Best belt / backpack?

[MaximusJ]

Hey there,

I currently have the Lowepro Slingshot AW302 and honestly, I hate it.

It felt so good on my back in the store, but once loaded with equipement, it really ruins my back. Even if I dont carry much, its really not well balanced and I end up being tired after 3-4 hours of walking and shooting. Standing still is the worse.

Also, changing lens with that bag is a challenge if you cant put the bag on the ground or if you cant put a knee down.

I think I wanted that big bag that could hold it all, because I once thought that "if you have it, carry it", but I realize its a pain more then anything else.

So i'm looking for a different type of carrying bag; even maybe considering a belt for summer weathers. I would like to carry a couple lenses with a flash; with the usual accessories pouch for a couple filters, spare batteries and such.

I saw some small lowepro shoulder bags that holds a little, but feels very light. But I think I might be missing a couple brands and rely more on what's locally available.

What do you guys use?

[AshbyJ]

Was never much on the slings. I have the Lowepro CompuTrekker AW backpack for 15 in laptop. I love that thing. I can hold both camera bodies and and lenses with no problem or one body and lenses. On trips, it's great. Load up my laptop all my gear and it still fits in the overhead bin on a plane. I never leave home without it. IMO I think the backpacks are the way to go, both straps and your back is safe.

[MaximusJ]

That's the problem with the one I have (Lowepro 302 AW); its only one strap and it holds way too much weight to be supported by just one strap.

The more I look at it, the more I like the lowepro messenger bag

[AshbyJ]

Got ya now. The messenger bags are nice as well. My wife has one similar to those and loves it. She carries my 40D in that one with a couple lenses and a few extras and off she goes. You need it, open and grab, really easy unlike my backpack where I have to put it down, unzip it and grab what I need. Good luck in your choice!

[MaximusJ]

But again, I have to pick a small bag since the big one (messenger 300) will be as heavy as my slingshot.

I like it because there's an Ipad sleeve too. Dont have an ipad yet, but i'm waiting for the 3 to come out; so i'm gonna choose this bag considering this.

[Chewy734]

If you want something small, I recommend the Lowpro Flipside 300. Very nice padding, durable, holds the necessary gear, and comfortable.

[MaximusJ]

Interesting.

I really hate me since the smaller version of my bag, the slingshot 102, was on sale for $40 around christmas time and I passed on that deal since I bought the 302 2 weeks prior.

I shouldnt have let this deal slip.

[- Paul -]

I have the flipside 300 and the 400 - both are very comfortable but they are long. If you have small torso - the bag may catch on your bottom. They are very well padded and easy to use.

[remmib]

I've got the Flipside 300 too, very good, but not too big.

[TL]

+3 on the Lowpro Flipside 300 (It holds my D7000 with 80-200, 35mm, 50mm, 11-16mm, & tripod). It's been my go to camera bag for traveling. The zipper to access your gear is all behind your back so it feels safer and secure when you walk the streets in a very populated area.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gqjai/4...7625644045661/

[Inspired]

+1 to Flipside. I have the 200 but regret not getting the 300.

[scollins]

For sling bags, I think the Think Tank Sling-o-Matic is the best there is. The shoulder strap is reversible, so you move the load to the opposite shoulder easily. Access is excellent too.

I look at it like this: a backpack is for transport, a sling bag is for shooting. Don't load everything you own in the sling bag, and your back will be fine.

[MaximusJ]

Originally Posted by scollins

For sling bags, I think the Think Tank Sling-o-Matic is the best there is. The shoulder strap is reversible, so you move the load to the opposite shoulder easily. Access is excellent too.

I look at it like this: a backpack is for transport, a sling bag is for shooting. Don't load everything you own in the sling bag, and your back will be fine.

I've figured that lol. But the design of the slingshot bag makes the weight distribution all over the place.

Its on the left side (the opening for the DSLR is on the left; so most of the weight is on your left when camera is in; and on the right when you dont have your camera in.)

Even when going lightweight and using the waist strap, you cant feel 100% comfortable. If you're not able to forget that you have a bag on your back; even with not a lot of stuff in it, its not a good bag.

But looks like I will be hunting deals for a flipside 300, I like the design and how small the 300 is.

Thanks guys.

[- Paul -]

it's a shame you're not in the UK as I don't use mine since getting the 400.

[Chewy734]

FYI, Amazon.com has it for $80 shipped.

[MaximusJ]

In the US ;p

[Chewy734]

damn... forgot you were Canadian.

[MaximusJ]

Amazon got nice deals on TONS of stuff, but 95% doesnt ship to Canada.

Amazon.ca got deals, but never on what I need and when I need it. It also got a lot less resellers.

Paul: Yes, its sad; shipping would be a good 30-40$.

[MaximusJ]

I keep your advices for the flipside 300 when i'll change my sling for a backpack later this year. But since I got a nice trip to the dominican and a summer full of photo op coming, I decided to go with a shoulder kinda bag. So I picked up the Lowepro Event Messenger 250.

I will most likely use my slingbag as a backpack for carrying gear and use the messenger bag to shoot. I thought about letting my sling bag in my trunk to keep my backup handy.

My new bag can hold a DSLR with lens attached + another large size lens. It also got a laptop sleeve so I can snug in an Ipad and still have some room for a couple documents.

All that for $80 shipped. I couldnt get a better fitting bag to my needs for this kind of price.






Thanks for the suggestions guys!

[TL]

nice looking shoulder bag, reminds me of my new Manfrotto Stile Unica V Messenger Camera Bag