Lowepro Slingshot 200 All Weather Backpack (Black) by Lowepro
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Digital camera reviews of Lowepro Slingshot 200 All Weather Backpack (Black)
Digital camera Review: Doesn't do it for me...
Summary: 3 Stars
I had this bag for a week and took it back. So, with that said realize that my review will not reflect a long period of use. However, I also think that when you immediately discover that something doesn't work for you that is informative too.
This is a wonderfully made bag. The workmanship and thoughtful items put into this bag are top notch. For example, there is a microfiber flap that folds up from underneath the fast access hatch that you can lay over the top of your camera to protect the display. Another thoughtful feature is the extra retention strap that you can attach to help stabilize the pack to your back. It is a well made bag by Lowepro, that's why I'm giving it 3 stars.
Now, the downside. If you fill this bag up, like most people I know do, the single strap is just too uncomfortable to wear. I was tired just after 20 minutes of hauling this thing around downtown Portland, OR. The bag is just too heavy for a single strap.
Also, I've never found a sling bag that was really truly easy to use. The problem is is that in order to position this bag properly on your back, you have to cinch the strap up quite a bit. Then when you sling the bag in front of you to get your gear out, you have to lengthen the strap a lot. I found myself continually fumbling with this bag.
Another disadvantage is that if you are wearing a coat, jacket or even a loose un-tucked shirt slinging this bag back and forth will tangle your clothes and make it hard to use. I hated it within two days.
Bottom line: Well made good sling bag, but there are many better options out there than sling bags. See my review on the Lowepro Fastpack 250 for a really great bag.
Digital camera Review: Doug White from Denver
Summary: 5 Stars
I already owned the 100 in this series, and needed a larger pack for some longer lenses. I ordered the Quantaray U100 Pro but returned it because it was so heavy, even with nothing in it. The Slingshot 200 was my second choice and I am very pleased. It is a larger version of the 100, and fills my needs perfectly. It's easy to pack in, and is half the weight of the Quantaray. Construction is adequate and I can get to my camera in a flash with the design of the slingshot system. Plus, you can pull out the waterproof coating from the bottom and cover the entire pack in a rainstorm so the pack & contents are protected. It has adequate storage in three places (2 are pouches with zippers). It is pretty much as advertised. Oh, and I now use the old 100 for my Canon S5 super zoom.Digital camera Review: EXCELLENT BAG FOR NON PROFESSIONAL USE
Summary: 5 Stars
This bag is fantastic. I have seen some people that said that it did not fit well on men. I am 6' tall and had no problems with the bag. It is the most comfortable bag that I have ever had. It's size may be smaller than a professional photographer might need, However, if you do not carry more than two or three additional lenses, a few memory cards. a few filters, and spare batteries this case is more than sufficient. A larger case would be more awkward to carry and not as well balanced. However I could see that a similar case one size larger could be useful for some people. The instructions are poor with the bag and you need to play with it to get it to fit correctly. Also the weatherproof bag is hidden in a velcro pouch at the bottom of the bag. This is not mentioned or shown in the instructions.
Great bag for the price.
Digital camera Review: Efficient use of space
Summary: 5 Stars
I've owned mine for about 8 months. It was my first camera bag, so not much to compare it to, but I've been happy with it. It holds my 30D, 17-40/L, 70-200/L4, 100/2.8 macro, 50/1.8 II, and 550EX, along with the usual miscellaneous stuff, without problem. I could probably sneak in another small lens, but I consider it to be about good and full at this point. That said, it is nice and compact. It is an extremely efficient use of space. Material is high quality, but we're talking about a Lowepro, so no surprise there.
I can't say that I actually "sling" it around much. I typically have it on a surface, off my shoulder, when I want to access it. I probably gave up too soon trying to use it that way but I haven't been in conditions where it was necessary either (originally bought it for Costa Rica and was a bit frustrated with using it on my shoulder). Having it in Costa Rica, that built in rain cover sure came in handy.
I'm about to get a 24-105 lens, so I am looking for a bigger bag, but I'll certainly hang onto the 200AW for when I don't need to tote absolutely everything around.
Digital camera Review: Everything it claims to be...
Summary: 5 Stars
I recently purchased this bag for a trip to Costa Rica. While there we did an extreme hike through the tropical rainforest jungle, crossed zip lines at the top of the canopy and encountered amazing wildlife. This bag kept my NIKON D-70 w/ 28-300 lens completely dry throughout torrential downpours with the pullout rain fly. The rainfly also packs away easily - a feature not to be underestimated.
The sling action of this bag made it easy to access the camera and it's contents in a matter of seconds: flash, spare media cards, lens cleaners, etc.. The secondary click-in strap held the pack firmly in place while hiking and sailing across zip lines.
The only thing I would like to see added is some accessory loops on the back to attach a tripod, water bottle, etc., but these can be rigged with a little creativity.
This bag is meant to travel and appears as though it will be with me for a long time!