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Posts Tagged ‘Sling’

Moment launches new sling bags, wallet cases for mobile photographers

30 May

Moment has introduced a new range of sling-style bags and a series of wallet cases for photographers who like to travel light. Described as part fanny-pack, part sling the bags are intended to look good and be functional at the same time.

The bags are designed to hold a mobile phone as well as Moment’s accessory smartphone lenses and even a small compact camera, as well as the usual travel essentials like passports. The bags can be worn over the shoulder like a sling or around the waist like a fanny pack, and come in a range of materials and colors.

Smaller wallet cases are aimed at those who want to carry only daily essentials along with their phone, while a new line of phone cases come with pockets for credit cards for those who really want to travel light.

The Fanny Slings costs $ 69.99 and the Crossbody Wallets cost $ 74.99. To purchase either or for more information visit the Moment website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Hex releases new camera backpack and sling as part of its 2018 Ranger Collection

12 Oct

Bag and accessory manufacturer Hex has shared its latest pair of bags as part of its 2018 lineup, the Ranger Collection. The collection consists of a clamshell backpack and a sling backpack that are “designed to be discrete and street-ready for the modern photographer.”

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The Clamshell Backpack is constructed of water-resistant 500D Cordura nylon and uses what Hex says is a patent-pending clamshell design. It features a typical internal foam divider system that can be arranged to fit your equipment and uses YKK zippers with metal pulls to access the compartments.

According to Hex, you can expect to fit one or two DSLRs and a few lenses, ranging from small primes to telephoto zoom lenses. There are also dedicated pockets for your phone and laptops up to 15 inches. A hidden rain cover is also included for when the weather takes a turn for the worst.

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Like the Clamshell Backpack, the DSLR Sling is constructed of water-resistant 500D Cordura nylon and YKK zippers with custom metal pulls. One of the most interesting details about the DSLR Sling is its ability to pack down flat when the bottom panel is removed, making it easier to travel with as an auxiliary bag.

The DSLR Sling can carry a non-gripped camera body and a lens or two, depending on what glass you’re using. It’s not large enough to fit a laptop, but there are dedicated faux-fur lined pockets for smartphones and even smaller tablets.

The Hex Clamshell Backpack and DSLR Sling are available through Hex’s online shop. They retail for $ 199.95 and $ 99.95, respectively. Both bags come in black and camo colorways.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Review: Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L, a solid but pricey pack

13 Sep

Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L
$ 149.95 | PeakDesign.com

Peak Design’s Everyday Sling 10L.

It seems almost impossible to talk about camera carrying options without mentioning Peak Design. I use the brand’s Everyday Backpack to carry all my gear when shooting events like multi-day music festivals. But when carrying everything isn’t necessary, the Peak Design 10L Sling has become one of my favorite bags.

It combines the sensibilities of traditional camera shoulder bag with the stylish and sleek design elements that Peak Design has become known for. The 10L comes in at $ 149.95 and is available in three color options including Ash, Charcoal and Black (we reviewed Black). There’s also a $ 99.95 5L option which I’ll come back to later.

Specifications

  • Interior volume: 10L
  • Exterior dimensions: 16 x 9 x 5.5in / 40 x 23 x 14cm
  • Tablet/laptop sleeve size: 12.5 x 8.65 x 0.75in / 32 x 22 x 2cm
  • Weight: 1.5lbs / 680g

Compared to other bags

It’s worth noting that the price tag – as with other Peak Design products – is on the high side. Ruggard, for instance, sells a similarly-sized bag for about $ 55. In fact, before I got the sling, I was using an older model of this Ruggard bag and it served me extremely well for several years with few issues. That being said, comparatively, Peak Design’s bag offers a much more rugged construction and MUCH more weather resistance. It also looks a lot nicer in my opinion.

Compared to the similarly-priced MindShift Exposure bags, Peak Design’s sling looks distinctly less like a camera pack and more just like a cool bag. Options like ThinkTank’s Retrospective series feel a bit flimsier and less protective than the Peak Design Sling, while their style-focused Signature series cost quite a bit more for the same size. And both of those options weigh nearly twice as much as the Peak Design.

Design and construction

A look inside the Pea Design Sling.

