Support in the Sling bags

Dogdots

I've been looking at the Lowepro Sling 300 and I'm really wondering about the support of the camera when in the bag.

I would be using my 70-300 or 24-105 on my 40D with this bag, but after it is put into the bag and I swing it onto my back --- I picture the camera actually being supported by the lens in the bag. When I look at the photos on the Lowepro site I don't see anything to the sides of the camera that would add support and take the tension off the lens. Especially the right side of the camera which would be pointing towards the ground. I don't want the weight of a lens to damage the camera or the lens when this bag is in the upright position.

Is this an issue I should be concerned about or not :scratch

ziggy53

I use a "sling" type top loader for my travel bag and I am unconcerned about putting the camera in lens down. I did put some extra padding at the bottom of that compartment but that's it.

I suppose if you are worried you could probably get some high-density closed-cell foam to create a "holster" for your compartment in the bag.

Art Scott

The LP Sling 300 was my original choice for carrying my DSLR's with lenses attached and ready to shoot.....I had no qualms about having the lenese on the cameras in the bag...but I was looking for a bag I would ride MC and not ahve issues with balance or getting to the cams in quick order and I opted for 2 LP 75AW's.....I carry 2 konica minolta 7D's with a 28-70 f2.8 and a 70-210 f2.8 both attached....I was going to need to place a divider in the large compartment to keep the lenses fron bumping....but other than that ...it was all good.....it will hold a ton of stuff.

I get most of my Lowe Pro bags from and EBAY seller in colorado or 1 in canada....neither one has had a problem with a return and was happy to answer any and all questions I have ever had....of course the LP staff is fantastic also about answering your questions.

Dogdots

Ziggy and Art you both have been a big help. I was so concerned about the tension of the lens supporting the camera when the bag was on my back, but I love how the bag can be open in front of me when I wanted to use it. Just so easy and simple I had looked at the 75AW and thought about that to...still is in the back of my mind and pondering it.

Foam added in the sling for support --- good idea That would ease my mind a lot.

This bag stuff is really a pain. I don't want a closet full of bags since I have the Mini and Micro Trekker now. Was contemplating the Photo Trekker so I could have everything in one bag, but is one bag the way to go???? And I'm under 5 ft. tall and that is one big bag.

This whole problem started when I bought the 40D. I ran out of room in my Mini Trekker with two camera's :cry

Photoskipper

It is difficult to find a camera bag suitable for every conditions.
Thru the years I collected the LowePro AW II backpack, reporter bag, vest and belt, Tamrac Velocity and shoulder bag, modified trolly bag, modified daytrip bags and 2 modified backpacks, couple of lens pouch, and accessories bags.
Just pick up the LowePro AW75 toploading over the weekend to prepare for the trip to Egypt. Planning to use the harness to hang the AW75 in front for the 5D with 24-105 then keep the 70-200, 17-40 and 2XTc in the lens pouch on the belt so that I can access to all the gears without putting the bag or backpack on the sand.

Dogdots

Photoskipper wrote:

It is difficult to find a camera bag suitable for every conditions.
Thru the years I collected the LowePro AW II backpack, reporter bag, vest and belt, Tamrac Velocity and shoulder bag, modified trolly bag, modified daytrip bags and 2 modified backpacks, couple of lens pouch, and accessories bags.
Just pick up the LowePro AW75 toploading over the weekend to prepare for the trip to Egypt. Planning to use the harness to hang the AW75 in front for the 5D with 24-105 then keep the 70-200, 17-40 and 2XTc in the lens pouch on the belt so that I can access to all the gears without putting the bag or backpack on the sand.

Sounds like you have an assortment of bags. I'm stating to think one needs many different sizes/kinds for different situations. Trying to get out of the mindset of having to have everything in one bag like I have everything in my purse isn't a good way of doing things sometimes. I always have this fear I will be without something I want or need.

I tried the 2 bag method...not good for me. I forgot one bag as I was heading out the door. Thank goodness I actually grabbed the bag with the camera

You mention you have a vest. I've thought of getting one many times. I keep putting my lens caps and filters in my pocket and that isn't good. How do you like your vest and do you wear it all the time?

pyry

I wouldn't worry about the support for the body. There are lenses that you hang the body to, and not the other way around - and people run through the woods carrying the combo by the handle on the lens. The lens mount can take it

I have the slingshot 300 as my light bag (heavy is a Vertex 300) and I love it. I have a less-than-common-I-think layout in it:



That's what I usually do, 1 body with lens attached all ready to go, second lens in the bottom where I can switch to it without taking the bag off my back if needs be. Both compartments can fit my 100-400 trombone (hood reversed). Third lens and filters in the middle.

Or I can do this:


Now, there is a catch there. The body on the bottom takes coaxing to get past the lip of the bag in and out unless I open it little bit past the lock. The top works well.

I'm thinking I should start a "What does your camera bag look like" thread

evoryware

Here's how I pack mine lightly:


and with all my flashes and lenses.


used my film cam in place of the 40D. Foam holds the 40D or XTI with the 70-200 on it pretty solid.

Oh and one last setup. If I plan to be walking around with my flash on the camera, then I plan for the light setup and I collapse the area normally holding the 580eX:

I haven't had a problem with this last setup, but I'm not entirely comfortable with it either. It fits well, but I fear if I trip and fall the flash would snap off.

Art Scott

I would recommend never having the flash attached in a case or bag....sometimes a bump is all that is needed to break that foot off.....and rixing those ain't cheeeeeep.

TwistedJ

I just bought a Lowepro Sling bag yesterday and love it. Great to be able to grab the camera so quickly and go. It holds all of my equipment which is much. Slingshot 200 AW.

Dogdots

I really like the photos of your gear in your Slings. That is a great help

I never thought of turning the camera the way you did. I like that way much better then how they show the camera placement on the Lowepro site.

Your all so smart and such a big help. I think a thread about set up in a backpack/sling/ etc. is a good thread to start. That way we can see many different kind of setups and different kinds of bag and how they work. It would make our buying decision much easier to make when we can see actual setups people are using.

pyry

Dogdots wrote:

I really like the photos of your gear in your Slings. That is a great help

I never thought of turning the camera the way you did. I like that way much better then how they show the camera placement on the Lowepro site.

Happy to help

Dogdots wrote:

Your all so smart and such a big help. I think a thread about set up in a backpack/sling/ etc. is a good thread to start. That way we can see many different kind of setups and different kinds of bag and how they work. It would make our buying decision much easier to make when we can see actual setups people are using.

That thread is here.

Dogdots

Happy to see you started a thread for bags....I hope many join in.

I'm going to take some photos of my bag tomorrow to post them, but I have to clean it up some first