Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program
The AmazonBasics sling backpack for DSLR cameras is a no frills solution for taking a reasonable amount of photo gear with you when you don't want or need to lug your larger case with you. It's a great solution when you are hiking, skiing or just want a more compact way to take your essential camera gear with you.
The backpack is entirely black, no color accents or embellishment whatsoever. The backpack has a functional shoulder sling that allows you to pivot the pack to the front of your body for easy access to your camera gear when you need it. It's a fairly comfortable, sling backpack with adequate shoulder strap padding and an additional lower waist strap. There is a smaller zippered upper compartment with enough room for a good sized flash and room to spare for batteries, lens cleaning tools or maybe a PB&J for an extended hike. The main zippered compartment can be configured to your needs using a series of velcro pads of various sizes. There is also a velcro strap that can be used in whatever way you can figure out how to use it. Depending on the lenses you wish to carry and whether you want to carry the camera body with no lens attached, you can move the pads around to accommodate your needs.
I was easily able to fit my Nikon D300 with attached 80-200 f2.8 lens and flash in the main compartment, with a second 17-55 f2.8 lens in the smaller top compartment along with some other odds and ends.
The bottom of the pack has two rubber "feet" which protect the bottom nylon panel from wear and tear. However, the case is really designed as a backpack and will not reliably stand on its own when fully loaded. It's not intended to be a supportive pack that can sit upright on a floor.
Overall the pack seems reasonably well made and does provide a great way to carry a camera body, couple lenses, flash and assorted odds and ends with ease. I love it for when I'm hiking and don't want to carry a conventional camera bag with me. It's easy to swing the pack around to gain access to your camera when you need it. I do like I can carry a compact tripod or monopod on the outside of the backpack and the "hidden" pouch that tucks away to hold the tripod/monopod leg is a nice feature. The zippers seem beefy enough to withstand some good use and the quick release buckles on the straps function well.
I like the backpack and the price is just about right for what you are getting in my opinion.
UPDATE: 1/10/2013 If you're thinking this might be a bit too large for you, take a look at the recently released AmazonBasics Sling Backpack for SLR Cameras (Black)which I've reviewed here http://www.amazon.com/review/R3NGA4F96W7XXV
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Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program Update: 12/2/2012 I'm still pleased with this bag. I had to go on a hike today and pack the following:
Canon 5D Mk III, 580EXII, 8-15mm lens, diffuser, speedlingt off-camera coiled cable, batteries, etc. It fit perfectly. Look at the photos.
Original review: I have a lot of camera bags. I have tried several different sling bags. The Manfrotto was terrible. The Case Logic was great. Now it's time to try out Amazon's version of the sling bag. I'll compare it with the Case Logic TBC-310 SLR Sling for Camera (Black) the bags are the same price, and basically the same size. If you're looking for a perfect sized sling bag, these are the two you'll probably be comparing.
Size: The Amazon Sling bag is about 15% larger and more rectangular in shape.
Shoulder strap: The Case Logic slides from the right, the Amazon from the left. This means the straps are over different shoulders. The Amazon has an extra clip that prevents the bag from shifting, but has to be unclipped before you can slide the sling.
Top pocket: Case Logic is deeper, but smaller. 3x6x5 deep basically the shape of a medium lens. Amazon is shallower, but larger: 6x7 inches. Depth it's angled. 2" at one end, 4 at the other. The Case Logic top pocket is ideal for a lens, the Amazon for a flash or accessories.
Main compartment: This is the major difference. The Case Logic can hold a DSLR with medium lens, say a 17-85 telephoto. It can't be adjusted. The Amazon compartment is totally configurable. Depending on how you configure it, you could have a DSLR with 200mm, flash and smaller lens. Or DSLR with 17-85, medium lens, large flash and accessories. The inner compartment is 9x11x7" deep. You get five different dividers, of various sizes. It comes with the dividers just put in at what seems to be a purposely useless configuration. There are also NO instructions, so you need to play around with varying configurations. On the Case Logic, the top flap opens up to reveal the main compartment. On the Amazon bag, the flap as larger but it will also open past the top and down the back. This way if you have created shelves with the dividers, you can access them without pulling things apart. There are snaps to prevent the flap from being opened too far, letting your expensive stuff from falling out. That is a feature I have not seen on any other sling bag.
