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

it will be for a Canon 1Ds or 5D

thank you

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

this one looks good too

thank you gearhead5

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.

HTH,
Omar

but it is not a slingshot ?

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.

the kata looks very good , you need a map to visit your back pack but I agree Kata is certainly one of the bests

it seems that the Tenba sling bag is not so current

m3rocket wrote:
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.

++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....

Regards,
Matt

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.

Iam a big fan of sling bags....and Kata is by far the best choice.

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!

I have the Kata 3N1-20. I fit the following in it
5D Mark II
200mm 2.8
85 1.2
35 1.4

There is room for 2 more short lenses
The top section is for all hoods and other personal stuff

I am very happy with it. I like the weight management of the bag. I have used it more like a backpack, than a sling.

Tried Kata 3-1 30 and found it too cumbersome and pro camera body loading and unloading very tedious.

Bought the Tamrac Velocity 9X and returned it as sling was painful (not padded at right place) and opening zipper quite fiddly (and cheap )

Currently using Think Tank Urban Disguise 35; compact and meest my needs, but EXPENSIVE!

Tried Kata 3-1 30 and found it too cumbersome and pro camera body loading and unloading very tedious.

Bought the Tamrac Velocity 9X and returned it as sling was painful (not padded at right place) and opening zipper quite fiddly (and cheap )

Currently using Think Tank Urban Disguise 35; compact and meest my needs, but EXPENSIVE!

and for long walks in the town the Think Tank Urban Disguise 35 is good ? doesn't hurt your back ?

thanks to all

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.

but the Tenba Medium sling seems not to be a city bag ?

m3rocket wrote...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...

+2. I got a Slingshot 300 for airshows and can get a 5D, 17-40, 24-105 and 100-400 in the main section plus there's still room in the top section for other bits and pieces. Sounds OK but in practice, it's a lot of weight to carry on one shoulder and as the bag is big enough, it's very easy just to stick something else in because you've got the room.

Good bag but I intend to replace it with a shoulder bag as it's more convenient for lens changes.

Which basically echoes what m3rocket wrote above...

Not exactly sure what you mean by a "city bag". If you are looking for a sling type bag that you can wear on your back and move easily to the front, I liked the Tenba best (quality construction, access, storage). If you are looking for a bag that doesn't scream out "camera bag", a messenger type bag (Think Tank Urban Disguise, several Crumpler models - both very well made), may serve your needs

I mean a bag with ,let's say, 2 lenses and a body like a Canon 5D + your money and a few things
not too big and easy to carry in the town

I just bought the LowePro AWS 100 for just one camera and 2 lenses and filters/CF cards. I haven't tried it out in the field yet but it seems to serve my purpose. A small size was the main criteria in addition to fast access of the camera. I have a bad back so a larger Slingshot won't do for me. To each his own.