Like every Peak Design product, this bag feels very sturdy. The weatherproof 400D nylon canvas exterior is protective and easy to clean. The two outer zippers have weather sealing and all the exterior hardware is made of anodized aluminum offering strength while maintaining a light weight. The interior ‘poly-spun mixed twill’ material is soft to the touch. And the high density EVA foam Flex-Fold dividers we’ve come to know and love continue to feel protective and secure, while offering versatility.

These Flex-Fold dividers are similar to those included in other Peak Design packs. The bag ships with 2 dividers which open up like origami, allowing for multilevel storage.

In use

When it comes to usability Peak Design has made their reputation around listening to the needs of those photographers buying and using their gear. This bag exemplifies the company’s approach. It can fit many varieties of camera and lens combinations comfortably and ultimately that’s what you’re buying here: a sling that you can mold and adapt to whatever system makes sense for you.

It can fit many varieties of camera and lens combinations comfortably… and can mold and adapt to whatever system makes sense for you

For me, I usually carry a full-frame DSLR body with 2-3 lenses. I can pack the Everyday Sling 10L with a Nikon D750, 28-70mm zoom, 35mm F2 prime and 50mm F1.4 prime and still have some room left over for additional pieces. The Peak Design website shows the bag with a full-frame body and 70-200mm zoom, but in my experience a lens that large on a body doesn’t fit very well.

The bag also includes two anchor points for Peak Design’s Capture Clip system, though that system makes a lot more sense attached to the shoulder strap of a backpack than it does on the side of a sling.

Here’s a look at one of my setups (Clockwise from top left): 20mm prime lens, Nikon D750 w/ 28-70 2.8 attached, Nikkormat FTN with 24mm Prime, memory card case, Moleskine notebook.

Accessory-space-wise, you’ve got an interior zipper pocket on the inside of the “lid” that can fit cards, hard drives, filters or spare batteries. While this pocket is spacious, it’s still limited mainly by the fact that you need to be able to zip close the lid, so you can’t really pack it with a ton of stuff.

…getting the zipper around the corners of the lid flap can be a little tough/awkward

Speaking of the zipper, one of my few complaints with this bag is that getting the zipper around the corners of the lid flap can be a little tough/awkward. This might be due to the way I’m wearing the pack at my side – it also might loosen up and be easier to close over time.

For more accessory space, there is a front zipper pocket (see below). According to Peak Design’s website this pocket “holds jackets, snacks, and other everyday carry.” I think jackets is a bit of a stretch but I’m sure if you had the right jacket and the elbow grease you could get it in there, but you’d suddenly have a much bulkier bag. Still, this pocket is really useful to separate your non-camera oriented things such as wallets, passports, pens, chapstick, snacks, etc.

One of my favorite parts of this bag is that it can fit very snugly on my back. I’m fairly skinny but tightening the strap allows me to wear it flush against my body regardless of how much weight I have in it. That being said I can also loosen the strap quite a bit and wear it more like a messenger bag at my side.

A ‘quick adjuster handle’ (see below) allows you to make the transition between these two modes – it works really well but does feel a bit flimsy. It doesn’t really “hard” lock the strap and though I haven’t had any issues with it yet, if there was something that was going to break on this bag, I’d expect it to be this piece. For more permanent strap adjustments you simply adjust the strap tail where it meets the bag.

The ‘quick adjuster handle’ makes it very easy to change the length of the strap, but we worry about its longevity.

There are also two adjustable straps on the front of the bag that can be loosened too to cradle a tripod/other items or cinched to compress the outer accessory pocket. I wouldn’t recommend using the straps to carry a tripod though as it really limits the comfort of the bag.

What’s the bottom line

The rugged exterior of this bag is durable and weather resistant.

This bag does have two things missing that I’d love to see in future iterations. First, a quick releasing option for the lid. Most Peak Design bags offer a MagLatch for easy and fast access to your gear, a nice alternative to constant unzipping and re-zipping. Secondly, I’d love to see some kind of metal carabiner attachment options on the sides of the bag (near the Capture Clip anchor points). The main reason for this is that there isn’t really a good place on this bag to carry any sort of water bottle and something as simple as a carabiner-ready loop would make solving that problem very easy.

