Carrying your camera is always tricky business. How much gear will you need, what will give you the easiest access and how long you will be carrying that stuff all come into play. We've found sling bags fit our needs most of the time because they carry just the right amount of stuff with the ability to quickly get at that stuff.
1. Incase DSLR Sling Pack ($89.95)
We've liked the look of Incase's camera bags for a while and the recent additions to their line deserve some attention. This upgrade from the older nylon bag adds space for a Macbook Air or tablet and a feathered looks to the exterior while keeping the ability to swing the bag around for easy access. Tripod straps, mesh back and space for your phone on the chest strap fill out this bag's features. If you need to shoot for a day the DSLR sling pack strikes the right balance between weight and features.
2. Blackstone Bags Urban Quiver ($125)
Probably the most minimal of the sling bags we've seen, the Urban Quiver will appeal to urban shooters for its aesthetic and utilitarian functionality. Shooting in urban environments demands compactness and a minimized risk of theft, both of which the Quiver do well. The main compartment's got enough room for a camera and a couple extra lenses or some filters and a hot shoe flash and the chest strap has a pocket for your cellphone and some tiny gear like memory cards. Robin Hood would approve.
3. Kata DPS - 3N1-30 ($100.96)
One bag can't be all things to all people right? Well the 3N1 from Kata comes pretty darn close. Hidden pouches mean this bag can be a sling on either shoulder (important if you're carrying other bags or already have your camera on its own sling) or a backpack with both slings or even a roll around suitcase-style bag. Like other sling bags when it's in sling mode it easily swings around to the front for easy access. The only thing it doesn't have is space for a laptop, though kata sells one with space for one as well ($123).
4. Case Logic SLRC 205 ($89.99)
A great urban or travel bag. the SLRC 205 has just enough room for a basic toolkit of lenses. The upshot to this is less weight. The bag features a rubber pad that suspends your camera during travel and memory foam throughout for protection. It's also got a hip pocket that would be handy for holding lens caps while shooting or for extra memory cards and a wrap up strap for tripods. We like Case Logic's strap management and might use this for hiking or less demanding photo days.
5. Sling-O-Matic 30 ($197.75)
Sling-O-Matic bags are for more serious sets of gear as is apparent by their size and shape. What sets them apart is the rail system that allows switching from one shoulder to the other quickly. This is a good thing, though given the size of some of their bags you'll likely need it. While we like the amount of stuff we can carry with the Sling-O-Matic, the weight of all that stuff tends to push the limits of what we want to carry on one shoulder so the ability to switch is key. For those after a full-featured bag with room for serious gear, Sling-O-Matic's might be for you.
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(Images: As linked above.)






Z2 iPod Dock and Wi...
I have the previous gen Incase DSLR Sling Pack and it is quite good. The frabric and zippers are a little low rent.
I got mine brand new less than retail off Kijiji but I am annoyed inCase offered a new version so soon. grrr. I knew it would fit a MacBook air perfectly after I bought it... I just might ask a seamstress if they can sew a section in for me.
It's also probably worth mentioning Hazard4's Evac series, with the Plan B, the Photo Recon and the Rocket.
They're all sling bags carried on one shoulder (ambidextrous) and they all have PALS webbing (MOLLE-compatible) so they're very customizable and extendable. This is a major plus for me, as you can select the pouches and compartments you need for a specific use, and you're not bound to a standard, fixed design.
I have the Plan B with a few pouches, including a large padded bottle pouch that can easily hold (and protect) a 70–200 f/2.8. There's plenty of room for a DSLR with grip and a couple lenses, along with memory cards/batteries/filters etc.
The downside of the Plan B is that it's soft and it doesn't hold its shape unless the content does. I'm considering switching to the Photo Recon, that was designed specifically for photography. I had originally discarded it because it doesn't open completely, and instead only has a top and side opening.
But after using the Plan B for a few months, I think the Photo Recon is probably indeed better for photography. The Photo Recon looks more solid and padded, which is good to keep the shape and protect your gear.
It would probably be possible to pair the two bags to combine their strengths. I'm thinking of traveling with both bags attached to one another using the webbing, the Photo Recon holding the photo gear, and the Plan B holding clothes, food, water, etc. The pack should be about the size of the accepted carry-ons.
By combining the two sling bags into one double backpack, it would also balance the weight onto both shoulders; sling backs are nice but the weight of your camera gear can quickly cause pain on your shoulder.
(The last sling back of this Evac series, the Rocket, is quite redundant with the Plan B, since it's basically a Plan B with fixed side pouches. You're probably better off getting the Plan B and custom pouches, so that you keep the most flexibility.)
Hope that helps.