Spotlight On . . . the Lowepro Slingshot 200AW Camera Bag

The Lowepro Slingshot 200AW is a single strap, sling-style camera bag that can be rotated front or back depending on whether you're walking or shooting. Access to your gear is through an outward opening, full width, zippered, padded flap which is limited by snap locks so that gear can't accidentally fall out. Lowepro's standard padded Velcro divider system in the main compartment allows several different configurations, and can accommodate two digital SLR bodies with lenses attached, storage cards, remote control, and hoods for both lenses. Lowepro's smart design decisions enhance the natural usability of this bag. Strap padding extends beyond where its normally needed, which means that almost any carry position remains comfortable. The hideaway rain cover is well made and is easy to deploy and stow quickly. The best thing about the Slingshot 200AW is that it has the depth and height to accommodate full size digital SLRs without pushing and shoving. For the record, I typically use the Slingshot 200 AW to carry a Nikon D200 w/18-200mm VR zoom and a Nikon D80 w/105mm f2.8 VR macro, hoods for each lens, half a dozen CF and SD cards, a Lowepro filter pouch, a Nikon SB-600 Speedlight flash unit, spare battery and a remote trigger for the D200. Access to the SLRs is easy, but could be better still if the zippers were smoother in the turns. Padding throughout the bag is robust but not intrusive. The front zippered pouch offers a number of internal slots which hold pens, utility knife, paper, cleaning cloth. The zippered pouch at the top of the tapered, tubular bag holds the flash unit, filter pouch and spare battery. The dedicated storage card pouch built into the main compartment can hold up to 8 storage cards. The Slingshot 200AW is rugged, looks inconspicuous, works extremely well and is relatively inexpensive. Walking and taking pictures among the urban canyons or on the hiking trails, the Lowepro Slingshot 200AW is a smart choice. For a smaller SLR, look for the Slingshot 100AW. For packing extra gear and bigger lenses, look for the larger Slingshot 300AW. 4 out of 5 stars