Crumpler Mild Enthusiast Camera Bag (L) ME3001-X01G60 Black
I received the package right on time, actually 1 day earlier than quoted. The bag is well built in typical Crumpler fashion, the padding and inlay separators are plush and lint free and the Velcro is surprisingly strong. Might be worth mentioning that the way they adhere inside the bag gives them a conical shape rather than an absolute even separator wall, not very evident from the uploaded photos. This might hinder the above 70 Diameter lenses since it might be a little tight to get them to bottom out in the bag (although this is only in the vertical position, lens down)
There is ample space, surprising for a "non pro" category bag. I managed to fit in the following with relative ease and with space to spare:
Lens Barrel/horizontal position Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Black Body Only) with Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X116 Pro DX Digital Zoom Lens (for Canon EOS Cameras) mounted (would have fit in with the lens hood attached and ready if it wasn't for the conical inlay mentioned above).
Lens down/vertical position Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Zoom Lens with Built In Motor for Nikon Digital SLR
Extra battery for Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm IS II Lens and EOS HD Movie Mode (Black) (Not battery grip, just battery)
Battery charger for Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm IS II Lens and EOS HD Movie Mode (Black)
one Tamrac 5329 Folding Filter Wallet. Holds Up To 8 Filters Up To 82mm In Size with 8 72 dis lens filters loaded inside
one Apple Ipad 3 64gb White Factory Unlocked with one Apple iPad 2 Leather Smart Cover Black (MC947LL/A) attached.
2 lens brushes
2 compact flash card with cases
every single cable and plug for all products mentioned above
They all fit in nice and easy and if I insert the camera with the Tokina in vertically, I could easily fit in another zoom lens (same size as the Tamron above) or a pancake lens and a small prime...or even one full size flash (albeit a tight squeeze)
All in all a decent set of kit for carrying around as a beginner/intermediate and you wouldn't be left wanting except in the most demanding of scenarios
You could also wedge in a portable full sized tripod in-between those x shaped straps on the outside, although I wouldn't recommend it for long term, more of a last solution if you definitely needed your hands free for some quick hiking to the top of a hill.
This bag is water resistant, not water proof, so don't expect to make it out OK if it starts raining cats and dogs, however a light drizzle/shower should leave your gear relatively none the wiser.
As mentioned above this is not a "pro-class" bag, meaning this isn't designed to take severe knocks and drops from any height; the padding is plush but not as shock absorbent for that kind of thing, so laying the bag down is your only option. I would not check this in as luggage at the airport for example, but I would easily put it in the over-head storage as a carry on, no problem.
The sling type design allows for quick access to your loaded camera, just twirl the bag around and bring it to your stomach, pop the zip open and your off shooting.
Comfort-wise this is a medium to above average design, the issue being the "unusual strap". This is a sling type bag so I did know what I was ordering at the time, but those of you expecting a tight non jiggle fit should look elsewhere as this is not designed for that.
One minor soar point is the thickness of the shoulder pad. Although it is removable and adjustable it could definitely use about an inch more width to distribute the weight a bit better, don't get me wrong, it does not dig in or feel uncomfortable but you could use a lower pressure point.
Those of you on the more jollier and fluffier side of the weighing scale, like myself, might find it a little tricky to pinpoint your preferred strap length. Also if you do extend the strap to a jollier size, you'll find the buckle might end up near the top of your shoulder and hence the shoulder pad cannot occupy the same space. You'll end up having the pad slightly forward onto the beginning of your chest although still not off your shoulder completely.
All in all I am very happy with this purchase, it is a great step up from carrying around the stock zoom case offered by you camera brand, You can fit quite a bit of gear in there. Things might be tricky if your a jolly plus size person but it should not hinder your experience noticeably.
The 4 of 5 stars I gave are relative to the same category bags out there.
I would have given 5 for a wider shoulder pad and ability to add tote bags or travel size tripod holder
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Purchased this bag for a 3 week trip in Asia. I have other sling packs, messenger packs, and backpacks. For me, this works better since it gave me ample room to fit a D600 with 24-70 2.8 attached (no hood), and still fit other items in the same bag, such as light jackets, books, and snacks. The final package is still much smaller than my other bags, including my slings, and is very inconspicuous.
Flipping the bag around provides easy access to the storage compartment as sling packs should. The fit of the camera body in the bag is not as tight as in some other bags, but that works fine for me. Additionally, the bag does not secure to your body as well as other bags; however, that also hasn't bugged me, I've even done a light hike with this bag.
The exterior zipper pulls are nice to grab, the different style for the interior zipper helps to differentiate. The red color of the lining helps to indicate when your bag is open versus closed.
The pockets in the back of the interior of the bag are a bit inconvenient to reach and the pocket in the front liner could use smaller compartments for better organization.
The iPad sleeve works fine and can accommodate my iPad 3 with a smart cover. If the bag is very full, you do have some issues getting it in there.
The biggest complaint is that the new style of Crumpler shoulder pads has rather large seams that dig into my shoulder after an extended use. I removed it and it functions much better for me.
