Lowepro SlingShot 100 All-Weather Digital Camera Backpack (Black) | List Price: $69.95
Discount Price: $67.50
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Brand: Lowepro
Binding: Electronics
Features: - Perfect for photojournalists
- Unique sling design goes from "carry mode" on your back, to "ready mode" in front of your chest
- Ergonomic sling strap evenly distributes equipment weight in the "carry mode"
- Holds an SLR with mid-range zoom lens attached, up to two extra lenses, cables, and other accessories
- Built-in microfiber LCD cloth protects screens from camera straps, nicks, and scratches
Great bag use it everywhere [Posted on 2008-09-28]
I did many hours research for a good all around bag - this meets all needs for simple, lightweight, durable and weatherproof camera protection. Very handy functionality and great build quality. Adaptable for many camera combinations. I recommend it.
Slingshot 300 Recommended - but with one caveat [Posted on 2008-10-02]
Pros
Tons of space
Adaptable
Includes additional weatherproof covering
Versatile
Cons
A bit over priced
Single strap is not that comfortable
Conclusion
If you have the right body type and don't need the notebook computer slot provided by the Fastpack models this will probably work great.
I have owned a Lowepro Orion Trekker for the past decade, but I needed something bigger and beefier because I now have more equipment and more money invested. I looked specifically at the Slingshot 300 or the Fastpack 250 or 350 models. I chose the Slingshot because it seemed to have more space for camera equipment since the Fastpack models include a slot for a notebook computer. Since I don't have a computer this was going to be just wasted space.
I now regret the decision somewhat. The Slingshot has quite a bit of depth, more than I actually needed. It's over six inches which means you have space for a camera with a power battery pack on the bottom. Without that you end up with about 2 inches of empty space over the camera. It's very easy to secure the camera so it doesn't move around. However, if I'd known that there was this much space I wouldn't have dismissed the Fastpacks as an option.
I have a Nikon D90 with a 70-300 lens and a D40X with a 18-105 lens. Both fit just fine, with lenses attached, with room left over for another medium size lens if I had it.
The bag isn't too heavy with all this equipment. The issue is the strap and its specific location. The single strap goes directly over the middle of the shoulder blade. If you have some meat on you this might not be a problem, but mine protrude somewhat. The strap is not very comfortable. I think with extended use it might actually be painful, especially with a thin shirt. I'm going to have to buy an additional pad of some kind to attach to the strap, at least for when the weather is hot and I'm not wearing a jacket or second layer of clothing. I've found that two layers greatly reduces the discomfort.
The old Orion Trekker was a backpack model like the modern Fastpacks. I never experienced pain from the straps even though they are far more narrow than the strap on the Slingshot. I'm a hiker and I've frequently carried 20 to 30 pounds of stuff on my back with very little discomfort on my shoulders. The problem is that the Slingshot strap isn't to the side of the shoulder blade like a normal backpack, but right over the middle.
I have more usable space with the Slingshot, but I think I would have preferred the Fastpack's comfort. It's a shame that Lowepro just doesn't offer this bag with either one or two straps. Instead we're forced to pick from a bag that's also used for a computer, or a single strap model that's going to be downright uncomfortable for some users.
It should also be noted that the Slingshot bags have the all weather protection (protective cover) whereas the Fastpacks don't.
I suspect many users won't have a problem with this bag. However, I strongly urge you to test it fully (with weight added) in a store before buying. As for price, I picked up this bag for only 85 bucks, shipping included. Definitely shop around to find the best deal.
Edit: I've noticed that Amazon, as of 2008, has grouped all the reviews for Slingshots together. This is unfortunate because each bag is different. That means if the reviewer forgot to mention the model number in the review that comments about capacity are meaningless.
Lowepro SlingShot [Posted on 2008-10-04]
Great bag, Too small for any additional lenses. But other than that, mine works well. Thanks, johnny k.
Sling Shot 300 [Posted on 2008-10-04]
As my lens collection increased, I managed to outgrow the smaller camera bag I bought when for my D50 and kit lenses. I got the Nikon 80-200 2.8 lens - amazing - and then realized the only bag I had for it was an old camcorder bag. The slingshot 300 fills the needs I have for the 80-200 2.8 on the body, my three other lenses, and everything else I need.
The straps are very comfortable and I love not needing to remove a backpack to access my camera; most of my shots are outdoors. The bag slides to the front offering easy access on the fly. The 300 has a sturdy backpacking waist belt to distribute weight to the hips for comfort, and the rain cover works well and tucks away nicely.
Invaluable [Posted on 2008-10-06]
I bought this bag principally because I wanted a set-up that would make it easy to change lenses -- with my previous lenses-in-padded-cases-in-my-backpack set-up, I had to stop, take off my bag, find a flat enough surface to work on (so lenses don't fall over and get damaged), and then juggle two lenses while I switched. With the SlingShot bag, you flip it under your shoulder and have a nice flat, safe surface to work on, with two easy-to-grab lenses. Now it's easy for me to switch lenses to get just a shot or two. Plus, there's enough room for me to carry both film and digital bodies, and useful gear like cleaning supplies and a raincoat for the camera.
If you're using this bag as a daypack, the 300 is the only one with a big enough top compartment to be useful. You can easily fit a couple of energy bars, a rain jacket, a guide book, and sunglasses in the top compartment -- perfect for a hike or acting the tourist.
For travel, I would've liked a laptop compartment -- the 300 is large enough -- but it's true that I wouldn't want to haul along a padded compartment all day long.
At first the single shoulder strap seemed heavy to me but I got used to it. Keeping the waist belt tight is key to wearing the bag comfortably and is also constant work as it seems to loosen easily on me. Note that the strap is *not* switchable right-left so you'd better be happy with your right shoulder.
Make sure to get the water bottle holder accessory!
Click here for more details and discount information...
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