This bag really does a great job at filling the needs of everyday shooters and travelers while maintaining style and comfort

This bag really does a great job at fulfilling the needs of everyday shooters and travelers while maintaining style and comfort. I find that when I’m going out with the intentions of shooting, this bag is my first choice. The only time I choose the Everyday Backpack instead is on days that I need to bring a wider range of options to a shoot (such as a full day wedding shoot requiring multiple lenses, flash, etc.).

If you shoot mirrorless the 5L Everyday Sling may be a good option as well though, I wouldn’t recommend it as a primary shooting bag if you’re using any full-frame DSLR or similar sized camera (My Hasselblad fits great in the 10L!)

What we like

  • Comfortable
  • Lightweight
  • Compact
  • Customizable and expandable
  • Stylish

What we don’t:

  • A little pricey
  • Zippers can be tough to close
  • Quick adjuster handle a little flimsy

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Peak Design announces 5L Everyday Sling camera/drone bag

31 Oct

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Peak Design announced the 5L Everyday Sling, a small light-weight bag that can be carried as either a sling or a fanny-pack. The smallest bag in the company’s Everyday line, it’s got room for a full frame DSLR with a moderate-size lens, a mirrorless system with a few lenses, or a DJI Mavic Pro/Spark + controller + accessories. There are two interior pockets, one of which can fit an 11″ tablet, as well as an additional exterior zipper pocket.

The exterior is made off weatherproof nylon canvas, like all bags in this line, and both zippers are also weatherproof. Colors include in ash with leather accents or black with black accents. Retail price is $ 100.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Think Tank teams up with SKB for hard cases, launches MindShift ‘PhotoCross’ sling bags

03 Jul

MindShift Gear has announced ‘PhotoCross,’ a new lineup of sling bags designed for adventure photographers. Coming alongside this announcement is one from sister company Think Tank Photo, which has teamed up with SKB to offer the latter company’s hard cases fitted with soft inner dividers and organizers from Think Tank. The SKB/Think Tank hard case lineup currently includes 10 models.

The new hard case lineup comprises ‘SKB designed by Think Tank’ models featuring SKB’s own waterproof and durable iSeries hardshell exteriors. Think Tank has fitted its own internal modular organizers and protective padding into the cases, including movable dividers and lid organizers. The hard case lineup ranges in price from $ 109.99 to $ 329.99.

Joining those hard cases is MindShift Gear’s PhotoCross 10 and PhotoCross 13 bags for photographers in the field. Both bags feature space for photographic gear and either a 10-inch tablet (the PhotoCross 10) or up to a 13-inch laptop (the PhotoCross 13). The bags’ designs include T-pulls, carrying handles on both the side and top, a 320G breathable air-mesh back panel, a pocket that can accommodate most 1-liter water bottles and a 3-point harness.

The PhotoCross 10 bag can accommodate either a mirrorless camera body and up to five lenses or an ungripped DSLR and up to two lenses plus a tablet. The larger PhotoCross 13 can accommodate up to an ungripped DSLR alongside up to four lenses – including a 70–200mm F2.8 lens, MindShift explains – plus ‘some’ 13-inch laptops. The PhotoCross 13 will cost $ 129.99; PhotoCross 10 will cost $ 114.99.

Via: Think Tank Photo

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Think Tank Photo updates TurnStyle sling bags and adds wheels to StreetWalker series

26 May

Bag and accessories manufacturer Think Tank Photo has updated two of its ranges, adding more internal space and a rolling option to the StreetWalker series and a new waist strap to the TurnStyle sling-type bags.

All three of the existing StreetWalker backpacks have been enlarged to create more depth in the interior compartments so they can carry more kit, and particularly large bodies with wide-ranging zoom lenses still attached. The series also now features a version with wheels and a retractable handle in the StreetWalker Rolling Backpack V2.0, which can operate as a backpack or a rolling case.

The company has also revamped its Turnstyle series of sling bags, adding a new waist strap to hold the bag securely when the user is taking pictures. There are three sizes of bag, and each is now available in grey or blue.

The StreetWalker Rolling Backpack V2.0 costs $ 299.75 while the Turnstyle bags are priced $ 74.75 , $ 84.75 and $ 99.75 for the 5, 10 and 20 versions. For more information see the Think Tank Photo website.

