Has anyone bought one of these bags?

hillwalkinggirl

hillwalkinggirl

Suspended / Banned
Messages
4,184
Name
Barbara
Edit My Images
No
Just looking at one of these bags - Lowepro Fastpack 100 - and wondered whether they would be any good. Does anyone own one, and if so what did they think of it.

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Fastpack-100,2084,14.htm

Any comments would be welcome please, to help me in my buy a bag decision.
 
Think these are only just released so won't be many around.
 
EDIT: Whoops, my mistake. I've got the Slingshot 100.

Haha, what a coincidence. I bought one today! (as well as started my DSLR journey)!

In the equipment compartment I have a Nikon D60 attached to an 18-55mm and a 55-200mm sitting in a separated compartment. There's room for two more lenses or a flash or something. Nice little bag although I would have liked something with a bigger accessories compartment; It's kind of small but then again a cell phone, pen, and paper is really all I'm going to be taking with me usually. It's fairly lightweight and feels quite sturdy. I'm not afraid something's going to happen to the camera. If you pack light and don't need a suitcase of a bag then it's the way to go. I've been wearing it all day today and love the quick access and it's quite comfortable! I'll put up some photos of it in a few minutes (and oddly enough, I didn't take the photos with my new dSLR, lol)
 
Thanks for your comments Markk - even if it was the wrong bag.:D I was thinking of getting the Slingshot 100 but decided against it as I suffer badly with my neck and decided a backpack would be better.

I tried the Slingshot and the Fastpack 100 on at the camera shop, and what I really liked about the fastpack was that it seemed very comfortable and it had more room for things like waterproof, sandwiches, etc.

The only thing I wasn't sure about was when you pulled it round to the front how secure it would feel when pulling your camera out of the side entrance. I think that next time I go to the shop I will take all my gear with me and try it in it.
 
I have just taken delivery of the Fastpack 250. Can't tell you what it's like though, As I've not used it yet. The only thing I can say is that'll it will take my Canon 20D with 100-400L attached, which I'm really happy about.
 
Torpedo said:
I have just taken delivery of the Fastpack 250. Can't tell you what it's like though, As I've not used it yet. The only thing I can say is that'll it will take my Canon 20D with 100-400L attached, which I'm really happy about.
Click to expand...

Let me know how you get on with it please. It's just bigger that the 100, but I think the design is the same, so I am really interested to know whether you have any problems accessing the camera's and gear.
 
hillwalkinggirl said:
Thanks for your comments Markk - even if it was the wrong bag.:D I was thinking of getting the Slingshot 100 but decided against it as I suffer badly with my neck and decided a backpack would be better.

I tried the Slingshot and the Fastpack 100 on at the camera shop, and what I really liked about the fastpack was that it seemed very comfortable and it had more room for things like waterproof, sandwiches, etc.

The only thing I wasn't sure about was when you pulled it round to the front how secure it would feel when pulling your camera out of the side entrance. I think that next time I go to the shop I will take all my gear with me and try it in it.
Click to expand...

I went to the store today to check out the other bag I was contemplating getting and it turns out that the fastpack 100 was that very bag. It was a hard choice between the slingshot and fastpack as I really liked both. To a certain extent I regret not taking the fastpack as it had that accessories compartment slightly bigger. The equipment part was very similar to the slingshot and I didn't see anything hugely different.

If I were you I would get it most definitely. The only major differences between the slingshot and fastpack would be the bigger acc. compartment and two straps (and I believe the rain/dust cover that slips out of the bottom). If you can't use the slingshot then the fastpack is an awesome bag too IMHO which acts very similar to the slingshot if you can manage to take your right arm out of the strap.
 
