With many photographers switching to mirrorless bodies, camera sling bags have become popular! If you have switched gear recently or are just looking for a lighter kit, you may be in the market for a new camera bag. I am getting ready for a trip and often carry a big backpack with all my camera gear. But I wonder if a sling bag with less gear is the smarter option.
There are many slings on the market. So come with me as I look for the best camera sling bag. I will show you my top picks. Then we’ll look at all the features of sling camera bags. You will find a sling bag perfect regardless of your budget or gear.
If you want a quick answer, the Nomatic Luma 9L Sling is our top pick for the best camera sling bag. It is the lightest bag on this list, it opens through a magnetic top lid so you never fight a zip for the shot, and Nomatic covers it with a lifetime warranty.
What is the Best Camera Sling Bag?
The best camera sling bag is the Nomatic Luma 9L Sling. At 590 g it is the lightest bag here, the magnetic lid gets you to the camera in one motion, and Nomatic repairs it for life. It also costs less than the premium slings below.
Here’s a quick look at my top picks. I will then go into a bit more detail about each one. And at the end, I’ll explain what a sling bag is and who uses them.
- 9-liter top-loading main compartment keeps the camera reachable without taking the bag off
- 900D poly-oxford shell with YKK zips
- Pivot-rivet strap spins the bag to your front and back again
- Backed by a lifetime warranty and repair
6 Best Camera Sling Bags in Detail
1. Nomatic Luma 9L Sling
| Material |
Material
900D Poly Oxford
|
| Exterior Dimensions |
Exterior Dimensions
33 x 17.8 x 15.2 cm
|
| Weight |
Weight
590 g
|
| Waterproof |
Waterproof
Not stated
|
| Tripod Holder |
Tripod Holder
No
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who want a light, well-built sling with a lifetime warranty
|
The Nomatic Luma 9L Sling is a compact, single-strap bag from Nomatic's 2024 Luma collection, designed with Peter McKinnon and built for a camera body with one or two lenses.
The 9-liter main compartment opens through a top lid held shut by magnets, so you get at the camera without unzipping anything. And pivot rivets let the strap rotate a full turn, so you can spin the bag round to your front and push it back again without taking it off.
It is made from 900D poly oxford with YKK zips, weighs 590 g empty, and measures 33 x 17.8 x 15.2 cm. Two compression-molded EVA dividers come in the box, the lid carries an external quick-access pocket, and the grab handle doubles as a pass-through so the bag rides on a rolling suitcase. Nomatic backs it with a lifetime warranty and repair.
There is no laptop or tablet sleeve, and no external attachment point for a tripod (the 12L below has those). So this one suits a lens-and-accessories kit rather than a hybrid work-and-travel bag. If you want a cheaper single-strap option, see the Mosiso bag further down this list.
The Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L is a close second. It’s expensive, but you can’t beat Peak Design‘s quality and construction. The bag is made from recycled 400D double poly-coated DWR-impregnated nylon canvas.
There are two origami-inspired folding dividers. They divide the space but also fold to create a shelf. And you can access the entire interior space if you remove the dividers. This makes the bag flexible for an extra-large lens like my 200-600mm.
A slim front pocket with a hidden zip runs the length of the bag and gives you quick access to phones, wallets, and other small items. The design makes it tricky to get into, but the gear stored there is protected and hidden from view.
The interior compartment of the 10 L holds a 13-inch laptop. And the laptop compartment has a quick but secure magnetic closer. There’s also an interior pocket for spare batteries and SD cards. And the stretchy material expands to fit easily around accessories like battery chargers and sunglasses.
The older version of the bag has a built-in tripod strap. This newer version includes detachable straps. I prefer the style of the older version. But the weight distribution is better on the newer model.
The bag comes with the signature Peak Design quick-adjust strap. It is reversible and adjustable with one hand. The material is like seatbelts that slide easily around your body. The bag is designed with hidden pockets to hide extra straps. This keeps the bag sleek and helps to avoid getting snagged on anything. Plus, the bag has a built-in handle for easy carrying.
The weatherproofing is in the fabric. So it won’t wear off! The smooth zippers should give you a lifetime of use. Peak Design is not kidding when it offers a lifetime warranty. If you have a problem, they’ll send you a replacement bag.
