Toploader vs Sling -

[Dogdots]

I'm heading out on a trip and my camera bag is just to big and way to heavy to be lugging around. I want to get a bag for my Canon 40d with the 70-200 attached -- a 1.4 teleconvertor will be attached soon. So I'll need space in a bag for that too. All other gear is going in another smaller bag.

What I've been looking at is the Lowepro Toploaders. There are 2 of them that look like they would work. Other then measurements I can't figure out the difference in the two. They are the Topload Zoom and the Toploader Pro 75. The Zoom is deeper and a tad higher. I like the higher part, but whats the difference in the deeper???

Then I looked at the Thinktank Digital Holster 50. This one has the expandable bottom so I can keep my lens hood in postition which I really love, but the expansion part doesn't have any protection around it so that gives me some concern.

But...there is a new sling bag at Lowepro -- at least I think it's new. The Classified Sling. That comes in two sizes which is nice. I'd have to lay it in sideways. Doubt it can fit just dropped in like they show in the photos on the Lowepro site.

I like the sling as it could serve as a resting spot for my arms and give me more stability, but I like the compactness of the toploaders.

I'm hoping someone has these or used these and can give me some advice. My times is limited since I waited till the last minute to starting hunting. It will need to be ordered by Mon. at the latest to get to me in time.

****Just looked at BH -- looks like the Topload Zoom is discontinued there

Thanks for your help :D

[craig_d]

I've owned a Toploader Zoom AW since 1995. It's a great bag. I can carry my camera with either one big zoom (like the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS) mounted on it, or a smaller lens mounted and another smaller lens in the bottom with a pad on top of it for protection. The outside section has a smaller pocket inside that can hold a couple of filters in cases, and I keep a spare battery and a Nikon Lens Pen in there too.

I have not used the other bags you mentioned.

I just recently bought another shoulder bag for those times when I want to take a few more lenses without getting too bulky or heavy. This one is the Tamrac System 3. I bought this to take on the Yosemite workshop I'm going to later this month.

[Art Scott]

I have both a topload 75 and a sling bag 350......I love the TP75....I carry in each bag(I have 2 TP75's) D300 (1 with Mb D10 Battery bolder) Sigma 50-500 or70-200 then other bag is D300 +18-70 plus a SB900 in each bag...... these bags on mounted on a Military pistol belt with matching suspenders...for MC trips or Hiking...keeps gear right where I need it........the Slingshot 350 is wonderful bag but has place for a laptop and that is wasted space I do not need......my only complaint is that I cannot get 2 systems into bag with lenses attached.....I can get all the gear I would ever want to carry in it and even fill it till I would not want to carry it.....but it has to be in pieces.....or I body and lens attached.............but as for ease of use it is great and slides right around into position easy enuff.

The Slingshot 350 will be in Our Flea Market real soon.....hopefully before I leave for Lexington Ky for a shoot...................

[Dogdots]

I've owned a Toploader Zoom AW since 1995. It's a great bag. I can carry my camera with either one big zoom (like the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS) mounted on it, or a smaller lens mounted and another smaller lens in the bottom with a pad on top of it for protection. The outside section has a smaller pocket inside that can hold a couple of filters in cases, and I keep a spare battery and a Nikon Lens Pen in there too.

I have not used the other bags you mentioned.

I just recently bought another shoulder bag for those times when I want to take a few more lenses without getting too bulky or heavy. This one is the Tamrac System 3. I bought this to take on the Yosemite workshop I'm going to later this month.

Is there room in the Toploader Zoom for the whole 40d, 70-200 2.8 IS, 1.4 converter combo? Would it be kinda tight?

Thanks for all your info :D

[Dogdots]

I have both a topload 75 and a sling bag 350......I love the TP75....I carry in each bag(I have 2 TP75's) D300 (1 with Mb D10 Battery bolder) Sigma 50-500 or70-200 then other bag is D300 +18-70 plus a SB900 in each bag...... these bags on mounted on a Military pistol belt with matching suspenders...for MC trips or Hiking...keeps gear right where I need it........the Slingshot 350 is wonderful bag but has place for a laptop and that is wasted space I do not need......my only complaint is that I cannot get 2 systems into bag with lenses attached.....I can get all the gear I would ever want to carry in it and even fill it till I would not want to carry it.....but it has to be in pieces.....or I body and lens attached.............but as for ease of use it is great and slides right around into position easy enuff.

The Slingshot 350 will be in Our Flea Market real soon.....hopefully before I leave for Lexington Ky for a shoot...................

In the slingshot ... can you put the camera in the other way vs what they show in the photo on lowepro. I'd like the butt of the camera on the bottom of the bag and the lens laying towards the top of the bag.

Sounds like you have a really good set up :D

[craig_d]

Is there room in the Toploader Zoom for the whole 40d, 70-200 2.8 IS, 1.4 converter combo? Would it be kinda tight?

Thanks for all your info :D

That works, but you have no room on top for your camera strap, so you have to stash it alongside the lens.

[Dogdots]

That works, but you have no room on top for your camera strap, so you have to stash it alongside the lens.

I'm happy to hear it works. I have one of those neoprene camera straps. I would think it would be a tight fit along side the camera. Hmmmmm.....:scratch

If B&H is discontinuing the Toploader Zoom I'm wondering if they're coming out with a newer version. Maybe more in line with the ThinkTank one with the expandable bottom?????

[Dogdots]

I just received my Lowepro Toploader Zoom :barb

Love it -- could of been a little deeper, but it works. The Lowepro Toploader 75 gives more width, but shorter in length.

Lots of storage so putting a 1.4 converter in the front pocket will work nicely.

Thanks for all the help everyone :thumb

[DonRicklin]

I have had a series of Toploaders from Lowepro! Including the really tall one with a side bag to care lots. Still use on occasion. But my current every day one is the new Toploader Oro 65 AW. It can take a fullsize body w/ grip and moderate length lens w/ room for extras like filters.

The lid flips sideways to the left instead of front or back. I have really grown to love it! I can post a link or image later if you want.

Don

[DonRicklin]

Lowepro Top Loader Pro 65 AW Camera Bag (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/611113-REG/Lowepro_LP35349_PEU_Top_Loader_Pro_65.html) works for me!

Don

[Dogdots]

Lowepro Top Loader Pro 65 AW Camera Bag (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/611113-REG/Lowepro_LP35349_PEU_Top_Loader_Pro_65.html) works for me!

Don

I really wanted to get the Toploader 75 because of how the lid opened sideways, but it wasn't long enough. I'm really hoping Lowepro is coming out with another Toploader the size I need with the side opening top since they stopped making the Zoom Toploader.