I wanted a bag that had no logo or identification so that I wouldn't be targeted as carrying expensive camera equipment.
I also wanted something that couldn't be pulled off my shoulder easily and was comfortable to wear.
The sling seemed the perfect choice. It's pretty comfortable and well made. The top flap unzips and opens up to reveal a semi soft container that perfectly holds my D60 with room for a pretty long lens attached to the body. My longest is the 55-200mm VR and there room for even a longer one (about 7"). What's neat is that you can leave the flap unzipped and there is a magnetic piece on the end of the flap so it can stay loosely shut without coming open.
Perfect for times when you want to store the camera temporarily.
The semi-soft container that holds the camera can be removed completely, so then you have just a bag to store anything you want.
If you continue to pull the zip open it will reveal the side of the bag to store an additional lens and/or flashgun. I find this a good idea but a little fidgety because there are two small velcro flaps that have to be undone before you pull the zip open. Nevertheless, its a good design.
There is a triangular padded piece to store a lens in but I found it too small to keep my 55-200mm VR or my 18-55mm VR. So I just keep my lens in the pouch that came with the lens and put that in the bag. No big deal.
there are two additional zipped compartments on the front and back of the bag, they are a little tight to get into but they easily store my charger, filters and additional battery.
All in all, its pretty modern looking and functional. Quite pleased.
Update: 6/28/2009
In the original review I implied that the main pouch and compartment for lens is one zip this is incorrect. There are two separate zips.(one zip does not 'continue' to open to reveal another compartment)
Also, After a couple months of usage, I'm still happy. The design of the bag has allowed me to take out the camera, turn it on, remove the lens cap and take the nearly missed picture opportunity in less than 5 seconds. I can't do this with a backpack or typical shoulder bag.
Update: 8/24/2009
Still going strong. I've been traveling around, on hikes and also to a baby shower event where the bag was indispensable.
I found that I can now keep three lenses in the bag the 55-200VR in the lens area, a 50mm 1.8d in the bottom of the main area and the D60 with 18-55mm VR attached on the cradle.
Update: 1/3/2010
I've upgraded to the Nikon D90 body. Fits perfectly. Accommodates the bigger body size well.
Update: 4/19/2011
I can hold a D90 body with a 17-55 2.8 lens attached in the main compartment with a Tokina 11-16 2.8 and nikon 85 1.4D in the side compartment, both on their side. couldn't be happier.
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I ordered this bag for a more convenient bag to carry my new Canon DSLR and a couple of lenses instead of my old large gadget bag I used with my old 35mm SLR. The XNSLR-2 is diffidently good at that.The main things I didn't like about my gadget bag was the size, it is awkward to carry and I cannot store the camera with a lens installed. Unfortunately the only thing that the XNSLR-2 does that my gadget bag doesn't do is allow me to store the camera with a lens. The XNSLR-2 is a little bit larger than I expected, I couldn't find one in a store in my area. Also, I have yet to find a comfortable position to carry the bag for an extended period of time. It is awkward to carry as sling and is a little to large to carry on a shoulder.
I find the bag great if I want to get quick access to the camera for a picture. The top flap being held closed by a magnet works for keeping it closed but I am concerned if it will remain closed so I tend to keep the zipper zipped.
With the lens compartment behind the shoulder strap, accessing the additional lens is bit awkward. A third hand would be helpful. If I cannot set the bag down I end up having to put the camera back in the bag. Support the bag with my now freed hand and pull the additional lens out. Change the lens and again put the camera back in the bag and support the bag while storing the lens. This procedure is actually more cumbersome than changing lenses with my old gadget bag.
The pockets on both sides are very deep and have plenty of room for my micro-tripod, some filters, the charger, additional memory cards and the camera's IOM. The pockets are very large, actually maybe to large. A smaller set of pockets inside the pockets for storing smaller items would have been a nice touch.
Overall this bag works although I might end up getting a holster bag for day trips when I am sure I'll only need one lens.
Update 11/25/2010: After using this case for over a year, it's days of my use might be at an end. I have upgraded my case to a Lowepro Toploader Pro 70 AW with a removable Lowepro 2S Lens Case (Black). After I use this setup for a while, I'll make a decision if I still have a need for this case too.
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The Caselogic XNSLR-2 SLR Camera Sling/Shoulder Bag is one of the best designed SLR bags for its purpose that I have used. It is a blend between a holster bag and a sling. When I wear my sling bag (Caselogics SLRC205) I feel it makes a statement "Look at me I'm a photographer". As a result, I an uncomfortable carrying in certain instances. Thus, I was looking for a small day outing bag that could hold my Nikon D90 with a zoom lens attached plus a secondary lens, flash unit and filters. The bag must provide very easy access to the camera while walking or climbing and yet provide security that items won't fall out of the bag.OK....the Caselogic XNSLR-2 does all of that in a remarkably small, well thought out design.
On the negative side, the case is more a shoulder bag than a sling. I wear it over my shoulder like a sling. However, when rotated on my back for hiking, etc. it does not lay flat and "jumps" around with my motion (unlike the SLRC205). This would have been easy for Caselogic to remedy, but I am certain they had their compromises to meet. The two zipper compartments on the front and back are a good size but little difficult to access. In addition, I would have liked a small compartment in the main camera area to hold extra SD cards or a wireless remote. Instead, I keep that stuff in one of the side compartments and need to fish around when I need them.
If your looking for a camera bag to use for a short outing and don't want to take all your stuff, this is a very good choice.
Honest reviews on Case Logic SLR Camera Sling
The Caselogic is a nice enough camera sling bag but the inside form mold didn't fit my Olympus DSLR well. The lens tube is large enough and long enough for most telephone lens. The side lens pocket is a two hand operation to get into.It's not perfect but the price is right.
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