Camera Bag

[annnewjerz]

Now that's a brilliant idea!

I just got the 6million dollar home. Some of the colors they were discontinuing were 1/2 off. I haven't used it yet but it looks like it's going to be perfect for me to use as a camera bag/purse combo when out and about.

1/2 off?? Where, where?! If it's online, you've gotta let me know!!

I've been looking for a new bag for a while after I had an issue where my D60 fell out of it. For some reason (maybe it's the boxy shape) all of these bags just look huge---I can't imagine carrying them around. That being said, I carry my camera bag and purse that's got to be 10+ pounds around every day to work and have no trouble, so maybe they'd be fine after all.

 

[wenrob]

1/2 off?? Where, where?! If it's online, you've gotta let me know!!

I've been looking for a new bag for a while after I had an issue where my D60 fell out of it. For some reason (maybe it's the boxy shape) all of these bags just look huge---I can't imagine carrying them around. That being said, I carry my camera bag and purse that's got to be 10+ pounds around every day to work and have no trouble, so maybe they'd be fine after all.

I got it at ebags.com. Geesh, how dumb of me, I didn't think to post about it here. They had some on on Amazon too.
I just checked, couldn't find the discontinued ones at ebags but they still have them at Amazon!
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw_0_9?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=crumpler+6+million&sprefix=crumpler+

 

[freewill]

My first DSLR camera bag was a slingshot 100 - I took it to WDW once and sold it about 3 months after we got back. Three reasons:

1. I kept whacking people and merchandise with the bag as I tried to navigate through shops & queues.

2. I got tired of swinging the bag around when my hands got tired of holding the camera - and then I'd miss photo opportunities because it took too long to get the camera back out.

3. Worst of all - BACK SWEAT!! Terrible.

These days, I always go with a cross-body bag. I have a Crumpler 5 million dollar home and a Ju Ju be small diaper bag that I use. It's easier to move around on rides, I never hit anyone with it and the camera can be drawn at a moment's notice.

Thanks. I hadn't thought of the first 2 reasons but #3 was definitelyl the top concern in my mind! Does the Crumpler offer enough protection?

 

[Pugrpooh]

1/2 off?? Where, where?! If it's online, you've gotta let me know!!

I've been looking for a new bag for a while after I had an issue where my D60 fell out of it. For some reason (maybe it's the boxy shape) all of these bags just look huge---I can't imagine carrying them around. That being said, I carry my camera bag and purse that's got to be 10+ pounds around every day to work and have no trouble, so maybe they'd be fine after all.

I bought one last week from Adorama. The purple/orange one I ordered isn't showing up anymore there, but they still have some the same price.

I think I'm going to like it! I bought the Kata 3n1-10 before our trip to WDW in November and I haven't used it since. I think I'm going to sell it on ebay. The Crumpler will get a workout next week -- we're taking a cruise!

 

[RCDisneyFan]

Does the Crumpler offer enough protection?

Crumplers are very stiff and sturdy bags... My 5 million dollar home has made it to and from WDW twice and is no worse for the wear. The bags are thickly padded and come with velcro dividers, like what you get with the sling. My DSLR has gone on Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain too many times to count with no harm done to the equipment.

I'll tell you the three things I don't like about the Crumpler bags (and why I ended up buying a diaper bag to go to Disneyland Paris.)

1. Crumpler bags have a HUGE piece of velcro to help hold the flap closed. I could *never* get into the bag quietly.
2. The strap is probably at least two inches wide, coarse nylon. I'm female and in warm weather, I wear short (or no) sleeves. If it's hot and I'm sweaty, the feeling of the strap irritates me and rubs my neck. The 6 Million dollar home is the smallest Crumpler that comes with a shoulder cushion but, for me, it's just too bulky for carrying around the parks. If you're in the market for one, I noticed on another thread a few of the colors are on sale at Amazon for cheap (well under $100.)
3. No outside pockets for maps, guidebooks, etc. The sound of the velcro *every* time I wanted to get into the bag drove me crazy. In general, I think Crumplers are a little short on organization.

