Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Cameras, Lenses and Shooting gear => Topic started by: Ben Rubinstein on October 02, 2005, 05:33:21 am
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I have most of my camera gear in a Lowepro Nature Trekker. To be 100% honest, I don't particularly like backpacks, I'm not a hiker, but this bag was bought in the days of medium format when it seemed like a good idea.
For my wedding works the bag is simply too unweildy. It has a huge amount of 'bits' that stick out all over the place and make taking it into a bride's house or a wedding hall less than comfortable. Although it does hold all my gear which is useful, I'm going to swop for a peli case/briefcase type bag with padding for my wedding work.
For landscape work I usually empty out most of my gear anyway (I certainly don't need 2 flashes, a Lumisphere II, cokin SF filters, etc!) and my backpack ends up being pretty empty though still very heavy due to the weight of the backpack itself. I've seen a new style of backpack, the 'sling' type with only one strap that goes diagonally across the chest and it seems to me to be ideal for my needs. Small, easy to acess and far lighter and unweildy than a photo backpack as well as being very useful for street shooting.
The gear I would need it to hold is:
Canon 5D with grip
24-105L attached to camera
70-200 f4L (w/o hood attached)
one filter
cable release
a couple of very small acessories
The Lowepro Slingshot 100AW which would have been perfect seems to be too small to hold this amount of gear, specifically the 70-200 f4L unless I can work it out. (There is one rule with photo bags that is you can always fit another peice of kit, you just require imagination!)
The Lowepro 200AW still doesn't seem to have an easy way of carrying the 70-200 and to be honest, once I go back up in size of bag then I'm heading back into the world I'm trying to leave of heavy photo bags.
I could probably store the camera without lens attached but that kind of negates the advantage of this kind of bag for street work and having to put a lens on the camera every time I want to shoot sounds like a dust nightmare (has anyone seen any sample pictures from the 5D without dust?!). Spotting pics from Iceland, where I had the wrong (completely unused) lens on the 1Ds in the bag and therefore was constantly swopping, was a nightmare, over 150 dust spots on one picture!
Tamrac have some sort of sling bag though they look unweildy and uncomfortable from the pics on their website.
Belt systems don't work for me and regular over the shoulder bags arn't that comfortable for walking with though they are very useful for location work when you don't need much kit, I use one for this purpose.
Does anyone have any experience with the slingshot series or any other ideas?
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My Lowepro DriZone busted it's zip and I've been looking for a new small pack for a while now, don't know if it's of any use to you but there's a company in New Zealand called 'Riverworks' that make a small pack for fly fishing.
Kiwi's are not much to look at but make good outdoor gear.
I like the look of it ( from the photos anyway ) for cameras beacause it has rod holders on the side that would work well with a small tripod or monopod and a couple of pockets that hook on the straps.
I hope to see one in the next few days.
riverworks.co.nz
Here in OZ it's $149.oo, might be worth a look.
David.
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I've tried so many bag variations that it's ridiculous. News photographers usually carry their stuff in unpadded or very lightly padded Domke bags, just because of the weight problem -- they carry all kinds of crap around with them, and they don't need a heavy bag to add to the load. Problem with Domkes is that they scream "photographer," and also the load rides very heavily on one shoulder. I've seen the single strap across-the-chest systems, but never tried one. They were a fad for a while with college students, for book bags, but faded (I haven't noticed them for a while; maybe they're still popular elsewhere.) I think the reason that they faded might be that they're less adaptable than a regular book-bag/backpack, which can easily be slung off either shoulder, or both, without even thinking about it. I have seen small "amateur" photo backpacks that would just about carry what you're talking about, and also have some padding. But...you might think about making your own system. Somebody, maybe Domke, makes camera wraps, which are light foam wrappers with Velcro at the corners. You wrap your cameras, lenses, etc., to give them protection. Then you could just stick them in a regular book-bag type backpack; it'd be cheap, discreet and handy, and there are so many good backpacks that you could get exactly the size that you want. Some time ago I bought a belt system, which I wound up not using as a belt, but I use the lens pouches and just lay the lenses on the seat of my car when I'm travelling. I can get at them quickly -- even change lenses while I'm driving -- and they're protected. You could probably use the same pouches to protect the gear when you stick them inside a backpack. One problem with a sling-type bag is the tripod; if you get a mountain daypack, they usually have ties for ice axes that you can use to tie-on the tripod. (I don't like to do that because the tripod usually sits too far outboard, or bangs against your back or your arms, but it is a solution.) When I'm shooting, I don't like to attact attention. If that doesn't bother you, you could always get a tiny pack -- even a fanny pack -- for one the lens, and just carry the camera slung. You can also get a sling for a tripod, and carry that slung, and just skip a big pack altogether.
