Lowepro slingshot aw 200

[Halfmoon]

Hi everyone, just got my first dslr (Rebel xs) and I'm looking at the lowepro slingshot aw200, was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts or comments on this choice.
I don't currently have much gear (really just the camera and one lens).

Looking for a day bag that can be accessed easily and it seems to fit the bill.

Rick

[Didache]

It's either going to be a bag you love or hate I'm afraid. There is nothing wrong with its contruction - like all Lowepro products it is well made. The thing will be if you can get along with the slingshot action. I bought one but only used it a few times because I just couldn't get used to it.

The other problem with it, in my opinion, is that the storage at the top for other things (a sweater, sandwich, maps, etc) is rather small. If it is to be used as a day-bag, you might want to consider this. The mini-trekker by Lowepro is another alternative I would suggest looking at, and the top storage is a bit bigger, although it is a more traditional back-pack.

In the end though, there are a lot of people who love their slingshots - this is just one person's opinion and experience.

Cheers
Mike

[Franglais]

I have a Slingshot AW200 which I'm about to give away. I like the idea of being able to swivel it around and get the camera out, but in reality it isn't so practical. There is so little space in the bag for odds and ends, clothing, etc. that I use it only in cities. And in cities I don't need the AW protection, switching it round to the front ruffles your jacket, it doesn't really go with my clothes...

The Lowepro Orion Trekker is much more useful. It has a big top compartment that I can squash a pullover or light anorak into, the bottom camera compartment is quite spacious. It's useless for quick action because you have to put the thing down to get the camera out, but it's been my companion for years.

My favourite bag for cities is a shoulderbag (Billingham Hadley). It's small, fits close to the body in the subway and shops, doesn't look like a camera bag, goes with all my clothes and I can whip the camera out in an instant and put it away just as fast. No space for clothes and you need a really small camera to fit in it (Nikon D60)

[Loupey]

I tried out the slingshots at the store and wasn't very impressed with them. For what they can carry (not a whole lot), they seemed awfully cumbersome to me. We do a lot of crowded outdoor festivals and events as well as tight indoor venues (aquariums, zoos, and gardens) so having something bulky on my back isn't very people-friendly. Besides, I don't want my valuables on my back in those kinds of situations.

Instead I went with the Tamrac Velocity 5x (http://www.tamrac.com/5765.htm)

While it won't hold a long lens, it will hold a medium-sized zoom attached to the SLR and still carry two small-ish other lenses. It comes with two straps - one to carry it like a satchel and another to carry it like a fanny pack. Either way, it is easier on your clothes than a slingshot.

[AgingEyes]

I have the Lowepro aw200 and now the Tamrac velocity 8x.

I think the aw200 can hold a little bit more than the 8x can, but I prefer the flatter profile of the 8x. The 8x also can hold my d300 with battery pack and a 70-300 (Tamrac says it's also no problem with a 70-200 f2.8) on it but the aw200 cannot. I now mostly use my 8x for that reason.

At the end of the day, a slingshot bag is still not a backpack in terms of weight distribution between your shoulders, but it's more convenient to use than a backpack (I suppose you have to take off your backpack to access your gears in it). And, if you don't have any problem with a shoulder bag, then I don't see how you should have any with a slingshot bag since, after all, you can carry the latter in the way you would do with the former. But when you're simply walking around, I think it's better to have the bag on my back.

Lastly and obviously, there's always a limit to the capacity of any bag

[Jimmy B]

My 200 and I have a love hate relationship. I does not have the room for my 70-200 lens on or off the camera, that gets put on my belt.I can fit 2 bodies in with 2 lenses in the bag. My flash and filters fit nicely in the top pocket. I will never again take it with me while MTN. Biking it moves around way to much.
That's my input, Depends what you are going to be doing with it depends on how it will work out for you, happy shopping.
Jimmy B

[Canuck935]

I like my AW200 better than any of the backpack style ones I have, because of the quick and easy access. It carries just enough stuff as well. It's not meant to carry your whole kit. I can carry a DSLR with attached grip and 28-75 lens, a 50mm, an ulra wide angle, a 70-210 f/4, a flash, and other accessories all at once. So it can carry quite a bit actually. In fact I've stopped using my backpack style bags completely besides for storage. If I want to carry my whole kit, I have a Tamrac shoulder bag that works great. Anyway, it's just a matter of what works for you.

[drg]

I am using several versions of the Lowepro Topload Zoom bags including the AW version that I like quite well.

They are just big camera cases, not full fledged bags. Tougher and better I believe for the camera. They wrap around the camera and are well designed to prevent damage from both weather and shock and bumps.

I am not a big fan of backpacks alone. I use them to carry optional lenses, battery chargers, filters, flashes, etc. but I prefer other carrying options. Daybags doubling as a camera bag or vice versa don't seem to work for me. Besides, every new camera needs its own case for protection!

Whatever you choose, write a review and let everyone know how it works for you!

[another view]

I think all camera bags are a love/hate thing. I've probably owned more different bags than any other photo product other than rolls of film. For the last several years it's been a Domke F2 which is a standard canvas shoulder bag, but it does get heavy and does not work really well on a hike in the woods. Some of the specialty bags like the slings are probably even more polarizing in the love/hate scheme of things.

I just picked up a daypack (regular backpack) made for snowboarders. I think the two big straps on the outside will work pretty well with my tripod; at least that's the plan. I'll use padded bags like Lowe lens cases inside of it with plenty of room for extra clothing, etc. I'm still trying to find something that'll work for me...

[jetrim]

If you are just looking for a day bag, I've been really happy with with my LowePro Nova2 shoulder bag. If that's not enough room, the series goes larger, but gets kinda bulky.

[Halfmoon]

I want thank everyone for their comments and thoughts, I picked one up a week ago and have been very happy with it so far. It's comfortable and easy to get at the camera.
Time will tell if the love affair continues.

Thinking of a few mods to carry the tripod, but again I'm happy so far.

Rick