Reviews for Nikon D70 / D100 / D200 / D300 / D700
I was attracted by the fact that it doesnt look like a camera bag (deters thieves) and that its a similar size to "normal" backpacks. I`d say probably the only down side is there seems to be no where to attach a tripod to it, unless this is possible using the SlipLockTM attachment loops.
Comes with adjustable backpack harness with adjustable, padded contoured shoulder straps plus quick release sternum strap and SliplockTM attachment loops ,Also has a removable waistbelt....
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Has in the upper area a large daypack compartment with inner mesh pocket for things like compact flash cards.....
And behind this is a larger mesh pocket for other accessories or perhaps a cd or mp3 player. The top of the bag has a small hole to allow headphone cables through.Shown here are filter and spare battery.
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Here showing an example of the amount of room in the top compartment. Guide book, small flask and PDA with plenty of room to spare.
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There are two small zippered pockets at the front on either side. Here showing a small ultra pod II tripod on the left and a blower on the right.
The area in between the pockets is "SliplockTM attachment loops in durable Hypalon". I havent a clue what that means!
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Lower compartment has a removable, padded camera insert with adjustable padded dividers.
Pictures below include:
Nikon D70 + 18-70mm kit lens (mounted)
Nikon 180MM F2.8D ED-IF AF
Nikon 50mm f/1.8
Tamron 90mm macro f/2.8
Kenko Pro 300 x2 TC
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Picture Below shows removed dividers and Nikon D70 + Nikon 180MM F2.8D ED-IF AF mounted
Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED-IF AF-S DX kit lens
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Couple of body shots to show scale.
Reviews for Canon 350D / 400D XT / 1000D / 450D
Photos contain:
Canon EOS 350D XT + Opteka BGRXT grip
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Kit Lens
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 MK II
Canon 580EX Speedlite
I wanted a backpack so I could take my gear with me everywhere I go and I also wanted a bag with general storage space so I wouldn't have to carry another bag with me.
The bag has 2 main compartments. A top one for general storage and another one for the camera and lenses.
On the outside, there are 2 pockets with zippers to put all kind of things you need fast access to. I wouldn't put valuable things there, though, since they would be way too easy to access...
The backpack has 2 straps to support the weight while hiking: a small strap to go around your chest and bigger one that goes around your waist. Both are adjustable and removable in case you don't like too many straps dangling from your backpack.
The backpack is very comfortable even in long hikes.
The top compartment has 2 small pockets for memory cards. They're made from a transparent nylon material covered with netting so dust or liquid can't get in. Plus, there is a big storage place (It goes all the way behind the two memory card pockets) with a zipper for an MP3 player and a headphone cable port so you could listen to music even when the bag is closed and on your back.
Behind those 3 pockets, there is a big netted pocket where you could put things you don't want to move too much in the main compartment.
However, I wish Lowepro made the main compartment just a little bit bigger so an A4-sized magazine would fit inside (It barely does.) The bag could fit a thick book with ease, since I used to carry a one thousand-paged book in it. It just couldn't fit anything bigger than legal paper.
Here is all my gear inside including my 350D with grip and Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM attached:
The lower compartment has a removable insert. I guess that's good when you want to clean your backpack since it comes out as one unit.
One of the things i like about the bottom compartment is that you can actually leave the zippers open while carrying it on your back without the lenses falling out of the bag. So if you need to change lenses fast, you can do that without having to take the bag off your back and without having to mess with the zippers.
Thanks to Gugu for pics/comments
Review #2
Photos contain:
Canon EOS 350D XT
Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6D
Manuals, cards, batteries,Filters
The bag and tripod
The inside of the top compartment
The inside of the bottom compartment
Thanks to AdamJL for photos
Review #3
(Added 24th Nov 2007)
Photos contain:
Canon 400D Digital Rebel XTi
Sigma EF-500 DG Super Flash
Tamron 17-50mm DI-II SP
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
I've been using a Lowepro Slingshot 200 AW for about 2-3 months and found that the messenger bag style was hurting my right shoulder to the point I think it was pinching a nerve. I carry my camera everywhere, so its been on me daily. I've since picked up a Lowepro Orion Trekker II which better distributes the load and so far I've been pain free
The daypack compartment is pretty roomy. Usually I'll consolidate my son's diaper bag and carry diapers, changing pad, wipes, spare clothes, and sippy cup in addition to a dr pepper bottle and cereal bars when I'm out with him.
The Orion Trekker II
The bottom camera bag section. Room for two not too tall lenses, a Sigma Super 500 Flash on its side and a 400D with Tamron 17-50mm attached. Also room for odds and ends: plastic camera rain cover, flash stand, DIY catch light card and lens hood.
Alternate configuration with flash moved to the side (sorry didn't set camera correctly, darker image):
And a comparison pic of the Orion Trekker II and Slingshot 200AW side by side:
Thanks to Peter (blssdwlf) for review
