Camera Bag

[jfinke]

Pretty decent price. I have only seen amazon go lower than that and that is pretty rare.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

The biggest transtion for me in going from my cute little Nikon Coolpix to my beastly Canon Xsi (clearly not to be confused with Mark Barbieri's new lens which is really the current "beast") is the size issue.

The "cute" camera fit in numerous purses, pockets, and backpacks in its stylish tiny Vera Bradley tech pouch. The "beastly" camera needs its own home. It can't be tucked into anything. Thus, the pursuit began.

I spent half a day researching bags online: reading Dis posts, various photo blogs, and online camera bag sites. I selected the Lowepro Slingshot 100 and added it to my Christmas list. Having wonderful parents, it was beautifully gift wrapped, and I excitedly opened it. My enthusiam waned. I tried the bandolier style (which was why I liked it; quick access to my camera) and it wasn't comfortable. This bag must be better for men than women (use imagination here). However, I like that I can fit the camera, a couple of lenses, cables, cd's and papers. So, I decided to keep it to house my humble collection (Xsi, 18-55IS, and 55-250IS) knowing that I probably won't be using it to carry my equipment.

I have too many bags (purses, duffles, totes) so I determined at some point that I was not to purchase more unless I had a specific need. My new SLR created the need. The Lowepro wasn't going to cut it, so I went back to the laptop.

I looked at more bags and ordered the Mountain Smith Quickfire Med. This would hold my camera with the telephoto lens on it when I need it for the soccer season and will hold it with its every day lens when I don't need the telephoto. (I am already struggling with the bulk of the camera; I am not quite ready to regularly carry an extra lens.)

The Mountainsmith arrived. uh-oh it's big too. It is oddly shaped if I am not using the telephoto lens. I resolved that it was okay and would do. I took the Lowepro to a birthday party with an extra lens . Not loving the Mountain Smith or Lowepro.

Now, a month later, I am itching for the right bag again. What am I going to take to Disney, afterall? I decided to try the Crumpler Million Dollar Home. Alas, which of the bags is right for me. Baby Bear's, Momma Bear's or Pappa Bear's? So, I ordered a 2, 3 and 4 million dollar bag from ebags.com - free shipping and returns!
This is my assessment. The 2 million is small; its cute. I could fit my camera in, but the strap would have created a tight fit. (This raises another issue - what to others do about the straps when they put their cameras away?)

The 3 million is nice. The camera fits; it has a little room and I can fit my cell and/ or iPod Touch in the little pouch. Certainly my AP and KTTW will fit too.(oh, and an extra battery and SD card.)

The 4 million is just slightly bigger than the 3. It isn't a huge difference, but I considered that I might be able to fit in a couple of other items. It could be a purse too... After consideration, I determined that my thought was silly. I wasn't going to put purse items in the pouch with my camera. However, the decision was made when I put it over bandolier style and the strap was much wider than the 3 million.

Overall, what drew me to the Crumpler is the look. It doesn't look like a camera bag. I was a bit concerned about the lowepro sitting with the extra lens on a chair without me. It wasn't comfortable enough to wear around with the camera on my neck (or for that matter without the camera.)

Additionally, a nice feature of the crumpler is the silencer flaps for the velcro. The bag has a latch which I prefer to the velcro.

I hope this helps anyone looking for a bag who is new to a "big" camera. Although I really miss the size of my cute Nikon camera, I wouldn't trade my remarkable Canon.

So, I currently have two bags (three will go with UPS once the snow allows ). I know this is a good start to the collection I will build over the years.

Debby

 

[Suburbanmom]

Congrats on finding a bag that's just right for you. I too started with a Lowepro slingshot and was not comfortable...same reason as you, I think . I kept it because my hubby carried it just fine.

I have tried on countless bags at local stores and camera shops, finally finding my perfect fit in the medium Jill-E bag. It's a little pricey, but I love it. I have the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens and it will carry it with room to spare. And it looks like a purse...a giant purse, but still very feminine. My hubby won't carry it for me, but I kept it Lowepro slingshot for times such as that.

Again, congrats. I love the look of the crumpler bags and think you will be very happy.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Thanks for the link Amy. Your bag is lovely. The brown one looks like what I would carry for a purse. If I were a photographer going for a meeting this would be so smart looking. As it is, I am a teacher with two young girls and a love of Disney trips. I don't think anyone would be surprised to see me with that bag on the soccer field, but right now, I couldn't justify it to my husband. (It would be like me buying another Coach bag). It is so cute, though. I will save the link. Meanwhile, the Crumpler is a great option for me.

 

[lov2b@disney]

I too am in search of the perfect "home" for my new camera. I tried the lowepro yesterday and it didn't feel right to me either. Looked at the crumplers and some Tamracs....suburbanmom love the bag in your link do you carry it in disney?


Thanks for all your information!

 

[damren]

Thanks for the review. I have been trying to decide over the crumplers too. It was the 4 that you are keeping right? I'd love to see some real pics if you have any.

