Three weeks ago Think Tank Photo announced their latest sling bag line called Sling-O-Matic. Thanks to the nice people behind Think Tank, I was able to try (exclusively?) a pre-production version of their Sling-O-Matic 30 model:
The opening is on the side which provides quick and comfortable access while the bag is on your shoulder:
A Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 (the lens on the left) easily fits in with the hood on. Behind the main opening, there is a separate compartment for a laptop (up to 15.4”).
Sling bags in general are very comfortable since they can be worn over one shoulder. However, because the weight is not evenly distributed on your back, this sometimes can cause fatigue. Think Tank solved this problem by providing a sliding rails on top of the bag that allows you to switch the position of the main strap and carry the bag over either shoulder. There is also a smaller sliding rail at the bottom to compensate the movement of the strap. The main compartment opening is always on top, independent on which shoulder the bag is carried.
Accessories: Think Tank Photo Sling-O-Matic 30 comes with additional harness system that prevents the bag from sliding. The additional straps can be attached at three different positions on the main shoulder strap. The tripod holder is located on the opposite side of the bag's opening and it comes with additional straps:
Typical to Think Tank bags, you also get a rain cover and plenty of dividers (in this case 9 in addition to the ones already inside the bag - see top pictures)
See the Sling-O-Matic in action (from thinktankphoto.com):
The full specs:
- Industry's first sling bag that can be easily switched back and forth to either shoulder
- Fits a DSLR with up to a 70-200 f/2.8 lens with hood attached
- Can fit a pro size DSLR
- Long side pocket for tripod, water bottle, etc.
- Handles on three sites
- Three zippered pockets
- Business card pocket
- Chest and waist straps
- Includes a rain cover
- Inside dimensions: 11.25” W x 16” H x 5.5” D* (28.5 x 41 x 14 cm)
- Laptop compartment dimensions: 11.25” W x 16” H x 1.5” D ( 28.5 x 41 x 3.5 cm) - fits a widescreen laptop up to 15.4"
- Outside dimensions: 12” W x 17.25” H x 7.5” D (30.5 x 44 x 19 cm)
- Weight: 2.9–4.0 lbs | 1.3–1.8 kg (depending on accessories used)
- PVC free product
- Lifetime Warranty
- Available for purchase in October
- Price: $189
In addition to the Sling-O-Matic 30, the new bag will also come in two more sizes: Sling-O-Matic 10, Sling-O-Matic 20. Check ThinkTankPhoto.com for more details.
Disclosure: Think Tank Photo is an affiliate partner of PhotoRumors.com. You can get a free camera bag for orders of $50 or more directly from Think Tank Photo if you follow this link. The shopping cart system will automatically ask you which one you’d like to add to your order.
Related posts:
- Spy shot revealed: the new Think Tank Photo’s New Sling-O-Matic
- Think Tank Photo Speed Demon v2.0 bag preview
- Quick hands-on review of the new Think Tank Photo Airport Commuter backpack
- Think Tank Photo Hydrophobia 70-200 water resistant cover review (exclusive)
- Think Tank Photo Airport Takeoff backpack preview
14 Comments
Nice but not sure if it’s $189 nice.
yea, never understood the reason behind this. If i could use this system, i can as well use much more comfortable backpack and just remove one hand from strap when need it. Normal shoulder bag causes about same fatigue and is more friendly to those who carry camera on strap AND the bag
also the moving strap while it looks good on marketing pictures, it will be hell in field. stretching and dis-forming whole bag when is loaded with some heavy stuff.
And tripod holder on slinger? Also without top protection? Lol, this stuff is just made for those who will never be able to test before buying.
My tripod, incl head, would be 70+ cm, leaving about 30cm outside of the pocket, I think that would cause some tilting of the bag.
I beat you on the exclusively thing by a week or two, but good review all the same
asdhas – I had some of the same fears that you had (above) and I’m really happy to say that I’ve not had any of the issues of which you speak.. I’m carrying a 17″ Macbook Pro, Canon 5DMKII / 70-200 2.8IS / 24-70L / 100-400 — I use the chest strap when I want the bag to stay in the one place, and, I have a backpack (Think Tank Streetwalker HD) which I have to remove to get any gear out of, or back in to – so, whilst I prefer the backpack for ergonomics (shoulder weight) it doesn’t come close to this sling for ease of use / access…
Sime
aha, did not see that online – ok, maybe next time
It’s a race
Oh, sorry.. WoutK89, I thought the same – I’m using a similar tripod to the Gitzo above… I have to say that, and it’s the same in my review, I had the tripod in the pocket – but that pocket is actually for a water bottle – there are straps that come with the bag that secure the tripod on the outside of the Sling-O-Matic (so, lower) and when worn with the chest strap – I was happily able to ride my bike and not be killed by a swinging tripod at the same time.. Hope that helps –Sime
That indeed helped a bunch
I don’t get why every camera bag from them looks like a box – I like them, but just wish they would soften them up a little.
I have an Incase sling and it is very low profile but doesn’t carry as much as this but as a small kit pack, it serves it’s purpose well. Shoulder weight IS an issue with that small bag if I go all day- no different then a shoulder bag. I would hate to see what it is with this one.
Agreed. I think they are great engineers but don’t ever go that extra step for polish.
And people who think “that’s not what they’re about” don’t get it.
Look at the Boda V3, or any LowePro bag… those are great looking bags and work very well for what they are designed to do.
That is a very ugly bag.
There are some bags created with function in mind.
What a cop-out statement. You can put function before form… and still have form. Several other bag companies have done this very well.