Tripod holder: Case Logic: Two velcro side straps, you need to figure out a way to stop the tripod from sliding. Amazon: One cinch strap and a pocket for the bottom (this tucks away and is impossible to see at first.)
Other pockets: The Case Logic wins here. The back back has several small pockets. These could hold accessories, cards, batteries and more. The Amazon just has an elastic mesh pocket. Not much use for anything.
Base: Neither bag will stand up on it's own. The Amazon has two rubber "bumpers".
Overall quality. It's difficult to say one is better than the other. The Amazon carrying handle is nicer, but the Case Logic material is *slightly* better The Amazon bags liner is not completely sewn in it looks like about 2" was missed in production this is at the corners of the large flap. That's pretty sloppy, and a place that will tear easily. The Amazon bag has a much better way of handling the tripod. The padding on the Case Logic shoulder strap is a little thicker, and it has an extra accessory loop. The differences really are minor.
Which bag is better for you? If you're using a DSLR with a smaller lens, the Case Logic is perfect. Need to use a larger lens, or carry more stuff? The Amazon bag is the better choice.
Best Deals for AmazonBasics Sling Backpack for SLR Cameras (Black)
Pros
Build quality on this bag seems good.
Zippers work smoothly.
Sling is comfortable and has adequate adjustability.
The bright interior color makes it easy to find small items.
Nice pocket areas.
Tripod strap with pouch at bottom in a zippered area
for one of the tripod legs.
Easy access to camera without removing sling. Pack will pivot to front.
Fair Price
Cons
The way it comes (see photo) there is no way of fitting my DSLR.
The dividers could offer some better options. Need a few others with more than one 90deg.
It will be a tight fit to get all of my needed equipment in this size. Wish it was a little larger
It will not stand vertical on its own without leaning it against something.
Update Feb 27, 2012
I've had a chance to use this sling backpack for some all day events. I like it. It works once I figured out how to place the sling. It fits around the left arm and over the head to the right shoulder. This allows the bag to be pivoted to your left front to allow access to the camera through the backpack's side compartment. This work well.
I also found that the the tripod strap on the side of the backpack also has a zip area at the bottom of the pack. It contains a pouch for the tripod leg to fit into. This stabilizes the tripod and holds it firmly to the side.
I'm leaving the 4 star. The main reason, the bag just fits the Canon 60D with the Canon 18-200mm F/3.5 lens. I would have liked just a tad bit more room. Also, the bag will not stand vertical on its own without leaning against something. The lower pads on the bottom are not flat enough to hold it.
Overall, I find it works for me, and it is very comfortable to wear even all day activities. I would recommend it.
Honest reviews on AmazonBasics Sling Backpack for SLR Cameras (Black)
This is one great bag for the aspiring photographer. Has plenty of room for my Nikon D5000 with 55-200mm lens and battery grip, 14-24mm Nikon lens, 18-55mm Nikon lens, 3 batteries, a point and shoot camera, ipod, cords, plugs, releases, a flip camcorder and extras. The only things I would like to see added are 1. a bladder pocket for water. Also on the opposite side of the main opening another pocket for some extra gear or snacks moving the tripod holder to the back of the bag. Over all the quality of the bag is way above price range stitching is excellent and there are no extra threads or threads that are sticking out. Buckles are nice big heavy duty. The bag offers plenty of padding for travel. It also has a hidden pocket on the side for holding a tripod leg. This is a great bag for you to keep all your photo gear in one spot. If you need a slightly bigger bag to pack your camera gear and are on a budget this is the bag for you.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for AmazonBasics Sling Backpack for SLR Cameras (Black)
Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program I have a DSLR and was pleased to find this as an alternative to the large camera backpack "everything holder" I usually bring to family gatherings and on campouts. It is fairly roomy with plenty of room for a Canon T2i with attached 24-70 f2.8 zoom lens which is my walking around lens. There is space also for a smaller point-and-shoot camera along with a case for additional SD cards, a flash, etc.
The styling of the bag is utilitarian with the top rather flat and not tapered like other slings I have seen advertised. It seems solidly made and includes straps for securing it around oneself a bit confusing at first since there are no instructions but fairly easy to figure out.
Overall, I am pleased with this unit and would recommend it at the price point.
