Looking for a camera bag, in which I get the most necessary equipment for nature photography (landscape, insects, culture), which is still "acceptable" Nevertheless, I got the Slingshot series. Previously I had a PhotoTrekker. As though all fit in, it fits fine on the aircraft seat, but he weighs 14kg and then when I need something, I have to depose him. A good solution as a base station in the car. But nothing of the terrain. What I need: I want to be well away from automobile equipped for as many situations. Say, in addition to the ready-180s macro should at least the Sigma 50-500 and one to two WW-zooms. Because of the length of 50-500 came only Slingshot 302AW into consideration. As in the family already small 100 for two years doing their service, I ordered the big brother without further ado. The price is compared to PhotoTrekker indeed tempting. What goes in: Now I've had the slingshot on several occasions on the ground with it. However, not yet fully loaded. Full would look like this: D700 with battery grip and 180 Tamron, Sigma 50-500, 14-24 / 2.8 and 24-70 / 2.8. To "Not" fits the Sigma 50 / 1.4 even in de "Vesper" pocket. The whole is then good 7kg. That's still viable. The main compartment of the Slingshot is divided into three parts: besides a central tunnel, which can be operated from the side, there are above and below even further divisible compartments. I have the right, ie lower, provided for the two WW-zooms. Through their sheer size they sit very firmly, and at 14-24 for example, is almost always the protective cap when removing it. Here, then, the maximum of the pocket is reached. In the middle compartment is D700 with battery grip and 180 macro. But one could also have a 80-200 / 2.8 or similar turn. Place is here on the entire width of the pocket. And up comes in the full length 50-500 into (or 80-200, 4/300 etc ..), also with reversed-mounted sun visor. If need be above the 180-room for a flash. So. So the space available here, it is sufficient. More would be unsustainable in the truest sense of the word. For all applications I display fittings the Slingshot as needed with other variations, but which is outlined above the maximum "travel" configuration, the 14-500 in "always-there" gives me focal lengths mode. Comfort: The Slingshot 302 sits comfortably on your back and the padded lap belt is really comfortable even at high loads and "easy" for several hours or kilometers good to wear. However, the best thing is this unique design. You now want to take a picture, you have to not only look for a dry place to which you can put your backpack / pocket. You simply open the lap, sums up the left part of it with the right hand and pulling the bag from back to abdomen. Opened the small box, camera out there and make image. This goes with jumping children as quickly and effortlessly as with landscape motifs. One can sit quietly while standing even both arms on the bag. Also a lens change is possible, if you like, I do not divide the upper compartment, so that it is also accessible from the side. Theoretically, you could also make available the outer right-hand compartment. To get to all subjects, but you have to settle the Slingshot. Therefore, one should think twice about setting up what you need and when. Positives: It has hiking / walking / strolling both hands free. This is very useful in difficult to access topography. The weight is well distributed and not dependent on a shoulder, which is very pleasant especially for people with back problems. It has very quick access to the camera with an optical system and a further optical system without dislocate itself. The additional pockets hold eg a 60cm popup reflector, or just find things you need to take thinks. Memory cards, several spare batteries etc are no problem. The Slingshot is not forward, when one stoops. This is also good for cycling incl. Mountain or Cross biking. The case seems to be very well thought out, it has a lot of small and smallest pockets for additional accessories or even a bottle of water, snacks etc. Disadvantage: You get on longer tours as well as of a backpack a wet back. The shoulder scrubs in bad seat and the bag prefer the neck if you do not pay attention to it. The "over-the-head" put the "loop" is a bit cumbersome, (but need not be done often) especially in the fully loaded condition, and for people with mandatory headgear annoying. The tripod mount is meant nice, but for tripods make to its name, I would not even think about it, to want to use it. Conclusion: For the site or my purposes I can not think of a better solution to me currently. Maintains comfort. Unbeatable price-performance. Processing is top, as usual by Lowe-Pro.
