Features:

• Holds DSLR, and up to four lenses
• Stowaway weather cover
• Quick access from the side
• MSRP: $109 ($89 street)

Pros:

• Little details really make the bag
• More comfortable than a messenger
• Easier access than a backpack

Cons:

• Feels like there should be more space for the size
• Only available in one color scheme

So there’s a problem with camera bags. They can be really comfortable to carry, but getting your gear out is a hassle (backpack). Or you have a bag that’s not as comfortable to carry, but you can get at stuff fast (messenger bag). The SlingShot line combines the best of both into one bag. You wear the SlingShot over your torso like a messenger bag, but it sits on your back like a pack, rather then on your hip. This makes the pack really comfortable to wear, particularly when compared to a messenger bag that can get uncomfortable after extended use.

If there’s any one theme with this SlingShot, it’s functionality. The bag feels extremely well thought-out, from the type of zipper pull, to the little pocket that pulls out of the bag to hold the feet of your tripod. The main compartment is designed to be opened from the side, after you shift the bag from your back to your front. This allows you to easily access your camera without taking the bag off. The main compartment has space for your DSLR body, and up to four other accessories like lenses and flashes. The main compartment’s flap is held partway shut by two quick release buckles; by releasing the buckles, you can open the compartment completely, which allows you to access your other gear. There’s also a mesh bag on the left side of the main compartment that holds a microfiber cloth attached to the inside of the bag.

There are other little features like this all over the bag. The top compartment zips open to reveal another mesh bag, this one intended for the camera manual, as well as another zip pocket for your filters or gels. There’s even a weather cover concealed in the bottom of the pack that stretches out to cover the SlingShot as needed when the weather turns bad. Even the cover is clever, in that it has an elastic band with velcro designed to fit over the shoulder strap so the cover won’t slip off.

Conclusion: The SlingShot 202 AW is a great field bag. You’re not going to be able to fit all of your gear in this bag, but you won’t want to. It’s a bag intended for the outdoor photographer, not someone who needs 4 umbrellas, 5 Speedlites, and what have you. The SlingShot 202 is also available in two other sizes, the 102 AW and the 302 AW. The 102 is a slightly smaller version, and the 302 is slightly larger. Both have all the features that make the SlingShot series so great, the only difference is the overall size. I wholeheartedly recommend the SlingShot product line. LowePro makes great bags and this is no exception. The SlingShot 202 hits that sweet spot of being both extremely functional and affordable.

Product page

The SlingShot has been around since 2005, and this is one of the first major updates. In addition to the “Hideaway Tripod Mount” system, Lowepro also increased the size of the top pocket, added a zippered “stash pocket” to the top to hold your filters, cell phone, or whatever. They also increased the padding in the main compartment, and updated the divider system to fit the current generation of DSLR cameras and lenses more effectively. Lowepro is going to be sending us one to review soon, so keep your eyes open for that in the coming weeks.

From the press release:

(Sebastopol, CA, February 18, 2010) – Lowepro, the leading brand of protective gear for photography equipment and portable electronics, today unveiled the next generation of its innovative SlingShot AW series. Designed to go from carry-mode to ready-mode in seconds, the award-winning sling bag rotates from back to front for fast and easy access to gear. Redesigned using customer input, the new and improved models of the SlingShot AW series add a Hideaway Tripod Mount™ system, compatibility with the latest popular prosumer and professional grade DSLR cameras, and a more efficient storage and workflow layout.

The latest SlingShot AW models offer increased volume in their upper compartment for personal items and include an elastic band for securing a camera manual or book. A zippered stash pocket placed at the top is the ideal spot to store a UV filter, cell phone or keys. In addition to its ergonomic and quick-rotating design, SlingShot AW features easy-glide zippers throughout its construction, providing smooth operation and fast access to all of the compartments.

Since its inception in 2005 the SlingShot AW series has been praised by photographers and editors from around the world. Most recently, the series received Editor’s Choice awards from PCPhoto (recently retitled Digital Photo), American Photo and Outdoor Photographer magazines. In this latest update, Lowepro sought to carefully improve some of the features regularly lauded by fans, including:

· A fully padded and customizable main camera compartment now includes an updated divider system to accommodate the most-popular models of DSLRs and their compatible lenses and accessories.

· A repositioned microfiber cleaning cloth is built into a convenient mesh pocket that is easy to access but out of way when not in use.