Press release

Think Tank Photo Releases New StreetWalker® Rolling Photo Backpack
and Upgrades Classic StreetWalker® Series Backpacks

Santa Rosa, Calif. – Legendary durability and award winning comfort have made Think Tank Photo’s StreetWalker® series one of the most sought-after products in the photographic world. Now Think Tank announces the new StreetWalker Rolling Backpack V2.0, featuring the ability to switch from a backpack to a roller. Also released are upgraded versions of all three classic StreetWalker backpacks. Photographers get the same comfort and quality as the original series but with new features such as increased depth for modern DSLR systems, and dedicated pockets for both tablets and smartphones.

The new StreetWalker Rolling Backpack V2.0 is so spacious, it will fit two DSLR
bodies with lenses attached (including a 200-400mm f/4), and a 15” laptop. The StreetWalker HardDrive V2.0 backpack fits two bodies with lenses attached or a gripped body with a 200–400mm f/4 attached, a 15” laptop and a 13” tablet. The StreetWalker Pro V2.0 backpack fits two bodies with lens attached or a 400mm f/2.8 unattached, and a 10” table. And, the StreetWalker V2.0 backpack fits one gripped DSLR with 70–200mm f/2.8 attached, one standard DSLR with 24–70mm f/2.8 attached, a 16–35mm f/2.8, and a 10” tablet.

“With the release of the new StreetWalker Rolling Backpack and the new versions of the three classic StreetWalker backpacks, we made three of the best pro-level backpacks in the photo industry even better,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo’s CEO and lead designer. “The one thing we’ve heard over and over since they first launched is how comfortable and durable they are.

Now, with the hybrid rolling backpack and the upgraded core backpacks, we’ve integrated even more photographer feedback to expand their functionality.”

KEY FEATURES

StreetWalker Rolling Backpack V2.0

  • Comfortable harness system allows you to roll the bag or carry it on your back
  • Dedicated laptop compartment that holds up to a 15” laptop
  • Fits two bodies with lenses attached including a 200–400mm f/4
  • Specially designed interior to maximize gear for carry-on, meets most U.S. and International airline carry-on requirements
  • Reinforced telescoping handle with rubberized touch points
  • Tripod mount on front panel
  • Dedicated smartphone pocket fits today’s large phones with a 5.5” (14cm) screen size
  • Lockable YKK® RC Fuse zipper sliders (lock not included)
  • Two side water bottle pockets and two side zippered pockets
  • YKK® RC Fuse zippers, ballistic nylon, high-density velex and closed cell PU foam are the highest quality materials in the industry
  • Custom-designed, high-performance, 80mm wheels with sealed ABEC grade 5 bearings for quiet rolling
  • Seam-sealed rain cover included
  • User-replaceable retractable handle, wheels, wheel housings, feet and kick plate extends product life
  • Adjustable dividers allow a customized fit for your DSLR or Mirrorless gear
  • Hypalon reinforced rear panel for increased durability
  • Shoulder harness pockets, D-rings, daisy chain and adjustable sternum strap

Think Tank Photo’s Upgraded TurnStyle V2.0 Camera Bags Offer Greater Stability

Santa Rosa, Calif. – Ideal for a casual day of shooting with a DSLR or Mirrorless system, Think Tank Photo’s slim, body-conforming TurnStyle V2.0 sling bag allow photographers to move and shoot freely. The updated version of this popular series offers a new stabilizer strap that holds the bag steady while actively shooting or tucks away when not in use. Think Tank’s sling bags’ design promotes easy rotation for rapid access to gear and accessories.

The TurnStyle 5 fits a mirrorless body plus two to four lenses, and an eight-inch tablet. The TurnStyle 10 fits a standard size DSLR plus one to two lenses, and an eight-inch tablet. The TurnStyle 20 fits a standard size DSLR plus one to three lenses, and a 10” tablet. These new version releases come in the traditional Charcoal and in a new color, Indigo Blue.

“This new version of our popular TurnStyle sling bags reinforces their reputation as the ideal ‘grab and go’ camera bag,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo’s CEO and lead designer. “One thing we’ve learned from serving professional photographers for so long is that they always need one, pre-conformed gear kit that gives them access to their core gear. The TurnStyle is that bag.”

