Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Selecting a camera bag can be difficult. I've purchased and sold many camera bags over the years for one reason or another; too small, too big, too unwieldy, lacking a key feature that I need, etc. but the SS 200 is one bag I'll keep until it wears out. I've owned the SS 200 now for over a year and have taken it on several international trips where it performed beautifully. this bag is excellent for both casual and serious/professional photographers.
I currently own several bags, including photo backpacks, two sizes of the Lowepro sling bags (Slingshot 200 reviewed here and the new 300 - limited, if any, public availability at this point), a Crumpler shoulder bag, and other types of camera bags from different manufacturers, all in varying sizes. I'm also familiar with all the "high end" bag manufacturers such as ThinkTank, Kinesis, et. al. and all the alternative systems such as waist belts, vests, etc. It's important to remember that most photographers will need more than one bag depending on what they're shooting that day and the one thing I can say is that in an imperfect world of compromises, this is the closest I've come to being satisfied with a single bag.
I'm a long time Canon user so I'll use Canon equipment as a reference and you can check the size of your camera/lenses for fit against these comments. Those using Nikon and other manufactures can do the same. All sizes, weights, dimensions for your brand can easily be found on the web. OK, so here's what I like about this bag.....
1) It holds a compact to large SLR comfortably though my larger cameras (1 series film and digital cameras) with an extended battery grip are a tight fit. For traveling I use a smaller digital camera (5d) with or without a grip, but a 1.6x crop body such as a 20d/30d, 300d/XT/XTi will fit very easily and this is the camera size I recommend for this bag. Nikon D200/D70/80, Sony, Olympus, Pentax will have no trouble at all
2) It's very comfortable; the strap crosses your chest diagonally, is well padded, and there's an extra strap that can be/usually is stored in the bottom of the bag that you can pull out for extra support. I've carried this bag for 10-12 hours a day for 10 days without complaint. I did use the extra strap when I was walking more than shooting and it helped quite a bit. Note: There's a comment below from a woman that wasn't satisfied with the fit, but for men this simply isn't a problem. Sorry to all the women out there, but depending on your bust size it may or may not be an issue so I'd check the fit at your local store.
3) It's very easy to gain access to your gear. Actually this is the easiest bag I've used, bar none. It eliminates the "back pack" syndrome of having to remove the pack to remove your gear, it doesn't force all the weight on one shoulder like a shoulder bag (the weight is more evenly distributed across your chest and back, and it provides the room most serious photographers need for casual shooting and beyond. Since the bag opens "away" from you when it's in the chest position, it's easy to reach in and grab things, and there are two safety buckles that prevent the bag from opening too much and spilling the contents.
4) There's adequate storage space for extra batteries, filters (Circular Polarizers and/or macro filters like a 500d), lens hoods, an external flash, remote controls, small flash lights, bubble levels, neck/wrist straps, even the manuals will fit if you want to take them with you. In short, you can store what you need as long as you keep the lens size reasonable. If you have a small, light weight tripod and you're clever, you can even work it out so you can carry it on the front of the bag. Beginning photographers with fewer/smaller lenses will find this bag more than adequate. Careful though, you may want to overload it and make it heavy; it's not hard to do!
What body lens combinations can you store? I suggest no more than 1 body and 3-4 lenses with flash and other gear. I have built an extensive lens collection over the years, but if I'm on a personal trip, I like to carry a 3 lens solution using a 16-35L, 24-70L or a 24-105L, and the 70-300 DO, plus a small 220ex flash. Your collection will be different so what is a "reasonable" lens size for this bag? It may be easier to list what isn't reasonable, but I'll give both examples.
Unreasonable: Canon 70-200 f/2.8L IS or non-IS (note: I think the f/4 versions are borderline, but I'd pass), 100-400L, 300 f/4, 400 f/5.6, etc. I think you get the point, but the lenses I listed and larger should be avoided. This goes for Nikon equivalents too. I've squished a 100-400L in there, but it has to go on an angle, the bag can't be easily set up so it's attached to the camera, and in my opinion is more trouble than it's worth. Don't do it, buy the larger SS 300 instead when it's available to the public (early 2007).
Reasonable lenses: Everything else. All EF-S lenses designed for Canon 1.6x crop bodies (e.g. 10-22, 60 macro, 17-55/17-85 IS) The 200mm f/2.8L may be OK, but all prime lenses from 135L down (85mm, 50mm, 35mm, 24mm, etc. in both L and non-L flavors will be fine. All the TS-E lenses (24L, 45mm, and 90mm), all versions of the 70-300 (DO, non-DO). All other wide angle to mild telephoto zoom lenses are reasonable, with the exceptions noted above. Popular full frame (non EF-S) zooms will fit, including the 16-35L, 17-40L, 24-105L, 24-70L, etc.).
I think this is one of the most popular bags Lowepro has produced and there's a good reason; namely, it's a very useful bag. I hope this review has a little something for everyone here and it helps make your decision easier. Good luck.
Click Here to see more reviews about:
Lowepro Slingshot 200 All Weather Backpack (Black)Perfect for photojournalists, the SlingShot 200 AW uses a unique sling design to go from "carry mode" to "ready mode" in just seconds. Carried comfortably on the back, it easily rotates to the front so you can get to your camera quickly. The SlingShot 200 AW holds an SLR with mid-range zoom lens attached, 3-4 extra lenses, cables and accessories, and has a full access lid to make loading it a snap. This feature-rich bag also includes a built-in memory card pouch, micro fiber LCD cloth, and two generous organizer pockets. Lowepro packs and bags with the AW (All-Weather Cover(TM)) designation include the All Weather Cover. These AW Covers are typically located in the bottom or back of the pack in a zippered, or Velcro-secured pocket. It's certain to surprise even the most demanding photojournalists.
Get 43% OFF
Click here for more information about Lowepro Slingshot 200 All Weather Backpack (Black)
