Bags - shoulder fastpack/flipside/slingshot + straps

Messages
46
Edit My Images
No
I'm looking for my first bag for a new SLR. For the last week or so I've used an ancient "shoulder" bag and even with just camera/flash feel over-the-shoulder would work better.

Probably mostly be 1/2 days at a time, and also just want something convenient to put kit into car when going to friends etc.

This is mostly for "day" use, I wouldn't generally carry cables/charger etc., nor a laptop

Quick access would be very useful when sightseeing esp with the family which is what attracted me to the "sling" options

Current kit is
- Nikon D90
- 18-105 mm VR
- SB600 flash
- usual mem cards, hood, filter

I'd also like a little room to grow into say another 2 lenses (35/50 prime, and prob a 70-300 zoom)

My shortlist (with comments) is:
* LowePro Slingshot 200AW (50 UKP) - plenty of room, not sure if single shoulder load is such a great idea. May make taking photos less comfortable/balanced too?
* LowPro FastPack 200 - appears in part to be a "fixed" slingshot with 2 straps. Looks a little cumbersome and slightly smaller, but current favourite. Can get cheap too. 36-42 UKP (and I have a £10 voucher for retailer). Could this be a good access/usable comprimise?
* LowePro Flipside 300. 200 loooks a tad small. Like the security ideas, but concerned about accessibility. Not sure folding in front of me will work well in "tourist" situations - too much exposed to fall out etc. could be lots of people around etc. Although security when carrying looks better. Around 55-60 UKP.

I also looked at the tamrac velecity 7/8x - not convinced, and the kata 20N1 - not sure about access+much more pricey.

Secondly STRAPS. I have the stock strap that came with my D90, but it's too short to wear over shoulder and also be able to use camera. It's ok around neck but I'm thinking I should allow lens to drop down close to body for better protection and less tourist-like look..?

Thinking I need to get a longer strap so that I can carry sling-style and still use. Interested in how that combination would work WITH the backbacks.slings. Probably needs to quickly adjust length. Low budget so perhaps a Op/tech basic or pro?

Just a beginner trying to figureout how to carry the kit in a usable way as well as enjoy the holiday with kids and not be faffing around constantly.
 
* LowPro FastPack 200 - appears in part to be a "fixed" slingshot with 2 straps. Looks a little cumbersome and slightly smaller, but current favourite. Can get cheap too. 36-42 UKP (and I have a £10 voucher for retailer). Could this be a good access/usable comprimise?

I do have the Fastpack 200 and no complaints with it at all. I can fit in the bottom camera storage my 400D with grip attached and 70-300 lens, 2 flashguns 18-55mm kit lens and still have space for another lens or flashgun easily. I keep my filters and memory cards in the front section with remote release in the main top section along with pens, notepad etc, and still have room for a light jacket, lunchbox and get a wee flask or drinks bottle in the elasticated side pocket.

It's comfy to wear as a backpack or just with one strap over shoulder and you can swing it around your chest that way to get access to your camera gear easily.

heres a link showing off the quick access and storage.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyoNC3pOmA0&feature=related
Hope that helps a bit.

Tommy.

oh the one point against it may be the fact that it has no tripod carrying ability at all, but I can live without that for the moment and usually just wear my redsnapper tripod case over and round the top of it.
 
Thanks. That is very useful to know. Definately sounding like a good option. (Colour still a choice... thinking red/blue may be less "obvious camera bag to be nicked")
 
Reading a little more on straps & have the found these options so far. All optech
- Comfort -- this seems shorted at around 1m (10)
- Envy -- longer 1.3m (16)
- Pro - ditto (18)
- classic - 19

Are any of these a good "upgrade" on the stock strap?
Are any significantly more usable? Longer? easier to adjust? more secure?

What about other brands?

As a newbie just looking at straps is opening up a can of worms...

appears as if the comfort may be too short, and the price difference between the others is just a few £ so which to go for ?
 
I dont know if youve found a bag yet but if your looking for one that doesnt scream camera bag you could take a look at the crumpler range, i find them a little bit more expensive but well worth the cash, the new delhi range should fit what you want or maybe one of the smaller ones.

If your trying to use it as a shoulder strap are you using a handgrip (HAMA ones are the most common ive seen) as these pretty much let you use the standard nikon straps as shoulder straps without problem
 
I should close off by saying I ended up getting the lowepro FastPack 200. I figured it was a good "starter" bag until I really know what I want

I was able to get it for 38 UKP with 10UKP discount ie around 28 UKP.

Seems reasonable enough, fairly comfortable when I tried it today, but then I only have a body/lens + cleaning/memory
 
Back
Top