So I'm on the verge of buying a new bag. I currently use a Crumpler Karachi Outpost for day to day carry, but I ultimately am getting sick of how space inefficient it is. It's a decent sized bag, and with my 30D + grip, 24-70, 70-200 F4, and 580ex it's damn near full, and even worse it's tough to get the camera out.

I'm thinking of going with a Lowe Pro Slingshot. Not sure if a 200 or 300, I'm leaning toward 300 because a 5D is getting closer and closer. Has anyone ever used one of these? I can't tell if it's really handy, or really gimmicky? Any thoughts?

 

I love the slingshot. I've got the 200 and it works very, very well. you can do the layout various ways. I have mine set up where each compartment opens toward the flap, so I don't have to worry about fully unzipping and a lens falling out. I can fit my KM 7D with 28-85 f/2.8 on the camera with hood forward. then easily my 19-35 f/3.5-4.5, 50 f/1.7, 70-210 f/4, and sony HVL-F56AM flash. I can even throw the 50mm in the top outside pocket and put yet another lens inside. that would be pretty tight with a VG, but I've seen it done.

I think a 200 would work for you. a 300 would give you plenty of room to spare.

 

i love my lowepro slingshot i gotta aw100 though.

 

Hehe well I ended up going with the 200. Looking at them side by side, the 300 was just so much bigger, I don't think I want ANOTHER bag that's the biggest around. The 70-200 F4 is a tight fit on the left side, but the body with the 24-70 is great (even though hood has to be reversed, I was holding out hope that it would work with the hood forward for faster access, but no dice) and my flash on the right side with room to spare. I'm kicking around the idea of a 50 1.4 and I'm sure that'll fit in there as well.

Definitely a good day to day bag, so long as I continue to keep the gear sparse. With a few upgrades coming in the next few months (5D woohoo!) I'm going to have to plan ahead a bit better, but that's no problem. Or I could just rock the Karachi Outpost or Tamrac Cyberpack 8 (THIS BAG IS ENORMOUS, FYI) if I want to bring ever piece of camera equipment I own.

That's for weighing in though, I appreciate it.

And after 20 minutes of having it, I'm liking the sling affect. Not having to take off the bag is VERY nice, and I'm trying to get a feel for it over a long time. Being a bigger guy (6 foot, 225 lbs) I don't think I'm going to have an issue with too much weight on one shoulder, but we'll see.

Oh and the waist strap? Yet to unfold it, but that was another thing I didn't like about the 300, it was like a super strap that couldn't be removed. My cyberpack 8 had the same, and I just cut it off because I knew I'd maybe use it once or twice, but wouldn't otherwise and it would continue to be in the way. On the 200 it's such a small thing I've already forgotten about it.

 

here's a thread that shows almost exactly my setup in the 200. My 7D is about the same size as the A700...I just don't have a VG, so I can set up the pockets on the right just like the left side.

http://www.dyxum.com/dforum/forum_posts.as...D=227906#227906

 

Huh...very cool. Now you've got me thinking about things... Never a good sign

 

a tip for that...tuck the strap inside the velcro of the rain cover opening. completely out of the way, but there if you need it.

 

Shenanigans! That's awesome!

 

i have a Slingshot 200AW also. Don't use it anymore, It doesn't carry too much stuff. 300AW is way too big.

 

I use the Tamrac Velocity 8 when I travel light, which is 1 body, 1 lens, 1 flash and a few filters. It's large enough to hold a 1D MKII with a 70-200 2.8L IS.