The Slingshot Bags

Reviews of these bags are generally very positive but it hard to know exactly what will actually fit in each model.
I have just upgraded to the K10d and need something bigger now.

So I would like to house the K10d with 50-200 attached, 16-47 and 70-300, all Pentax lenses. Additionally I like to carry my portable storage unit and it's cable, and the charger for the camera battery plus mini binoculars.
I know some members here use these bags so if possible I would appreciate advice on which one would do the trick.

Finally would there be space to stuff some waterproofs and would these bags remain in position on the back while cycling.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Many thanks in advance.
Tom

Tom,
I have the Slingshot 200. These are some of the combinations that I fit in:

A: K10D+grip+SMC-FA 24-90, SMC-DA 12-24, SMC-DA 50-200, SMC-F 50/f1.4, Lee 100mm filter pouch with 3 ND grads, Lee Foundation filter, 67mm and 77mm adapters, 4 SD cards, battery, Expodisc. And there's room for a kagool or a snack in the top compartment.

B: K10D+grip+SMC-DA 16-45, SMC-F 100/2.8 macro (or SMC-FA 80-320), SMC-DA 12-24, AF360 flashgun, batteries, cards etc. (The flash gun pretty well takes the space of two lenses, but I can squeeze a 50mm/f1.4 on top if I'm careful!)

As far as fitting other bits in - there's a top compartment that's not huge but ok for a small lunch or kagool. The outer pocket can hold a PDA or whatever. The inner compartments are flexible enough to accommodate most arrangements, and there's a second strap that comes from the other direction (forming an upside down "Y" shape) which does a good job if you have to run or climb a lot (stops the bag from twisting round).

For me, with the 200 fully loaded the weight is great on the back. It's heavy to carry by its handle, but I don't think I'd want it any heavier.

There are also tough straps on the outside of the bag for hanging things on (monopod, tripod etc) and I think Lowepro do some extension kits (?) to use that system.

So, I reckon you'll easily fit your requirements in the 200
Matt

I use the 200 as well and normally contains the following:

K10D, Sigma 10-20, Pentax 10-17, Pentax 16-45 (usually this or the Sigma will be on-camera), Tokina 80-200 F2.8, Cosina 100mm macro, 2x TC, AF360FGZ flash, Cokin D filter system with a couple of ND grads, 77mm polariser, several SD cards. I also usually have a windshirt (which is also showerproof) and overtrousers (both Montane Featherlights which pack down really small) in the top compartment along with the flash and my wallet & mobile phone. Sometimes I also squeeze in a set of mini binoculars but that's the 200 really at it's capacity. The 80-200 F2.8 is quite a big lens and you'll be struggling to fit anything longer in (with the 2x TC fitted it's too long).

Occasionally I carry a lighter system (K10D, Sigma 10-20, Pentax 16-45, Sigma 70-300, AF360FGZ) which is quite similar to your set-up and there is loads of room for that plus the bag feels quite light.

I've cycled with mine of one or twice and it was ok.

I'd agree with Matt that for your system the 200 would be the best option.

Regards
Steve

I have the 200, too. I carry a K10D with battery grip and 50-200 attached. Three other lenses plus a 2x adapter, a set of extension tubes, an IR flash trigger and various cables and small bits.

That leaves the top compartment free for whatever extra I need on that trip.

I frequently wear it on my back on a motorbike. It's not uncomfortable.

I think it's a great bag.

Matt, niblue and lenscape;
That's good enough for me and I have just clicked "Buy".
Thanks so much for the most helpful information.
Tom

Do you have a link where i can have a look at this bag. I am in the market for a larger quality bag. I have never heard of this brand and i'm not even sure i can get them in Aust. thanks

Another 200 owner here - got 4 lenses, teleconverter, filters, cleaning kit etc etc in it - cracking bag.

As for a local hands on .... not clue.

Lowepro site

http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Sling_Bags/Designed_for_Digital/SlingShot_200_AW...

Australian supplier

http://www.qualitycamera.com.au/product_info.php?products_id=1410

Best bag I have had so far as well

Highly recommended - usually mine is loaded with a 50mm prime, kitlens, faj 75-300, a vivitar lens and my new sigma 28-70 f2.8 on the camera. I don't have the grip on yet - but there is plenty of space for it. I also include all the cables, 3 memory cards, spare battery and some cleaning cloths.

Other than that - I love the way you "sling" it to the front - to support you taking out the camera. Very easy!

It got some very handy strings that avoid the zipper to open up fully - so you don't drop all the lenses in the bag when taking out the camera.

If you're looking for larger, I would recommend the 300. the only fault or irritation I have is with the waist belt. The belt is nice for getting all the extra weight off your shoulders but on short trips when I don't use them, they sort of bunch up in my back. Not bad, but can be a slight annoyance. Obviously you also have to unlatch the waist belt to swing the bag around.

Beyond that I can carry my K10D with grip and the DA* 50-135 with hood properly attached (not backwards).
As well as two other lenses (one being 77mm wide) and three flashes. Of course a flash or two could be removed to fit another lens if necessary.
The top and front compartments allow me to carry cables, memory, lens pen, Rocket Blower, extra batteries, a handful of filters, notepad, tape and still have room for a small lunch.
The bag is deep enough to carry the 50-135 with hood off or reversed.

I find it much more comfortable than any other camera bag I have. Again the sling feature makes it so much nicer than other bags I've had.

Thanks for the review. I was'nt aware it was a Lowepro bag.
I have seen these and almost bought one several weeks back. I will go back for a second look.
The price AUD$110 on that Aussie website stevejcoe posted sounds very reasonable, Thanks Steve

Glad to be of help, for your information they sell in the UK for around £40-45, so $110 Australian sounds about right

I've got a Slingshot 200 and although it's obviously capable of carrying quite a bit of gear, I've always felt that the way it holds a camera is a bit iffy. I know the camera isn't going to fall out but when the Slingshot is swung around onto your back the camera body would appear not to be supported properly, it's weight being taken by a side force on the lens. It's fine when the Slingshot is on your chest as the camera then sits with the lens pointing down and the body is supported by the side pads - or am I just being paranoid?

Do you always hold your camera by the strap? I don't. I hold it by the lens, the left side of the body, the right side of the body, by the little screw hole in the base.

Cameras are perfectly capable of supporting their weight through the lens mount. Consider how you attach a camera with a big lens to a tripod.

Not paranoid, no. A little over-cautious, maybe.

Now you mention it lenscape, I don't have a neck strap attached to any of my cameras as I always use a wrist strap fitted to the tripod thread. Obviously I don't just let the cameras dangle on my wrist and I hold them by the lens as you describe. I didn't relate this to the scenario in the Slingshot which I feel much happier about now - thanks.