Because we were going to Europe (and Paris is notoriously wet) I wanted to make sure I had a bag that had protection from the elements. Crumplers are sturdy, but not water resistant. I can carry the same amount of equipment - my Nikon D90 w/18-200vr and put the sigma 10-20 in the bottle holder. It's water resistant, stain resistant, soft shoulder strap with a pad, machine washable, came with a changing pad that I used a cushioning in the bag, and LOTS of small pockets for all kinds of stuff (carried maps, phrasebook, passports, credit cards, cash, pen, lens pen, camera remote and a few other things every day.) On days when I left the Sigma lens behind, there was enough room to carry my water bottle in the main pocket of the bag too. I paid about $50 for it - less than any other camera bag I've owned - and I'm the happiest with this bag.

 

[freewill]

Crumplers are very stiff and sturdy bags... My 5 million dollar home has made it to and from WDW twice and is no worse for the wear. The bags are thickly padded and come with velcro dividers, like what you get with the sling. My DSLR has gone on Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain too many times to count with no harm done to the equipment.

I'll tell you the three things I don't like about the Crumpler bags (and why I ended up buying a diaper bag to go to Disneyland Paris.)

1. Crumpler bags have a HUGE piece of velcro to help hold the flap closed. I could *never* get into the bag quietly.
2. The strap is probably at least two inches wide, coarse nylon. I'm female and in warm weather, I wear short (or no) sleeves. If it's hot and I'm sweaty, the feeling of the strap irritates me and rubs my neck. The 6 Million dollar home is the smallest Crumpler that comes with a shoulder cushion but, for me, it's just too bulky for carrying around the parks. If you're in the market for one, I noticed on another thread a few of the colors are on sale at Amazon for cheap (well under $100.)
3. No outside pockets for maps, guidebooks, etc. The sound of the velcro *every* time I wanted to get into the bag drove me crazy. In general, I think Crumplers are a little short on organization.

Because we were going to Europe (and Paris is notoriously wet) I wanted to make sure I had a bag that had protection from the elements. Crumplers are sturdy, but not water resistant. I can carry the same amount of equipment - my Nikon D90 w/18-200vr and put the sigma 10-20 in the bottle holder. It's water resistant, stain resistant, soft shoulder strap with a pad, machine washable, came with a changing pad that I used a cushioning in the bag, and LOTS of small pockets for all kinds of stuff (carried maps, phrasebook, passports, credit cards, cash, pen, lens pen, camera remote and a few other things every day.) On days when I left the Sigma lens behind, there was enough room to carry my water bottle in the main pocket of the bag too. I paid about $50 for it - less than any other camera bag I've owned - and I'm the happiest with this bag.

Many thanks again -- very helpful to learn what's worked for you.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I use an Optech bag everywhere -- even when at home. If I'm swapping lenses, and I want to carry all the gear (not!) I just put the whole thing including the optech pouch (while still on the camera) into my larger backpack. The optech is made out of neoprene (think scuba diving suit) -- you would have to get soaking wet to get the camera wet. I've had mine for 2 years now and it's great. I've taken it everywhere in this case for 2 years and no problems. It comes with a rubber attachment that you can put on the lens or a bottom attachment that screws into the tripod mount. I use the rubber attachment so I can keep the tripod mount free for tripod use. It's great because you just unsnap the bottom snaps on the underside of the camera to open the bag and you can start shooting right away while letting the bag hang off the camera body or lens. (Your choice.) No muss, no fuss. When done, simply put the camera back in the bag. I wear mine slung diagonally on my body. You would use the camera strap on the camera to hold it all. Simple. Look for the one that says it'll take a lens up to 7" -- that's the one I got and it holds the 70-300vr with room to spare. It literally weighs next to nothing. I wear it on all the rides. If I were concerned about degree of wetness like on Kali, I would put the whole thing in another plastic bag. I've never had a problem. It's not cushioned, so just don't drop it. If you wear it all the time, it won't be an issue. When on roller coaster type rides, I still wear it and hold onto it with one hand just to make sure it doesn't go banging around. I take ride photos on all the rides; no problem. Just keep the strap around your neck and hold it tight with one hand. I also recommend the Optech pro camera strap if you go this route. It's like wearing nothing. I can carry my camera like this all day/night and have no problems. There is no lighter way to carry your camera around.
Here's an Amazon link similar to the one I got. http://www.amazon.com/TECH-SOFT-POU..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1ZDZT52WAFFFWR8B7Z26 There's a review on there that says you can't leave the hood attached and fit it into the case, but I do and it's fine. There is also a larger one that fits if you have the extended battery packs. They also sell these on B&H and most of the camera sites.

