Sling style backpacks (plus anyone got a Tamrac bag)

[DionM]

I am thinking about getting one of these.

Current contenders are the Lowepro Slingshot 200 AW and the Tamrac Velocity 9.

Slingshot: http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Sling_B ... 00_AW.aspx

Velocity: http://www.tamrac.com/5749.htm

I am leaning towards the Velocity as it can hold more stuff (not that I really need a big bag, the slingshot appears to be big enough), is slightly cheaper and appears to be available at centre.net.au. The Lowepro is smaller, has the AW cover, but is impossible to buy in BNE.

Anyone here own a Tamrac bag? What's the construction like - on a par with Lowepro?

[avkomp]

I have had a tamrac for a while now and would rate it on par with lowepro.

regularly stuffed full of camera gear, food, etc.
In addition I usually have 2 full canteens of water attached to it, including the steel canteen cups. often up to 20kg of total weight
still in good order. I would expect the stitching to have given way if the quality wasnt any good.

Steve

[Geoff M]

DionM

Photo Continental at Mt. Gravatt had plenty of stock of the Lowepro 200AW slingshot when I was there a couple of weeks ago.

Geoff

[Steffen]

I'm looking for a small quick-access bag at the moment, too.

Having the big fat Cyperpack 6 from Tamrac (and being happy with it) I first looked at the Velocity. It is a nice bag, and I had a play with it at the PIW the other day.

However, it doesn't quite seem to work the way the third picture on the product website suggests. Meaning, if you sling the bag to the front it ends up hanging sideways, at least on my physique. This isn't optimal, since the bag only opens at the top.

The Slingshot, in contrast, also hangs sideways when at the front, but it can also be opened from the side that comes out on top. Very handy! In fact, I reckon one will rarely open it from the top.

I decided to get the Lowepro. I'll need the 200, as the 100 isn't deep enough for my camera + L-bracket.

Supplies appear to have dried up at the moment (that's what the Lowepro lady at the PIW told me, too), but Birdy has a bunch of them on order, due early May. Why don't you just join the queue?

Cheers
Steffen.

[DionM]

Thanks guys.

avkomp - thanks for the vote of confidence in tamrac.

Geoff M - was there on Sat, no idea when they are getting some in (orders only). I would like to try first. Due to my height (2m) many 'backpack/sing' type bags (esp the smaller ones) can be problematic.

Steffen - Yeah I didn't think the velocity works quite as easily as it showed - whilst the Lowepro has the side opening. I have PM'd Birddy, but like I said above, I'd like to try first. The Tamrac is big enough I am confident it will fit me okay.

[avkomp]

I should have added that my tamrac is an expedition model.
cant remember which right now.

Steve

[rookie2]

I have the 200AW and has been pretty good for me so far - access is quick and easy & it holds a lot of gear.

dont want to undermine birddie but I got mine from our kiwi friends for NZ$130 in Nov last year - v.good service http://www.photo.co.nz/

cheers
R2

[mR_CaESaR]

i just got the slingshot 200 and i really like the idea of it. Its quite comfortable (obviously not as comfy as a backpack but it is quite comfy). The only problem i see is, after a full day's worth of walking around and what not, if you have the bag heavily packed, your right shoulder will get quite sore.

I can easily fit all of my gear in it atm, without too many drama's (20d w/grip w/ tamron 28-75 attached, 10-22, 50mm, sigma 150 and 580ex), yes its quite heavy, but for the size, i'm suprised it fit all of that stuff.

I love the fact that its got a nice little CF card holder as soon as you open the zipper via the "quick access" mode and its even got a little microfibre screen protector so when you close the flap, the cf holder can't scratch your lcd.

All in all, the slingshot 200 is a very very well thought out bag and will definately do what its supposed to. I plan to have it as my everyday bag as its small and can fit quite a fair amount of gear on it.

I was going to say if you were in sydney, you would be more then welcome to try it, but hopefully you can try it in one of the shops. I'm sure once you try it, you'll love it

edit: visit here, to see some pics of a 1d2 w/ L bracket and 24-70 hood reversed attached and a 70-200 with lens plate, he also mentions that he can usually also fit a 17-40 or 100mm macro on the right hand side of the bag with plenty of room in the top pocket.

[DionM]

Well in the end I bought a Crumpler 6 million dollar home.

Memories of being pickpocketed last year in Sweden turned me off getting another Lowepro, plus the fact I couldn't find a Slingshot 200 anywhere in Brisbane.

I've had good value out of my Crumpler Farmer's double backpack so figured this would be fine ... shall load it up tonight.