KEY ADDITIONAL FEATURES

  • Slim, contoured, body-conforming design with a wide shoulder strap provides a very comfortable fit
  • Lightweight materials and construction
  • Breathable 320G air-mesh back panel keeps your back cool during long days
  • Easily accessible front organizer pocket for batteries, memory cards or other small accessories
  • Rear internal pocket holds documents
  • Fully customizable interior dividers
  • Seam-sealed rain cover included in dedicated pocket

MATERIALS

Exterior: All fabric exterior is treated with a durable water resistant coating while fabric underside is coated with polyurethane for superior water resistance, YKK® RC Fuse zippers, 420D velocity nylon, 550D polyspun, 320g air mesh, nylon webbing, 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

Interior: Removable closed-cell foam dividers, P210D, polyurethane backed velex liner, 2x polyurethane coated 210T seam-sealed taffeta rain cover, nylon binding tape, 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Peak Design launches Everyday backpack, tote and sling bags on Kickstarter

14 Jul

Peak Design has launched four new bags in its Everyday product line: the Everyday Backpack in 20L and 30L sizes, the Everyday Tote, and the Everyday Sling. All four bags are offered in two different configurations, one Charcoal in color with black trim and red accents, the other Ash with black trim, blue accents, and leather accents. 

Peak Design says its new bags, while ideal for photographers, ‘ain’t just camera bags,’ hence the Everyday moniker. The array of bags are made from weather-resistant materials and integrate protective design elements including both ultra-thick felt and high-density compression-molded EVA materials. The Everyday bags can be customized via the removable FlexFold dividers, are ‘loaded’ with storage spaces, and offer expanding internal structures with a system for attaching items to the bags’ exteriors.

The new Everyday bags are currently being funded on Kickstarter where the campaign has reached nearly double its $ 500k funding goal with 58 days remaining. Peak Design estimates it will deliver bags to backers this coming December.

Via: Kickstarter

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Accessory Review: Peak Design Slide Camera Sling strap

01 May

Peak Design Slide Camera Sling
$ 59/£45 | www.peakdesign.com | Buy Now

I admit, I’m generally not much of a camera strap user. Oh sure, I have a few straps, but they tend to be utilitarian affairs more there for emergencies or #dadlife convenience (‘What do you mean your feet hurt and I have to carry you the rest of the way through the zoo?’). Even when I was in the thick of my years as a working pro, I tended to work out of a bag far more often than I worked off my shoulder.

That said, shoulder straps have a lot going for them. They protect your camera from accidental drops, allow you to use both hands without putting your camera away, provide a way to keep multiple bodies at hand and the ease of access they offer cuts down on shots missed because you were digging your camera out of a bag or pack. So when I was asked to take a look at the Slide sling strap from Peak Design, I figured it was time to give straps another try.

Specifications

  • Maximum Length: 145cm/57in
  • Minimum Length: 99cm/39in<
  • Weight: 171g/6oz
  • Width: 45mm/1.8in
  • Strength Rating: 200lb (This is the rating for the Dyneema-corded Anchor Link anchors. The 45mm seat belt webbing could probably lift up your car.)

It is worth noting that Peak Design also offers a narrower version of the Slide, the SlideLITE, for mirrorless systems and other smaller cameras. Specs are virtually the same save for the width being 32mm/1.25in and the weight being cut to 141g/5oz. The reduction in weight is likely due to the narrower width and the fact that the SlideLITE is unpadded.

In Use

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Attaching the Slide took less time than any strap I have ever installed. The Anchor Link connector design is clever and quick. So much so, even when I wasn’t using the strap, I left the Anchor Link anchors installed on my camera. Sure, they look a little silly and flap around like little ears, but they don’t get in the way and allow me to install the strap again in seconds. With four anchors included, it would be easy to move the Slide between bodies. The anchors loop around your camera body’s strap eyelets and then click the anchor into the connector at the end of the Slide strap. To remove, you press down on the anchor and slide it back out again. You could easily do it in the dark and yet there is virtually no chance of it happening accidentally. 

There are two different options to connect the Slide to your camera. The first is the traditional connection to your body’s strap eyelets, suitable for the classic ‘neck strap’ style with the camera hanging down in front of you. The second makes use of the included Arca-Swiss compatible tripod plate.

The plate has small cutouts in each corner that allow attachment of an anchor. When connected to a strap eyelet and the plate, the camera hangs more naturally at your side when worn across your shoulder/chest as a sling. There are other products on the market that allow you to attach a strap to your camera’s tripod mount, but virtually all of them must be removed if you wish to use a tripod. Integrating an Arca-Swiss compatible plate into its design means that users of the Slide can easily tripod mount their camera without making any changes to the strap setup. 