· New models now feature a Hideaway Tripod Mount™ system securing a compact tripod or monopod to the side of the sling via a foldout holder, quick-release buckle and strap.

As with the original series, the latest SlingShot AW models include Lowepro’s patented built-in All Weather AW Cover™ to protect gear from the elements during inclement weather. Additional features include: three SlipLock™ attachment loops to expand carrying capacity and two built-in memory card pockets located on the inside lid of the main compartment.

The new SlingShot AW editions are available in three sizes in Black/Grey and are priced as follows: SlingShot 102 AW $89.99, SlingShot 202 AW $109.99 and SlingShot 302 AW $129.99.

For more information on the series and other products, please visit http://www.lowepro.com.

Lowepro announced a handful of new camera bags at PMA in March and over the last couple months they’ve slowly trickled into the market. We were lucky enough to snag a Pro Roller x100 early and have spent quite a bit of time with it over the last few weeks including trips to Indianapolis for the Red Bull MotoGP.

Storage is abundant in the x100 and you can comfortably fit two camera bodies and an assortment of lenses that include a telephoto or two. The internal pads can be arranged to accommodate how ever much or little gear you have. On the flapside, there are zippered pouches for manuals, cleaning cloths, filters and memory cards. Lowepro even added multi-color tabs for memory cards to help you keep track of which ones are full/empty. It’s a pretty neat feature.

If you haven’t noticed yet, the x-Series comes with a hidden Reserve Pack that zips out, which is fantastic for photographers who travel with a light to moderate rig. It’s not very comfortable as a backpack, but you take what you can get at this point. The main compartment comes with a kickstand that offers adequate support, but I worry too much and decided to lay the bag on its back when sorting through lenses and camera bodies.

Did I mention the fact that you can use the retractable handle as a tripod? I wouldn’t strap a 300mm telephoto to it, but your standard zoom lens or prime lens won’t knock the bag over. But there are plenty of straps to lock down a tripod.

In addition to the aforementioned features, the x-Series boasts the Lock & Go System, which keeps the Reserve Pack from mysteriously disappearing at the airport. A single retractable cable coupled with the 3-digit combo lock keeps it all together. The lock itself is TSA compliant, so no worries there.

My initial thoughts on the x-Series went something like this, “Oh great. Here’s another crappy hybrid roller bag.” Well, I was wrong. Of course, it’s too soon to comment on durability (wheels, handle, etc.), but from a functional standpoint, it works well.

Prices are a bit steep for the x-Series, but it’s a viable solution for any traveling photographer. The x100 retails for $360 while the x200 and x300 sell for $400 and $480, respectively.

[PSGallery=b5vq8c210of]

Pro Roller x300
INTERIOR:
14.5W x 6.8D x 21.8H in.
37 x 17.5 x 55.5 cm
EXTERIOR:
18.5W x 11.4D x 26.3H in.
47 x 29 x 67 cm
NOTEBOOK:
14.7W x 1.1D x 19H in.
37.5 X 3 X 48.5 CM
FITS:
1-2 pro DSLRs with grip plus 8-10 lenses; accessories, up to 17″ notebook

Pro Roller x200
INTERIOR:
12.2W x 6.6D x 19.8H in.
31 x 16.8 x 50.5 cm
EXTERIOR:
15.7W x 11.2D x 24.2H in.
40 x 28.5 x 61.5 cm
Notebook:
12.7W x 1.1D x 18.1H in.
32.5 X 3 X 46 CM
FITS:
1-2 pro DSLRs with grip plus 6-8 lenses; accessories, up to 17″ notebook; airline carry-on size

Pro Roller x100
INTERIOR:
11.4W x 6.6D x 15.7H in.
29 x 16.8 x 40 cm
EXTERIOR:
14W x 11.2D x 20H in.
35.5 x 28.5 x 51 cm
NOTEBOOK:
12W x 1.1D x 15.3H in.
30.5 X 3 X 39 CM
FITS:
1-2 pro DSLRs with grip plus 4-6 lenses; accessories, up to 14″ notebook; airline carry-on size

At PMA, Lowepro announced a handful of new camera gear ranging from pro-level equipment to amateurish point and shoot gear.
The Pro Roller x-Series comes in various sizes and is perfect for the traveling photog. The Lock & Go System is TSA approved and has a retractable cable and combination locking system. A zip away backpack ensures your Pro Roller will fit overhead. You can even use the handle as tripod! Three different sizes will be available later this spring.