 

[Code]

Here's mine, a Lowepro Slingshot 200.. I had to add some velcro strips to make the left side a bit deeper to accommodate the telephoto. I usually leave one lens behind for the parks so I don't have one in the uncovered center spot.

 

[freewill]

I use an Optech bag everywhere -- even when at home. If I'm swapping lenses, and I want to carry all the gear (not!) I just put the whole thing including the optech pouch (while still on the camera) into my larger backpack. The optech is made out of neoprene (think scuba diving suit) -- you would have to get soaking wet to get the camera wet. I've had mine for 2 years now and it's great. I've taken it everywhere in this case for 2 years and no problems. It comes with a rubber attachment that you can put on the lens or a bottom attachment that screws into the tripod mount. I use the rubber attachment so I can keep the tripod mount free for tripod use. It's great because you just unsnap the bottom snaps on the underside of the camera to open the bag and you can start shooting right away while letting the bag hang off the camera body or lens. (Your choice.) No muss, no fuss. When done, simply put the camera back in the bag. I wear mine slung diagonally on my body. You would use the camera strap on the camera to hold it all. Simple. Look for the one that says it'll take a lens up to 7" -- that's the one I got and it holds the 70-300vr with room to spare. It literally weighs next to nothing. I wear it on all the rides. If I were concerned about degree of wetness like on Kali, I would put the whole thing in another plastic bag. I've never had a problem. It's not cushioned, so just don't drop it. If you wear it all the time, it won't be an issue. When on roller coaster type rides, I still wear it and hold onto it with one hand just to make sure it doesn't go banging around. I take ride photos on all the rides; no problem. Just keep the strap around your neck and hold it tight with one hand. I also recommend the Optech pro camera strap if you go this route. It's like wearing nothing. I can carry my camera like this all day/night and have no problems. There is no lighter way to carry your camera around.
Here's an Amazon link similar to the one I got. http://www.amazon.com/TECH-SOFT-POU..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1ZDZT52WAFFFWR8B7Z26 There's a review on there that says you can't leave the hood attached and fit it into the case, but I do and it's fine. There is also a larger one that fits if you have the extended battery packs. They also sell these on B&H and most of the camera sites.

Thank you! Does the Optech pouch restrict access to any camera controls or is it totally clear access after you unsnap it? I assume it has to be free & clear but wanted to check. Thanks!

 

[annnewjerz]

I got it at ebags.com. Geesh, how dumb of me, I didn't think to post about it here. They had some on on Amazon too.
I just checked, couldn't find the discontinued ones at ebags but they still have them at Amazon!
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw_0_9?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=crumpler+6+million&sprefix=crumpler+

So---with our long weekend to DC for the Cherry Blossoms only a week and a half away, I decided it was time to buy the bag already. I ordered it and will post pics of it loaded with as much crap as I can fit in there when I get it. I was really bouncing back and forth (shocker!) between the 5MDH and the 6MDH, as well as the Tamrac Adventure 4...so we'll see how this works out. If it's too big and bulky to carry all day long---I can always return it and start back at square one.

The only disappointing part was the lack of the purple/orange I wanted. I ended up ordering the basic black since I figure it'll go with everything (I'm such a girl!) even though I would have really preferred the fun purple one. OH WELL. We all have to make sacrifices now and then, right?