The Slide is surprisingly comfortable. The wide soft seatbelt material combined with the internal padding makes carrying even heavy DLSRs manageable. It has been a long while since I’ve had a ‘padded’ camera strap. I have either found them exceedingly bulky or made out neoprene that allowed the camera to ‘bounce’ on my shoulder more than I liked. The Slide’s padding is only 1/4 of an inch thick or so, but it has enough firmness to it that it can support and distribute the weight of the camera. One side of the padded section is smooth and the other has rubberized ‘gripper’ lines added, allowing you to choose between the two options.

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The one drawback to the Slide’s padding is that it is somewhat stiff and doesn’t fold up particularly well. This isn’t noticeable on your shoulder, but can be a little awkward when putting your camera into a bag. I suspect that the padding will soften up with age and be more flexible, but I wonder if that will take away any of the cushioning abilities. Only time will tell I suppose.

Length adjustment is quick and easy, even one-handed. You just pull up on the quick adjust handle to release the strap and slide up or down to the desired length. It’s really handy to be able to lengthen the strap for when you are actively shooting and to tighten it back up again when you’ve got some hiking to do. This does, however, bring me to the most glaring problem with the Slide.

While the metal adjustment handles are nice looking and give a sense of quality to the strap, they are also a significant hazard to equipment for those of us who put our cameras in bags. I was constantly afraid that the handle was going to scratch a body or LCD or worse, chip a lens that had somehow been put away without a cap on. As far as I’m concerned, there is no way that the Slide should have used metal in this design. The added weight was unneeded and the danger to camera gear too great. I would love to see this exact design, but with plastic adjustment handles. 

What’s the Bottom Line?

The Peak Design Slide Sling Strap is a well-made, innovative camera strap with a premium price tag. Its construction and materials show quality. The namesake ‘slide’ feature works exceedingly well, the minimal padding and wide strap width tames even heavy DSLR/lens combos and the Anchor Link connectors are a clever and quick way to install and remove a strap.

However, for all the good points about the Slide, the fear that the aluminum quick adjustment handles will scratch or chip expensive equipment is a significant drawback. This is particularly true for those of us who tend to work out of a bag more often than we carry a camera around our shoulder or neck. If you are in that boat and want a strap that still offers many (though not all) of the Slide’s features, it might be worth checking out the Peak Leash strap. 

What we like:

  • Ease of length adjustment, even one handed
  • Innovative hidden non-bulky padding
  • Wide enough to be comfortable
  • Easily installed/removable, can use on multiple cameras
  • Versatile attachment system
  • Material is soft and flexible
  • Arca-Swiss style tripod plate attachment 

What we don’t like:

  • Stiffness of padding makes it difficult to put in bag
  • Metal adjustment buckles can bang against camera/gear in bag
  • Most would consider it expensive for a camera strap

Final Rating:

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Review: Think Tank Turnstyle Sling Bag

09 Feb

From messenger bags to suitcases, camera bags today come in just about every shape and form. After spending years tinkering mainly with backpacks and belt packs, I decided to try out a relatively new type of camera bag: the Think Tank TurnStyle sling bag. With its unique body-conforming design, and the rugged durability that comes with all Think Tank products, the TurnStyle has quickly become my new favorite camera bag. Here’s why:

ThinkTank TurnStyle Sling Bag Review

Think Tank TurnStyle Sling Bag

First off, it’s important to know that the TurnStyle bag comes in two colors (charcoal or slate blue) and three sizes. TurnStyle 5 is the smallest, meant to haul compact mirrorless camera systems, while TurnStyle 20 is the largest, capable of carrying a standard DSLR with a 70-200mm f/2.8 attached, plus another lens. Right in the middle of these two bags is the one I opted for: the TurnStyle 10, which could purportedly hold a standard DSLR with a 24-70mm f/2.8 attached. This is where I had a bit of a gripe with the bag off the bat.

