Lowepro shoulder bag for D80 + kit lens + 50mmf1.8

[ZerocoolAstra]

Hi folks. I wish to apologize if I'm asking something that has been asked before somewhere on this forum. I did try searching for the answer, but unsuccessfully.

At the present moment, I have 2 Lowepro bags, namely a Toploader and a EX180.
The Toploader can only fit my D80 + kit lens.
The EX180 can carry all my gear, basically, with space to spare (I haven't got TOO much gear )

However, I'm looking at something in between, which I will be more likely to carry out often.
I had a look at Crumpler 5 million dollar home (about S$110), and it looks about the right size to carry D80kit + 50mm f1.8 and even an SB400.

I do admit that it's a much trendier design than the usual Lowepro stuff, but I'm concerned about the price and the durability. Is there a Lowepro equivalent with better quality, lower price, and acceptable looks? I'm thinking that the Cirrus, Nova or Rezo range might be all right. Certainly not as nice (in my eyes) as 5MDH, but can't complain la.

Looking forward to your replies!

[ZerocoolAstra]

oh shucks... no reply yet
I notice in other threads that many people like to recommend larger bags than necessary, being 'kiasu' about not having enough space. For example many recommend Crumpler 7MDH over the 6MDH because of larger capacity for small price difference. However, I'm looking for one that is JUST NICE for my gear (D80 + kit lens + 50mmf1.8 + SB400), so that I'll be more likely to bring it out often.

[nixontkl]

your setup is very basic with no long lens, why not try lowepro rezo 170aw

it will serve well for your D80 kit and 1-2 extra lens and a flash gun

[calebk]

Why do you doubt the durability of the Crumpler? From a user level, I feel that it is as well made as, if not better made than, any Lowepro around.

You may want to have a look at the 5MDH review here.

[ZerocoolAstra]

hmmm, ok thanks for the word of encouragement.
Actually after looking at the 5MDH, my heart says "BBB" but my head told me to wait and scout around first.
I do have long lens, but that can fit into my EX180 when I go on photography trips. The 5MDH will be something for me to carry out more often (e.g. out with friends, etc) with just my basic gear.

cheers. Thanks for all the feedback so far!

[calebk]

Originally Posted by ZerocoolAstra hmmm, ok thanks for the word of encouragement. Actually after looking at the 5MDH, my heart says "BBB" but my head told me to wait and scout around first. I do have long lens, but that can fit into my EX180 when I go on photography trips. The 5MDH will be something for me to carry out more often (e.g. out with friends, etc) with just my basic gear. cheers. Thanks for all the feedback so far!

I found it a lot more pleasing and comfortable to bring the Crumpler out (had a 6MDH), compared to a Lowepro. I only ever owned one Lowepro bag, and that's sold. Currently, I am currently using Domke shoulder bags. Definitely not as stealthy as Crumpler, but I feel, way better made than Lowepro (Domke isn't the photojournalists' choice for nothing), and its ergonomics and layout work for me.

Also, now when using my Domke F-3X (smallest shoulder bag I have), people seldom ask why I bring a camera. In fact, just as a funny experience, I ever brought my F-3X with my gear inside to a gathering to shoot candids, and someone came up to me and asked if, by any chance, I had my camera.

[ZerocoolAstra]

Originally Posted by calebk I found it a lot more pleasing and comfortable to bring the Crumpler out (had a 6MDH), compared to a Lowepro.....

Hahahah I would certainly have to agree with you on that. On an aesthetic front, the Crumpler wins hands-down. In my personal opinion, there isn't a Lowepro model of similar size, that's similarly "trendy", which is important if it'll prevent me from taking it out on normal non-photography days.
Will now shop around for the best price for 5MDH...

[antacid]

i had a few crumplers, and sold them after a while. didn't like how bulky they were with the small amount of gear it carries. ended up with a domke f2.

i'd say go for the biggest bag you can comfortably carry around, because you know you're going to end up wtih more gear one of these days. plus more space means i can squeeze in a small water bottle, a book, and psp comfortably.

[Blur Shadow]

I have both a Crumpler 7 million dollar and a Lowepro Nova 3 (from eons ago). The Nova 3 is meant to be my light-weight bag, carrying 1x Nikon D70, 1x regular-sized lens (whatever it may be) & either 1x flash or another lens. It's really old now, and I am currently looking at a replacement for it. So I guess that puts me in a similar situation.

I have definitely considered the 5 million dollar. It is trendy, colorful and a very useful bag. Having used my 7 million dollar home for over 1 year now, I am very satisfied with the quality of Crumpler. The problem with Crumpler is the price! >S$100 for a light-weight bag? Oh no! That's what edging me closer to Lowepro and Bagman (that Crumpler look-a-like).

I am considering range from Lowepro that comes with the all-weather cover. But if I had the EX180, I'd probably use that. Is there a lot of space left? Just stuff in a water bottle or some other small items!

[ZerocoolAstra]

Originally Posted by Blur Shadow .... I am considering range from Lowepro that comes with the all-weather cover. But if I had the EX180, I'd probably use that. Is there a lot of space left? Just stuff in a water bottle or some other small items!

Hahhaa there's a fair amount of space left in my EX180, since I usually don't carry all my gear out when I'm not specifically going out to shoot photos (eg. out for dinner with friends, or just walking around town or heartlands). My kit lens and the 50mm f1.8 will serve me fine in these situations. The EX180 is just too big and bulky for non-photgraphy days. So I end up leaving it at home, and if I chance upon a photo opportunity, I don't have my cam with me...

[h2chng]

I am using D90 with kit lens, sb600 and 50mm. In term of size it would be quite similar, the sb600 is bigger. I am using a rezo 170. Can fit everything in just nicely. I can even squese a gary fong dome diffuser in too. But need to unasemble.

[ZerocoolAstra]

in the end, I listened to my heart and got the Crumpler 5MDH!!
Have been bringing it out much more often, and got some candid shots of my friends in the process!
Recently brought it along to a wedding dinner with my D80 + 18-135 + 50/1.8 + SB600, and I still managed to fit in the dinner souvenirs!
haha!
Ok thanks for all your comments and suggestions.
I shall close this thread now that my mission is complete.
Final comment about 5MDH: It's really suitable for a decent camera kit, when you want something small but capable, and yet looks trendy (not the typical camera bag). So far it looks quite well made too. The stitching looks sturdy, and so do the zips.
Recommended for the kit that I carry, or perhaps D40/D60 + 18-55 + 55-200 + SB600
Probably could fit D300 + Tamron 17-50/2.8 + SB600 too