Is Lowepro Slingshot really that good?

I have a Lowepro Slingshot 200 and use it all day without a problem. Nice bit of kit. Now that I have the 60-250 it is a little tight in the bottom compartment. All my other Pentax kit fits in nicely.

I have the 300AW and I absolutely love it. It is comfortable even after longer periods.
The only thing is that as with allmost all backpacks, your back gets a little sweaty after some time.
A frame like those trekking backpacks have would be a nice improvement on the slingshot to give some ventilation.

Took my Lowepro 350 out last weekend for a 3hr jaunt across the cotswolds on a very warm Sunday. No sweat. This bag has about 1" clearance between bag and the wearer's back so there is plenty of ventilation.



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It may be fine if your shoulders and back and everything is in great condition, but I found my Slingshot 100 got badly uncomfortable after a while. I replaced it with a Fastpack 100 to spread the load more evenly via its two straps instead of one.

Shame because the Slingshot offered quicker access and a couple of nice extra features like a protective camera LCD flap and a pull-out weather cover.

The 350 is designed like a normal backpack. The advantage of the slingshot design is that you can quickly flip the bag over to your belly and get the camera out.

Thank you all for your opinions!
I'm oriented to take the fastpack 200, both for the 2 shoulder system (I walk a lot) and also for the price at the moment.
It as a kind of quick access as well.

My only concern is the absence of a raincover and of an attach for a tripod, even if I think I can remedy with some handmade way.

Also probably I read that it could be a little bit tight for a lense like 50-300 and need it to be attached to the body.

Has anyone experience about that?
thank you

I use both a Fastpack 200 and a Slingshot 100.

The Fastpack is great for travelling and hiking, the Slingshot for shorter walks.

I don't take a tripod I use a walking pole to steady the camera which fits in both with my Tamron 70-300 fitted.

Get both, you know you want too......

You're right, I think I will end up with the fastpack 200 and maybe later something smaller for a daytrip.

I did soem other research, and have to say...why every bag has a limit/defect?
for example the lowepro mini trekker AW seems perfect to carry also a big weight, with waterproof cover and tripod attach, but hasn't got a quick access.

the Lopwepro primus is good as well but exist in one size, very small!



Any experience on space for 50-300?
CAn I buy separately a Lowepro waterproof cover or similar?

Definately agree with that, for every feature you gain, you lose one!

The most comfortable bag I have can fit nearly eveything in my sig below, and a tripod, and a laptop, and I could carry it all day comfortably, and is also 'waterproof'. No quick access though, but a fantastic bag - Tamrac expedition 8x. My favourite by a long shot but cumbersome and I would never get rid of it.






The slingshot 300 had to go, as when it was full of glass (which it nearly always was, why have the space if you are not going to use it!?), it became very uncomfortable very quickly. All that weight on one shoulder began to cause discomfort. It was replaced with a fastpack 350, which is just slightly smaller on the inside, but 2 straps made it a considerably more comfortable, and it can take a laptop too. Has no water cover though. Can still be used for quick access though, flick one shoulder strap off, spin round like the slingshot for side access. Not as convenient but doable.





What I find my self using the most at the moment though is the Kata 3in1 30. No laptop space (not a problem yet til we get a macbook pro), but it does come with a seperate waterproof cover that can be stored in one of the pockets. The biggest advantage of that bag though is that if you decide to have a sling bag instead of a back pack, you can, you can adjust the straps to opposite corners. Not only that, you can have it set as a sling for left OR right as it has access both sides, or you can store all the straps completely which is great for storage, aircraft etc and just move it around with the top handle. Hiding the 'mess' of the straps can be very useful.

It's also possible to remove the section that seperates the top compartment to the camera compartment, for extra large items, such as a 400mm f2.8 if ever you got one! The other thing I like about it is that it doesn't stick out from your back as much, looks 'sleeker' and has better looking design. Overall a very versatile bag.





Overall, I don't think I will ever find a perfect all purpose bag, just one that's perfect for certain situations. As for your 50-300 being a size issue, don't think it will, Fiona's slingshot 200 takes her K10 with grip and a DA* 50-135 attached easily enough. My fastpack can take body + grip + Sigma 100-300 F4 attached just!




Best advice though, take your kit to someone that stocks them, then try them, then buy the one you prefer. The only problem is, it's easier said than done!

Thank you so much for your overview!
and for mentioning the Tamarac expedition and the Kata3n1.

Tamrac expedition seems similar to the Lowepro Mini trekker AW, same advantages and defects – fantastic transportability but no quick access.
the Kata 3n1 maybe is the best for its versatility (one or 2 straps) and quick access. – only defect much more expensive!

You are right! why don't they make an Mini trekker or Expedition with quick access?!?!

Unfortunately I can't try the backpacks for practical reason - I'm new in Plymouth, don't know any "colleague" and can't find any big shop.
Probably I will take the fastpack 200, the price is very cheap (£33) and take under control the Kata and another smaller backpack.

I find the lack of quick access not a problem on the tamrac as it is more of an 'event' bag for me. For example, the footy shoot a couple of weeks ago had in the bag K10 + K20 + Grips, Flashgun, 16-50, 50-135, Sigma 100-300F4, spare batteries / cards, Manfrotto 322RC2 head and monopod and probably a couple of other lenses as well.

It came into it's own when you could completely open the bag (it was on the floor next to Fiona who couldn't move anywhere, handy!) and everything was easily available with no hindrance. With other bags there are always extra clips or zips etc. that dont help for quick lens changes. Also more room to quickly put items in, well 'dump in' would probably be a better phrase!

Also very handy as with Fiona on crutches, we could get 2 complete kits in one bag. Imagine having 2x bodies & grips, one with the Sigma 100-300 attached, and with with the 50-135 attached ready to go instantly. Not possible, or at best a very tight squeeze with the other bags we have!