Lowepro Slingshot 300 AW: ideal for a pro DSLR camera with an attached zoom and 5-6 extra lenses or flash, this bag is good for photojournalists allowing for easy access to your gear.
I loaded the Slingshot 300 with a Canon 5D and a 70-200/2.8 attached, 24-70mm, 15mm fisheye, 430EX flash, and other accessories. I was surprised how much the bag could hold. The exterior pockets had plenty of room for filters, lens cloths, and other smaller items. The Slingshot 300 holds as much gear as my Domke J2 bag and nearly as much as my Lowepro CompuTrekker backpack.
When testing the bag, I noticed how surprisingly comfortable it was. The shoulder strap is well-padded and the waistbelt transfers weight to your hips. Running with the bag was comfortable; with a shoulder bag, running is uncomfortable as the bag bounces around and slams against your hip. The SlingShot is a cross-hybrid: it is a lot more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time than a shoulder bag, but the load is not as well-supported as with a backpack. I found it convenient to not have to set down the bag in order to access my camera, as I would with a backpack.
The "sling" aspect of the bag works well to access your main camera/lens combo. As designed, the bag swings around your body and presents you with the zipper for the main compartment. I'm a smaller guy, so the 300 version of the bag was a little unwieldy to swing around. I have also used a Slingshot 200 AW, which fits a smaller body better. There are two quick-release buckles that keep the main compartment zipper from being opened any further than is necessary to access gear. This is good, because opening the compartment any further would result in lenses falling out. Just remember to reattach these buckles.
Amazon.com offers the Lowepro Slingshot 300 AW at a reasonable price with the option of overnight shipping.
Text ©2007 Josh Root.
