Bazza, I think you'll find you can configure the compartments how you like in most bags. Certainly can with both of mine. Both will carry 2 bodies with lens attached plus other lenses and bits and bobs.

However, I prefer to carry one body with lens over one shoulder and a spare body without lens in the bag with the other equipment.

steve

low pro slingshot 200 AW, really comfortable bag. lots of room and compartments for cards , cloths , filters etc.

Being new to photography, I struggled with selecting a bag to start with. After a lot of looking around, reading reviews and soliciting feedback, I settled on a Lowepro Slingshot 100.

Considering that I don't have a lot of equipment (yet -- photography seems to be similar to bicycling in that equipment multiplies rather quickly; good thing I've been too busy to really get out there so I've been able to hold that off ) this bag works well for me. I will submit that this would most likely be too small for those with a bigger DSLR body (I have a Canon T1i/500D) and larger or more then 2 lens plus flash. For those, I'd say go with the 200 or 300 version.

Upsides to the bag:
- Pretty well padded
- Quick access to the camera (without having to take the pack off)
- Mostly stable (when using the extra strap). Tested when on my hardtail mountain bike and an easy jog through the woods.
- Fits the equipment that I have now along with my P&S and GPS.
- Built-in weatherproof cover.

Downsides to the bag:
- Not as stable as a backpack type bag (if I was on a more technical mt. bike trail on my hardtail or full-suspension bike or on a flat-out run it may bounce around a bit).
- Could have better breathability on the back.
- No option to switch the strap to the other shoulder.
- No easy way to attach a tripod.

My 2nd choice of bag was a Tamrac expedition 3 (I think the same as Phil's) which addresses all of my 'downsides' listed above. Ultimately, I decided I wanted quicker camera access and decided to leave the 'big' camera at home when hammering through the woods (I'd be going to fast to notice anything to photograph anyhow ). I can see it now, flying over the handlebars with expensive camera equipment on my back -- probably not a great idea.

Slingshot bag seems quite popular, just ordered a 300 but I'm a bit concerned it may be too big.

Hello BC!

Funny you should mention that (the 300 being too big). When I finally settled on the type of bag I went to the store to buy the 100. After more deliberation (this was the third or forth time I looked at it), I ran off to a different store (clear across town) and instead bought a 200 as the original store didn't have a 200 for me to compare side-by-side. I got it, the 200, home and stuffed my camera with lens in it and realized that my eyes were much bigger then my needs . So, back to the store to return the 200; and wouldn't you know it, they didn't have a 100. So, off to yet a 3rd store to get a 100!

All that and I'm quite happy with the 100! Here's wishing you getting what you want the first time!

LowePro slingshot 100 AW for around town carriage - D300 Camera body, batt pack attached, Zoom lens on body, two other lens in bag and a few bits and bobs.

LowePro Vertex 100 AW for a whole heap of stuff - body, 5 lenses, blower, torch, filters, remotes, etc...

Oh well, seems I will have space for a bottle of Jack Daniels and some sarnies too!

I tend to use my Crumpler Lazyboy if I'm out and about holds my dslr and holga and a flashgun and extra lens - thats my general day to day one, but now I'm getting the second body I think I might invest in a lowerpro.

I still use my Lowepro Slingshot 200, although I now have to be rather selective as to which lenses I take.

Bags

Well I had a day out with my new Slingshot 300. It is big, and it's a great bag for getting a few lenses and bits in it, you can also access your camera with the bag still attached to you... Unhook the waist strap, rotate it round in front of you, unzip and you can pull out your camera ready to fire.

Ok, have to remember I am using quite big, full frame type lenses generally, 77 or 82mm threads, and I can get about 4 inside plus camera with good size zoom. Bag is possibly a little bigger than needed. So, how does it work in practice, well you can quickly access your camera, but accessing lenses for change with it strapped to you isn't easy. Much easier to stop, put it down and open it up mi=uch like any bag. There isn't anything wrong with this bag, it's a great, well made bag, bigger than some people may need, but you could also put a carton of drink, or something useful, but it just doesn't have the advantage I really hoped for, quick access to lenses for change. for that you have to struggle with zips a little distorted by wearing the bag, undo some safety clips, net result not quite as convenient as hoped for. Good bag though and quick camera access is better than many, easpecially with a biggish zoom in place.