I am looking for a good Sling (shoulder) Bag which one do you think is the best between :
Lowepro SlingShot AW300
Tenba Medium Sling Bag
Kata 3N1-30 Sling Backpack
I know the Lowepro and the Kata , but never tried the Tenba
I don't like any of the large sling bags because once you load them to capacity they are difficult to maneuver as intended and wind up being uncomfortable backpacks hanging from one shoulder. That said, I think the best of the bunch is the Tamrac Velocity 10X http://www.tamrac.com/5770.htm
gearhead5 wrote:
I don't like any of the large sling bags because once you load them to capacity they are difficult to maneuver as intended and wind up being uncomfortable backpacks hanging from one shoulder....
+1 for the 'large' sling bags! I use the 'medium' Lowepro S200 & find it to be adequate but not spectacular in it's support system. It is however well made serves it's intended purpose.
gearhead5 wrote:
I don't like any of the large sling bags because once you load them to capacity they are difficult to maneuver as intended and wind up being uncomfortable backpacks hanging from one shoulder.
+1. Conceptually, slings sound good. And I think it's fine if it's just one camera and a lens. Otherwise, it just becomes too heavy for extended use, and the load is uneven on one shoulder. Might as well get a shoulder bag at that point--at least you can easily switch the bag between shoulders.
Having said that, the Kata has an advantage in that you can convert it to a backpack.
m3rocket wrote:
+1. Conceptually, slings sound good. And I think it's fine if it's just one camera and a lens. Otherwise, it just becomes too heavy for extended use, and the load is uneven on one shoulder. Might as well get a shoulder bag at that point--at least you can easily switch the bag between shoulders.
Having said that, the Kata has an advantage in that you can convert it to a backpack.
++1 Add weight to these and it will be very disagreeable. Tried it on a 6 mile hike on Kauai and it was murder. If you can get one that can convert to a backpack design that distributes the weight across both shoulders, then maybe....
Owned the LowePro 200 and 300. The 200 carried better but was too small. I ended up with the M-Rock Arches which I prefer over LowePro's slings. Haven't tried the others. I could try and tell you what I've carried in it, but I think it's enough to know that it holds more than the LowePro 300 and carries on your back comfortably.
Good luck.
I've got several bags and backpacks, but the Tenba that i bought is my favorite, it is the larger of the two sling bags and i've got it packed. No problems with my back or shoulder using it. It has a strap that you can snap across the front so it doesn' slide around. I've got a large tamrac backpack for long days but this is really comfortable, straps are well padded.
I have a Kata 3N1 3 and while it is a good bag, I wouldn't want to carry a heavy load in it all day. Even when converted to a backpack, it gets heavy on your shoulders after a while. Most I'll carry in mine is a D300/grip, 24-70 2.8, 70-200 2.8 and a few accessories.
If you want to do some serious hiking with a fair amount of gear, the Lowpro Vertex series has a great harness system but they are big bags. It's all a compromise and I now understand why my wife has a mutitude of purses
I have a 3n130 that is supposed to arrive Tuesday... I got it for an upcoming trip to costa rica. Hopefully it works - I can update you with my findings. I hope what string said doesnt hold true for me. I will be carry (at most) a gripped 40d, 100-400, 17-50 f/2.8 and a 580exII. I like the fact that I can put an umbrella, poncho, flashlight, etc. in the top section. Is that a heavy load?
You should be fine with that load in the Kata y2nicco. I'm not trying to scare you away from the Kata, it really is a good bag, its just not a "full gear hiking all day" kind of bag.
Ok cool... I think I will take them on hikes/excursions but most of the excursions will be walks with 30 or so minutes of actual hiking. I am excited for the bag!
fwiw - I bought the Kata 3n1-20 looking for general use carrying a similar load (40d, 70-200, 24-105, 10-22). Have had other Kata products and they are all very well made. Found the loading and access to equipment difficult so ended up returning it and getting the Tenba Medium sling. Very impressed with the quality of the bag, the way it can be arranged and most importantly the fact that the entire back can be opened up for easy layout and access. Have had the Lowepro and Think Tank also and all are very good. Not as much of a fan of the Tamrac slings though.
