TP: The layout of my camera bag

This thread now included in the Knowledge Base

I was most interested to see from several reviews at cambags.com (thanks to Fuzzbass for the link) that none of those who have reviewed the Lowepro Slingshot 200 AW seem to question the basic layout of the bag, as it comes from the factory, which requires that you open the flap fully to access your lenses - which is not only time-consuming but means risking that all your lenses fall out!

For what its worth, I found an alternative layout in which my lenses are accessible with only half the flap open (Slingshot owners will know what I mean - I hope), and I've been using this arrangement successfully for a few weeks now.

Here's a picture of the bag showing four lenses ready for use. The area in the middle is covered by two flaps which normally...



... would be closed over the lenses like this, so the bag is ready to receive the camera and mounted lens (this is what I would see looking down, when the bag is in the working position in front of me):



And this is what the bag looks like with the 7D in place - there's quite a bit of space, especially on the left, to take the camera's shoulder strap, and there's a little built-in cloth (stowed away for this picture) to protect the LCD.



Finally, here's a pic with everything taken out. The flash and other bits and pieces live in the outside pockets.



In real life the bag looks quite small, it's light enough and comfortable enough to carry around for a couple of hours at a stretch, and it's an absolute pleasure to use - way better than a conventional top-loader, IMHO.

I didn't want to post this review at Cambags.com because they act like Canikon are the only cameras - and I'd like to invite other members to post details and pictures of how you carry your gear in this thread.

Edited by brettania - 13 March 2008 at 23:21

Interesting!
What equipment do you have in your bag?

edit: Now I see=)

Edited by Maffe - 20 April 2006 at 22:02

I see that you like the LF-12?? lens caps (center pinch snap-ons) - they are getting harder and harder to find with the Minolta/KM name on them. I'm an avid lens hood user and hate to have to take it off to get to the lens cap.

I ordered some of THESE from eBay and they are great (also very cheap).

Just an FYI.

Bob S.

damian.bradley wrote: I'm curious what the original layout was....

Damian - if you follow the link in my first posting to Cambags and navigate to the Slingshot 200 reviews you'll find LowePro's pictures showing the zippered flap fully open, and the removable inserts in their original configuration. I've tried a couple of times to describe it in words, but... well, you know how much a picture is worth? Suffice it to say the lenses are then positioned across the narrowest dimension of the bag, although the camera is in the same place.

Kiklop - do you use filters with that coffee flask? Does it improve your resolution, and help you to espress yourself? We need details!

It's odd - I love coffee, and I even have a flask like that, but I never thought of taking it out on a shoot with me. I think you've converted me!

Anyone compare the slingshot 200 to the tamrac velocity 9? Thoughts?