Something else to consider, before I quit this -- go to a hunting-fishing store and look at the "soft" tackle bags. Some of them would be very adaptable to cameras, and lots of them are waterproof or at least more water resistent than camera bags. Tool bags from a good hardware store are another possibility.
I oughta be a bag manufacturer. I find them kind of fascinating.
JC
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I've taken the winding road John has been on. I have come to the point where a use two systems. One is just a Mountainsmith lumbar pack with a padded insert. It makes a nice shoulder bag with more space than photo designs and I can quickly tie it behind me on my waist when it is in the way.
When I have a heavy load or rain is a possibility, my gear is in small individual bags stashed in a backpack. When I am shooting, they come out and are clipped to the pack with caribiners where the strap meets the bottom of the bag, on the waist belt, or slung over my shoulder. The shoulder strap is thin so as not to inerfer with the backpack straps. I also put one leg of my tripod through the backpack strap which keeps it handy but the weight distributed by the pack.
I perfer the designs of climbing gear over photo bags - they are more comfortable and better organized. I simply use inserts or cheap photo bags to organize the climbing packs. Oddly enough, I heard Lowe and Lowe Pro are not the same company.
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Belt systems don't work for me and regular over the shoulder bags arn't that comfortable for walking with though they are very useful for location work when you don't need much kit, I use one for this purpose.
I use a belt bag that has an integral belt, it is a very good way to carry weight. I have stalked deer and insects in prone positions and I hardly notice I have it on. (Made by CameraCare Systems but no longer made: Looks a bit like Anon's Mountainsmith lumbar pack)
However to stop it slipping (and pulling my trowsers down) I use it in conjuction with a sholder strap. To get access I just release the belt quick release and it swings to the side so I can open it and work out of it.
Good for general outside. I don't recommend it for crowded weddings though, as it sticks out at the back. If there is anyone to close when you turn around you send them flying!
I guess for a wedding you have a lot of heavy kit - you need to get at it easily and the storage should not be too bulky. I think you might want a photo vest, not very sartorial though and may not have buttonhole...
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While I have all the backpack gear one could hope for, I usually use the Lowepro "Stealth Reporter". Top loading, waterproof cover hidden away.
I have both the 650 which is pretty big , but holds a laptop and the 400 which is a very nice size for your needs. Nicely made, with good compartment logic and plenty of pockets for cards, releases, filters etc.
Bob
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I have tried most types of bags and cases for my landscape work. Shoulder bags kill my back. Back packs (I have 3 sizes of Lowe Pro's) are just plain inaccessible. Hard cases, while protective, are out of the question. However, I have found the near perfect solution for my needs. It's a chest system made for PJ's by NEWSWEAR.COM. It's a little light on padding but I've used it exclusively for at least a year now and I love it. It holds my 1Ds, 70-200, 24-70, 100, CF cards, remote release, etc. etc. AND best of all EVERYTHING is immediately accessible and, at least for me, it doesn't create stress on my 62 year old back. When I'm shooting landscape I usually mount the 1Ds with 24-70 on my tripod and carry that over my shoulder which frees up space for other equipment in the chest system. I'm talking short 2 mile hikes. Did I mention that I luv having all my equipment immediately accessible. Check it out. www.newswear.com
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JUST THIS MORNING I WENT THROUGH THE AGONY of choosing, buying and configuring YET ANOTHER camera bag (took over 4 hours - can you believe it?). I could have gone the Moose Peterson route, but the minimum is about 300 USD - a bit rich for this purpose and my needs; also can't try it over the web. For about 160 USD I bought a Lowepro Magnum AW; see the product description here: LowePro Magnum AW (http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Shoulder_Bags/superior/Magnum_AW.aspx)
They say: <Our original pro bag is now an industry standard. Continually improved over the years, the Magnum AW is still our best-selling bag for commercial pros.>
The selection and configuration strategy was to make sure that every item is accessible without moving anything else. It works: Canon 1Ds with 24~105 f:4L attached, 50mm F/1.4, 70~300mm DO IS USM, Epson P-2000, Canon 420 flash, remote control electronic cable release, spare 1Ds battery, other batteries and trinkets, RRS Pan Plate for Nodal point camera positioning, flash cards, GMcB mini-color-checker, instruction manuals, built-in raincoat to waterproof the water-resistant exterior. I attached my "Up-Strap" (from Stegmeyer in Florida) to assure no-slippage when carrying on my shoulder - and it works - i.e. no slip. Also, the handle is easy on the hands if the shoulder tires.