 

[Steve's Girl]

I have quite a collection of bags. For light, everyday use, love my Crumpler $5mil. However, my main kit no longer fits in that bag. So, I have a Think Tank UD which works well for every day. Since I usually have my 70-200 lens with me, messenger bags can get too heavy for all day. So, for travel, I use the Kata 3n1 series. It allows side access like the sling, but can be worn as a backpack. Much more comfortable to carry. Slings are great unless you are a woman

 

[Steve's Girl]

Thanks for the review. I have been trying to decide over the crumplers too. It was the 4 that you are keeping right? I'd love to see some real pics if you have any.

go to cambags.com You will find lots of reviews with photos of camera bags.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I started out with the Slingshot 100 and moved onto a Crumpler, too.

I got the 6 Million Dollar Home and it's a little tight in there. And I don't have much equipment compared to some folks here. I don't understand how people use smaller bags.

I've been thinking about a Slingshot 200. But where does it end?

 

[Aristocath]

I think my husband is getting me the Lowepro Slingshot 100 for my birthday. I've been worried about the perfect camera bag for our Disney trip. Maybe he'll carry the lowepro for me since I'll be wearing my camera!

Or maybe I should order the Crumpler as a back up. Always good to have a Plan B!

 

[boBQuincy]

I started out with the Slingshot 100 and moved onto a Crumpler, too.

I got the 6 Million Dollar Home and it's a little tight in there. And I don't have much equipment compared to some folks here. I don't understand how people use smaller bags.

I've been thinking about a Slingshot 200. But where does it end?

I carry a Crumpler $4M bag but the Xsi only goes in there between home and the hotel. After that the camera stays out and the bag is full of lenses, usually a 70-200 and 10-22 (and sometimes a water bottle or light jacket).

Where does it end? It doesn't!

 

[Suburbanmom]

....suburbanmom love the bag in your link do you carry it in disney?

I haven't carried it to Disney yet, but have used it as a carryon for a different trip. The shoulder strap just fits me perfectly. For Disney, we take the Lowepro, the DH carries that with the spare lens and such... and I carry my D300.

 

[nicolespence3]

if is mean i'll take a bag just nice for the camera because traveling with a heavy camera bag is really no joke

 

[oogieboogieman]

My first camera bag was the Tamrac Velocity 7 sling style bag. I very quickly outgrew that bag and DW purchased me the Lowepro Sllingshot 200 based upon reviews from others. The only time I use the Slingshot is traveling to the airport and then to the hotel. I can honestly say, I really hate the Slingshot. I wish I knew how to explain this to the DW.

I usually carry a gallon sized Ziploc bag, spare battery and an extra memory card. I try to keep it simple! Maybe this is why I feel my photos are boring!!!

 

[annnewjerz]

I got the 6 Million Dollar Home and it's a little tight in there. And I don't have much equipment compared to some folks here. I don't understand how people use smaller bags.

I know what ya mean, Linda. I've had to upgrade bags as my gear has been upgraded a few times now.

I started with a messenger bag meant to use shooting and just didn't ever like it. Moved up to the Crumpler 6MDH and found that while it fit everything I had at the time, I hated carrying it around. It just wasn't comfortable. So, liking the style of the 6MDH I switched to a 5MDH to carry around for shooting and a Kata 467 backpack for storage/carrying my gear while traveling.

Unfortunately, the Kata backpack is slowly but surely getting to be a tight fit again, especially with the addition of the 70-200 f/2.8 I purchased in December and I find that this birthday I may be asking for yet another bag.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Thanks for the review. I have been trying to decide over the crumplers too. It was the 4 that you are keeping right? I'd love to see some real pics if you have any.

I kept the 3 million. The strap on the 4 million was wider and not as comfortable. The space on the 4 would have fit an extra lens. I was searching for a everyday (carry around Disney) bag. Keep in mind that I am really struggling with the adjustment to the size of my Canon.

Here are pics...since I only have one good camera (which needs to be in the pics) these are taken with the "cute" camera.

The red spots are the velcro flaps; you can tuck them under the velcro if you want to use the velcro.

This shows the two small side pockets and the front pouch. I put my Canon manual in the pouch to help see size. It only stretches open about 2 inches

 

[treynolds]

We are leaving for Disney in 26 Days!!! I have a Rebel XTi, extra lens, and speedlite flash. We do not usually take all the equiment into the park, but sometimes it is necessary. My husband is usually in charge if carrying the camera bag. I have a nicE Canon bag that houses my equipment, but not very good for lugging around WDW. Was thinking about a backpack. Can anyone suggest a good one?

 

[mabas9395]

http://www.adorama.com/LPPT400AWMB.html

This is the one I want some day.

You asked for a good one. You didn't say a cheap one.

 

[treynolds]

You are right..... I didn't say cheap, but cheaper would be nice!!LOL!!

 

[Marlton Mom]

I like Lowepro brand bags.

They have a variety of styles and sizes as well as organizational arrangements.

I have had a Lowepro padded back pack style bag for years and I can attest to it's comfort and durability. My bag has velcro dividers that can be arranged in just about any fashion, which at times has allowed me to carry water bottles or other "stuff" that wouldn't be considered "camera" equipment inside the bag.

Heavy duty, seemingly impervious to dirt and flexible storage are key words that I would use to describe this brand. The zippers are also excellent!

They only other thing I would add is to get the next size up than you think you will need. After you start using this bag you will find more things that are good to put in it and it will make using this bag even more convenient!

I hope that helps,

Smoochies,
Marlton Mom