Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III Camera Sling Bag Review
Don't be put off by its long-winded name - the Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III is a great way to carry a small selection of camera gear.
As a photographer who lugs around a rolling case of camera gear and another bag for lighting, there is something freeing about taking your small camera and lens set out into the world for leisure.
One has to consider what type of bag – backpack, messenger bag or sling bag.
Impressively lightweight camera sling bag that's easy to access and comfortable to carry.
I recently purchased an electric bike, and I needed a carrying case that could house my Nikon Z fc camera, a few lenses, a small flash, and personal items like snacks, water, phone, and other essentials.
I want to be able to pull off to the side, reach in and grab my camera and take some images from atop my bike, put it back, and drive off.
I thought the Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III sling bag might be perfect.
Let’s take a look at its features.
Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III Bag Specs
- Very lightweight
- Room for personal gear
- Has multiple ways to carry a tripod
- A true quick-reach design for accessing gear
- Small in overall size
- A soft pocket for small tablets 10 inches or less
- Not particularly stylish
- Does not hold larger gear easily
- Not best for Class 4 hiking with climbing
- Capacity: 1 DSLR or mirrorless camera with attached lens (such as a 70-200mm f/2.8), 3-4 additional lenses, a flash, a 10″ tablet, and personal items.Exterior dimensions (WxDxH): 11.42 x 6.3 x 17.32 inches (29 x 16 x 44 cm)
- Interior dimensions (WxDxH): 9.84 x 4.72 x 11.81 inches (25 x 12 x 30 cm)Tablet compartment dimensions (WxDxH): 9.84 x 0.59 x 11.02 inches (25 x 1.5 x 28 cm)Weight: 2.2 lbs (1 kg)
- Materials: 420D nylon Oxford cloth with a water-repellent coating, 210D nylon ripstop, and 350G air mesh.Access: Slingshot design for quick access to gear from the side of the body, without removing the bag.
- Organization: Multiple pockets and compartments, including a front pocket for personal items, a top pocket for quick access to smaller items, and a main compartment for camera gear.
- Protection: Built-in All Weather AW Cover to protect gear from rain, snow, dust, and sand.
- Carrying options: Adjustable padded shoulder strap and removable waist belt for comfortable carrying.
Build & Appearance
Side view of the Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III Bag as worn by a photographer.
I consider the Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III Sling Bag solidly built, but not necessarily one for hardcore hikers who may rub it against abrasive rocks and the like. However, it feels tough enough for urban travel and light hikes.
The area that houses your camera gear has quick access and is the same as in Lowepro’s higher-end camera bags and will surely protect your cameras and lenses.
The design is all about function and not high style. This small bag (check out the external dimensions below) is perfect for the mobile creator who is on the move, whether that be on foot, bus, or bike.
the Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III Bag slung over the shoulder of a photographer on an e-bike.
The Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III Bag comes in grey (as seen here) and black.
Exterior Features
The Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III Bag sitting on the seat of an e-bike.
The Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III Bag has an outside zipped pocket that can house personal gear such as cell phones, pens, memory cards, batteries, and more.
The bottom has straps to secure a tripod. The outer side pouch can house a compact tripod, and there is an optional cinch strap for securing it.
Outside accessory pouch of the Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III Bag.
The shoulder strap of the Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III Bag.
The shoulder strap appears to be strong and of such quality that it will not wear out. It feels comfortable and sits securely on my body.
Zipper straps of the main compartment of the Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III Bag in adventure-colored orange
The zippers are adorned with loops colored in adventure orange, much like the Apple Watch Ultra, and are of high quality.
Interior Features
The main compartment of this sling bag has an orange-colored flexible divider that allows one to tilt it down to retrieve gear within the next area without having to remove the divider.
The entrance area to the Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III is designed for a small camera with a lens attached to grab a quick shot easily.
The other areas can house small lenses or other accessories such as my tiny Nissin i40 flash.
Camera gear sitting beside the Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III sling bag.
The camera sling bag comes with an all-weather aw cover to protect it from moisture or dust and can be housed inside when not in use or left behind at home.
Storage Capacity
The main compartment of the Slingshot SL 250 AW III bag housed with camera gear.
A small mirrorless camera such as my Nikon Z fc with Nikon 28mm f/2.8 lens attached along with another prime lens and small flash can easily fit within the main compartment.
Perhaps a small DSLR could as well, but I’m not so sure it could have a lens attached unless it’s a pancake prime. There is a small, hidden pouch at the top of the flap that would be perfect for a memory card or Apple Air Tag.
The top compartment is a catch-all that can hold quite a bit of personal or camera accessory items. There is also an inner sleeve that can fit a tablet of 10 inches or less.
The top pouch of the Slingshot SL 250 AW III bag is filled with personal items and camera accessories.
Ease of Use/Comfort
The Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III bag is SO LIGHT that even with a camera, two lenses, flash, and a bunch of accessories it felt as though it was barely there.
This was a pleasant surprise although I’m sure it was designed this way.
How I Tested the Slingshot SL 250 AW III Bag
Close up of a camera being taken out of the Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III main compartment.
The Slingshot SL 250 AW III Bag has definitely for an on-the-go photographer, and I think it will be the perfect small camera bag for me as I jet around town on my electric bike.
I need a bag that will not slide around on me as I ride and also will allow quick access to my camera gear.
I’m happy to report I can pull to the side, sling the bag around to my front torso, pull out my camera for the picture, put it back, and ride away quickly. It’s going to get me to take more photos during my urban adventures.
The easy access point is perfect for street photographers, and I plan on taking it into the city myself.
Alternatives to the Lowepro Slingshot
The Urban Access™ 8 Sling Bag from Think Tank Photo is probably the closest competitor, and if you are looking for a more stylish bag, the Peak Design Everyday Sling may be interesting.
I think this Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III Bag is the slimmest of those options and best for the truly on-the-go photographer.
For very long hikes or professional client shoots where you want to bring multiple bodies, this is not the best option.
Value for Money
The Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III Bag is a bit over $100 and is a great balance of quality and reasonable cost. You are getting a well-made product from a reputable company.
If you need an even simpler setup where one camera with a lens attached and space for only a few small items, check out the company’s Top Loader series bags such as the Toploader Photo Active TLZ 50 AW.
FAQ’s
Will this bag fit a 70mm – 20mm lens?
While possible, this is not a bag designed for that type of large lens.
Will this bag fit a laptop?
No, this is designed for small tablets like a 9.7 inch iPad.
Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III Bag Review | Conclusion
I will be using the Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III Bag for my urban adventures in rotation with my larger bags for client work and messenger bags for working at the coffee shop.
There is a reason why we photographers have entire closets dedicated to camera bags, as they all serve different purposes.
I’m looking forward to speeding along on my electric bike with the Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III Bag on my body.
Whether you move by foot, train, bus, or truck, this bag will make a nimble travel companion.
Impressively lightweight camera sling bag that's easy to access and comfortable to carry.
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Steve Vansak is lead photographer and owner of Region Weddings, shooting wedding and portrait photography in Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
