Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

AdamN · 11:50 AM

Well, it was inevitable. Once you buy a bag, it will be outgrown sooner or later. I currently have a Lowepro MicroTrekker 200 but have outgrown it. I keep finding myself wanting to take more gear sometimes. And while most of the time, there is plenty of space to set the bag down to get equipment out, sometimes there isn't(or enough time). So I have been looking at getting a Slingshot 300. I like the idea of not having to put it on the ground and also being able to get gear out quickly. How comfortable is it throughout a long day? How easy is it to carry and get gear out? Do you have a camera/grip combo or think one would fit? And for any DFW photogs, does anyone know where to go locally? Thanks!

Angelo · 02-09-2008, 11:36 AM

I own the the Lowepro 200 for my 20D gear, and the 300 for my 1Ds gear. They are both great bags. What I do, on trips, I use the ThinkTank Airport (roll-around) to travel with the equipment and put my 300 in my suitcase for when I get there. It takes up a lot of room in my suitcase so I stuff it with whatever else I'm taking.

Now, the belt strap for around the waste - I've been meaning to remove it but I know once I do this I'll need it, so I've taped it up so it does not hang and it does not bother me at all.

I like the idea of slinging it around to my chest/stomach area when I'm ready to sit down and it lays right on my lap. Or when I need to change lenses. I sometimes use it as a perch to rest my arms and camera when taking pictures.

I haven't found a better bag yet.

S-Man · 02-09-2008, 12:17 PM

The SlingShot bags are great. Especially the 100. I love the 100 since it's so small, it's just the right size. You can't put too much gear in it, so it stay's light.
It was too small for my XTi with the Grip attatched, so I moved on to the 200. With all my gear (see my sig) it's very uncomfortable. I went to see somone in the hospital, and after walking from the parking lot up into the room, and standing in the room for about 10 minutes, I had to take the 200 off. It was killing my trapezius. So much weight on just one shoulder gets uncomfortable quick. I wouldn't think of taking it on a long day or hike. Maybe I would if I was holding my camera the whole time, since that's where most of the weight is, but I am seriously considering getting a conventional backpack to replace the 200.
As for the belt-strap for your waist, I just rolled mine up and stuck it in the secret velcro compartment where the AW Cover resides. I can pull it out when needed.

All that said, I love the bag for short trips and the fact of not having to take it off to remove the bag is brilliant. Just remember to keep the bag as light as possible.

Debbi · 02-09-2008, 12:52 PM

I bought the 300 so I could carry my gear around when I was traveling by myself. Holds everything I need and have carried it around for miles while on landscape trips. Highly recommend.

SCone · 02-09-2008, 01:18 PM

Great bag, I have a 200. If I could change anything about it, I would like to be able to access the main compartment directly wihtout having to unsnap the whole thing. I'd also add a large carry handle to the side. That little loop on top gets small quickly.

J Eddington · 02-09-2008, 07:30 PM

Adam, I have them both. The 300 filled weighs only 15 lbs! Yeh, after carring that around for 9 hours this old lady aches!!!I really need to get in shape. But over a 4-6 hour period I am fine. I carry every lens (7 of them) I own plus converters and extentiontubes, 580 flash that I sometimes carry. Unlike Steve I have NEVER unsnapped the whole thing to get to my "stuff". In the main conpartment I carry the 70-200 ,Rebel Body, 85mm, 18-55 and 28-135. In the top rounded compartment I have my 28-80, 50mm, 11-22mm, extention tubes, and 2x Teleconverter. Oh and dont forget the model/property releases and flash light. I use them both. I keep saying I will only take the 200 but I just can't leave anything behind. Every time I do, I want what I didn't take.

Big T · 02-09-2008, 08:14 PM

I have one and love it, everything below fits, a little heavy with all the gear, but as soon as I leave somthing behind I find out I need it.

SCone · 02-09-2008, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Eddington

... I have NEVER unsnapped the whole thing to get to my "stuff"

Does the 300 open differently than the 200? The 200 has a zippered side to get to the camera, but it has two quick-connect fasteners that have to be unsnapped to open up the main compartment.

How do you open the 300?

Angelo · 02-09-2008, 09:08 PM

Steve, no difference other than it's bigger and it has a heavier duty waste strap. The two quick connects are there.

J Eddington · 02-09-2008, 09:09 PM

No it is the same. Just bigger. I load and unload everything from zippered side. If I had to undue the buckles, I would loose things. I have only undone the buckles once and that was to move the dividers so everything would fit. I may have been doing it wrong the whole time! But I thought that you were to use the zipper for quick load and unload.

hhscr · 02-09-2008, 09:40 PM

Got the 200. I have changed the dividers so everthing can be gotten out from the unzipped flap so I do not have to unclip the buckles. The 200 carries my D200/MBD200 with 28x70. Also have room for 70x200 on one side of camera and SB800 and then one more lens of choice on other side. Once it is all in place it is a little tight but it all fits.

Looked at 100 and 300 also, but thought the 100 too small and 300 too big. So far the 200 has worked well for me, and as for the comfort and ease of use excellent!!!!.

Try your local Frys Electronics I picked one up for a Christmas present at the location on Northwest Highway.