Bag Review - Crumpler Budgie Smuggler

I won't make this too indepth as this bag is hard to get hold of, but in case anyone is looking at a used one, or get something similar, here you go.

I've had the Budgie Smuggler for a couple years. I wanted a small, well padded, tough bag for when I'm heading out with minimal kit. Basically any time when I may want the camera but I'm not going primarily for that.

Size wise its bigger than a 4Mil home, smaller than a 5Mil but also a different shape that seems more useful. The bag will comfortably hold a normal size body and a couple of lenses. It can handle the 17-40 with its monster hood, but I wouldn't go any further. It would also be a tight fit if you use a battery pack.

Accessories wise it lets you carry the normal set of spare batteries, cards, lens cloths in the front pocket. It also has a 'hidden compartment' pocket in the lid but anything going in there better be small and flat.

The bag is as well made and padded as all Crumpler products. Quality wise its top notch. In use it has been great. Easy access, looks nice, good strap. Basically I'm very happy with it.

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I bought a used Budgie Smuggler on ebay the other month. It's really well made. I was able to fit my XTi with attached 28-105 (hood reversed), a rocket blower and my 430ex in there quite comfortably. And then I got my grip and prefer keeping the 28-105 with the hood on properly for quick access and man, is it now a tight fit! But it fits! Unfortunately mine didn't come with the shoulder pad and the strap digs in. But I'll probably buy the shoulder pad in the near future. Oh, and it has a whole lot of velcro to keep the flap down. It was too loud for me, so I just bought some more velcro from Walmart to keep it covered.

It's a very nice bag for when I want to go light.