If you’re trekking out for a trip around town or in Mother Nature then the TopLoader Pro AW might be a good fit. You can tote it around over your shoulder, like a fanny pack or a baby bjorn (that’s an option). An all weather 360-degree cover comes with the TopLoader just in case the weather turns at the last second. Three models will be available later this spring.

Lowepro’s D-Wrap will keep your little point and shoot free of nicks and scratches if you’re that anal about it. It’s just a wraparound neoprene sleeve that stays attached when you’re shooting and still let’s you mount it on a tripod. This, too, will come out this spring.

Lowepro

I love my Lowepro Fastpack, but it’s bright red and draws far too much attention then I’d like. Not only do I pack my Pentax K200D and a handful of lenses, but it also stores my MacBook Pro and a couple grand worth of other doodads. My brother suggested I cover the Lowepro logo since NYC thieves are educated enough to know who they are. It’s something I’ve thought about but never executed.
This is probably something Lowepro has heard time and again, so they’ve announced the Classified AW series. It’s a bit more discreet than their normal packs, but gives the same high quality protection you’ve come to expect.

It looks like your normal run-of-the-mill messenger bag, which is a good thing. You can fully customize the innards of this one to suit your needs and comes in four different sizes. Sadly, only the largest pack has room for a 15.4-inch laptop. Major features include: “removable memory card wallet; padded shoulder strap with camera keeper to prevent sliding; removable 3-point stabilizing strap to minimize movement; zippered gusset to customize carrying capacity; full-grain, leather-trimmed divider system to cradle fragile equipment; built-in microfiber cloth to protect LCD screen; and leather handle for added comfort and additional carrying option.”

They’re available in black or sepia and will ship in early November. Full specs, dimensions and pricing after the jump.

Got a big lens? Like a 600mm or even 800mm lens? Say hello to the Lens Trekker 600 AW II. This beauty of bag features a removable and fully adjustable-torso harness system and a padded waist belt for you dainty chaps. There’s even room for six memory cards should you need that many. This one only comes in black and will be available later this month for $220. Dimensions after the jump.

Classified 140 AW Dimensions:

Interior: 6.5 W x 6.3 D x 8.9 H inches

16.5 W x 16 D x 22.5 H centimeters

Exterior: 9.8 W x 8.7 D x 11.8 H inches

25 W x 22 D x 30 H centimeters

Classified 160 AW Dimensions:

Interior: 8.9 W x 6.3 D x 11.2 H inches

22.5 W x 16 D x 28.5 H centimeters

Exterior: 13.4 W x 8.9 D x 14 H inches

34 W x 22.5 D x 35.5 H centimeters

Classified 200 AW Dimensions:

Interior: 15 W x 6.3 D x 11 H inches

38 W x 16 D x 28 H centimeters

Exterior: 18.3 W x 9.8 D x 14 H inches

46.5 W x 25 D x 35.5 H centimeters

Classified 250 AW Dimensions:

Interior: 15 W x 6.3 D x 11 H inches

38 W x 16 D x 28 H centimeters

Exterior: 18.3 W x 11 D x 14 H inches

46.5 W x 28 D x 35.5 H centimeters

Classified AW Series Colors:

Black, Sepia

Additional Features by Model:

Built-in key clip (one in 140 and 160; two in 200 and 250)

Luggage sleeve (200 and 250 only)

Removable leather handle wrap (200 and 250 only)

Padded compartment that fits most 15.4″ widescreen notebook (250 only)

Classified 140 $169.99

Classified 160 $189.99

Classified 200 $239.99

Classified 250 $259.99

Lens Trekker 600 AW II Dimensions:

Interior 9.1 W x 7 D x 24 H inches

23 W x 17.7 D x 61 H centimeters

Exterior 11 W x 12.6 D x 25.8 H inches

28 W x 32 D x 65.5 H centimeters

The Seattle Sling CA-2001-BLK, the first case produced by Made Products after the Lowepro acquisition, is meant for all you adventurous types. The claim to fame is the case’s zipper-less dry bag center compartment that will obviously work great ’round water, but also hanging on the beach or cruising Dakar by keeping your camera’s dry and dust free. Your gear should stay protected with obviously Lowepro-designed compartments and side padding, along with providing convenient front tripod straps. The Seattle Sling can be thrown over your shoulder and carried, as the name implies, sling-style during rain or shine. Yours for $149 right now either at Amazon or CameraArmor.com

Camera Armor Announces Its First Protective Camera Bag Line, Offering a Fully Weatherproof Solution for Camera Users

The Seattle Series Sling Bag brings dry-bag technology for total weather and water-proofing, plus impact safety for camera and equipment

(Seattle, WA – September 23, 2008) –Camera Armor, a leader in protective accessories for cameras and digital SLRs, announces the Seattle Sling waterproof camera bag. The first in their new line of Seattle Series Bags, the Seattle Sling features complete protection from the elements, featuring interior dry-bag technology that provides weather-proof protection in addition to impact safety.