You can't carry around all this stuff and pretend it is light - but the bag is comfortable, convenient, and I am confident about its protective capacity and durability.
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I have a Domke F3 and highly recommend it. It is small, thin, comfortable and holds a surprising amount of stuff considering its size. All the equipment you listed (plus another lens) would fit in it.
Likes:
* Small
* Comfortable shoulder strap (Cross chest or just on one shoulder)
* rubber sewn into strap keeps it from slipping
* comfortable on the hip
* Smartly designed hand strap lets you pick it up without latching the lid
* Sturdy construction
* Easy access
* Can hold more than I'd like to cary all day
* Not bulky like almost every other bag I've seen.
Dislikes:
* The net-pouch on lid inside can be cumbersome to access when the bag is on the shoulder.
* Opening tends to close on itself when wearing it. (needs a rib-cage of some sort)
* Only comes with one foam divider
* The back pouch is next to useless. Either the camera pushes against it or your hip does making it hard to put stuff in it.
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Thanks guys, I'm looking for something that I can 'wear' while cimbing up a hill or down a ditch. I don't like to hike but I don't shoot landscapes from the road. I tried a belt system, it kept pulling my trousers down and when I mentioned the idea of shoulder straps my wife put her foot down and said that I was not allowed to look like an idiot! The belt will go on ebay when I get a second!
I have a nice shoulder bag but it's not so easy when clambering up rocks. I guess this kind of thing is very personal, once you find a good system you will never leave (A bit like RRS L plates!)but it takes a lot of time, money and trial to get there!
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Wouldn't it be nice if RRS started making bags!
Eric
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I may have skimmed over it, but you haven't ruled out vests. There are lots out there from the big to the small. I like them because they distribute weight well, greatly freeing my movements in the hills without causing back pain.
I often wear a daypack with mine, in which I load food, water, extra clothing, etc. My favorite daypack is big enough that when shooting wildlife I often stick a 500 f/4 in it, wrapped in a coat for padding.
I wear a Domke every day for work, but am seriously considering a model from The Vested Interest for nature work.
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Everyone's perennial favorite topic--bags. I have a closetful like everyone else here. I hate them all for one reason or the other. Reflects my own uncertainty about my storage/carry priorities among the three bag characteristics that matter, IMHO: protection, portability, and accessibility. I want each, in full measure, in the same bag! Will no one answer my plaint?
Someone mentioned the LowePro Magnum here. I have its larger brother, the Commercial, into which I've stuffed a Contax 645 system with four lenses, a body, several film backs, and assorted gewgaws. Too heavy, have to move things to get to other things (stuff in layers in the bag--BAD.) Carrying it over the shoulder risks separation of said shoulder with resulting arthroscopic surgery. I schlep it around on one of those rolling luggage dollies, from which it falls to the side on every turn.
Agree also re backpacks--they bring portability with some protection but accessibility suffers. And the beloved Domke--I am just nervous about putting only a sheet of canvas around $10k or more of equipment--accessible, maybe portable, but protected? Naw.
Belts: no one likes Crack-Man photographers any more than C-M plumbers. Portable only as long as you don't mind continually hiking up your trousers.
Vests: I have a Domke vest. I sweat like a pig in the brain-bolt chute even before I put it on. (It was 90F here today! October!!) Accessible, but portable only if you don't mind a 35mm Distagon sticking out like Miss Muffet's tuffet. No protection at all. Something tells me these weren't designed for MF.
Harness systems: haven't messed with those. They seem awkward, though they are protective, portable, and accessible. But for MF? Not sure. Any opinions? Could nirvana be found along this pathway?
