Lowepro’s latest camera bags in their ‘sling’ lineup is the Urban Photo Sling. This just-released product comes in two sizes and is completely customizable.
I was sent the larger 250 model that can accommodate a pro DSLR (without grip) with an attached 70-200mm lens, two extra lenses or flash units, or a flash and one lens, a digital tablet, and a small tripod or water bottle in its side pocket. There’s also room for accessories and personal items, as well as a velcro-enclosed pocket for an SD card.
The Urban Photo Sling’s little brother (150) fits either a DSLR with attached 55-200mm lens plus either two extra lenses OR a flash and one lens plus a tablet, accessories and personal items. Another possible configuration is a CSC with attached kit lens, three extra lenses or a flash plus two lenses and tablet.
The Urban Photo Sling offers a modern, comfortable, and versatile way to carry and access both camera gear and digital tablet. You can wear it three ways: front, back, or side. It can be loaded two ways: either from the top or with the front panel fully opened.
A dedicated tablet compartment with protective padding is located inside the bag at the rear. I loaded the bag and tried various configurations with the camera body, lens, and flash unit.
As with many camera bags on the market, you can resize the interior sections via repositioning them on the velcro walls on either side. On the bottom, there’s two black panels that velcro together that will secure any smaller lenses that you pack down there.
I like the idea of carrying all my gear in a sling fashion, as the gear’s more readily available than most backpack models I’ve seen. The padded, adjustable shoulder strap includes a band to catch the excess strap length.
The Urban Photo Sling’s top flap contains a small, non-obtrusive honeycomb pattern design. That same flap is secured via two side clips as well as velcro in front. Once lifted, a small zippered section can store a couple of smart phones, notepads, pens and a set of keys (using attached key clip). I like the simplicity and practicality of this bag.
Additional storage on one side will fit a small water bottle or tripod, while on the other, a slim, velcro-enclosed pouch will be great for loose change, a bus pass, or pocket map.
As well, a tiny interior velcro pocket can stow an SD card.
Both models include a waist belt that tucks away when not needed and a carry handle on top.
The 250’s dimensions:
Exterior: 10.8″ (27.5 cm) wide, 8.1″ (20.5 cm) deep, 13.6″ (34.5 cm) high
Interior: 8.3″ (21 cm) wide, 4.7″ (12 cm) deep, 11.8″ (30 cm) high
For comparison, the smaller 150’s dimensions:
Exterior: 10.6″ (27 cm) wide, 7.2″ (18.3 cm) deep, 11.6″ (29.5 cm) high
Interior: 7.7″ (19.5 cm) wide, 4.5″ (11.5 cm) deep, 9.8″ (25 cm) high
Pros
Doesn’t look like a camera bag
Back of bag and strap both padded
Configurable interior that works with a variety of camera bodies and accessories
Cons
The weight of the sling (when loaded) takes a little getting used to, depending on both your body frame and how you’ll ultimately wear it
The Urban Photo Sling 150 retails for CAD $89.00; the 250 for CAD $109.00 and is available in black for now, however the line may expand to offer other colours in the near future.
Disclosure note: I was sent the Urban Photo Sling 250 for the purpose of writing this review: cmply.2