cmcaroffino Loc: Sebring, FL

I have been a reader and occasional participant of UHH for a while and have benefited from several useful tips and information. One was a discussion on photo backpacks a while back and someone mentioned they liked the Sirui photo backpack and that it was on sale, I found one for about half off as they were being discontinued, a great, well made & designed bag as are all the Sirui products I have tried. I mainly use it to keep all my "stuff" in one place and take out what I need for a shoot.

But recently there was a discussion on sling bags and someone on UHH mentioned they liked the Think Tank Photo Turnstyle 20 bag. Huh, I had never considered that type of bag before but his positive comments got me to thinking and I ordered one. Came a few days ago and I love it. It easily holds my D750 with the 24-120 lens (or another lens), a Sigma 100-400, the Nikon 18-35, a small flash plus my cell phone, wallet and other miscellaneous items I take with me. It is easy to access what I need and is much more comfortable to carry than the shoulder bag I was using. All I need for a days shoot ready to go. Thanks to whoever recommended it.

Another item I recommend and have been pleased with is the Sigma 100-400. A sharp lens and for $700 can't go wrong. It is the equivalent of a 600 on my D7200. Nikon doesn't have anything in this range and the Canon, Sony and Fuji are much heavier and expensive (and of course don't work on Nikon). So I hope someone finds this information as useful as I did and can benefit from it. Have a great day everyone and happy shooting.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Thinktank makes great products. I have a Retrospective7 and I love it. I must have gone through 5 or 6 other bags before I got the Thinktank. I have been very happy since.

For me the sling style does not work. Ok for hiking and street walking. But I ride a bicycle, motorcycle as well and the damn sling-things would slide around in front which was not only annoying but also dangerous. So no good. Traditional backpack style is better for me for adventure and for a camera bag I want a camera bag. LOL.

ATCurry

I use a sling bag on a motorcycle. Hike with it too. Never had the problem JD750 described. All of the bags of this type I have used (3) sit like a backpack, except the strap goes across the body. You can swing it around if needed, but it does not do it on own.

cmcaroffino Loc: Sebring, FL

I agree with you about Think Tank products, I have the Retrospective 6 bag I like when just taking a couple small prime lens and a body. No one bag does everything.

leftj Loc: Texas

Thanks! Checked it out. Think I'll order one.

ELNikkor

I'd never even heard of a photography sling-bag before reading about it in this forum, then I found a used sling-bag made by Adidas at a local flea market. It has 4 zippered compartments, and inside of those, other pockets and hiding places for all kinds of paraphernalia. Very strong quality, excellent for hiking, taking my D750 and extra lenses, filters, lunch, water bottle, wind-breaker, electronic devices etc. and cross-shoulder so everything is readily available without taking it off; even an elastic "load spring" to make it easier on the shoulder. Nearly new, and the price? $5! Couldn't pass it up!

tommystrat Loc: Bigfork, Montana

Works if you're not packing a tripod...

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

My early football and motocross years have caught up to me and is not giving me a rotator cup problem. Because of that, bending my shoulder to the rear gives me problems. That makea a regular backpack almost unuseable.

The sling packs are a welcome blessing when I need to carry several things.

drklrd Loc: Cincinnati Ohio

I got that lens with the computer lens attachment. I updated the lens last season and plan to again this year before I take it out again. I use it for sports as I can sit on the sidelines for soccer and lacrosse and not miss a shot at the goals. makes it easier to chase the players without having to chase the players. Only problem I have with it and its not really a problem is that the zoom ring turns opposite the Nikon zoom rings. It works great for me Foot Ball shots are great too. Would have preferred the Nikon lens but for the price its a great lens. I use it on one of my D7200's. On the other D7200 I keep a 18 to 140mm lens for things like half time and closer up shots. I have used it also for Hockey. Since I am the pro who shoots hockey I get that position some photographer do not want. Right next to the team with no plexi-glass in front of me.

cmcaroffino Loc: Sebring, FL

I do not have the dock for my lens and have debated whether to get it. My lens works fine, the focus is right on, I am wondering what you had to update on the lens and if it helped its performance. Is the dock something I should have?

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Personally, I've found the Condor Tactical Response Bag works for everything I need. I've been using one for the last 8-1/2 years.
https://tacticalgear.com/condor-tactical-response-bag-coyote-brown

Here's mine with a variety of equipment I carry in it.
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-349254-1.html#5868432
--Bob

drklrd Loc: Cincinnati Ohio

The update was what I did. as for what it got me. I think the lens was better focus when tracking during sport shooting. Only thing the dock does not do is other lenses. I could wish it would work for all my lenses. The focus was a bit quicker after the update.