Just placed my order for the lowepro photo sport 30L bag. I've been using the slingshot 102aw up until now, but have outgrown it. I choose the 30L size as they advertise the camera compartment is large enough for a gripped fx body plus telephoto zoom. I also like the design, materials, and construction. Was very pleased with the slingshot so I'm sticking with lowepro.
What do y'all use and what are your favorite features / design?
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Different horses for different courses. Use the equipment that works for each particular gig. I have (in no particular order)...
1. A cheap Case backpack that holds a bunch of stuff with provisions for a tripod on the outside. I use it for storing gear and also to transport gear from A to B when I know I won't be shooting in between A and B.
2. A soft sided black duffle bag that just barely fits carryon specs for the airlines. I use it when I fly. Key toiletries go in to it plus enough clothing to provide cushioning. After that, a body or two, a couple of lens, batteries, SD cards, 1-2 speed lights, a portable soft box with stand, a cloth backdrop with clamps and duct tape, and a tripod. Yes..it all fits and its all carry-on.
3. I just bought an Under Armour backpack with storm technology (water proof). Bottom half has a Timbuktu insert to hold a couple of lens and speed lights, upper half can hold clothes or binders with portfolios and client notes. Plus space for a laptop. I use it for some client meetings where I only want to take in one back or some hikes. Great backpack--just small enough to carry a lot without being so big that I can't take it in to a client meeting).
4. I have a messenger bag that holds a laptop, a body and 3 lens plus some smaller crap. I use that for small location shoots or when I want my camera accessible at any moment (like safari trips or being in a car).
5. I have a black tactical vest which I use when in the car or with food photography or some sports work. It's not designed for camera work, I actually got it off of a police equipment website.
6. I have a Tamrac holster. I prefer that to a sling. It will hold a body with 3 lens. Or if I have a body and lens on a Black Rapid, it will hold a speed light and 1-2 lens plus smaller crap (extra SD cards, battery, notes, granola bar, zip lock bag in case it starts raining).
7. As a wedding present, a couple that like to hike gave my wife and I a fanny pack that has side pockets for two water bottles. This fanny pack is big enough to carry a body with a medium sized 200mm zoom (say...f4.5, not an f2.8) inside it. I use this when I'm primarily going hiking, long walk with the dog, and I don't want a camera bouncing around outside me but I do want one available.
I have tried and never kept any slings--I like the holster much better. If I need something that holds more gear than a holster, either the messenger bag suffices OR I take a small backpack/daypack and just wear it on one should. The two pieces of "schlepping gear" that I use the most are the duffle bag (I fly A LOT with camera gear on work assignments) and my holster (it sometimes goes in the duffle bag for when I get to where I'm flying and need something for location/travel gear while there). My wife hates all of the gear I have to store and carry my equipment. If I was forced to downsize (i.e.: gun to my head), I'd ditch the Case camera backpack first, then probably the tactical vest, and then the fanny pack.
Yeah, I don't like wearing gear that screams "expensive camera gear"...especially backpacks when you're around pickpockets (very easy for an associate to distract you while someone quietly unzips a rear pocket).
I am a huge believer that if you're going to be wearing your gear (in a backpack, messenger bag, holster or sling), you need to try it on. How it wears on you, how it rides on you, how you access it...all of that varies with each individual. What works for you may be a train wreck for me (and vice versa).
