How much will the Crumpler 5MDH & 6MDH hold?

[DznyFan]

I'm considering investing in either the Crumpler 5 million dollar home or the 6 million dollar home bag. I have a backpack that holds all my gear but it's just not convenient, especially at Walt Disney World. I'm curious about how much these bags will hold to see if one will be worth my while. I'd like to pack my body and about three lenses - my 18 - 70 package lense, my big 75 - 200 zoom and my 50mm, plus 'stuff'.

What would be your recommendations?

 

[annnewjerz]

I have both the 5MDH & 6MDH and can say I am fairly certain that if you want to actually hold all of the stuff listed at once in the bag, the 5MDH will be too small. If you are going to wear your camera around your neck and won't ever need to put it away, the 5MDH would probably be fine.

Here is what I can fit in both:

5MDH - Nikon D90 w/ attached 18-200 and reversed hood, Sigma 30mm f/1.4, Nikon 50mm f/1.8 and stuff like extra memory cards and a lens pen in the front, along with maybe a filter stashed inside.

6MDH - Nikon D90 w/ attached 18-200 and reversed hood, Sigma 30mm f/1.4, Nikon 50mm f/1.8, Nikon 60mm f/2.8, SB-600, rocket blaster and other assorted stuff in the outside pocket, like lens pens and memory cards.

Basically, the 6MDH can fit all of my current camera-related stuff including the battery charger, but it's a VERY tight squeeze and uncomfortably heavy when fully loaded. In addition, if it's not fully loaded, it's got a ton of extra space and I feel like it's nutty to carry around a large half-empty bag.

So...on day trips or if we go on long weekends where we are driving, I bring my 6MDH fully loaded with my stuff and then bring the 5MDH to carry day to day with the D90 and attached lens, an extra lens and some other junk. For long trips that require flying, I'm looking into a larger back-pack that will more comfortably fit all of my stuff and then I will bring the 5MDH for carrying during the day at places like WDW.

So far, the only benefit I have seen for owning both, is that I can slide the extra cushioned portion of the strap from the 6MDH and use it on the 5MDH while I'm out, which makes even the smaller 5MDH much more comfortable to wear.

HTH.

Ann

 

[DznyFan]

That does help, thank you.
Hmmmm... I'm at an impasse - although I know that the 5MDH isn't going to work, based on your comments. It appears the 6 will be my option, UNLESS there's another bag (different manufacturer) that would be a possibility. I've looked at the Ape Case bags and a couple of the Tamrac bags as well. I like the looks of the Crumpler, and it doesn't seem as 'boxy'.

 

[jfinke]

My 6MD holds my 40d, 70-200f4LIS, 50f1.8, 18-55non is, 430ex external flash, straps, triggers, cables, and memory cards.

 

[BorisMD]

I've got the 5MDH and it has become too small for most of what I want to do.

I switched to a waist belt based system from LowePro (the holster and lens cases) and find that fits my needs better.

If you want a nice, non-camera bag looking bag, and just want a safe place for your DSLR and maybe a lens while walking around the parks, the 5 is actually pretty nice. The straps and velcro are bombproof. When the camera is in the bag, I have no reservations about hanging the bag on a chair or seatback storage bin on a ride.

If you're thinking of needing to haul around more than one lens or a flash, you would need the 6.

Regards,

Boris

 

[boBQuincy]

Another option: if I put the camera in a bag that almost guarantees I will miss some photo opportunities. I keep the camera out and carry a Crumpler $4MDH. It holds: 10-22; 70-200; 50 or a small flash; memory cards, batteries, etc.

By leaving out one of the larger lenses it will hold a 16 oz water bottle or a light jacket. Accessories can also be attached to the bag if you don't mind looking like someone who hangs a bunch of stuff on their camera bag. The versatility is nice.

To me the $5MDH is pretty large, the $6MDH is way too big. If I have to carry that much gear I need to do better at deciding what I really need that day.

 

[annnewjerz]

Another option: if I put the camera in a bag that almost guarantees I will miss some photo opportunities.

I normally agree with Bob, and if you are someone who frequents WDW or doesn't necessarily stay out all day I think that the 4MDH would also be a good option. For me, at some point during the day, I will have to put the camera away. We only go to WDW every few years and stay out pretty much from park opening to close---so every once in a while to give my neck and family a break, the camera will be put away (i.e. while we are in a restaurant eating dinner, typically I would put it in the bag for safekeeping rather than leave it out on the table).

The $6MDH is way too big. If I have to carry that much gear I need to do better at deciding what I really need that day.

Completely agree here. I bought the 6MDH thinking---piece of cake!! I can carry a full bag all day long!! I loaded it up with my camera, 4 lenses, an external flash and accessories and set out.

After lugging what probably equated to (or maybe just felt like) 15-20 pounds all day in the sun, my shoulder was no longer interested in shlepping the stuff and that's when I decided a 5MDH for actual shooting might be better for me.

I realize now that carrying my D90 w/ attached 18-200, Sigma 30 and a wide angle is enough for one full day out. If I see something I think would make for a good macro, or if I rent a fisheye and miss a shot that I think would work well---I can always run back the next day.

Now, I use the 6MDH for storing my stuff, and the 5MDH for shooting. Still large enough that I can fit the body with attached lens and an extra lens + accessories, but still small enough that it's much more tolerable to walk around with all day.

 

[DznyFan]

Thank you all for your insight and information.

More questions raised, though - I want to pack my body and three lenses plus incidentals. I will, from time to time, want to put the body/lens back in the bag so it needs to hold the 2 (one is a horse of a Sigma 75-200 f/s2.8) plus body/lens, cards, spare battery, bottle of advil, mints, and such.

Strap? it looks to me like the 6MDH has a nicer, maybe more ergonimic strap? I'll be packing the same amount of stuff (pounds). Do either have a place to attach a travel tripod? (not mini, just lightweight)

Thanks!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

You can read about my experience at WDW using the 6MDH in the OP here.

And an update - after months of use, my once rectangular bag now seems to be almost round.

ETA said 4 but meant 6MDH

 

[KarenAylwood]

Another question about capacity...

I just started looking at these and want the 5MDH for Disney (I'm going in September). I'd be taking my XSi w/ 18-200mm attached, and my Sigma 30mm f/1.4. Do I have room for a gorillapod??

 

[annnewjerz]

Strap? it looks to me like the 6MDH has a nicer, maybe more ergonimic strap? I'll be packing the same amount of stuff (pounds). Do either have a place to attach a travel tripod? (not mini, just lightweight)

Thanks!

The strap on the 6MDH is nicer, although the only thing I found different was the little cushioned slider that is attached by velcro to the strap. It worked and made carrying stuff more comfortable (when it stayed in place) but most of the time I glanced down and it had slid all the way to the end of my strap---so it didn't provide that much more comfort. You can easily buy a gel guitar strap to make carrying the strap more comfortable and extra squishy.

Another question about capacity...

I just started looking at these and want the 5MDH for Disney (I'm going in September). I'd be taking my XSi w/ 18-200mm attached, and my Sigma 30mm f/1.4. Do I have room for a gorillapod??

There are loops on the outside of the 5MDH and 6MDH if I recall correctly, so you should have a spot for a travel tripod or gorillapod to hook onto. On our trip to DC, I stuck a compact umbrella in one of the loops for the tripod and it worked out great!

 

[BorisMD]

Okay, ignore some of my comments. I just realized I have the 4 MDH -- I must live in the slums of photobags

Boris