I am a bit of a Peak Design fangirl. I have an embarrassing number of their bags, including both versions of the Everyday Sling. One thing you should know about these bags: they are durable! I have banged these bags worldwide, and they still look fresh and ready for the next trip.
Slings by Peak Design come in two other sizes, 3 L and 6 L. The 3 L has no device sleeve and only one divider, so drop to it only if you have stopped carrying a tablet. All three sizes come in black, ash, coyote, kelp, ocean, and eclipse.
3. LowePro Slingshot Edge 250 AW
| Material |
Material
Nylon
|
| Exterior Dimensions |
Exterior Dimensions
26.7 x 15.6 x 48 cm
|
| Weight |
Weight
816 g
|
| Waterproof |
Waterproof
Water-resistant (rain cover)
|
| Tripod Holder |
Tripod Holder
Yes (Small)
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who value comfort the most
|
LowePro has a reputation for quality bags, and its Slingshot Edge 250 AW is no exception. This slim, mid-priced bag fits a compact DSLR or a mirrorless body with one or two lenses and various accessories. You can use the smaller section at the top for accessories or another lens. And you can access the main compartment from the back.
The bag rotates easily around your body for quick and easy access. It has a quick-access side pocket that zips around the back for full access to your camera gear. There are customizable interior dividers and interior pockets for SD cards and spare batteries.
There is a pocket for a small tablet or iPad and a small, quick-access pocket for your phone and wallet. And you have a mesh pocket perfect for a water bottle on the side.
The sling strap is contoured and padded, and it works with a padded back panel to spread the load across your shoulder. And you can mount a small tripod to the front of the bag using the two removable straps that come with it. It’s also weather-resistant and has a built-in All Weather rain cover.
The bag is black with orange highlights and holds 9.5 liters in total. That is about the same volume as the Nomatic 9L above, but in a taller, narrower shape that is easier to steer through a crowd.
4. Nomatic Luma 12L Sling
| Material |
Material
Polyester
|
| Exterior Dimensions |
Exterior Dimensions
33 x 24.1 x 15.2 cm
|
| Weight |
Weight
726 g
|
| Waterproof |
Waterproof
Not stated
|
| Tripod Holder |
Tripod Holder
Yes
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who want more capacity and a shelf divider to keep it organized
|
The Nomatic Luma 12L Sling is the larger sibling in Nomatic's 2024 Luma collection, sized for a camera body with two to three lenses plus accessories.
The extra capacity over the smaller Luma 9L above makes it a better fit for day trips where you're carrying more glass. A shelf divider splits the space horizontally, so a second body sits above your lenses instead of on top of them, and the same magnetic top lid and pivoting strap keep the camera reachable without taking the bag off.
It weighs 726 g and measures 33 x 24.1 x 15.2 cm. An internal metal frame stops it slumping when it is half empty, and it adds external attachment points and a grab handle that doubles as a luggage pass-through. Like the 9L, it carries Nomatic's lifetime warranty and repair.
It costs more than the 9L and weighs 136 g more, and it still has no laptop or tablet sleeve. If all you need is a body and one lens, the Luma 9L Sling above will save you both weight and money.
5. Domke F-5XB Shoulder Bag
| Material |
Material
Water-resistant canvas
|
| Exterior Dimensions |
Exterior Dimensions
25.4 x 18.3 x 11.4 cm
|
| Weight |
Weight
0.5 kg
|
| Waterproof |
Waterproof
Water-resistant
|
| Tripod Holder |
Tripod Holder
No
|
| Best For |
Best For
Small mirrorless kits and street photography
|
The Domke F-5XB Shoulder Bag is the compact Domke for one DSLR or mirrorless body and one or two lenses. You can wear it over one shoulder, across your body, or on your waist using the strap and rear belt loop.
It measures 10 x 7.2 x 4.5 inches (25.4 x 18.3 x 11.4 cm) outside. The padded interior is 9.5 x 6 x 4 inches (24.1 x 15.2 x 10.2 cm). At 1 lb (0.5 kg), it works well when you want a small camera kit without the bulk of a full messenger bag.
The zippered main compartment is lined with touch-fastener-compatible material and includes a removable padded divider. Five compartments and pockets give you room for batteries, cards, and other small accessories, while the slim front compartment keeps papers separate from the camera.
