Help on lowepro bags

John Young

John Young

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I am looking at the Lowepro bags but I am totally confused between them

What's the difference between the fastback and slingshot and flipside and pro-runner ??

I thought it was something about being able to pull bag around front but both say easy access without removing bag :shrug:
 
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i done alot of research on these exact bags as i was looking for one. all the bags have their own individual features.

pro runner. 2 shoulder straps, access only by removing from shoulder. opens from rear

flipside. 2 shoulder straps, access only by removing. opens from the reverse.

slingshot. 1 shoulder strap, access by sliding the bag to your front and accessing by a zip on the side of the bag.

fastback. 2 shoulder straps. access by removing 1 shoulder strap and sliding the bag to your front. access by zip on side of bag.

hope this helps.
 
Have a look on YouTube and you should find video demos of all the bags, so you can really see what they're about. I have a Slingshot and a Flipside, but not a FastPack.

The Slingshot is supported by only one strap, which only slings one way, so if you have a heavy bag it can become a bit tedious. Apart from that minor downside it works well enough and the integrated rain cover is a nice feature.

The Flipside is a "normal" rucksack design, with two straps, but you gain access through the side of the bag that presses against your back. This is regarded as a security feature. In use you keep the waistbelt fastened, slip the straps off your shoulders and then rotate the bag around your waist, ending up with a sort of "platform" from which to access your gear. This avoids the need to put the bag down (handy if it's muddy or wet), but even if you do it means the straps and things that touch you are kept out of the muck. I have the Flipside 400, which has an integrated raincover. I think the smaller versions do not.
 
scaryrob and tdodd - Thanks a lot that really helped :thumbs:


So the different numbers in these categories are just different sizes then like the 102 AW and the 200AW ( I understand the AW means all weather right ?)
 
Pretty much spot on. Just be aware of enhancements within a range, and revised numbering as a result. e.g. there used to be a Slingshot 100, 200, 300. Now there are the 102, 202, 302 and 350. I have the old Slingshot 200 AW. I'm not sure what the revisions are in the newer version.
 
pop into a jessops if you can and have a look at them
i was unsure about sizes etc until i had them in my hands.

pro runner has ended up being the better choice for me.
 
The xx2 versions of the Slingshots have a built in tripod holder and more space in the top compartment;
the x50 nomenclature indicates the bag has a pouch for a notebook (of the computer variety not paper!) - according to www.lowepro.com
 
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Just to help give better idea of size i have the Slingshot 200 aw which holds the following...

D90 Gripped
Tamron 17-50 f2.8
Sigma 10-20
Nikon 70-300 vr
Nikon 50 f1.8, stoffen omni bounce, fingerless gloves
Nikon SB600
Rocket blower
3 lens pens, 2 micro clothes, 67mm 4 set close up macro filters kit
Hoya Pro1 Polarisers in cases 67mm and 72mm
67mm Protector, B+W ND110 72mm (ten stopper)
Extra spare batter (2 in grip)
Lee Foundation kit + 0.9 ND Grad filter

The gripped d90 fits wearing 70-300 vr although nothing bigger would, perfect with all my other lenses.

Its a bit of a tardis and great never having to lay it down :thumbs:
 
Mr Mike said:
Just to help give better idea of size i have the Slingshot 200 aw which holds the following...

D90 Gripped
Tamron 17-50 f2.8
Sigma 10-20
Nikon 70-300 vr
Nikon 50 f1.8, stoffen omni bounce, fingerless gloves
Nikon SB600
Rocket blower
3 lens pens, 2 micro clothes, 67mm 4 set close up macro filters kit
Hoya Pro1 Polarisers in cases 67mm and 72mm
67mm Protector, B+W ND110 72mm (ten stopper)
Extra spare batter (2 in grip)
Lee Foundation kit + 0.9 ND Grad filter

The gripped d90 fits wearing 70-300 vr although nothing bigger would, perfect with all my other lenses.

Its a bit of a tardis and great never having to lay it down :thumbs:
Click to expand...


That's excellent more space than I thought so to be clear that is THIS ONE you are talking about.

I only have the D90 with 15 - 105 lens and a 70 - 300 tamron lens and a Nissin Flash
 
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TheCrewDesigns said:
That's excellent more space than I thought so to be clear that is THIS ONE you are talking about.

I only have the D90 with 15 - 105 lens and a 70 - 300 tamron lens and a Nissin Flash
Click to expand...

More or less, good news is i have the older slingshot 200aw where as the newer 202aw in your link has even more space in the top pocket :thumbs:

I have heard some complain about the weight being on the same shoulder and not being able to swap due to the design but i have NOT had this problem. I bought this as a day grab bag but now use it as my main everything bag, leave 70-300 vr at home and i can then carry 2 x YN460-II speedlights complete with everything else that was already in, means 3 speedlights!
 
Sorry, too late now, but if you have a look on youtube, a lot of them are their.
 
another big difference is the Fastpack isnt AW wheras the Slingshot is so if you want the peace of mind that comes with an AW cover the Sling is your best bet.

I have had both and both are great backpacks, the Sling was my fave though because of the AW cover and the Sling feature, when I had the Fastpack I eventually went to just using it on one shoulder.
 
There are other Sling style manufacturers as well. Tenba have a Sling bag and Think Tank have recently launched a bag that can sling either way. No doubt there are other Sling options as well.
 
I use the Slingshot and the Fastpack and both are great bags. If I had to choose one though it would be the Slingshot, it's designed for photojournalists and is has really quick access to the camera without removing the pack from your back. Like others have said it holds an amazing amount or gear for its size.
 
Slingshot 200 with...

40D and 50D bodies;
10-22, 17-55, 70-200/2.8 IS, 100-400
and room for more bits in the outside pocket....

20090304_095934_0049_LR.jpg


I wouldn't usually load it like this, but the pictures give an idea of the capacity/capability of the bag.
 
I have the fastpack 200 and thoroughly recommend it.
Very well made and padded with plenty of room for camera, accessories and a few lenses. Lunch can go in the upper compartment too.
Last winter whilst walking, I slipped on ice and landed with my full weight on the backpack (13st). My back was a little sore but my camera gear remained completely undamaged! A good investment.
 
Well not been back here to this thread recently but a lot of excellent feedback as usual

Looks like I made the right decision and THANK you to everyone for the help and advice
 
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