I got a fastpack 200 free with photoplus mag (£40 for the year, so good value). I found the bag too big for my 400d and 3 lenses. Also I found the bag quite heavy and the back was very rigid. I prefer something a little smaller and more flexible for walking. The 200 would fit in 400d or 40d (this would fit better than the 400d) with lens fitted, a flash unit and up to 3 more lenses, depending on their size (I'm thinking 18-55 / 55-250 sort of size).
I think their is another range of lowepro back packs (name escapes me at the moment) that are waterproof, the fastpack is only showerproof (it doesn't have the extra waterproof cover).
In the end I swapped mine with a friend for a crumpler bag, which is fantastic!
 
Nixtoo said:
I got a fastpack 200 free with photoplus mag (£40 for the year, so good value). I found the bag too big for my 400d and 3 lenses. Also I found the bag quite heavy and the back was very rigid. I prefer something a little smaller and more flexible for walking. The 200 would fit in 400d or 40d (this would fit better than the 400d) with lens fitted, a flash unit and up to 3 more lenses, depending on their size (I'm thinking 18-55 / 55-250 sort of size).
I think their is another range of lowepro back packs (name escapes me at the moment) that are waterproof, the fastpack is only showerproof (it doesn't have the extra waterproof cover).
In the end I swapped mine with a friend for a crumpler bag, which is fantastic!
Click to expand...

I also got this backpack from the magazine, it is very good i think but it is my 1st bag so i have nothing to compare it against. It fits my Canon 40D with 70-200mm lens attached and my 17-85mm lens and my nifty fifty quite easily.
 
Markk said:
I went to the store today to check out the other bag I was contemplating getting and it turns out that the fastpack 100 was that very bag. It was a hard choice between the slingshot and fastpack as I really liked both. To a certain extent I regret not taking the fastpack as it had that accessories compartment slightly bigger. The equipment part was very similar to the slingshot and I didn't see anything hugely different.

If I were you I would get it most definitely. The only major differences between the slingshot and fastpack would be the bigger acc. compartment and two straps (and I believe the rain/dust cover that slips out of the bottom). If you can't use the slingshot then the fastpack is an awesome bag too IMHO which acts very similar to the slingshot if you can manage to take your right arm out of the strap.
Click to expand...

Thank you for your feedback Markk, I think this might be the one to get, but I will take a trip to the camera shop with my gear to test it before buying.

Slapo said:
It looks like Slingshot is for shorter trips and Fastpack is meant for longer hikes, as it has two shoulder straps.
Click to expand...
Thankyou for your reply Slappo, Yes I think you're right.

Nixtoo said:
I got a fastpack 200 free with photoplus mag (£40 for the year, so good value). I found the bag too big for my 400d and 3 lenses. Also I found the bag quite heavy and the back was very rigid. I prefer something a little smaller and more flexible for walking. The 200 would fit in 400d or 40d (this would fit better than the 400d) with lens fitted, a flash unit and up to 3 more lenses, depending on their size (I'm thinking 18-55 / 55-250 sort of size).
I think their is another range of lowepro back packs (name escapes me at the moment) that are waterproof, the fastpack is only showerproof (it doesn't have the extra waterproof cover).
In the end I swapped mine with a friend for a crumpler bag, which is fantastic!
Click to expand...
Thank you Nixtoo. I think that the 200 would be too big for me as well, as I only want something to carry my Nikon body and maybe 2 prime lens, and then to have room for waterproof, water bottle, fleece and sandwiches.

Oakey22 said:
I also got this backpack from the magazine, it is very good i think but it is my 1st bag so i have nothing to compare it against. It fits my Canon 40D with 70-200mm lens attached and my 17-85mm lens and my nifty fifty quite easily.
Click to expand...

Thanks Oakey, I looked at the mag subscription but it's for Canon mag and not Nikon.
 
