Is Lowepro Slingshot really that good?

Could I trouble you to elaborate a bit, please? I'm shortly to either buy or not buy a Slingshot A200, largely on the basis of this thread.

And if I don't, I'll still need something to use for a trip to Australia later in the year.

The exact contents will be the K10D, two or three lenses, probably the 28-200 FA, 18-55 DA and maybe the 75-300 FAJ. Possibly a flashgun too, though that's less likely. Oh, and battery charger, SD cards etc... bits and bobs.

Lightness and convenience of access, plus something that doesn't say "camera gear, please mug me" in bright neon would also be requirements.

You want a cross-over bag at a decent price, preferably one that's waterproof, and that doesn't invite attention from muggers.

And if there is some connection with the manufacturer we know and love, all the better.

You need this:

http://tinyurl.com/3acfwa

G

Well if there's one thing they can't accuse you of, George, it's of not being a lateral thinker.

However, you wouldn't be shitting me, would you?

Ooh, a pun !

(Joking apart, it doesn't look all that padded)

Actually, Chris, I was being a little mischievous. I think the Slingshot is great.

I don't actually have a Slingshot, I have a Trekker, and I find it a real pain if I want to get something out of it whilst on the move.

I hate the prices these people charge for something that costs about a pound to make in Zengzhou, but I am seriously considering a Pentax Crossover instead of my present bag. It sounds ideal for cyclists.

Cheers

G

I now have this image of GL in cycling shorts riding along no hands, a K10D in one hand, a rear lens cap between his teeth, attempting to fish another lens out of his bag with the other.

It's not a pretty sight on a Friday night as I try to relax with the weekend coming on...

I confess I'm not a pretty sight at any time!

G

Loaded my Slingshot 200 last night - managed the 12-24, 24-90, 80-320, Lee foundation kit, Cokin Z-pro grad set, K10D and batteries and cards.
EDIT: And the 50mm f/1.4 too
Nice

It's really comfortable and very easy to use. A snip for £41 including postage from Tecno

Matt

Well I've ordered mine now too!

I had the 100 and it was good but too small. Now have a 200 and I am very happy with it. Currently loaded with:

K10D with battery grip and 16-45
Sigma 10-20mm
Pentax FA 80-320mm
Sigma 70mm Macro
Pentax FA 31mm Limited
1.4x converter
Lee foundation kit
Polariser for the 16-45mm
4 spare SD cards

All in the main compartment.

Lee grad set and cokin ND filters are in a pouch in the top pocket, along with 2 spare batteries.

Cleaning bits are in the front pocket.

This still leaves space for a tomtom go and my ipod in the top pocket and then I have a small extra pouch on the main strap for my mobile.

I have a large Lowepro backback for when I need to take a lot of stuff

Room for your flash, Matt?

It sounds like a tempting bag, might have to try one out to see how easy it is to access everything - are some lenses etc underneath others, or are they all accessible without taking other things out?

Dan

Hi Dan,

Re: the 200

I know hindsight is everything, but you should have mentioned at the St Albans meet.. I'd have let you play around with mine.

You can set the dividers to gain access vertically (from the perspective of having the bag swung into the access position) without too much trouble.

I have, in the main body of the bag, *ist DL with FA 100-300 attached, 18-55, 70-210 (soligor macro) 2xconverter, 2 off 30mm ext tubes, FA 50mm 1.7, FA 35-80, AF 360. Front pocket for cards and batteries, and top pocket for filters, holder.. spare rings, a £1 desktop tripod, cleaning kit, and space for a pacamac. There's also three straps to attach Lowepro external pouches.. (there's a name for the system, but I can't remember what it is right now.. ) so you can attach water bottles, mobile phones etc..,

The waterproof cover is a simple thing to use, without taking the bag off your shoulder as well. As Rob Brydon would say.. "all in all, a very nice peice of equipment"..

Cheers

Liam

Sounds like an offer I'd have been daft to refuse!

Thing is, I have a mini trekker AW that I'm perfectly happy with, but like most things, it's always nice to have a look at what you don't have - see if the grass is greener. I'll probably pop into a shop and have a try.

Having said that, the way I tend to work, I put my bag down and take the shot anyway, so having access to gear whilst still wearing the bag isn't really an issue - probably get in the way more than anything.

What are you doing up so late anyway? Just in from the pub?

Dan

Hi Dan,

It was a friend's 50th birthday party.. but the same idea..

Cheers

Liam

Hi everyone.
I was looking for a backpack. At the moment I own only a 17-70 mm, but as I will buy a couple of other lenses and I like to have more space for food, water,books etc. I was thinkingn to buy the sligshot 200£54,00.
Is the one shoulder system comfortable enough for all the day long?

Other optinos could be the Flipside 200 £ 46,00
or the Fastpack 200£ 36,00, the cheaopest one.
Any suggestion?
Thank you

Max, with those choices, the Fastpack definately.

Sold my slingshot 300 as all weight on one shoulder was uncomfortable when full up. Sold it and got the Fastpack 350 instead, 2 straps = more comfortable + space for laptop too.

At £36 (now £34.53, free p+p!) you really can't go wrong!

But you will wish in 6 months time that you had got the bigger one!