ThinkTank TurnStyle Sling Bag Review

What Fits in the TurnStyle 10

While the TurnStyle 10 is definitely a roomy bag, it couldn’t exactly hold my Canon 5D Mark III with a 24-70mm f/2.8 attached. The camera with lens does fit into the bag, but it won’t even come close to zipping up. (Note: I figured out I can make it fit if I take out all the dividers).

What does fit, albeit on the snug side, is my Canon 6D with the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens attached; in this setup, there are two more lens compartments open that can hold small or medium-sized lenses or a Canon Speedlite. In the above photo, the configuration shows a Canon 6D with 40mm f/2.8 pancake lens attached, a Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro lens, and a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens.

What definitely will not fit in this bag is a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, unless it’s the only thing the bag is carrying. This makes the TurnStyle 10 a perfect travel photography camera bag, assuming you’re carrying a smaller DSLR body, and relatively few accessories. If you intend to carry a heavy-duty DSLR kit, the TurnStyle 20 will be a more accommodating size.

ThinkTank TurnStyle Sling Bag Review

Best Features

Body-Conforming Design

By far the best part of the TurnStyle bag series is its body-conforming design. Initially, the idea of the bag only having one strap may make it seem like you’ll end up carrying too much weight on one side of your body, but that is far from the case. The thickly padded single shoulder strap does indeed contour your body nicely, making even the heaviest gear bag feel relatively lightweight. This overall design makes the TurnStyle bag by far the most ergonomic camera bag I’ve ever used.

Suzi Pratt_Turnstyle 04

Converts into a Belt Pack

Another positive design feature is the ability to easily rotate the bag from your back to your chest, for quick access to your gear without having to take the bag off. You could even adjust the strap’s length, and turn the bag into a belt pack for better accessibility.

Made of Quality Materials

Similar to all other Think Tank products, the exterior components of the TurnStyle are highly durable and visually appealing. The bag’s exterior is made of rip-stop polyester with a water-repellant coating, and all zippers are abrasion-resistant. That is the say, this bag holds up even when you expose it to the elements, making it perfect for taking on your next photo safari vacation.

ThinkTank TurnStyle Sling Bag Review

Many Dedicated Pockets

The TurnStyle’s main compartment for holding your camera gear, comes with removable foam dividers so that you can customize the interior padding, based on what you’re carrying. There is also has a padded back pocket for holding a tablet or paperwork, and a larger zippered pocket on the front of the bag for holding essentials such as your wallet, cell phone, memory cards, etc. Finally, there is the signature component that accompanies all Think Tank bags: a dedicated rain cover that shields your bag from the elements.

Over to You

So is the Think Tank TurnStyle bag right for you? Honestly, it comes down to how much gear you want to carry with you. While you could combine this bag with a waist pack or shoulder bag to hold more gear, you experience the full benefits of the TurnStyle bag when carrying minimal gear. In this sense, it’s best suited for travel or street photographers, shooting with mirrorless or smaller DSLR cameras. If you plan to carry a longer telephoto lens, you’re probably better off with either the larger TurnStyle bag, or a different style altogether.

Have you tried out a sling-style camera bag? What were your thoughts on it? Do you have another favorite bag? Please share in the comments below.

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The post Review: Think Tank Turnstyle Sling Bag by Suzi Pratt appeared first on Digital Photography School.


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Case Logic SLRC 205 Sling Camera Bag Review

22 May

Case Logic SLRC 205 Sling Camera Bag Review

If you’ve ever bought a case for a tablet or a hard drive then you’re probably familiar with Case Logic products. The ubiquitous logo is hard to miss in the accessories section of computer and electronics stores.

Case Logic SLRC 205 Sling Camera Bag Review

What you may not know is that Case Logic also make some very good camera bags, up there in quality and design with established brands such as Lowepro, Crumpler, Kata and Think Tank.

So when David from Love Cases got in touch asking if I’d like to review a camera bag sold in his store, I selected the Case Logic SLRC 205 sling style backpack to test out.

Why a sling bag?

The type of camera bag I use depends on the nature of the shoot and the amount of equipment I need. For example, I like to use my ThinkTank Retrospective 20 on portrait shoots. It’s a shoulder bag into which I can easily fit everything I need. But, it’s a heavy bag and all the weight is on one shoulder. After a while it hurts, and becomes uncomfortable to walk with – that limits its use to shoots where I don’t have to walk very far.

