I primarily purchased the Tamrac 5749 Velocity 9 because I could not decide between a back pack style camera case and a traditional "gadget" bag camera case. The new "sling" concept seemed to offer the best of both worlds. I wanted to use this bag as a travel case for my digital SLR and assortment of lenses and external flash.
This bag had plenty of room inside to store all of my gear (1 camera body, 4 zoom lenses, 1 external flash, batteries, media cards, etc.) However, when lugging this sack of bricks around, the sling turned out to be very uncomfortable. All of the weight rests solely on your one shoulder and it is not distributed very well. Using the waist straps made the weight more bearable, but then the swing around feature of the sling could not be used until disconnecting the waist strap. After sliding the bag around to your front, it is too large and difficult to open to easily access your camera gear without first loosening up the shoulder strap. By the time I had to undo the waist strap, swing the bag around, loosen the shoulder strap, and undo the lid 3 fasteners and access my camera from an awkward angle, I have given up all hope that this bag would make my travel more convenient.
Also, the internal velcro system and cushioned dividers seems very cheap when compared to my Cannon gadget bag. The foam inside the dividers is pretty soft and not as rigid as I would have expected.
Another reason I was excited about this bag was the M.A.S. system that allows you to attach a variety of removable storage components at will. This is very cool and I purchased the MX5398 water bottle carrier and the MX5379 XL lens case. I was pleased with both of these accessories; they seemed to be well-made and durable.
All-in-all, I have to give this item the thumbs down for practicality and usability. I think the design is good and would probably work well for the smaller sized bag when only carrying a point and shoot lightweight camera and a few media cards or other accessories. I think the sling concept is just not as friendly for this large bag when carrying a DSLR or 35MM with interchangeable lenses.
This is just my two cents I am no professional photographer, this is just my down to earth experience with this model.
Thank you, Robert
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The Tamrac 5749 Velocity 9 Pro Photo Sling Pack is well designed and sturdy. The dividers stay in place as long as they are resting solidly on another object. A second row of Velcro strip would be an improvement.
The cut out diagram only indicates how the bag can be packed. The pictures of the actual product clearly show the whole front does not unzip. There is a mesh pocket over a zipped pocket area with dividers for storing and organizing smaller items. The main compartment is accessed from the top only. On the inside of the main compartment's cover flap is another zippered pocket for items like batteries and CF cards.
The bag itself only weighs about 2 lbs that is not a whole lot for a bag. Putting any collection of heavy objects in any bag will make it weigh more. I learned the hard way to pack the equipment I need, and leave what I don't at home/in the hotel.
If you choose not to use the waist strap, of course all the weight will rest on one shoulder. The bag was made to include the use of the waist strap with the quick release buckle! The weight of the bag will not distribute as intended otherwise.
I don't think a backpack will make my equipment any lighter. Distribution of weight is on the waist and one shoulder for the sling, and on two shoulders for a similar size backpack. If I only use one shoulder strap of the backpack like many people do, then all the weight would only be on one shoulder. Neither is better than the other in this respect, just different.
For travel I found the sling to be handy. I've been able to swing it around and get what I need out of it fairly easily. This is not always a natural feeling task though and requires some thought in how to pack the bag. I tend to pack the big lenses first and smaller ones on top in the main compartment. While I will change lenses, I have the lens I think I'm going to use the most already on my Canon 20D ready to shoot and stored in the center like the diagram shows. The pocket inside the main compartment's cover flap is the most awkward area to access and holds the smaller items I don't need to get at that often. The outside pockets are the easiest areas to access. I have never needed to loosen the shoulder straps to get what I need out of the bag. I'm tall and slender, so maybe a person's body type makes a difference in how well the sling function works.
The sling is especially beneficial for mass transit situations and crowds. While visiting cities like Rome, or Paris I prefer to use mass transit instead of renting a vehicle or hiring cabs. Crowded buses at rush hour in some European cities or even here in the States are known to be prime pick pocket territory. I can swing the bag around to my front and it is in clear site. I can even sit with it on my front comfortably.
PROS:
Sling feature handy in mass transit situations
Well designed and sturdy
CONS:
Could use a second row of Velcro strip
Not all areas comfortably accessible while wearing sling bag
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I have owned this bag for about 2 years now. I loved it so much I bought one of the smaller versions for my Lumix FZ-15. I am one of those guys who has yet to find a backpack that is right sized, accessible, well made, comfy and doesn't scream ROB ME! I also can't stand slinging a standard gadget bag and trying to take pictures at the same time. And for you back pain complainers, I have had a herniated disc for 4 years now and I have no issue.
So I bought the Vel 9 since it looked like an intriguing compromise between the standards. The only issue I agree with is that I would not want to be climbing or carrying this all day on my back. That's why I'm still searching for the perfect backpack for me. But for a few hours at a sports event, or the zoo, or at any other venue where you want your lenses with you, I think this does a fabulous job.