Right, I've still not used it in anger yet, but have put some of my equipment in it. I have a Canon 20D with 100-400L attached, Canon 10-22, Sigma 18-200 OS and a 580EX flash in the other compartments.
DSCF1810.jpg


I have slung it around, with the left strap still on my shoulder and have got my camera out, and back in, without any problems. Even with all that kit, I am happy that it is secure enough. My only gripe is that I can not fit my Siggy 150 macro in, standing up. But I did not intend to carry all my kit in it. In fact, it will probably be 20D + 18-200, and maybe the Nifty Fifty, and that's it. Bought it to travel light, and also have room for all the kids' stuff.
 
Torpedo said:
Right, I've still not used it in anger yet, but have put some of my equipment in it. I have a Canon 20D with 100-400L attached, Canon 10-22, Sigma 18-200 OS and a 580EX flash in the other compartments.
DSCF1810.jpg


I have slung it around, with the left strap still on my shoulder and have got my camera out, and back in, without any problems. Even with all that kit, I am happy that it is secure enough. My only gripe is that I can not fit my Siggy 150 macro in, standing up. But I did not intend to carry all my kit in it. In fact, it will probably be 20D + 18-200, and maybe the Nifty Fifty, and that's it. Bought it to travel light, and also have room for all the kids' stuff.
Click to expand...

Thank you Torpedo for taking the trouble to photograph it for me. Please let me know how you get on with it "when used in anger". :thankyou:
 
I have the 200 version and so far have found it to be excellent, took it on a trip recently and held my d200 and 2 additional lens and all the other bits and bobs easily and plenty of room for the sandwiches in the top compartment, comfort wise have had no real problems with it at all, and did give it a really good test wandering around the streets of Rome on a hot day fully loaded, the quick access is great to quickly get to the camera, so all in all i would recommend the two hundred version
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Oakey22
I also got this backpack from the magazine, it is very good i think but it is my 1st bag so i have nothing to compare it against. It fits my Canon 40D with 70-200mm lens attached and my 17-85mm lens and my nifty fifty quite easily.

Thanks Oakey, I looked at the mag subscription but it's for Canon mag and not Nikon.
Click to expand...

Digital Camera have now done a similar offer only four quarterly payments by Direct Debit of £11.95, so suitable for us Nikon people. I've sent my order in today, so hoping I will like it.
 
hillwalkinggirl said:
Digital Camera have now done a similar offer only four quarterly payments by Direct Debit of £11.95, so suitable for us Nikon people. I've sent my order in today, so hoping I will like it.
Click to expand...

I'm after a small-ish bag for holding just the main items like body, lenses, flash etc myself. Where did you see the offer? I've just been on their site and there's no mention of it....was it in the actual mag itself?

My one reservation with the back pack type of cam bags is you would need to actually take off the pack to get access, whereas with a sling over the shoulder bag, you wouldn't! :thinking:
 
Rex_Ham said:
I'm after a small-ish bag for holding just the main items like body, lenses, flash etc myself. Where did you see the offer? I've just been on their site and there's no mention of it....was it in the actual mag itself?

My one reservation with the back pack type of cam bags is you would need to actually take off the pack to get access, whereas with a sling over the shoulder bag, you wouldn't! :thinking:
Click to expand...

Heres the link www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/dcm/p055

This bag actually works like the slingshot but has two straps like a rucksack so you don't have to take the rucksack off to get access.
see http://products.lowepro.com/product/Fastpack-200,2085,14.htm and then product video to see how it works.
 
Right, thanks for the links....looks very quick (too quick - they could've shown how to swing it round to the front again a bit slower...twas like a blur almost!)

I'm gonna pop into town tomorrow and go into jessops and try that and others out for size and comfort.....

Thanks again
 
This post has been very useful as I am thinking of getting the Fastpack 200.
I currently have the Slingshot 100 which is now too small for all my gear, as I have more now than I used to.
I also find the Slingshot a liitle uncomfortable with my back and shoulder and so I thought a backpack, with 2 straps was the best way to go.
 
