by For photographers who don’t want to miss a shot, a good camera bag is a must. The McKinnon Camera Sling 8L is a compact and versatile camera bag designed by renowned YouTuber and filmmaker Peter McKinnon. Marketed under the Nomatic brand in the US and under the Gomatic label in Europe, this camera carrying case is designed to provide quick access to your camera gear while providing excellent protection for your gear.
Its sleek and compact design accommodates a fairly generous eight liters of storage space. Whether it’s for professional use or a beginner’s setup, it’s ideal for all types of kits. If you’re still looking for your ideal camera, check out our guide to the best camera for beginners for some top tips.
SPECIFICATIONS
Size: 14cm x 33cm x 20cm
Capacity: 8l
Weight: 1.6 pounds
Adjustable straps? Yes
Waterproof? Yes
Materials: nylon and polyethylene
I tested the McKinnon Camera Sling 8L by taking it with me for a week. I used it to carry my camera, a spare lens, as well as other essentials like my phone, notebook, and keys. I looked at how much it can carry, how comfortable it is to use, and how easy it is to get to my camera, especially when I’m on the go. Read on to see if this camera strap is good enough to make our list of the best camera bags and cases of 2023.
design
One of the first things you’ll notice about the GoMatic McKinnon Camera Sling 8L is how sleek and stylish the design is. The bag has a very minimalist look with clean lines and a modern aesthetic that will appeal to photographers who want both style and functionality.
This camera strap is made from 80% nylon and 20% polyethylene, which is both durable and water-resistant, making it ideal for use in a variety of different environments. Being based in Wales, any camera bag I use needs to be waterproof.
While this might look compact from the outside, it’s incredibly spacious inside. When you first open the bag you’ll find that it has two main compartments and can hold a camera body, a couple of lenses and some accessories without feeling cramped. So it’s a really good choice for those who want to travel light and still carry their set of keys.
characteristics
This bag works on a modular system and comes with customizable dividers that allow you to create compartments tailored to your specific camera gear. This means you can organize your gear in any way that makes sense for you, and you can easily reconfigure the bag if you need to change gear or move around.
It comes with a set of Molle straps so you can easily attach accessories like a tripod or even your jacket to the front or bottom of the bag. And there’s plenty of room in the elasticated pockets to add your small essentials like extra batteries or SD cards. There’s also a small zipped pocket that’s handy for your debit card or driver’s license, anything you want to keep safe.
It’s quick and easy to get to your gear by simply opening the bag, but GoMatic has gone a step further by adding a small metal hook to the top of the bag that attaches to an elastic strap, allowing you to easily access your gear You can close the bag without having to zip it up.
It’s a bit strange to me, and the metal hook can easily snag on things and get stuck on clothes. I think it would have been better if the metal hook was removable so you could decide whether you need it or not, but if you shoot a lot of action and never know when you’ll need your camera, then it’s safe to say that you will love this feature.
comfort
The McKinnon Camera Sling has a single strap that can be adjusted to fit your body. The shoulder strap is also wide and padded, making it comfortable to carry even when the bag is full. The sling design is also great when you’re on the go and need your camera, as you can easily swing the bag forward for access.
The back of the sling is rigid so your belongings are well protected and won’t dig into you as you walk. EVA foam is used for the back, which also creates good air circulation.
There’s also a handy rear strap that when pulled reveals a panel on the back that allows you to slide it over a suitcase handle for less carrying when you travel.
Price
The McKinnon Camera Sling 8L is a relatively affordable option compared to other camera bags on the market. Considering the quality material, spacious interior and customizable organizational design, the $159.99/£199 price tag represents excellent value. It’s also a great companion for the McKinnon Camera Pack 35L as it happens to be the perfect size for one of the compartments.
Should you buy the McKinnon Camera Sling 8L?
If you’re looking for a camera bag that can comfortably hold a mirrorless or small DSLR, a range of lenses and accessories without feeling heavy and bulky, then the McKinnon Camera Sling 8L should be your number one choice. It has many functions and is a bag that caters to every camera user. It’s really comfortable to wear and its single strap design allows you to wear it close to your body, especially when traveling or in crowds. Plus, the adjustable dividers make it really easy to organize your gear, and the wide-open design means you won’t spend more time rummaging around in your bag than actually taking photos.
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