Lowepro SlingShot 100 AW Review
- Product:
- SlingShot 100 AW (company site, Amazon
)
- What’s Good:
- Small, Easy to use, Reasonable price
- What’s Bad:
- Carries only the basics, All weight is on one shoulder
A couple years ago I bought my first SLR camera and have been searching since for a good all around daily camera bag. I don't have a local camera store so I don't get the advantage of easily trying something before buying.
The companies product description:
Perfect for photojournalists, the SlingShot 100 AW uses a unique sling design to go from "carry mode" to "ready mode" in just seconds. Carried comfortably on the back, it easily rotates to the front so you can get to your camera quickly. The SlingShot 100 AW holds an SLR with mid-range zoom lens attached 1-2 extra lenses, cables and accessories and has a full access lid to make loading it a snap. This feature-rich bag also includes a built-in memory card pouch, micro fiber LCD cloth and two generous organizer pockets.
Small and Compact
This is not a large camera bag which makes it easy to pick up and go. You'll be able to carry a small SLR with an attached lens and one extra lens. A third smaller lens such as Canons 50mm will also fit but larger lenses will not. For example, the 70-200 f/4L is too long to fit in the default configuration (but it could fit vertically — See photo with 70-200). The longest lens I have been able to fit into this bag is Canons 100mm macro lens.
Expandable
You can attached additional lens cases to the side of the bag if needed but they make the bag slightly lopsided. Also note that an attached lens case will be positioned at the bottom when you have the bag in front of you.
Your Right Shoulder
This is a single strap backpack so all of the weight will end up on your right shoulder as the bag slides around under your left arm. This can not be changed and I have found it uncomfortable on some long days. I couldn't imagine using the bigger (and heavier) 200 or 300 model. The recently released Fastpack bags could be a better solution.
Crowded Public Places
The part I like most about this bag is in crowded areas such as city streets, subways or even quickly getting in and out of a taxi. The bag can be carried on your back and then quickly moved in front of you when you are trying to sit down or shoulder to shoulder.
Adjustable Strap
Although it is designed to slide around for easy access, I find that in order to keep the bag tight to my back but also not have if feel like it is just under my chin when in front, I'm constantly adjusting the length of the shoulder strap (fairly easy to do).
Weather proof
Similar to many Lowepro bags, this does have a rain shell jacket hidden in a bottom pocket that can come out and cover the bag.
Ease of Use
It proves to be very quick if all you need is the camera and attached lens. You'll need to treat it like a regular backpack and take the bag off, set it down and undo the buckles if you want to change lenses or get at any accessory.
Conclusion
Overall this is a great bag if you are traveling light. I have been happy with what it was designed to do and still use it on occasion.
It does not work if you own larger lenses, want to be able to access other items quickly, or want a single bag to carry a laptop too.
Lowepro has a great video on their site showing the Slingshot 300 in use.
Looking for more?
This bag is also reviewed over at the-digital-picture.com
Buy this product from Amazon
Comments
silvermikan - March 13, 2009 12:09 PM
I think Flipside series are more convenient. The upper case of SlingShot is too small.
Stephen DesRoches - April 12, 2009 9:03 PM
silvermikan: I agree. I started using the Flipside on my last trip and it worked really well. A bit small but just as convenient as the slingshot but better with two straps.
M Haak - February 21, 2010 9:31 AM
I have the slingshot 100 and am very satisfied with it. my 18 to 200 lens fits in well, and have enough space for a flash, battery charger and converter filters. The advantage is that you can very easy get your camera out , and almost immediately take pictures. for example: I like nature fotgrafie, since it often happens that after much tinkering you are just too late for a good photo i'm very glad, i can now make a picture in a view seconds..