Is Lowepro Slingshot really that good?

Hi,
I used to have a 200 until some bastard stole it and its contents-my ring flash and lenses. I hae the camera round my neck though-didn't get that!
Enough digressing a la Ronnie Corbet.

I replaced the 200 with a 300- the 300 has a waist strap but lacks the diagonal strap which is essential to reduce slippage of the shoulder strap. Althought the 300 has much more room in the top compartment for non-camera items such as sandwiches etc, as well as more lens storage, the compact 200 was more comfortable.

Try before you buy.

Neil

in the UK, Jessops seem to stock both, front of house

I have a 200 - always in it : K10D, AF360, Sigma 28-70 & 18-200 one of them mounted, MZ5 body - no lens mounted, Pentax A 50mm, and a box of Cokins for the film body under the 50mm.

The top pocket is handy for other odds and ends (batteries, hyte cloth, blower, , and since it zips from left to right (looking at the front of the bag) it's also useable while wearing the bag, though there is a slightly larger risk of dumping the contents if you unzip all the way...

It all fits well, except I'd like a little more flexibility with the velcro dividers - the inside walls of the bag could use a little more of the velcro loop fabric to allow better placement (for my needs) of the dividers... but I manage with what's there. You need to pack things you use least in first, since the back dividers are "covered" by the front dividers... more useable than most bags, but still a bit ackward digging through to the bottom when it's swung to the front.

Having said that, though, it's by far the easiest bag to use that I've ever owned...

Best bag I've ever owned, you wont be disappointed. The pull on waterproof cover is really useful if you have to work on a beach just to keep the sand out.

I just got a Slingshot 200, Everything fits fine. 3 lenses, k10d, flash cards, spare battery etc. Water-proof cover is excellent. Straps take some getting used to, but I find the bag moves much less than the rucksack I have been using. Pack is nicely made, and I feel well worth the money.

Great Bag but lets face at just short of 80 quids a bit steep

Agreed it is a steep price. On the other hand, I find most pieces of photographic gear are expensive.

I Have a slingshot. Its really good but get the biggest one as it holds more lenses the medium one i have only has room for 3

Pete

I picked up the 300 from Jessops web site a couple of months ago for under £50. At the time it was on offer and it was cheaper than they were selling the 100 and 200 for.

I also Googled for a discount code and got another 10% off which cancelled out the postage costs.

They have been on offer since so it is worth checking their web site on a regular basis.

I am very pleased with it, a definite bonus being able to get the camera out without taking it off your back.

Ian

About that Pentax Crossover - anyone know if it has that extra diagonal strap (like Slingshot) to keep the bag upright, or just the main one?
I found a great deal at Amazon, 30% cheaper than Lowepro.

Can't find decent photos of it, just the front shot...

If it helps any, I just picked up a Slingshot 200 for £37 from Tecno - better yet, I persuaded my Mum to make it my birthday present! Thanks Mum!

Cool! Thanks for that "headsup"
Here's a link to the Slingshot 200 : http://tinyurl.com/2ecz9r

Matt

I intend on getting the Lowe Pro slingshot. The bottom compartment will be used to hold my Nikon D200 and lenses and the top compartment to hold my Pentax IstDs and lenses.
I have used a bag of this style before and loved the speed, comfort and versatility. Anytime I want to carry more gear I will just use a larger bag.

Pahrens,
Not sure you'll get two bodies and lenses in the Slingshot 200

Mine arrived this morning. Feels very nice and comfortable with great features. A little unsure how I'll arrange it - my main observation is that I really want access to a lens or two from the side (ie in the swing-round position). The existing velcro dividers seem to only allow access when you take the thing off your back...
...need to experiment

Matt

Bags have always been a problem, which is probably why I have so many of them.

But I still keep going back to Billingham, currently using one of the new press-top bags (260) and Hadley.

Not a bad compromise between capacity, size and accessibility.

This post has been going on and on, and nobody has answered the original poster's question.

So I shall.

No.

G