 

[WDWFWfan]

Thanks for the review Code! BTW, what's the latest on the babies?

annewjerz - congrats on the new bag! We'll look forward to seeing your photos.

 

[Pugrpooh]

So---with our long weekend to DC for the Cherry Blossoms only a week and a half away, I decided it was time to buy the bag already. I ordered it and will post pics of it loaded with as much crap as I can fit in there when I get it. I was really bouncing back and forth (shocker!) between the 5MDH and the 6MDH, as well as the Tamrac Adventure 4...so we'll see how this works out. If it's too big and bulky to carry all day long---I can always return it and start back at square one.

The only disappointing part was the lack of the purple/orange I wanted. I ended up ordering the basic black since I figure it'll go with everything (I'm such a girl!) even though I would have really preferred the fun purple one. OH WELL. We all have to make sacrifices now and then, right?

I kept going back and forth between the 5M and 6M too until I saw the 6M in the camera store. I think the 5M would be too small. I like that I can open up the top and have everything right there. The Kata 3n1 just had too many zippers and compartments to deal with.

I did get the purple and orange and really like it, although it's more of a blue than purple.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Thank you! Does the Optech pouch restrict access to any camera controls or is it totally clear access after you unsnap it? I assume it has to be free & clear but wanted to check. Thanks!

Once you unsnap it, you have complete access to the camera controls.

 

[freewill]

Once you unsnap it, you have complete access to the camera controls.

Great, thanks!!

 

[mrsbug]

I've seen a few of you mention you use a diaper bag to carry your gear. How?! I'd love to be able to use a diaper bag as my camera bag/purse, but I'm afraid my gear won't be protected enough. Right now I'm using a Crumpler 4 mil and like how snug the camera fits in there. I'm worried in a diaper bag it would shift around too much and break. So, how do you pack your gear in a diaper bag? If you include pics of your packed bag, I'll love you forever.

 

[annnewjerz]

I did get the purple and orange and really like it, although it's more of a blue than purple.

Well thanks for rubbing it in!! I'm not a big blue fan, so maybe it's better that I ended up with boring black. On the other hand, I have 6 cats and 2 dogs and everything that I do have that's black...looks like it is covered in fuzz/dirt/dust/animal drool after only a couple of uses. We'll see!!

 

[boBQuincy]

Well thanks for rubbing it in!! I'm not a big blue fan, so maybe it's better that I ended up with boring black. On the other hand, I have 6 cats and 2 dogs and everything that I do have that's black...looks like it is covered in fuzz/dirt/dust/animal drool after only a couple of uses. We'll see!!

Our camera bags always have cat hairs on them. When we find one on vacation it's like a little reminder from our furbabies! A whisker is a special gift!

 

[annnewjerz]

Our camera bags always have cat hairs on them. When we find one on vacation it's like a little reminder from our furbabies! A whisker is a special gift!

I guess you're right. When we're gone for a week---we'll definitely miss them. Even though they get on my last nerve sometimes, they're still my family

I've got to say---I'm not a huge fan of my lint roller being as much of a necessity as my cell phone though. It's just wrong. I'm going to be the inventor of fur-resistant fabric and make one millllllllion dollars (yes, that was my best Dr. Evil impression)

 

[Pea-n-Me]

That's funny.

I thought this thread was a neat idea and figured I'll take some pictures of my camera bag (especially since it's mentioned here - the 6MH). But first, I have to get all the dog hairs off of it! It somehow wound up in the backseat with my dog this weekend and it is completely covered!

BTW, Code, your bag is very neat! (Somehow I suspect that might change after the triplets come along, LOL.)

And Groucho, yours looks "lived in"!

Love it!

 

[Code]

Thanks for the review Code! BTW, what's the latest on the babies?

My wife started having contractions last Tuesday and has been hospitalized since. She is at 30 weeks and 5 days and we're hoping she can make it to week 34. We're posting updates occasionally on our trip report thread if you're interested in following along.