“As an active sailor, I was really looking for a bag that I could just throw over my shoulder and have the confidence my equipment would be protected,” said Graeme Esarey, creator of Camera Armor.  “With the Seattle Sling, I don’t worry about my gear getting wet in the spray and I know that if it falls overboard, it will stay afloat and save my equipment.”

The Seattle Sling is zipper-free with a sealed dry bag that is proven to hold air-tight even when fully submerged in water. The durable clips that keep the bag secure also allow easy access to all equipment. The durability of the bag holds up against the wettest and roughest of conditions, while also providing comfort to the photographer with its ergonomic design, padded shoulder strap and back support.  The Seattle Sling also offers a stabilizer strap to keep the bag in place while on the move. 

Inside the waterproof dry bag, the Seattle Sling incorporates a padded equipment box with four adjustable dividers.  These adjustable safeguards allow for lenses, cameras, batteries and accessories to be protected from elements and impact.  On the outside, the Seattle Sling maximizes its compact size with straps that wrap around larger equipment, such as a tripod, and clip securely to the outside of the bag.

The release of the Seattle Series line comes shortly after the July acquisition of Made Products, the parent company of Camera Armor, by Lowepro, a leader in protective carrying solutions for photographic and electronic equipment.

The Seattle Sling is available for $149.95 now at www.amazon.com or www.cameraarmor.com, where you can also find a retailer near you.

Terraclime: the basic messenger-bag-like bag. Recycled material, comes in several sizes.

CompuPrimus and PrimusMinimus: Combination DSLR carrier and laptop bag. The larger CompuPrimus is pictured and has an integrated laptop shade, which seems a little weird to me, but hey. Half recycled material.

Slingshot 350: Single strap, sling-style camera bag with room for lenses and accessories, plus space for a laptop under them. Looks a bit cramped.

Flipside 400: Backpack-style camera bag. Bigger than the last version.

Luxe: “For her.” Tiny things that conceal unfashionable brushed aluminum from hyper-critical “friends”.

Much like its big brother the Fastpack 250, the Flipside 200, has been a great addition to my arsenal of travel luggage for gadgets and cameras alike. The Flipside 200, however, has primarily been my camera bag for the better part of the last three months. My Pentax K200D with battery grip and two extra lenses fit nice and snug into the compartments that are revealed by zipping open the main pouch that’s accessed through the back of the bag. Some might think this is a pain in the rear, but it protects you and your gear from being ripped off if the zippers were exposed. On the exterior of the bag at the base there’s a concealed compartment that can be unvelcroed and taken out to support the feet of a tripod. It’s pretty handy, but it’s not as deep as I would have liked it to be. The Manfrotto tripod I’ve been using wasn’t very stable at times, but it never popped out, thankfully.

On the inside you’ll find four compartments for varying size lenses, but you won’t be toting around any telephoto lenses save for one that will fit along the main slot for the body and lens. There’s also a zippered pouch at the top of the inside of the Flipside for whatever you feel like storing there. On the side of the bag you’ll find a zippered pocket with tiny slots for memory cards and filters. A comfortable and padded handle on the outside makes it easy to maneuver through tight spots where a bag on your back might not be conducive.

Overall, the Flipside 200 is perfect for the prosumer with a DSLR and a few extra lenses. For only $80, the lightweight pack does the trick and it’s built like any other Lowepro pack. I give it two thumbs up.

I’m not sure if they’re available to order yet (they were only announced today), but when they are, they’ll be at Lowepro’s site or your local camera store.

Anyway, this being Green Week for us, I thought I’d share the Primus AW with you all. It’s Lowepro’s most eco-friendly pack and is geared towards the outdoor photog. It’s made from 51 percent post consumer recycled materials. It’s mostly made from a 100 percent post consumer recycled fabric called Cyclpet. Each of the Primus AW’s contain the equivalent of 22.6 pop bottles, which keeps .0034 cubic yards of landfill empty with each pack. With each bag being made from 51 percent recycled materials, Lowepro conserves 15,109 BTU’s of energy, .002 barrels of crude oil and .12 gallons of refined oil during the production process.

