A crumpler bag review

p0ss3s3d

p0ss3s3d

p0ss3s3d

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A few people are currently looking at the Crumpler bags in particular the Muffin Top 75/5500. I own the 5500 as a walkaround bag and it's probably the best shoulder camera bag in it's class. But you should remember it's not inteneded to carry a whole set of gear. Just a light travel type kit.

So firstly here's what you can fit in the front pocket if you SQEEUZE everything in.

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That's three filters, pen, iPod, cloth, (paper not pictured :p) batteries and memory cards.

The bag's design is simple. It's very, very well padded. It's cool by camera bag standards and is waterproof (as far as I can tell). The other cool feature IMO is the material. It doesn't get muddy or snowy. Nor wet. Crazy.

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Okay so what can we fit. I've loadded it with DVD's and a medium sized paperback.

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I find this bag great if you want to carry the accersories listed in the first bit alongside a camera (gripped/not), and 2-4 lenses or 2-3 and a flashgun. Of course this depends the size of your lenses and if your taking hoods. A 24-70 with a hood might only leave space for a prime and a 5/7D. Use the books and DVD's as your guide. Not my numbers.

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So finally, here's an image of a camera with a flash.

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I think the muffin top bags aren't suitable for anyone carry large amounts of stuff or people wanting to carry large lenses. If you shoot prime lenses or just need space for a zoom and a prime this is perfect.

Hopefully this is of use to some of you. If you have any questions I'll do my best to answer.
 
My problem with these types of bags is security, how easy would it be for someone to pop the top up, snatch and run?
 
Well it buckled with a pretty fiddly clip. then there's the velcro.

I find in a city I do the velcro and clip. if I'm just wondering around a less busy street, the velcro does fine. If I'm abroad in a place where I think there a high possibility of theft. I use holsters.
If your going somewhere in a field with a tripod a backpack is best.


Like I say, I think you need different bags for different purposes.
 
I may have to have a look at one as it sounds pretty secure.

I've been looking at the National Geographic bags but wouldn't mind a small bag for just popping out and about with!
 
I've got the Xl or XXL (can't remember but similar to the 5500)

Very secure indeed. If I'm on my own and if it's not too busy, I only use the velcro. In a busy place, I'd buckle it as well. It would be near impossible to release teh buckle as it's on teh inside on the flap.
 
The New Delhi looks good but I think only worth the extra bulk if you want to carry a laptop with you. TBH imo if you want to carry camera + lens + accessories + a laptop you need a rucksack, otherwise it will be too heavy for one shoulder to support for a prolonged period of time.
 
Thanks to the OP's review, I just ordered the very same bag as I'm looking for a storage solution to stick my new 450D and lenses into. Nice one.
 
Apologies for the pic quality from iphone.
I use the 5500 for lugging the GF1 around.

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GF1 sits nicely in the corner, Gorilla pod in the pocket in front along with Grey-Kard.
Front pocket has memory cards, lens cloth and other bits.
 
I use a Ben's Pizza XXXL which isn't as big as it sounds.
I have blacked out the badge and also took a stanley knife to it and removed the lining from the back and side panels so it looks even less of a camera bag now. It sits nicely on the hip now rather than sliding against it.
 
TBH imo if you want to carry camera + lens + accessories + a laptop you need a rucksack, otherwise it will be too heavy for one shoulder to support for a prolonged period of time.
Click to expand...

+1
 
Agree with SS, I got the Messenger boy half photo rucksack where the camera goes into the bottom section and the zip is facing your back, meant to be able to swing it off one shoulder to unzip it and take the camera out.

Kind of works but I leave my lens on my camera so most times end up having to put my bag down to get camera out = defeats the purpose of it.

Like the Muffin top bag, actually saw someone who works on the floor below with one earlier this week and looks good (as do most of the Crumpler range) and its definately a nice size. Tempted to get one myself :)
 
I think bags are just a personal thing. What one will love another will hate.

My personal experience; Lowepro Slingshot. WINNER!
Things I like about it
1. It stays on me at all times
2. I can swing it round from back to front and access filters and all other stuff easily and without having to put the bag on the floor. (Essential for seascapes etc)
3. It does not move around when clambering around rocks/cliff/hills etc.
4. Its small enough and big enough for my kit. I have a D90, Holga, 3 lenses. Additionally, it holds my Tom Tom, wallet, filters, batteries, chocolate etc etc. I can clip on a drink.
5. Its very easy and comfortable to wear both the Slingshot and also wear my tripod (using a tripod strap).

The only downside I have found is that if worn for hours it can get quite hot; but thats because whilst its on it does not move. But in that case I just wear it like shoulder bag.


Crumpler Muffin Top 5500 (Bought after Slingshot as vanity got the better of me)
Likes
1. Style; they looks great (I had the Olive green one with orange inners). Nicer looking than Slingshot.

Dislikes
1. I was using it with a D40 and a couple of lenses; and whilst they all fit, it was not what I would call 'comfortable'. It felt a little bit like one thing was holding something else in place. The Slingshot wins hands down for internal packing/dividers etc.
2. For the life of me I could not wear a tripod strap and this and feel comfortable.
3. The bag moves around terribly if you are climbing around on rocks etc. Also after a duration of a few hours I found it uncomfortable.
4. The clip on the front is just annoying.

Ideally I think a backpack is the most secure and comfortable design, but I cannot work with a bag that I have to put on the floor to swap a lens. With my Slingshot, I can swap a lens without anything touching the floor and in half the time anyone else I know who use other types of bags.
 
I've had a crumpler bag like that but smaller for a couple of years now (got it with my first SLR) and it been great!

Its lasted really well and protected my kit against some pretty tough knocks and feels like it will last for years yet


In terms of waterproofing, the material is supposed to be waterproof, and it kept out henry rain on several occasions but obviously its not watertight
 
I have a slingshot as well and agree with every thing martin has said, especially the point about being able to swing the bag around and access it without the need to take it off.
Because i suffer from back pain when the bags fully loaded the single strap design can become very uncomfortable. Its fine for a good few hours but if i was planning an entire day of walking and photography i would much prefer a two strap bag.

The Crumpler no doubt looks great and is quick to access, I think it would be the perfect bag if your just popping out for a few hours of photography.
 
I've got a Muffin Top 7500 too. It happily fits:

450d, 17-55 plus hood, siggy 10-20, 70-200 f4 IS L plus hood, spare batteries, a few filters, lens cloths, lens pen etc. You can also put the grip in there if necessary.
 
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