Excuse my glomming on this thread with stream-of-consciousness blathering; I guess this is my cri du coeur also--"Where are you, perfect bag?"
Anyone with the answer, or suggestions tending in the direction of an answer, please chime in!
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I'll join those who like the Mountainsmith lumbar packs. I use mine (apologies to pom's wife) with the shoulder strap over my shoulder. Not only does this stabilize the bag and take some weight off of my waist - reducing the pants lowering weight - but it permits be to quickly undo the waist belt latch and swing the whole thing around to the front.
I go back and forth between prefering to put everything including the camera in the bag and, alternatively, carrying the camera separately around my neck.
For me the problem is still what to do with the tripod. Recently I've been carrying that separately in a bag slung over the other shoulder but I'm not totally happy with that solution.
- Dan
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From the looks of this thread, photographers will just need to be born with an additional piece of anatomy strong enough to hold the bag without discomfort and conveniently enough located to reach in and grab whatever the moment requires. Any thoughts on design and location? :D
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Sherpas! We all need Sherpas to carry our stuff for us!
Eric
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I use the LowePro PhotoTrekker AW II (http://lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/allWeather/Photo_Trekker_AW_II.aspx). The bag itself isn't that heavy, it's well-padded, and you can put a crapload of stuff in it. Mine currently contains (from the bottom up):
1D-MkII with either 24-78/2.8L mounted, going side to side rather than top to bottom
Spare AA batteries
1Ds with 70-200/2.8L mounted, dovetailing with the 1D-MkII
Spare NP-E3 batteries for the camera bodies
35-350L
2x 550EX flashes
2x 420EX flashes
135/2L
17-40/4L
Canon 1.4x TC
100/2
50/1.8
Mini COlor Checker, flash gels, memory cards, polarizer filters, Sensor Swabs & Eclipse
Westcott Micro Apollo mini-softbox, shoulder harness for cameras, remote release, miscellaneous other small crap. And a kitchen sink. (Just kidding!)
Total weight, fully loaded, just under 40 pounds. But it's got everything I need to shoot just about anything. The shoulder straps and waist belt have a wide range of adjustment so that you can walk around with it on all day and not need back surgery at the end of the day. I've done so more than once shooting horse shows where I had no secure location to park my gear.
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I use a Crumpler Budgie Smugler (http://www.crumpler.com.au/cartIndex.php?prodId=84&prodType=Bag&catId=22)which I find very comfortable over a days worth of slogging around. The benefits of this bag are: Wide and adjustable over the chest strap, with padded section; easy access to the contents by swinging around side (but easy to push around back to move it out of the way); reasonable capacity to carry equipment (better suited to f4 than f2.8+1-series gear though).
The version that I have is not quite as sophisticated as the one described on the website now (the original version was a bag with an adapter insert). If I come to choose another bag then I would definitely look towards Crumpler based on its utility and build quality. As the Australians would say - it's built like a brick dunny, though obviously it doesn't way as much.
POM, I guess that I have been through the same thought process as yourself - a backpack is too much for a relatively light load and a bugger to access quickly, something slipping from the should is not practical, so the chest strap is recommded.
Given this is a (radical) departure from the usual you may need to try one out. The only issue you may have is (a) if you are wearing open jacket or such like, then the chest strap pulls the clothing up in front of you which whilst not uncomfortable, per se, does wrinkle clothing and can look a little lopsided ( you need to decide whether you need a shirt or clothing with a collar to ensure the strap doesn't chaff against your neck - I have no problem ususally (but then I don't wear T-shirts).
Final point - it don't look like no camera bag (though if one of the above posts is correct then it is a little out of fashion, but I don't care none about that).
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I'm going to try and find a Lowepro Slingshot 100 and see if with pulling and shoving I can get the gear in it. I doubt it though. If only they had made the top pocket lens space instead of just 'pocket'. Maybe with a box cutter....
It would be slightly better if I left the battery pack at home but I can only afford one 'L' plate per camera!
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pom, I strongly recommend you look at a belt system. I personally use the belt system made by Kinesis (www.kinesisgear.com) and it's wonderful. It's a lightweight, modular system that lets you attach only the pouches/cases you need. Best of all, you have quick access to everything (because it's at your waist in front of you or at the side), and the construction is first-rate.
