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Pookeyhead

Pookeyhead

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David
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I have a Lowepro Pro-Runner 350A which I'm perfectly happy with, but my shoulder bag is annoying me no end! It's an old CCS Gladstone 11a. The size is just about right for a couple of bodies, a 24-70, 50 and my 70-300, and for most things these days, that's fine. For my heavier MF stuff I use flight cases, but this shoulder bag is really bugging me. After a day's walking around I have a bloody bruise on my shoulder. The strap is awful, and the clasps are distinctly untrustworthy these days. I've had it for around 10 years, and it's time I got a new one.

Any good recommendations? It MUST have a really, really comfortable, and grippy shoulder strap!
 
I just bought a Think Tank Sling-O-matic 20. Looks a bit like a soft case, but it's a one strapover shoulder job too. The strap is wide and well padded. Not actually got it yet, expected Monday, will tell you how I find it then.
 
Please let me know. That looks a bit weird... I can't work out how all they say will fit, would actually fit.
 
Slightly off topic, but the pro runner is one I've been looking at to replace my computrekker. Any issues with yours?
 
None. It's brilliant. Of course, it depends what you're trying to put in it. Mine, when I bought it had a D3X, 14-24 2.8, 24-70 2.8, 50, and 70-200 2.8 in it. It was therefore heavy... however, I could walk for hours without fatigue, and I'm only 11st and 6ft tall.. I'm not Geoff Capes by any means. The all weather attachment works like a charm too... and it does work: 3 hours in a torrential downpour, and camera's bone dry. With different gear in it, it may be better or worse.. so hard to be certain. I have no issues with it though.
 
Pookeyhead said:
Please let me know. That looks a bit weird... I can't work out how all they say will fit, would actually fit.
Click to expand...

Yup, I know it's going to take a bit of faffing about with the dividers to get it the way I want, but same with any bag really.
 
OK, the Sling-omatic 20: lovely bag, really nice looking, like a cross between a small case and back-pack/sling shot type. I thought it was too small when I first got it, it is very neat. But right now I have my D800 with 105mm + TC 1.7 attached, 24-70 2.8, 70-200 2.8 and a 50mm 1.8G in there, along with rocket blower, lens cleaning soloution and cloths, spare batteries, an ND filter in it's pack, note pad and some pens, a small LED torch, wireless remote trigger and receiver. As with all Think Tank bags there's pockets everywhere, on all sides there are neat thin padded sections for paperwork/magazines/an ipad probably. No laptop room on this one, you'd want the 30 for that. I wanted neat, laptop can go in a check in bag when travelling, I tend not to bother using it while on the move.

It's comfortable too, I have a bad back, so anything strapped over or around has to be. I was out on the bike today and never once had to switch the padded strap over to the other shoulder. Though, you can of course, hence the name of the bag.

One problem, if I wanted to bring a flash out, for macro, I would have to omit one lens. Either the 24-70 or 70-200. SO its not a bring-all bag, it's a fill with what you need for that day bag. I'm using the roller bag I got as a feeder, anything I don't take with goes in there. And If I'm going for a bigger shoot or travelling for more than a few days, that will come along.
 
I never use a laptop. I've yet not had a situation where I need a laptop on location beyond showing images to people, and the iPad is fine for that.

I'm amazed you can fit all that in there to be honest. Looking at the pics it looks very cramped. I may try to have a look at one of those in the flash so to speak.
 
It is surprising. And nothing is cramped. It's very deep, and more spacious inside than meets the eye. I tried another configuration too, where you can fit the Body with 70-200 [plus TC if you like] attached. It lies along the top of the dividers. And you still get the 24-70, 105 and 50mm in, plus a flash and the other bits mentioned earlier.
 
Pookeyhead said:
I never use a laptop. I've yet not had a situation where I need a laptop on location beyond showing images to people, and the iPad is fine for that.

I'm amazed you can fit all that in there to be honest. Looking at the pics it looks very cramped. I may try to have a look at one of those in the flash so to speak.
Click to expand...


If you want to try the next size up I have one for sale in classifieds. If you are ever in West Sussex I'm happy for you to give it a try.

Regards
Neil.
 
Here's a top down view of mine - this is what you'll be looking into when you swing it around to your front, where it holds secure, like a mini work station.


HOP3E.jpg


L to R: 50mm 1.8G/w Rocket blower, lens cleaning sol, cloths, remote, foot of 70-200 and TC 1.7 underneath. D800 with the 24-70 attached hood-reversed [the flap you see open upward covers the back of it, bit of extra protection for the screen]. 105mm micro with hood on, reversed [pulled up to view, normally pushed right down and covered with flap, room above it for the 50mm or other small prime] 70-200 2.8 VR II also with hood reversed [there's a good inch to spare above it]

You can see, they're not exactly suffocated. Plenty of space. I'n sure I could swing it to get a flash in with all this, most likely clear the space where the 50mm is - stick it in there, TC will fit with it. Just omit the 50mm and remote - which is rarely used, apart from night shoots. yet to do any this Autumn.
 
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I don't like lowepro. Had a few of their sling shot type bags a few years back and found them very uncomfortable and irritating to wear for any length of time. I'm sure their designs have improved, but Think Tank is where I'm looking now. I'm taking the Airport take off back to the shop tomorrow, they've agreed to have it back for store credit to the value, so I have €299 to splash in there. Might get a retrospective 20/30 as a second bag and looking at a Joby Gorilla pod too for travel, the highest spec one with ball-head for Dslr + 2.8 zoom.
 
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