Overall, this is a nice pack as my video details, but it needs better thought put into the pockets and storage to really compete against similar models. Caselogic is making a bid in its recent products to unseat the main players with a similar product at a better price. Unfortunately, with this bag, unless it's priced under $40 it won't accomplish this task.
Good for people with a small to moderate amount of equipment to carry on an occasional basis, this sling is a good choice. Those with larger SLR and longer wide aperture lenses will probably have to look elsewhere. While there's many pockets and zippers, they're better suited to holding papers and non-breakable equipment like filters (in a hard case) vs. being the proper size and shape for extra lenses, flash units, etc. Even the lack of memory-card sized pockets is evidence that the designers just seemed to add as many zippers and pockets without really thinking of the specific things that need to be stored securely and within easy reach.
Overall, this bag needs a revision and a lower price to be competitive to a wider audience. If you're someone with an entry level SLR and a couple of lower-end lenses, you can easily get by with this bag. For those reasons and in this competitive segment, I can only give it 3 stars a nice, durable sling, but not as well thought out as the competition and not priced to outweigh that fact.
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Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program Case Logic sells a few different styles of DSLR camera slings and the TBC-310 is their entry-level, basic sling bag. Like most of their other DSLR bags, it uses their hammock system for secure storage and quick access. I'll go over all the storage compartments, durability, padding, and convenience in this review.PROS:
Comfortable to wear
Lots of unique storage
Light-weight
Tripod straps
CONS:
Some padding deficiencies
Hard to find a place for the sling strap
STORAGE
For a relatively small bag, the TBC-310 has quite a bit of storage. The main camera compartment uses Case Logic's hammock system that allows the camera to be suspended inside. I can easily store my Canon T2i inside with an 18-55mm lens with hood in that hammock, but due to the length of the hood, it doesn't really suspend in the hammock. The hammock can be adjusted to allow another lens to be placed next to it. I can place my 55-250mm lens with hood next to it and it fits well. Unfortunately, the hammock pocket is not padded in any way so there isn't much to protect the body and extra lens from damaging each other during impact (should you drop it or throw the bag in the back seat of your car). The flap to the main pocket also has a zippered pocket on the inside for miscellaneous items.
The TBC-310 also has a large front pocket that has a mesh pocket inside and another zippered pocket. I was able to easily put my lens pen, lens caps, memory card reader, and charger in this pocket, with room for more. A zippered napolean pocket graces the front of the large front pocket as well. The top of the TBC-310 has another zippered pocket that is fairly deep. You could probably put another body in it but I chose to put my BlackRapid Strap RS-7 strap there. On the opposite side of the main camera pocket are straps for securing a tripod.
CONSTRUCTION & DURABILITY
The construction of the TBC-310 is very solid. All the zippers work smoothly and everything is stitched together well. The nylon exterior is very easy to clean and I have no complaints with the build quality of the TBC-310.
CONVENIENCE
Sling bags are ideal for some people. The way Case Logic implemented the TBC-310 made it very comfortable to wear and easy to slide the main camera pocket around to access the stored camera. The section of the back that rests on the wearer's body is padded well for extra comfort. Every pocket is easy to get to and access, but I had a problem when I had to put the bag down. First, I couldn't lay it straight down on the bottom without leaning it on something. If I wanted it to stay upright without leaning it, I had to lay it down on its side where the tripod straps are. Second, I couldn't figure out what to do with the sling strap. Since it's a long single strap, it's just kind of out there. Case Logic does include a velcro wrap to secure excess strap material but the bag could've really used something to keep the strap flush against the back of the bag when not being worn-maybe a clip.
PADDING
The padding around the TBC-310 is pretty good but there are two areas that need additional padding-the hammock and the main front pocket. I already mentioned that the hammock has no padding so when configured to place another lens beside it, there is nothing to keep the lens and camera body from damaging each other. The main front pocket has basically no padding at all so it probably wouldn't be a good idea to put an iPhone in there.
CONCLUSION
The Case Logic TBC-310 is a pretty decent sling bag. It's a useful form factor and has enough storage for carrying a fair amount of gear. However, there are some shortcomings when it comes to padding and I'm still not sure what to do with the large strap when not being worn. Still, the TBC-310 is worth trying out if you're a casual user who doesn't need to carry a ton of equipment.
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Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program I use this with a Nikon D700 (without battery pack), SP 24 flash, 24-70 lens,70-200 lens, Lumiquest flash box with filters, 28mm lens, 50mm lens, spare batteries for flash and camera, and last but not least SD Cards.All this fits nicely except the 70-210, which I strap to the outside using the tripod loops as an anchor point.
So lets talk about the feel of this bag and its usability from its intended across the body position. To be candid I found this position both awkward, and cumbersome. I think if you were using this bag with a small point and shoot non-slr type camera it would be fine. But SLR's are larger, heavier and can require some dexterity to be able to change lenses, manipulate controls and at the same time frame shots. I did like the bag as more of a shoulder set up, and found it such a nice size for a day style pack if you know what your walking into and feel comfortable leaving behind your extras. I used this bag for a friends wedding and found it just perfect. I could bring all my basics, cleaning items, and still have my lens choices (within reason of course.)
All and all a nice bag, comfortable...but limited a bit more functional than say a Tamarac day pack (which I have).
Honest reviews on Case Logic TBC-310 SLR Sling for Camera (Black)
First note I paid $22 for this bag as a lightning deal. We added a third lens and our old bag just would not hold it. I really like this bag. It has ample room for what we carry Canon T2i body, 50mm lens, 18-135 zoom lens, 55-250 zoom lens, batteries, and a few small odds and ends. It is easy to get the camera out without moving everything. Padding is moderate. The strap could be a little bit bigger. Overall we are very happy especially for $22, but I think it is worth the $35 that amazon is currently asking.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Case Logic TBC-310 SLR Sling for Camera (Black)
I originally had a tiny bag for my Canon EOS Rebel 3. It was also a Case Logic and came with a bundle I bought with the camera. It was ok for just storing, but nothing I would want to carry my camera around in on a trip anywhere.This sling is wonderful. I needed extra storage for a large lens that I have and also the camera itself. I am able to store all my extras, including the camera instructions, in case I need them, the battery charger and extra memory cards. We recently went on a trip away from home and I wanted something to carry so I would not need my purse(I am writing this review on our joint account-I know my husbands name is at the top)and I was able to fit all of the above including my wallet, couple necessities and a small snack for my kids. I only needed the one bag and it was awesome. It is so comfortable on my back and very lightweight so I don't even notice it is there. If I saw a shot I wanted to capture, it took seconds to flip the bag around and have my camera handy.
I did read others reviews on the bag and though some may say the pocket on top should open the other way, it doesn't really bother me because if I need to access that pocket I usually have the backpack/sling off. I think this sling is perfect for me and couldn't be happier with my purchase!
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