Why the hell the “best camera bags” lists keep skipping over Lowepro passport sling? I find it a bit annoying. They show so many similarly-looking and overpriced models, yet, this great-value camera bag is not there. In my opinion, they are wrong.
This is a review Lowepro Passport Sling II and III (models are almost similar)
Disclaimer: there are affiliate links for purchasing the bag at the very end of the post.
Since I got myself a Passport Sling, I never thought of getting a different bag. Here I will explain why. As usual, my review is in the context of travel photography. You will get to know why this bag is a good option, and in the end, reasons why you may want to consider different bags.
Why Lowepro Passport Sling?
Smart design, compactness, and versatility are the main reasons to get Passport Sling.
I like it because it fits exactly the right amount of camera gear weight you want to carry on your shoulder. Many criticize it for small size, but in my opinion, they got it exactly right. If you need to carry more camera gear – you need a backpack, not a messager bag.
In my opinion, camera messager bags are primarily for the gear you need quick access to, and Passport Sling is designed exactly for that. Tech geeks like to judge bags based on the number of functions. For a camera bag, they want a pocket for a laptop, pocket for keys, and who knows what else. In my opinion, all additional features take space and make bags larger. Passport Sling would not be as slim if they were there (or wouldn’t fit as much).
What can it fit?
Passport sling looks a bit odd when you first see it. One side is longer than another. It seems that the “short part” is designed for a couple of medium-size lenses, like full frame’s 24-70 or 16-35, with a camera body attached. The “long part” can fit a larger telephoto lens (like 70-200), or a tripod.
The longs side continues into the bag strap, which surprisingly saves a lot of space. You can collapse it by zipping it over, which makes the bag look really small. By expanding it, you get something like 30-40% more space.
It is important to know that there are no protective pads on the long side. That is something that I actually don’t mind. Pads take space and my 70-200 has its own case that fits easily inside Passport Sling. Tripod doesn’t really need pads. And obviously, you may use this space for something else.
I was able to fit:
- Canon 6D (full-frame DSLR)
- Canon EOS 3 (film DSLR)
- Canon 16-35 IS (medium-size lens)
- Canon 50mm 1.8 (compact lens)
- Canon 70-200 F/2.8 II IS (large telephoto)
- Small photo accessories
And there was still a bit of space + free outside pockets. Overall weight, together with the bag, was a bit over 4 kg. That is as much as I would like to carry on my shoulder.
Pockets and models
There very minimal differences between models II and III. Model III has a padded pocket for a tablet and a small pocket for keys, SD cards, etc. Model II doesn’t have dedicated tablet space, and there are two tiny pockets, they can fit two batteries each, but no more. In model II, the padded camera inserts are sticked with velcro to the bag walls, which keeps them always open. I like it!
I personally owned Model III, but at some point, it caught fire. There was a candle on a table. I left my bag on the other side of the table. Next thing I remember the odd smell, I turn my head and the bag is somehow right next to the fire. Happily, my camera didn’t get damaged… Later, I ordered model II, because it had a big discount. I got it for 22 Eur!
I tried to find the model I, just to see if it fits me better, but it seems to be discontinued. I didn’t see it sold. (On eBay, a model without a number has specifications for II or II)
Passport Sling for travel
Here are some random things things related to use of the bag in travel.
In airports, you are allowed to have a carry-on bag and a small personal item. Well, for what Passport Sling can fit, it looks very small. No one in the airport ever made a comment about the personal item being too large.
During several years I’ve owned it, the bag has come through a lot of abuse. There are very minor signs of wear. I would say it is very durable.
When the bag is full, I tend to carry it as a usual messager bag (with the strap across the chest and the bag on the lower back). When collapsed, I often carry it on a side (more like a handbag) and it is comfortable enough together with a backpack.
Side pockets are almost along the whole bag, with a large one under the strap. They are pretty useful, I normally drop there lens caps, lens cleaning cloth, etc.
The bag is weather-resistant, but not waterproof. I got under heavy rain several times, but inside everything was dry. I prefer not to risk though.
The design is really unusual, and people don’t seem to perceive it as a camera bag. I think it lowers that chance that the bag gets stolen.
What is it not suited for?
As you have probably guessed, I really like this bag. But I believe there are several things it is not well suited for. I would say these aren’t disadvantages. You have to sacrifice certain things to make it fit a specific purpose better.
First of all, Passport Sling isn’t a universal bag. It serves the purposes I described above extremely well, but it doesn’t go beyond. If you need to pack many lenses, or to add a laptop, there are other options. (I still don’t understand why people would carry such a weight on one shoulder though…)
You cannot add your own strap. I first thought to have a heavy-duty shoulder strap, but the existing strap is part of the bag. (Which isn’t actually a bad thing, but is something you should know before buying.) I would say the existing strap is good enough for up to 4-5 kg of weight.
Passport Sling is a purely practical bag. I suppose it lacks in design department. A fellow travel blogger has made a list of travel camera bags for women. You may find something suitable there.
As I mentioned, there is a big external pocket. Well, I have noticed that a water bottle can fall out pretty easily. Not a big deal, but something to note.
The collapsable part of the bag is not padded. For me, it isn’t a big issue. The long lenses that you may want to put there usually come with their own case. Tripod doesn’t need pads. You can also just get an additional padded insert, which turns any bag into a camera bag (link in the end).
Conclusion
Overall, in photography bags, I think it is the most excellent value-for-money. It is priced under 50 Eur, which is surprising for this quality of design. If you want to fill it with camera gear for quick access – the bag is perfect.
Affiliate links
Here are affiliate links for purchasing the bag. Buying from those doesn’t cost you extra, but gives me a small % from the sale. It helps me to keep this blog running.
Lowepro Passport Sling II on EBAY
Lowepro Passport Sling III on EBAY
In case you need more padded inserts, here are some options. Choose the one that fits the size of your equipment.