Crumpler Bags

[Rash Oval Knave]

First of all, let me say that although I've been following the ongoings of this forum for the past month and a half, it's my first time posting. I'm new to the world of photography -- I've been interested in it for a long time (landscapes and macro shots appeal to me the most), but have never made that jump. And when I say I'm new, I mean I haven't bought a camera yet. =)

So after my few months of research, I've come to decide on the Nikon D90 and a AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II lens (I'll be buying it late January/early February), as I figure that it'll be a good starting point that will allow me to explore what exactly I want from the camera, but still provide a slew of features that will allow me to grow as a photographer and won't restrict me to just the basics.

I wanted to know if anyone has had any experience with Crumpler bags. I was looking at their 1 Million Dollar Home Photo Bag and their 2 Million Dollar Home Photo Bag and wasn't sure if the camera (with lens attached), would fit in the 1 Million Dollar Home one. I'd also like to carry an extra battery and the battery charger with it as well.

Any suggestions on other bags are, of course, welcome as well.

[beatryder]

I have a Karachi Outpost, basially the largest bag they sell, and it's awesome.

The padding they put in their bags is thick. I would suggest finding a local retailer if you can, and take your gear with you to see if it will fit and be comfortable. Most places will let you play around and see if you can get your gear to fit nicely.

[Rash Oval Knave]

beatryder,

I took a look at the Karachi Outpost and it looks amazing. However, I'm only looking to carry around a single lens (the attached one) with my camera for the time being, so it seems like it'd be a little too big for me.f

I will, however, be going to a local camera shop (I didn't actually know there were any around here) and testing some out.

Thanks for the suggestion,
Shravan

[beatryder]

Originally Posted by Rash Oval Knave

beatryder,

I took a look at the Karachi Outpost and it looks amazing. However, I'm only looking to carry around a single lens (the attached one) with my camera for the time being, so it seems like it'd be a little too big for me.f

I will, however, be going to a local camera shop (I didn't actually know there were any around here) and testing some out.

Thanks for the suggestion,
Shravan

No worries, my post was more to say "I have a Crumpler bag, and the quality is top notch" and do that other stuff too.

[Bluenoser]

I started with a LowPro AW100 and mioved up to the 200 when my gear collection grew. Both can be used as a back-pack and have a ton of space in them. I don't usually take them with me when hiking though, as I have a LowPro waist bag for that. It carries my camera with a lens attached and has a slot for another lens, plus storage for extra battery, filters, etc.

I can say the LowPro is top of the line. The bags have waterproof covers that pull out in the event you did happen to get caught in the rain.

[irispatch]

Two suggestions. If you are unsure which lens will perform for you try remting one before spending a big chunk of cash. That will give you a chance to check out the feel and balance of it on your camera and even though a rental can be for ashort time it still give you achance to see if the lens will give you want you are looking for.

Bags... don't buy a size for what you have now or your initial purchases, buy one twice as big as you think you need. After camera and two lenses , we keep adding. Flash, filters, rocket blower, remote, a second flash ( when you said Macro Flash and more will be added to your collection) Extentions tubes ( more Macro stuff) Teleconverters,
extra batteries, extra cards.
Crumplers are nice I have a 6 million dollar home but found it not big enough for my 70-200mm F4 nor the 300mm F4 so I have to carry extra lenses cases just for them.... Best to shop around after you get at least the body and the largest lens you plan to buy.

[Sterling]

I have the 6 million dollar home and find it just barely big enough for my D90 w/ 18-105 kit lens, 35mm 1.8, and assorted odds and ends. If I added a flash and another small lens it would packed tight. A couple things I don't like are the lack of small compartments to keep things like batteries, sd cards, and lens caps and the fact that the top of the bag isn't padded. One thing I do really like is that it does not scream "Camera Bag!"

[jorf]

The 1 or 2 are tiny bags. They tell you that the 4 will hold a camera with lens and extra lens - it doesn't really. The 5 is the smallest I would get for my D5000 and extra lens. I ended out ordering a LowePro Classified 140 and I love it but, even tho the company says it will easily hold what I want to carry, I think it's too small. As someone else said - get more than you think you'll need. I can squeeze everything into the LowePro but the 5 million will hold it easier even if it's not as nice a bag (IMHO).

Anyway, go to a real store and look at them. Ask to put a camera in it. I was amazed when I did so!