In your case, I recommend getting a belt, a holster case (e.g. the C580, or maybe a smaller one), a multi-lens pouch (e.g. the E530), and a lens pouch for the 70-200 (e.g. the E280).
I arrange the holster case on the right, the tall (70-200) lens pouch on the left, and the multi-lens pouch in the middle. Gives me quick access to everything, and it balances well.
Eric
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From the looks of this thread, photographers will just need to be born with an additional piece of anatomy strong enough to hold the bag without discomfort and conveniently enough located to reach in and grab whatever the moment requires. Any thoughts on design and location?
I've already got one, and it works excellently. It's called a strong (and kindly) spouse. :laugh:
Lisa
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I am finding it difficult to comprehend that this problem has not been solved! I ordered my 20D and lenses all at once, and figured I might as well get a bag to haul it all around in, rather than just jam it into my backpack (which I do like since it has a laptop slot).
So I ordered the Canon backpack, after reading rave reviews about it. It fit everything including the laptop (ok, sort of - not a padded slot, and hard on the back). But the straps were not well designed, and dug into my shoulders.
Sent that back. Ordered Kata R-103 - rave reviews from users - how could I go wrong? Easy. No waist strap, incredibly stiff back, and actually stiff, altho very high quality, construction and zips. Sent it back.
Now am looking at some bags from here: http://www.naneupro.com/ (http://www.naneupro.com/)
Not clear that they're going to do the job, either. All I want to carry is my 20D w/ 24-105, 50 mm, 70-200L, film body, tc, and maybe a flash. And maybe a very thin laptop. How hard could this be? How unique could this be?
The backpack companies - Kelty, North Face, etc - don't seem to know that photogs exist. They'd be the ones who could produce something ergonomically correct for us. And the photo bag makers don't seem to know that our backs exist .
Unbelievable. Will be interested to see what you come up with, Pom. (Btw, ain't it grand to have the board back??)
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I've been testing a Think Tank Photo (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_products.html) beltpack and it's the first one I'm satisfied with. I use it with the included shoulder strap. I can easily stuff a 1D serie body (with RSS L-Plate) + lens , a 70-200 or 100-400 lens and a few other accessories (converter, flash, polarizer filter etc.). The shoulder strap allows me to rotate the bag on my hips.
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I am finding it difficult to comprehend that this problem has not been solved! .... How unique could this be?
If it's any consolation, the answers are 1) I'm not! and 2) Not very! This topic is a perennial favorite on just about any photo discussion board.
I made my first airline trip recently (to Michael's Toronto Brickworks workshop--fabulous BTW) with my Contax 645 system. I faced exactly your dilemma. I looked at every pack or bag I could find online, and laid hands on as many of them as I could in local photo stores--selection is not great unfortunately. I was still looking the day before departure, finally decided to stuff everything I could into the LowePro Mini Trekker backpack that usually houses my D70 gear. I carried it on just fine--fi great in overheads--but it was still heavy and its relatively small size (for a MF system) meant that I had to leave behind a couple of lenses that I really could have used.
I think a backpack is best for walkabout photography but it is hampered by weight (if very light, not much padding) and by accessiblity (gotta sling it off to get at stuff and it tends to spill open). If I could get hands on a belt system like that Think Tank Photo someone else mentioned I'd like to try it myself, though they aren't designed for MF systems, as an email to TTP confirmed.
Good luck. When you find the perfect bag, order two and I'll send a check!
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I bought the Lowepro Slingshot 200, couldn't be happier.
It's holding my DSLR + grip, 24-105L, 70-200L, 85mm, 28mm (contax, not bought yet but plenty room for it), Kata Rain cover, hurricane blower, mosquito net, gloves, maglite, 2 filters, 9 CF cards, 2 extra batteries, Whibal, cable release and hotshoe spirit level.
There's still room for a bit more, if I leave out the rain cover or gloves (or the 2 primes) then I can fit a flash or backup body. There are very good and strong attachment points (4 in total) for S&F acessories such as pouches or lens pouches though I don't need them at present. You could even use on of the points for a monopod.
Did I mention that its very small, not at all bulky like the backpacks are and far lighter when empty, fits very comfortably and has a second strap to keep the single strap from bouncing, and is as well made as any lowepro pack. It comes with the usual Lowepro rain cover.
