alesner wrote:
Hey folks! Has anyone seen a camera bag that can be used as a backpack AND used as a side sling? I feel like I am looking for something that may not exist! I want the versatility of something I can wear on my back for travel, but be able to wear it as a front sling to use when shooting to change lenses carefully.
What do other photographers use when shooting and need something to hold their extra lenses?
Can anyone help? Camera bags are so expensive and I want to buy 2-in-1!
I have used the Lowepro Flipside 400 AW for a year and it still looks new. It comes in different sizes - the 300 and 500 as well. It does exactly what you are asking. Slip off the straps, swing it in front and the pack becomes a shelf in front of you, suspended by the substantial hip belt. It works and can carry more than you want:
D800, 16-35, 24-70, 70-200, 300 f4, 105 micro, 50, 2 TC's. and cards, cords, remote trigger, flash, bandana, gloves, water, snacks. All that weighs in at 28 pounds. The pull out tripod carrier works and the all-weather cover gets used in any wet, sandy, muddy conditions to allow putting the pack down and keeping
it clean and/or dry.
Of course for field work, I would never carry that many lenses at once. It also serves as my only storage locker at home. The shoulder straps can be secured in front of the pack, the hip belt reversed around the bottom of the pack and it becomes a very neat camera bag with a large carry handle on top.
http://products.lowepro.com/product/Flipside-400%20AW,2116.htm
Watch the video, it explains it all.
I recently ordered the Flipside 500 since I am obviously maxing out the 400 for storage. It is half again as large, holds all the above, two bodies with even more batteries and stuff, and my Macbook Air computer with room to spare.