Tamrac Velocity series sling/pack

[Jon]

I've been looking for a mid-sized sling/messenger style bag for faster, handier use when I dont' need my full rig with me. The Velocity 8 and 9 models look like they're big enough (the 9 in particular looks like it'll easily fit a fullsize body with a 200mm or so attached, and another lens) for what I want without being the cumbersome astronaut pack like my Pro-9 backpack.

I'm surious if anyone has laid hands on one of these (of any size) or has one, and what y'alls think of it in terms of handiness. I was fairly well decided on one of the Crumpler messenger bags for this use until I saw the Velocity.

[ohenry]

I have a Velocity 9 and use it for day trips when I'm only carrying a limited amount of equipment. Although it's a tight fit at the top, it will handle my Canon 1Ds with the 70-200mm attached with room to spare length wise and still have two slots alongside the lens for another lens or two. It is easy to carry on your back and quickly moves to the front of you for access. It also is easy to carry in your hand using the top mounted handle.

I had looked at the Velocity 7, but it was far too small for my wants.

[Jon]

Excellent! This is exactly what I wanted to know.

Thank you very much!

[cyclohexane]

I have a Velocity 9, and it's fantastic. I can fit a Nikon D2H with a 70-200mm f/2.8 attached (hood reversed), SB-800 flash gun, 50mm f/1.8D with hood, 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 with hood and a Nikon D70 body. There's also plenty of room for other accessories. The strap, however, leaves a little to be desired with this combo if you wear it across your shoulder without using the waist belt. A wider strap would be much more comfortable; I usually don't really wear it around though, and carry the bag from place to place. Half-empty, the problem disappears, but the support could definitely be better.

[Jon]

Thank you even more Michael, as this is almost exactly what I'll be carrying in it.

I assume your backup body is carried capped (without a lens attached)?

At $60 US (B&H price, so it's bound to be a little lower elsewhere), it's not that expensive of an experiment, but it's also enough to warrant asking around a bit.

Thanks again guys!

[cyclohexane]

My D70 is capped. I'm sure another D2H could fit, as I've carried the D2H in the "back-up" position without a problem.

I used to have a smaller bag- a Tamrac Expedition model- to carry the D70 or D2H with one lens attached (with the D70, there's room for two extra lenses, or one lens and a flash, but with the D2H the flash makes the fit rather tight) as a grab-and-go back that I'd keep in the trunk with the Velocity, but that bag's become the temporary home of my film kit until I get a more suitable bag for my FM2, EM, 20mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.4, and 105mm f/1.8 (tight fit as well, btw).

I think I actually spent more than $60, but Keeble and Shuchat's prices tend to be a bit higher than everywhere else. That's a pretty good price for the Velocity, IMHO.

[Striderxl]

I dont have alot of lenses but I do have the Velocity 7 and 9.I can have my Sigma 100-300 f4 with 1.4 converter on and it will fit in the 9.I also have a Sigma 24-70 f2.8 (both are EXs) and im able to put noth in the 7,but the 24-70 is on the camera,but I dont recommend this as there isnt alot of protection on the top.

[Blacklynx]

I have looked at the Tamrac slingpack but to be honest preffered the Lowepro Slingshot 200 AW and have reviewed it and tested it to death i have tried many many bags and i would say for this style and what you are looking for i would not dismiss it but it is of course your choice.