Last year when I went on a trip I packed the 200AW with my 30D (with grip), the 24-70 f2.8 L (mounted on the camera), a 70-200 f4 L and an EF-S 10-22mm. Plus a few other odds and ends such as batteries and hoods.

You’re trying to pack 4 lenses in total so it might be a tight fit but I think you can do it. Remember, the top compartment can also hold one or two smaller lenses although they will be rather loose.

I’m glad to see that you fit your camera WITH grip in it. I’m not sure on the size of the 30D and Grip, but do you reckon a 5D with Grip and 24-70 F4 L & Lens Hood would fit nicely in the main compartment?

I hope to fit in a 17-40 F4 L , 50mm F1.4, 85mm F1.8 (+ Hood) and a 430EX flash in the remaining compartments.. do you think I will be able to fit all of this in the main compartment?

I would prefer to use the top compartment for other stuff (and maybe the hood for the 17-40).

thanks
Michiel

Thans a lot! I’m on the way to bie a bag like this, your previews and experiences are very usefull!!! I will bie one!
Thanks!

Kristóf Som

I could never part with my grip either so I know what you mean. Another thing you might try with the grip on is to rotate your camera position in the bag. Turn the body so that the bottom of the grip is in the bottom of the bag and the flash mount is pointing upwards towards the large pocket. In your photo above just rotate it clockwise and leave the strap where you have it. Mine fits with a much better balance in the 300 that way and might help on your 200 zipper issue.

I will read your review of the CompuTrekker next. I have been considering it for another use. I am also exploring the options of a Pelican 1510-1514 set-up. The 1510 without an insert and dropping my LowePro Toploader 75 AW with Lens Cases in it for travel. Makes for quick removal and shooting from the hip. I mainly do a lot of concerts. So I am still trying to find that perfect “light load bag” for shows.

I find myself stuffing pass lanyards with metal edged clips in the top of the 300 a lot so I feel the microfiber cloth has been helping out on not only preserving the LCD but the camera finish too.

ROCK ON!

I would imagine the zipper doesn’t close due to the weight of the camera in that area. Like you said, it’s probably from the grip. I wouldn’t give up the grip though, it’s too useful to me. The zipper thing is just a minor annoyance that occurs only sporadically when I’m in too much of a hurry and I’m trying to close it with one hand only.

To be honest I wouldn’t carry a tripod on those straps. Not my tripod at any rate. I have a Manfrotto 055 MF3 and it is big and heavy (ish). Well, it’s not that heavy compared with a regular tripod since it’s carbon fiber but it weighs almost as much as the bag and clipping it to one side would completely unbalance the bag.

However, for more equipment + a tripod I have my Lowepro CompuTrekker that’s designed specifically for a tripod.

The reason that your zippers on the main lid are not coming together properly is because of the battery grip on your camera body. The bag was designed to hold a camera with a height of about 5-1/2″ whereas your camera and grip are about 6-1/2″ … that 1″ does make a difference. Remove the grip and I think the problem will disappear.

There is a place to carry a tripod. The straps you mention that hold lens cases and water bottles can also be utilized to carry a tripod.

The issue of the bag tipping over. Yes, it does happen when you just sit the bag down. The easiest solution to fix that is lay the bag down on its back or side. You really can’t access the bag main compartment with it standing anyway, when not worn. I’ve gottten in the habit of just laying it down on an available table or propped upright in a chair facing the strap outwards.

I hope some of those little tips have helped. I have used the Slingshot 300 with some of the same results you mention except the zipper issue as the 300 is designed to carry the body with grip attached. It becomes a heavier bag though since you can carry much more in it.

ROCK ON!