The quick opening system for street shooting is very cool, it also means that even with tripod shooting you don't need to open your entire bag, or take it off your back even to set up, assuming you have the right lens attached. This saves time, and more importantly saves you finding somewhere stable to put your bag and shield it from the elements as you open it.
I'm extremely happy with it.
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I recently purchased this bag and I find it to be very useful. I have used an assortment of bags over the years including another sling bag, the velocity 7. The AW200 is a much better built and significantly larger bag. I am using it with a 5D (no grip, though a grip would fit), 100-400, 17-40, 50, 28-135, and 550EX. Additional odds and ends are also accommodated. Does not look like a camera bag, a good think since I rarely am without my camera! Very comfortable, quick on the draw, and very secure. I highly recommend it.
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I forgot to mention that it actually does not appear to be that large. Its about the size of a regular knap sack.
www.lighttrace.com
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I tried a belt system, it kept pulling my trousers down and when I mentioned the idea of shoulder straps my wife put her foot down and said that I was not allowed to look like an idiot! The belt will go on ebay when I get a second!
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Yes they do that. I do use a sholder strap which does not completly solve this issue. My wife does not seem to mind me looking like an idiot - perhaps having the bag is enough and a strap is only a small increment in the idiot level!
So you went for the slingshot. I am interested in that. But I get the impression one has very lmited acess without puting the bag flat on the floor which is rather like a backpack.
How much of the insides can you get to in the on sholder position.
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You can take out and put back the camera with lens attached (easily). Better than a backpack, less accessable than a shoulder bag but then it's not intended to be one. When I'm shooting weddings with more than one lens I attach a lowepro lens case to my belt and the rest of my gear around my various pockets. I also have a lowepro pouch that gives me fast access to cards, batteries, Whibal, etc. For that kind of fast paced shooting no bag is really good enough, especially when working fast and in tight spaces.
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Looking at the internal dimensions of the Slingshot 200 I just could not get enough kit in, I guess I'll have to wait for the Slingshot 300!
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Lester, don't believe the dimensions, seriously. I thought the same as you until someone posted up photos with the bag stuffed with all the gear I needed. Tell me what you need to fit in and I'll tell you whether it works.
For example both the 70-200 f4L and 24-70/105 can be stored in one of the upright lens slots and don't need to be lain down. According to the specs that's impossible but it's what I'm doing. Doesn't even strain the bag/zip.
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Lester, don't believe the dimensions, seriously. I thought the same as you until someone posted up photos with the bag stuffed with all the gear I needed. Tell me what you need to fit in and I'll tell you whether it works.
For example both the 70-200 f4L and 24-70/105 can be stored in one of the upright lens slots and don't need to be lain down. According to the specs that's impossible but it's what I'm doing. Doesn't even strain the bag/zip.
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OK what I have is 20D (plan for 5D upgrade in a few years), 200mm f2.8L, 100mm f2.8 Macro USM, 50mm f1.4 all with hoods, 10-22mm, 17-40mm f4L (soon) + batts and filters, grey card and other odds and ends. No flash at present but plan for MT-24EX sometimes.
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I recently purchased this bag and I find it to be very useful.
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Ummm....which bag??
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You can take out and put back the camera with lens attached (easily).
Pom,
Can you do that with the 70-200? Do you have the f/4 or f/2.8? I have the f/2.8 and would love to know if you can do this with the 2.8 version.
Also, you mentioned posted pics of loaded bag. Do you have a link?
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Lester: it's going to be tight unless you put one lens in the top pouch or put all the hoods in the top. Do you have any stores nearby that you could try it out on?
The 70-200 f4L stores upright in the bag, the 70-200 f2.8 will store lying on it's side with one flap loose. The picture the guy showed me was of the 10D + grip and a 80-200L attached to camera, I saw the picture but not sure how he did it, it would have been tight though possible.
Sorry I've lost the link.
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Lester: it's going to be tight unless you put one lens in the top pouch or put all the hoods in the top. Do you have any stores nearby that you could try it out on?
The 70-200 f4L stores upright in the bag, the 70-200 f2.8 will store lying on it's side with one flap loose. The picture the guy showed me was of the 10D + grip and a 80-200L attached to camera, I saw the picture but not sure how he did it, it would have been tight though possible.