It’s rigged out for pro DSLRs, 1-2 extra flashes or lenses and a seam-sealed All-Weather Cover among other things. A portion of revenue from the Primus AW goes to support Polar Bears International and their continuing effort to save those cute and cuddly bears.

It seems my never-ending quest for the ultimate gear bag has come to an end. LowePro, purveyors of everything camera related, appears to be the definitive winner at the moment. I’ve been testing out the Fastpack backpack over the last couple weeks and it’s been a great experience. It’s meant to be a photographers gear bag, but I’ve found that all the pockets for lenses and flashes are great for all the gadgets I tote around with me while traveling.

The first test run with the Fastpack took place when I went to Philadelphia which was subsequently followed by a short trip across the country to San Diego. First things first, the Fastpack can hold a boat load of gear which is rather apparent by the photo gallery. A side loading slot can handle up to a 17-inch laptop depending on whether or not you have the 250 (15.4-inch), which is what I have now or the 350 model. The lower compartment can hold an SLR that’s still easily accessible if you place the zippers on the side so that you can swing the bag around onto one shoulder. There are five smaller compartments that are reconfigurable to suit your needs and equipment as well. I have a handful of chargers, batteries, phones, cables and other random things occupying said compartments. There are two smaller pouches that you can store memory cards in within the lower compartment. On the outside of the zippered flap is another pouch to store whatever else you feel like carrying with you.

The top loading pouch has ample room for a laptop charger, headphones, books, etc. I stored my Able Planet noise canceling headphones, Amazon Kindle, MB charger, Novatel dongle and other doodads with room to spare. Two velcro pockets can easily store business cards, condoms, filters, gum, etc. There are two slots for pens and a webbed pouch as well. Same as the lower compartment, an external zipper pouch is perfect for, well, whatever else you feel like cramming in there.

Overall, I’m ecstatic over the LowePro Fastpack and its ample room for all my gear. Even as I upgrade my DSLR or acquire other accessories for it, I’ll more than likely still have enough room for all the gadgets that accompany me on long trips and on a daily basis. It’s comfortable to pack around considering I’ve got about 20 pounds or more strapped to my back. If you find that you don’t need a laptop bag then the Fastpack 100 or 200 should be more than sufficient enough for your needs. The 100 can handle a DSLR, an extra mid-range lens, flash, and a slew of other personal items while the 200 adds another slot for lens or flash. What’s even better are the prices that top out at $150 for the 350. I give this one two thumbs up. I think my search is finally over.

[photopress:IMGP5676.JPG,thumb,pp_image][photopress:IMGP5677.JPG,thumb,pp_image][photopress:IMGP5678.JPG,thumb,pp_image][photopress:IMGP5679.JPG,thumb,pp_image][photopress:IMGP5704.JPG,thumb,pp_image]

Lowepro always busts out some stylish backpacks at PMA and this year compact and convenient were the operative words in Vegas. In their slim and urban Flipside line, we like the 300 ($57), a slender, lightweight backpack with enough room for a professional digital SLR body and 80-200mm f/2.8 lens attached plus up to four additional lenses or flash units. One of these packs would be great for knocking around the city for a day of street shooting. Plus, the price is hard to beat.

For safety nuts, the backpack has back panel access to your gear, a set-up we’re not always crazy about because it makes it hard to quickly grab the lens you want. However, on a demo of the Flipside we saw at the show, it seems you can use the waist belt to secure the pack and then simply turn it around over your shoulder to give you fast access to the back panel. It’s something we suggest you try out before buying though.

On the other hand, the Fastpack is a more traditional camera backpack
with ample room for all your tech gear. The Fastpack 350 ($99) has a
triple compartment design with space for a digital SLR, a bunch of
lenses or flashes, and a 17-inch laptop computer. There’s also a bunch
of extra pouches for a light meters, an iPod and other camera
accessories.

A 180-degree access panel on the bag makes it easy
to grab a lens or flash quickly without taking the backpack off your
shoulder. A side-entry compartment gives you another way to get to
your equipment. Like we said, at it was all about convenience and slim
style for Lowepro at PMA this year

For more info, check out their website: www.lowepro.com.

Dan Havlik is Technology Editor at PDN Magazine and Editor of DemystifyingDigital.com. For more professional photography news, visit PDNonline.com.