Need help choosing sling bag

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weebee

Senior Member
MeSess said:
While I wish I could purchase two bags right now to use as a storage and an every day bag because that would be convenient especially for trips. I don't want to carry everything everywhere but I would like to have everything if I were to fly somewhere etc. especially one larger bag that could fit a laptop with all my stuff/future gear that I could pick and choose what I want out of for that day. However, at the moment I'm settling for a bag to carry the essentials (preferably holds a smallish tripod comfortably) around with me since that's more practical. I like the idea of the sling bag because of the ability to remove the camera without taking it off but it also seems like it could be uncomfortable with a tripod and also way less versatile as far as gear goes.
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I'm thinking about this one, Different carry options and it holds the tripod in the center of the pack.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/893098-REG/Kata_KT_DL_3N1_10_Sling_Backpack.html
 
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Pretzel

Senior Member
(Didn't read through page two, but...) Let me add my vote for the Lowepro AW202. It holds my D3100 with a lens on it, two spare lenses, the battery charger, an air blower, several lens pens, remote cable, SB-700 with all attachments in it's own case and the charger for my 4 AA Eneloops, all without being TOO big. Then, I've got just a little extra room for a snack, my cell phone, and something else on the smaller side. The camera with the 70-300 on it is almost too long for the bag, but not quite, and it's comfortable enough for a long day while still making for easy access. Took a 3 mile hike with it just the other day and had no problems at all.
 
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Bukitimah

Senior Member
I am using a Lowepro Aw200. It fit in a main body and 4 lenses, excluding the one on your body. Enough space for an external flash and simple cleaning stuff. I don't normally bring so many lenses, thus the spare space is more for my batteries, filter, etc. and of course a rain coat!

In my opinion, the bag must be big enough for basic stuff but not too big that you would have problem carrying during travelling. I have been thinking of getting a smaller bag but frankly, the Aw 200 is quite small already. I you ready don't need to carry that much, then just sling you camera. Why the need for a bag?

Lowrepro is actually quite good but the zip thread would gives way once a while. That is easy, just sew them back, DIY.
 
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MeSess

Senior Member
Well, I waited to purchase a bag because I ended up selling my D60 for $200 and used the money I had for a bag to buy a D3200 (shutter count around 200) for $300 instead. The same guy is also willing to sell me a Lowepro Slingshot 102 AW and a 55-200mm VR brand new for $90 dollars. Even though it's not a 202 AW which is probably more ideal the price is right.
 
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weebee

Senior Member
MeSess said:
Well, I waited to purchase a bag because I ended up selling my D60 for $200 and used the money I had for a bag to buy a D3200 (shutter count around 200) for $300 instead. The same guy is also willing to sell me a Lowepro Slingshot 102 AW and a 55-200mm VR brand new for $90 dollars. Even though it's not a 202 AW which is probably more ideal the price is right.
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That sounds like a good deal. The 102 AW should house the camera and lenses great. But, the 102 AW won't handle a larger mounted lenses. Just a FYI. I found put the hard way and sent my 102 AW back and purchased a larger pack.
 
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Jonathan

Senior Member
After research I recently bought this for my daily commute and intended carry-on bag. It (just) takes my D7100 with 18-300 lens fitted, flash, BR strap, eyepiece and cleaner pen in the camera compartment. I can fit in my TC and monopod but I've decided to try and keep the weight down. It also takes plugs and cables, my iPad, Kindle, iPod, head amp, Bose headphones, water bottle, small wood burner, pottery stool and accordion. Loving it.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004XNLR48/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 
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weebee

Senior Member
Jonathan said:
After research I recently bought this for my daily commute and intended carry-on bag. It (just) takes my D7100 with 18-300 lens fitted, flash, BR strap, eyepiece and cleaner pen in the camera compartment. I can fit in my TC and monopod but I've decided to try and keep the weight down. It also takes plugs and cables, my iPad, Kindle, iPod, head amp, Bose headphones, water bottle, small wood burner, pottery stool and accordion. Loving it.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004XNLR48/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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I've been looking at this same bag. I'm very tempted at getting it as well. I really like the looks of it.
 
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Jonathan

Senior Member
If you can afford it, get it. It's the envy of another keen snapper at work and it really works as a safe camera bag AND day sack.
 
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carguy

Senior Member
MeSess said:
Well, I waited to purchase a bag because I ended up selling my D60 for $200 and used the money I had for a bag to buy a D3200 (shutter count around 200) for $300 instead. The same guy is also willing to sell me a Lowepro Slingshot 102 AW and a 55-200mm VR brand new for $90 dollars. Even though it's not a 202 AW which is probably more ideal the price is right.
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That is a good deal, the lens is worth $120-130 itself. You can even sell the bag and buy another if you find it's too small for what you need. Nice score :)
 
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MeSess

Senior Member
Picked the bag and lens up yesterday for the $90 and I'm pretty pleased with it. The D3200 and the 55-200mm are a tight fit when the lens is attached but it fits with the lens hood on backwards. The bag should be fine since I plan on selling the 18-55mm to help purchase a 35mm prime which will most likely stay attached to the camera anyway. If you're looking for a nice small walk around bag or for carry on when traveling then the bag is perfect but if you're looking to carry long zoom lens like a 70-300 attached then this bag probably isn't for you due to the width of the bag.

IMG_1335.jpgIMG_1336.jpg
 
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MeSess

Senior Member
Thanks guys! It was weird I was considering buying the Slingshot and 55-200mm separately anyway (some of you have seen both threads I made) and then I came across the craigslist ad for a brand new D3200, 18-55mm, 55-200mm, and bag for $450 (his wife wanted something more simple) so I offered low on the package but he wasn't budging but he did decide to let the camera and 18-55mm go for $300. When I picked up the camera he decided he had no need for the lens and bag without a camera so he let everything go for $390. I couldn't find a d3000 for cheaper than that in my area. Now to search craigslist endlessly for the 35mm haha
 
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egosbar

Senior Member
i just carried it all day for two weeks around nz , well not all day but everyday sightseeing etc and i had no problems at all , i slung it over one shoulder most of the time but if i had too hike it fits on my back nicely
 
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MeSess

Senior Member
egosbar said:
i just carried it all day for two weeks around nz , well not all day but everyday sightseeing etc and i had no problems at all , i slung it over one shoulder most of the time but if i had too hike it fits on my back nicely
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That's great for you!! We all have what we're looking for in certain bags and it sounds like you found yours. I was looking for something light and could carry 1-2 extra lens and some accessories while still being rather unnoticeable when walking around for every day use. I like that because of the size of the slingshot, I'll always have my camera with me now.
 
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MeSess

Senior Member
I would have liked to get a bag that could carry a laptop as well but right now it just doesn't seem like I need that option as much as I need the ability to have the camera with me. I'll eventually buy a backpack to carry more gear (laptop, etc.) for travel and then when I get there I'll still use the smaller sling bag for walking around and convenience.
 
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