Sling bags are ideal when I need to walk some distance to arrive at the location of the shoot. I can put my gear in the bag, then take out what I need when I arrive.

I like to use a Black Rapid RS-Sport camera strap, which leaves my camera hanging down by my right side ready to use. If I have a sling bag I can keep it on my back while I shoot, held in place by the straps so it doesn’t move around. I don’t have to worry about where it is, or someone stealing it if I put it down.

However, I don’t use sling bags in one way they are intended. I never bring them around to the front to remove gear, as I find they are so high on my body that it’s an uncomfortable process. Not everybody feels this way, I’m sure. This photo shows where the camera bag lies when you swing it around to the front.

Case Logic SLRC 205 Sling Camera Bag Review

The Case Logic SLRC 205 bag

I’ve used this Case Logic sling bag on several shoots and I’m very pleased with it. It would suit me better if the main camera compartment was a little bigger, and it would be nice if it had a waterproof cover. But apart from that I’m delighted with it.

Case Logic SLRC 205 Sling Camera Bag Review

The Case Logic SLRC 205 from the back.

Case Logic SLRC 205 Sling Camera Bag Review

The bag straps from the front. The waist strap (bottom right) provides extra support and prevents the bag from sliding around on your back.

Features

I really like the design of this camera bag. It has a number of well thought out features that make it easy to use.

Main camera compartment

This is for your camera and lens. Case Logic use a hammock system to support your camera. There is a flap with a hole in it at the top of the compartment, and you can place the lens through the hole and rest your camera on top. It keeps your camera ready to hand and provides extra protection if you drop the bag.

Case Logic SLRC 205 Sling Camera Bag Review

It’s a great idea, but the only drawback for me is that the compartment is too small for my camera, (an EOS 5D Mark II), when the hammock is in position. In terms of size, this bag is best suited for small digital SLRs or mirrorless cameras.

However, if I fold the hammock down (it is supported by velcro) I can fit my camera inside. The camera rests on the lens in this position, so I attach the lens hood to prevent the lens cap being dislodged by rubbing against the side.

Case Logic SLRC 205 Sling Camera Bag Review

Small side compartment

This is big enough to store another lens or accessories. I use it for my Black Rapid camera strap and a small prime lens. It’s not designed for another body, so if you want to take two cameras on a shoot then you’ll need another bag.

Case Logic SLRC 205 Sling Camera Bag Review

Memory card storage

On the other side is a zipped compartment that opens to reveal memory card space storage.

Case Logic SLRC 205 Sling Camera Bag Review

Wallet compartment

You can put anything that fits in here, but it’s ideal for a wallet. It’s hidden behind the velcro flaps used to support a tripod, making it virtually impossible for someone to steal the contents unnoticed.

Case Logic SLRC 205 Sling Camera Bag Review

Mobile phone compartment

One of the straps has a small flap ideal for storing a small mobile phone. My iPhone 3Gs fits inside, just. If you have a larger phone than this you’ll need to find somewhere else to keep it.

Case Logic SLRC 205 Sling Camera Bag Review

Tripod support

There’s a hook-n-loop strap to support a tripod. It’s a nice idea, best suited to small, lightweight carbon fibre tripods rather than heavier models.

Case Logic SLRC 205 Sling Camera Bag Review

Bag quality

The quality of this bag is excellent. The outside of the bag is made from hard-wearing nylon. The zips are strong and durable and have tags marked with orange thread, making it easy for you to see them.

There are three strong, conveniently placed, handles that make the bag easy to pick up. The shoulder strap is well padded and nice and wide to spread the weight. The interior is bright yellow, so it is easy to see your black accessories such as lens caps. The support straps come with velcro tabs so any unused straps don’t dangle down.

Case Logic SLRC 205 Sling Camera Bag Review

Conclusion

This is a high quality camera bag ideal for anybody who takes a minimal amount of equipment on a shoot. It is most suited for photographers who use small SLR or mirrorless cameras. It is comfortable and easy to use. The only drawbacks are the size (if you have a large camera body) and lack of a waterproof cover.

Thanks to David from Love Cases for supplying the bag for review. Love Cases is a UK based company with international delivery. You can also buy the Case Logic SLRC 205 from Amazon.

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The post Case Logic SLRC 205 Sling Camera Bag Review by Andrew S. Gibson appeared first on Digital Photography School.


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