Sorry I've lost the link.
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Pom, thanks for the feedback. Yes you are right I need to look at it.
The trouble is finding someone in the wilds of Hampshire that carries stock. Since moving there from London I have become best friends with Amazon et al!.
Perversly I work in London now but in the city with most of the shops in the west end. Also I don't want to drag my kit in on the commuter train.
I'll be in a local town doing XMAS shopping soon and will see if any of the local shops have stock.
But I don't hold out much hope, previous experience suggests it is easier to just get the thing on spec and hope for the best.
Can you describe the access to the top pouch, I can't work out how that works from the web.
Thanks.
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Hi,
Just wondering if a 20D with a 100-400mm L on it will fit in the SlingShot 200?
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Guys, I can only tell you relative to what I have. The bag as seen on the lowepro website has room for an SLR with lens and then on either side of the lens, 2 compartments, split in half. In one compartement I can fit the 70-200 f4L standing up, and a 85mm 1.8, it follows that you would be able to do the same thing on the other side. I can fit the camera with 70-200 f4L attached and have seen a photo of a 80-200L attached. When I get a second I'll try and take some photos.
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I just ordered a Sligshot 200 which arived today on spec.
First thoughts were it was a bit small. However almost everything fitted in (just) although I had to put the larger lens hoods in the top compartment and it is quite a squeeze. The only thing I could not find a place for was the small ground sheet I carry to limit the wallowing in the mud factor for low shots.
I can just fit the 200mm f2.8L upright which helps a lot.
I'll put some pics up as it may help others.
There are three sliplock locations on the bag so I guess you could add more stuff but a 300W would be welcome.
I have not used it in anger yet and only tried it out over lunch.
Lester
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The only thing I could not find a place for was the small ground sheet I carry to limit the wallowing in the mud factor for low shots.
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Have you tried using a space blanket? I carry one around all the time. They usually have a silver reflective side and a red side. They fold up to extremely small dimensions for their size (mine folds to barely larger than a pack of Kleenex). Not only can they be used as a ground cloth, but also as a reflector (silver side) and even as an emergency weather cover. Also, they are relatively inexpensive, so no need to worry about wear and tear.
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I currently have a Tamrac slingshot bag, the Velocity 9 and it holds a fair amount of stuff.
Currently I use it with my Pentax Spotmatic with a 100mm f4 macro lens mounted. In addition I also carry the 50mm f1.4 prime, 28mm f3.5, 200mm f4 and the 300mm f4.
The Spotmatic is about the same size as the 20D if that gives you a relative comparison. I placed it on the counter at my local camera shop since I thought the newer cameras were so much bigger and heavier. And here I thought the Spotmatic was relatively small. Well, compared to a 1DSMKII it is, but then so is a MiniCooper.
I also generally carry about 10 rolls of film, assorted filters, cable releases and other stuff including a lightmeter.
The bag is reasonably portable with the strap across my chest and is not too uncomfortable. It also has a waist strap that I have not used and a grip/handle on the top when I just want to carry it without having it on my shoulder. I can access most of what I need while carrying the bag across my shoulder. Since I am right-handed, the bag sits on my left hip, but it also works the other way too for those of you who are left-handed.
The shop did not have the similar model from LowenPro at the time I bought the Tamrax, so I could not make a direct comparison, but I am satisfied with my purchase.
From what I have seen in the VJ, Michael carries everything in the back of the SUV he travels in and uses a vest when out of the car.
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Have you tried using a space blanket? I carry one around all the time. They usually have a silver reflective side and a red side. They fold up to extremely small dimensions for their size (mine folds to barely larger than a pack of Kleenex). Not only can they be used as a ground cloth, but also as a reflector (silver side) and even as an emergency weather cover. Also, they are relatively inexpensive, so no need to worry about wear and tear.
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That's a good idea. I used to carry one in a car as part of the "stuck in the snow" kit. I don't know what happend to it though. The last cold winter in the UK was about 20 years ago, looks like it might be one this year. I guess a good camping shop is the place to look.
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You can say that again, my arthritis is playing havoc already.
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Some Pictures to show what can be fitted in the Slingshot 200 at
Slingshot 200 Pics (http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/mybags.htm)
Lester