In need of a messenger bag...ThinkTank UD40 vs 7MDH

I currently own the canon bg200 backpack. For $45, it has served me well! However, I have a few problems with it.

1. It's not a standard backpack size, therefore, when wearing it, it looks and feels awkward.

2. In order to work out of it, you have to lay it on a flat surface, unzip it, do a lens change, then zi p it back up. In some scenarios, this is fine. In others, there may be nothing to lay the bag on, or the action is so fast, you need to get in and out asap.

Therefore, I'm looking for a new bag which will be good for walk around. From what I can tell, a messenger style would be best since it's pretty much top loading. Therefore, I can wear the bag and work out of it at the same time.

I was dead set on getting the Crumpler 7 Million Dollar Home since once I plan on adding the 70-200 2.8 IS and the 24-70L to my collection. However, the Think Tank UD40 has REALLY caught my attention. I've pretty much fallen in love with the bag!

BUT from my research, I see a huge problem with it. I don't think it can hold a 30D + Grip with a lens attached in the main zipper compartment. Can anyone clarify this for me?

If the UD40 can't hold a gripped 30D in the main compartment, does anyone know if the UD50/60 can?

From what I was reading was that the UD series can only hold gripped cameras in the accordion style front pockets, which isn't practical for my use.

If the UD series cannot accommodate my needs, how's the 7MDH? Is it rigid enough to work out of while wearing it? Or do I have to take it off and set it down?

Below are the setups I'd require using the LEAST amount of gear. It would be ideal if I could contain all three lenses in setup 2, instead of only two, however it's not absolutely necessary.

1. 30D gripped + 100mm Macro + Kenko tubes + 430ex
3. 30D gripped + 70-200 2.8 IS + 24-70L or 17-40L + 430ex

So if the UD40 can't hold a gripped 30D, then I'm open to suggestions on a good quality messenger bag that's practical to work out, looks good, and is made of good quality.

Thank you!

I have the 7m bag. And I used to have 20d w/ grip attached 24-70L. Also have the 70-200f2.8ISL and the 10-20 and a flash. Heavy as well. And pretty tight too. But easy to get the camera out.

I assume you mean in a position like the 7MDH can?

There's a review I thought of the UD40 although I can't find it. I can't believe there site has no inside pics of the bag, how dumb is that. I'd look into the Domke J series and F-803 or 804 which there are reviews...well, maybe it was the 802 and 803. Either way they should work.

Thanks for the information, however I read the various reviews on this site with the UD40 and no one specifically mentions a grip on their camera.

It can hold one, at least on Think Tank site they do show a 1D series but it doesn't go in the way I think you're asking.

I would suggest calling Think Tank. I had some questions about their products and found that they were very helpful and frank. The people who answer have been experienced photogs who also use their products.
Seems like a great company.
I'm getting the UD 50 and probably the tripod case.

I am not sure on the UD40, but I own the UD60 and it will fit.
I carry in the UD60:
5D + 24-105 mounted, Gripped XTi + 70-200 f/4L mounted, EF 28 f/1.8, 430EX, and the ususal spare batteries, etc, etc

Thanks cloose! How do you like the 60? Is it practical to work out of when you're on the move? Or do you need to take it off and set it down on a table or quivalent, in order to change lenses/put cameras away?

I posted some photos of the UD30 & UD40 in this thread; unfortunately for you grip people, there's no way that you'd get a camera with grip and lens attached in the main section of the UD40 without really pulling on the zippers to get it closed.

SimonG wrote in post #5772926
I posted some photos of the UD30 & UD40 in this thread;

Thanks!
I'm going to be getting the UD50 when I get my new computer in a few weeks. I had thought of getting the UD30, but I didn't think the 70-200 would fit while attached to the camera body. Can't tell from your photo if that's what you have "on" in the case. And, if so, is there room for anything else in the bag then?
Thanks again.

sml wrote in post #5773031
... I had thought of getting the UD30, but I didn't think the 70-200 would fit while attached to the camera body. Can't tell from your photo if that's what you have "on" in the case. ...

Both the UD30 and UD40 will take my 5D with 70-200 attached (though I do need to reverse the hood). I typically use the UD30 with my 5D and a pair of lenses, while the UD40 is for when I want to take 3-4 lenses with me.

I just got rid of my think tank UD40 because my 1d wouldn't fit with out having to stretch the bag.

SimonG wrote in post #5772926
I posted some photos of the UD30 & UD40 in this thread; unfortunately for you grip people, there's no way that you'd get a camera with grip and lens attached in the main section of the UD40 without really pulling on the zippers to get it closed.

Thank you for the clarification Simon!

Next question...Can anyone with the UD50 confirm if a gripped 30D/40D will fit in the main compartment!?

It will fit in the main compartment but these bags are not designed to be used with a camera + Grip. It works, however.

nutsnbolts,

Thanks for the reply! I'm assuming that you were referring to the UD50/60, correct? Being the bag wasn't designed to work with a camera + grip in the main compartment, even though it DOES work, are there any drawback to doing this? Does putting a gripped camera in the main compartment hinderthe bags funcitonality in any way?