The water-resistant canvas and non-slip Gripper strap suit everyday street use. The strap is removable and doubles as a waist belt. But there is no laptop sleeve, tripod holder, or bottle pocket, and this is a shoulder or hip bag rather than a true one-strap sling. Buy it for a compact mirrorless kit, not a large DSLR setup.
6. Mosiso Camera Sling Bag
| Material |
Material
Polyvinyl Chloride
|
| Exterior Dimensions |
Exterior Dimensions
39.4 x 24.1 x 15 cm
|
| Weight |
Weight
712 g
|
| Waterproof |
Waterproof
Water-repellent (rain cover)
|
| Tripod Holder |
Tripod Holder
Yes
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who like backpacks but prefer a single strap
|
Mosiso’s inexpensive sling bag is a surprise find with some of the top customer ratings. The bag has two parts. The main compartment is for your camera and lenses. And the top compartment stores accessories.
The bag is padded and has removable inserts to customize the interior space. You can fit a camera body and two lenses with some accessories.
It has an exterior mesh pocket with straps to hold a tripod or water bottle. And a hidden anti-theft zippered pocket on the back is a safe place to store travel papers and your wallet. The main back pocket takes most 8 to 10-inch tablets.
One nice plus is that it doesn’t have to be black. If you are bored with black camera bags, Mosiso sells this sling in grey as well, and other colors turn up under the same Mosiso range.
The back of the bag is soft, breathable mesh. It is water-repellent but not waterproof. But it comes with a rain cover like other sling bags on this list. So if you want a light, inexpensive sling bag, the Mosiso Camera Sling Bag is a great buy!
What is a Camera Sling Bag?
A camera sling bag is usually smaller than a backpack and is worn over one shoulder. Slings have a single strap that is worn diagonally across your body. (But there are also 3-point slingers.) Camera sling bags combine the best features of a hiking backpack and a shoulder bag.
The bag nestles into your back like a backpack. But it slides forward around your body when you need it. This lets you access lenses and accessories without taking the bag off. It is accessible like a shoulder, tote, or messenger bag. But it is less likely to fall off your shoulder when carrying your gear.
Some bags are designed to be used over either shoulder. Other bags are more comfortable for the right-handed photographer. Some include multiple access points and pockets to store accessories.
(DepositPhotos)
They usually have a large compartment for storing a camera and a couple of lenses. They also have smaller pockets around the bag to store accessories like batteries, SD cards, and your phone or tablet.
Most camera sling bags are not as large as backpacks. They are not meant for the same amount of gear. But some sling bags are big enough to fit laptops and have tripod attachments.
With slings, the weight is not evenly distributed across your shoulders. The heavier the sling bag, the more weight there is on one shoulder. A backpack is probably a better choice if you carry a lot of heavy gear. Backpacks are not necessarily better than slings, but they have different strengths.
Who Uses a Camera Sling Bag?
Sling bags are marketed to both DSLR and mirrorless users. (You may want a backpack instead if you have a DSLR and many lenses. But DSLR bags are often too big and bulky to be comfortable.)
Camera sling bags are most attractive to photographers on the go. Travel and street photographers can pack a camera, a couple of lenses, and bits of smaller gear for the day. Slings are the perfect balance of versatility and storage.
Most photographers have sling bags for smaller equipment, like drones. So they are the best choice for any photographer who wants to pack light and quickly change lenses.
Conclusion
Camera sling bags slide around your body. You swing them onto your back when moving and photographing. Then you can slide them to the front of your body to access lenses, batteries, or SD cards. The best camera sling bags combine security with accessibility. They are comfortable to wear and protect your gear.
If money is no question, the Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L has one of the best designs on the market, and it is the only bag here that will also swallow a 13-inch laptop. Our top pick is the Nomatic Luma 9L Sling, a well-built alternative at a lower price.
So pick by the kit you actually carry. One body and one lens, and you want the Nomatic Luma 9L. Add a second or third lens and you want the Luma 12L or the Lowepro Slingshot Edge 250 AW, which swings round to your front faster than anything else on this list. Carry a laptop as well and only the Peak Design will do it. Spend as little as possible and the Mosiso covers the basics. And if you want the smallest canvas option, the Domke carries one body and one or two lenses without the bulk of a full messenger bag.