However, like anything, you need to be in tune with what you want and try it first. Therefore, if this interests you, go try one out at a store. Even take your gear with you to see if it covers you and the weight. For me, it's like having a top access gadget bag that slings enough like a backpack that it doesn't fall off your shoulder but definitely doesn't give you full panel access like a backpack does. WHAT IT DOES give you is EASY ACCESS on the body! I hate the idea of taking a backpack off every time I need to change something. It does take a little to get used to but I find that when I want to zip out the d-rebel for a quick pic or change a lens, it just takes a quick reach over the shoulder to slide the pack up and over to your chest, one or two clips and you have what you need.
As for the complaints about the compartments, they are fully flexible and basically aligned in 3 "tubes" with different"floors" you can put in depending on what you are stacking in the tube. So your camera takes up most of the center "tube" and the outside 2 hold lenses. I keep my 35-135IS zoom on the camera, with my 50mm on the very bottom of the center tube under the end of the IS lens. My flash sits in the bottom of one of the side tubes with my wide angle on top of it (divider in between). Finally, my 70-200L lens sits on the other side. Most important, the gear underneath is actually quite easy to access because the dividers easily flip up to get things out.
Since I actually have the camera in my hand most of the time, the remaining weight in the bag is no issue for most of the time. If its all in there it can be a little heavy, but again, I'm not carrying it for hours. If it does start to annoy me on the shoulder, I actually take it off and sling it like a bag over the other shoulder for awhile.
In summary, the concept of this bag is unique enough that most people are going to either love it or hate it. To find out which one you are, I suggest trying it at a camera store that stocks it. If you want a pretty large bag that carries all of a standard SLR kit and complement of lenses, allows you on the fly access without showing the world what you have and stays securely on your back, this is it!
Honest reviews on Tamrac 5749 Velocity 9 Pro Photo Sling Pack (Black)
I previously owned a Velocity 7, but had to move up in size once I began using a 300mm lens as my prime, working lens. For me (a 54 year-old man with occassional back troubles), the Velocity 9's ability to sit square in the center of my back is critical for an even weight while hiking. On a shoot (I am a wildlife photographer)in the back country, I can swing the bag around quickly and rapidly access my camera without any noise to scare off the animal I am focused on. I carry two other lenses, all my memory, and other photographer's paraphenalia (sp?) with ease. A great bag in my book.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Tamrac 5749 Velocity 9 Pro Photo Sling Pack (Black)
The Tamrac 5749 Velocity 9 Pro Photo Sling Pack is well designed and sturdy. The dividers stay in place as long as they are resting solidly on another object. A second row of Velcro strip would be an improvement.
The cut out diagram only indicates how the bag can be packed. The pictures of the actual product clearly show the whole front does not unzip. There is a mesh pocket over a zipped pocket area with dividers for storing and organizing smaller items. The main compartment is accessed from the top only. On the inside of the main compartment's cover flap is another zippered pocket for items like batteries and CF cards.
The bag itself only weighs about 2 lbs that is not a whole lot for a bag. Putting any collection of heavy objects in any bag will make it weigh more. I learned the hard way to pack the equipment I need, and leave what I don't at home/in the hotel.
If you choose not to use the waist strap, of course all the weight will rest on one shoulder. The bag was made to include the use of the waist strap with the quick release buckle! The weight of the bag will not distribute as intended otherwise.
I don't think a backpack will make my equipment any lighter. Distribution of weight is on the waist and one shoulder for the sling, and on two shoulders for a similar size backpack. If I only use one shoulder strap of the backpack like many people do, then all the weight would only be on one shoulder. Neither is better than the other in this respect, just different. Many pro photographers own more than one type of bag; and use the best bag for the situation.
For travel I found the sling to be handy. I've been able to swing it around and get what I need out of it fairly easily. This is not always a natural feeling task though and requires some thought in how to pack the bag. I tend to pack the big lenses first and smaller ones on top in the main compartment. While I will change lenses, I have the lens I think I'm going to use the most already on my Canon 20D ready to shoot and stored in the center like the diagram shows. The pocket inside the main compartment's cover flap is the most awkward area to access and holds the smaller items I don't need to get at that often. The outside pockets are the easiest areas to access. I have never needed to loosen the shoulder straps to get what I need out of the bag. I'm tall and slender, so maybe a person's body type makes a difference in how well the sling function works.
The sling is especially beneficial for mass transit situations and crowds. While visiting cities like Rome, or Paris I prefer to use mass transit instead of renting a vehicle or hiring cabs. Crowded buses at rush hour in some European cities or even here in the States are known to be prime pick pocket territory. I can swing the bag around to my front and it is in clear site. I can even sit with it on my front comfortably.
PROS:
Sling feature handy in mass transit situations
Well designed and sturdy
CONS:
Could use a second row of Velcro strip
Not all areas comfortably accessible while wearing sling bag
