It is a while since I purchased my camera bag, and as you guys gave me such great advice I reckon that this review is long over due – sorry!!!
To recap, I went with the 7 Million Dollar Home from Crumpler at $128.50.
Shallow person that I am, the look of the bag had a huge influence in the eventual decision. I didn’t want to be carrying around what was obviously a camera bag, as I tend to carry a bag with me at all times, so I like my computer bag and camera bag to double up where necessary so that they need to look like a ‘normal’ bag as well!
Design wise I am very happy indeed – the material is tough but stylish, and the strap is really comfortable and long enough. This is a particular issue with me and bags being 6ft 4″ and with a tendency to have my bags slung low when I carry them.
The compartments inside offer good protection, and are removable, but like the idiot that I am I removed them all when I was on an iChat with Wayne to show him that they came out, and I never took notice of how they were set up. As a result I have enough internal compartments for my needs, but a few pieces left over as well!
I tend to find that the compartments are if anything too ‘snug’ a fit and getting a lens or the flash out in a hurry can cause a few problems. The good side of this is they are really well protected, the downside is that using the bag can be a little bit of a fiddle at times.
With the bag full it isn’t heavy at all – the actual weight of the empty bag is amazingly light – but the external pockets on the side are hard to access. This has got better with use, but they really aren’t that useful to be honest. The large external pocket on the front is good though – large and easy to access with a useful internal pocket. It is this pocket in particular that gives me the versatility that I require from a bag.
As predicted the bag spends most of its time on the floor in the study as a ‘container’ for all my camera and camcorder stuff, so from that perspective it has been great. Really impressive how much you can get in it and still have good access to.
I have used it out in the mountains, nature reserves and around the marina so I reckon it has a pretty good test in terms of different conditions, and so far it has stood up to them all really well.
So in conclusion – a great bag, worth the money, with only a few minor inconveniences that I can think of, and that really don’t bother me at all.
It looks like a really nice bag, and as long as it has the necessary padding I will probably buy one myself. If, that is, I can work my way around there web site! I haven’t seen it lately, but, wow. That’s probably the only word to describe it. Wow.
I might downgrade to a smaller house, though. Not sure if I need the 7 million dollar one. Like I mentioned, it’s been awhile since I’ve looked at their wares and don’t know what’s new. It’s a whole lot better than the ones you find at your average chain store, though!
[quote comment=””]I might downgrade to a smaller house, though. Not sure if I need the 7 million dollar one. Like I mentioned.[/quote]
That made me smile 🙂
The site is still a nightmare, but worth it in that the bags are really good!
While in the camera store I spotted a very very cool little gem. It was a “National Geographic NG 2475 Earth Explorer Medium Shoulder Bag”. What I like when buying a product, especially when it comes to bags, is to see them in person, feel the quality, and be able to see what and how things will fit inside. I admire Chris for taking the plunge from a few photos on the net. This bag is absolutely wonderful, and it looks great! I can fit my 5D with attached 17-40 lens and battery pack, my 24-70, and my 100-400 lens, plus my laptop, a few other accessories. I’m very impressed with this bag, and even more so because it does not look like a camera bag. Also when empty I can fold it quite nicely and be able to stuff it in a suitcase. Hmmmm…. I might have to bring it with me to Spain in October. It would be much easier to carry that on a daily excursions than my big backpack.
Sounds great, and look forward to seeing it!!!
With the limited shopping options in and around Almerimar, plus by hatred of actually going shopping I tend to buy a lot of stuff unseen off the interent. That is why the comments and suggestions are so good that I get on this blog …….
I’m in need of a new camera bag myself. I’ve recently bought the Contax 645 medium format and it won’t fit any of my others. By the time I add a couple of extra lenses and camera backs, it will have to be quite large. Any suggestions?
Have a look at the National Geographic bags by Bogen They have few different sizes and styles. I really like mine…. but then again that’s just me.