 |
Lowepro SlingShot 102 AW by Lowepro
Digital Photo Product DetailsManufacturer: Lowepro Release Date: 2010-03-25 Model: SlingShot 102 AW Color: Black Product features: - Original camera sling bag design allows for quick rotation from back to front to access your camera
- Hideaway Tripod Mount? system secures a compact tripod or monopod to side of the sling via foldout holder
- Patented, built-in All Weather AW Cover? protects your camera gear and personal items from the elements
- Includes a built-in microfiber cloth for and two memory card pockets
- Fits a DSLR (without grip) with attached standard zoom lens; 1-2 additional lenses or flash unit and accessories
Accessories:
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Lowepro SlingShot 102 AWCustomer Review: Compact, Accessible, Light Weight, (Not Pretty), Needs a Little Tweak Summary: 4 Stars
I have been looking for a new camera bag for a very specific purpose -- to carry with me for light day-hikes and for sporting events. I have wanted something that I can keep with me which wouldn't need to be set down on the ground to be used. A sling-back pack appeared to me to have the right qualities. Aesthetic appeal and charm would be nice additions, but became second-place to me. I tried another manufacturer's sling-back pack, but the design (though much more attractive than the Lowepro one) was faulty for me, because it had a thin and deep design that would require removal for access to all but just a couple of items. The SlingShot 102 doesn't have this drawback. The design allows for it to be a very accessible bag for nearly everything stored in it, while still on your body, AND while you still have two hands fully available to get into the bag and hold your camera.
I am using it for a Nikon P7000 with a fairly long Raynox 1.54x lens (with adapter tube), a large (92mm front glass) Raynox 0.79 wide angle, a $5.00 super wide angle (fun at the price), some adapter tubes and rings, a few filters, and some other accessories, including batteries and battery charger. The pack holds everything and everything is accessible. I've taken some liberty with the internal dividers to make this happen, but it is easily done.
When I first tried on the SlingShot 100 (predecessor to this 102 bag), I thought it was a crazy design, because the zippers, if undone all the way, could allow the contents to tumble out of the bag. I had missed the fact that Lowepro designed zipper stops into the bag to prevent just such an occurrence, so I now see this as a well-designed bag. Unlike some competitors, this bag can stand up on its own, but you very infrequently find the need to test that except when storing it.
The 102 is slightly different that the 100 in some measurements. It is a bit wider, which is nice. The biggest difference to me is the addition of a pull-out holder so that a monopod or small tripod can be easily attached to (and removed from!!) the side of the bag. Until this came out, I was not convinced that the 100 would be right for me. I want to have a monopod when shooting low-light and action scenes, and this is commonly occurring when I am on day-hikes and at sporting events.
My one real complaint is that in order to get the back to rest comfortably enough to be fully accessible while shooting, the shoulder harness has to be let out very far. The problem is that after the shoulder strap harness is let out this far, when I slip it around for hiking it then rides so far down my back as to be a bit uncomfortable. Not that it hurts, but it sits at my waist or below, instead of higher up on my back. I'm thinking of adding a riveted snap to that I can rather quickly shorten and lengthen the shoulder strap and have the pack be both very comfortable while hiking and very usable while shooting photographs.
I will revisit this review after further use, and I may adjust my opinion and/or comments. I don't think the bag will become more attractive, but I'm hoping that with an adjustment it will become both highly comfortable AND practical while also fulfilling the role I've required. I don't see this bag dropping to 3 stars for me, though there is a chance it could go up to a 5-star review.
Description of Lowepro SlingShot 102 AWThe next-generation of the SlingShot AW series builds on the inventive design of its predecessor and incorporates enhanced features based on suggestions from some of our customers - also known as big fans of this original camera sling bag. Created to go from carry mode to ready mode in seconds, the SlingShot AW rotates from back to front for fast and easy access to camera gear. The newest design incorporates even more of what busy shooters are looking for: extra space for personal items, faster access, improved organization, and the ability to add a tripod. The SlingShot AW offers more volume in the upper compartment, plus the addition of an elastic band for securing a manual or book. A zippered slash pocket at the top is the perfect spot to grab a UV filter, cell phone or keys. Easyglide zippers throughout the construction make opening and closing fast and smooth. The main camera compartment features a flexible divider system that lets one quickly and comfortably access a DSLR. A built-in microfiber cleaning cloth is conveniently positioned at the side and tucks away into a stretch mesh pocket and out of the way of the camera. The next-generation SlingShot AW includes a Hideaway Tripod Mount system with foldout holder and quick-release buckle with strap to secure a compact tripod or monopod to the side. Additional features include: Lowepro?s patented All Weather AW Cover; ergonomic sling strap and padded waistbelt; padded main compartment with adjustable dividers; 3 SlipLock attachment loops; and 2 built-in memory card pockets.
Cases & Bags
|
 |
|
|
|