BellyBoy said:
This post has been very useful as I am thinking of getting the Fastpack 200.
I currently have the Slingshot 100 which is now too small for all my gear, as I have more now than I used to.
I also find the Slingshot a liitle uncomfortable with my back and shoulder and so I thought a backpack, with 2 straps was the best way to go.
Click to expand...

Hiya Chris....

I've looked more into the fastkpack since reading the original post....it looks like the one I'll be getting now myself ;)

HERE'S A QUICK VID on the ergonomics of it......my one small reservation with it is, it only provides access from the left shoulder....I usually wear mine (when not fully in place on my back...) on the right shoulder!

If they addressed this, it'd be spot on for most people then I'd have thought..... :clap:
 
Rex_Ham said:
Hiya Chris....

I've looked more into the fastkpack since reading the original post....it looks like the one I'll be getting now myself ;)

HERE'S A QUICK VID on the ergonomics of it......my one small reservation with it is, it only provides access from the left shoulder....I usually wear mine (when not fully in place on my back...) on the right shoulder!

If they addressed this, it'd be spot on for most people then I'd have thought..... :clap:
Click to expand...

Thanks for that Phil, yes I can see about the left access issue. I might try one tomorrow and see what it's like when I go shopping.
If I buy it, I will post a review on here.
 
I haven't tried the fastpack specifically, but the Phototrekker has done me well for about 5 years, loaded to the brim. They are well made and keep the weather out even in hard driving rain. I use mine for transporting gear on a motorcycle - so it really get some abuse. If you have seen a maniken on the Lowepro stand with a Trekker on it and m/c helmet with half of it worn away - that was my bag and the rucksack that went down the road in a long slide over in the States - the gear was OK inside, it just tore the fabric a bit.
I also have a Dryzone rucksack - a bit heavy but totally waterproof. I had a hand in the design of that for my marine photography. I take my gear on the sea LOT - and it needed something to keep the saltwater at bay when chasing boats in a wet RIB.

If the bag does what you need it to, then Lowepro are a good buy.
 
hillwalkinggirl said:
Digital Camera have now done a similar offer only four quarterly payments by Direct Debit of £11.95, so suitable for us Nikon people. I've sent my order in today, so hoping I will like it.
Click to expand...

yep,took out a subscription yesterday over the phone.will use it as a walkabout bag when i don't need to take all of my kit in the mini trekker,and i can put some food/dring in the top compartment.
 
Here's another vote for the fastpack 250. I use one to carry my laptop (a Dell XPS 1530) 40D body, 17-40, 70-200 and a flash every day. That also includes the laptop charger, external HD, filters, memory cards, spare batteries amongst other bits.

I purchased it simply because I was fed up of never having my kit with me. I now have enough I need to cover most situations without it weighing a ton!

It has also been to Rome with me on a business trip as it fits the specs of most airlines perfectly.
 
+1 for the Fastpack (250 for me), I would agree that it can be a bit much to walk around all day with and have a Crumpler Pretty Boy XXXL for something lighter/less obvious.
 
Well, I went into Jessops in town and tried on the b-packs.

Verdict: Didn't like the slingshot - just didn't 'feel' right....wasn't comfortable with the strap across the chest design, though I dare say, some love it - we're all different.... :shrug:

Tried the fastpack 200 and though I'd have preferred the option to have it opening the other side to suit my right sided bias, I preferred that over the slingshot, BUT.... I found it a bit too big for what I wanted.

Now it's not that big at all, but I just wanted something nice and compact for town/city shooting, storage for just an extra lens and a gorillapod and couple of bits n bobs!

I'm sure the FB 100 would've been ideal....but the store never had them :bang:

Anyway, as it happens, I've subscribed to Canon's Photoplus magazine as Nixtoo did, and the Fastpack 200 is still on offer for taking up subscription - oh well I thought, I'll have it anyway, and if I don't like it when I've put my stuff in it - I can always try and get a swap with someone who wants to upgrade from the 100.... :thumbs:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top