nice review on the bag Ben. How many lenses can you fit in there if you have one body? I assume from the size, it can fit up to four? Thanks!

yeah, easily. Today I have (left to right looking in bag):
1" thick partition w/ filter kit/pouch and TTP pixel pocket rocket
3" part w/ 5D w/24 TS-E ABOVE 24L II (on it's side)
3" part w/ 7D w/10-22 ABOVE 18-55 (on it's side)
1" part w/ CP and 10-stop in plastic cases and timer remote
whatever is left w/ 100-400 with hood reversed and tripod colar

I'll probably do an iPhone video of it today (before I return the CPS TS-E) so people can see the inside really well.

Great review. I would never be able to carry so much weight for a whole day, but TT are awesome!

So there is a Backpack conversion kit?

I guess what I am saying about the UD 35, and maybe I don't understand it, is if this bag only goes over 1 shoulder anyway how is it different then a shoulder bag? I can wear a Urban Disguise bag the same way and switch shoulders easily. I don't get what makes this so special.

Sling bags are specifically made to be worn cross the chest. Shoulder bags can be worn that way, but not designed that way. I have several sling bags because I like to take gear out without taking the bag off. With shoulder bags, it's not that easy.

Well with an UD shoulder bags I usually leave them unzipped so its pretty easy to get gear in and out without taking it off. I guess this bag is pretty similar but a little boxy and little room for anything else but lenses. I never used a flipside but those look a little more comfortable and easy to wear. This thing looks like luggage.