Lowepro exchange messenger or Crumpler 5MDH?

Need some advice between these to bags. if anyone has either one of them or experience could you post the pros and cons of each bag? Also if you have pictures with you wearing them from the side that would be great. I ask for the picture because I don't want it too bulky from the back. The crumpler looks a little bulky and but the exchange messenger looks more slim. Also Which is more comfy to wear, I read that the lowpro messenger does not have a shoulder strap.

I don't have much gear yet because I just got my XS and the nifty fifty so thats all I would be carrying in it and maybe a 430ex once I get it.

Thanks

Hey,

Check out my review of the Exchange Messenger if you haven't:
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=859062

5D + 24-70 + 70-200 + 580EXII

It sure can store your stuff, with personal space.

Cheers,
Zexun

I have a 30D with 24-105 (hooded), 70-200 (hooded) and 430EX with a 6MDH and its the perfect size. I tried the 5MDH but it was a tad bit small. If you're not going to get a telephoto, then the 5MDH should be okay.

Headshotzx wrote in post #10047815
Hey,

Check out my review of the Exchange Messenger if you haven't:
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=859062

5D + 24-70 + 70-200 + 580EXII

It sure can store your stuff, with personal space.

Cheers,
Zexun

Yeah I have checked out your review It was great thanks. How is the padding on the messenger for the gear? Is it thin? How comfortable is it when wearing it for a good amount of time since it does not have a shoulder pad?

steveagle wrote in post #10048063
I have a 30D with 24-105 (hooded), 70-200 (hooded) and 430EX with a 6MDH and its the perfect size. I tried the 5MDH but it was a tad bit small. If you're not going to get a telephoto, then the 5MDH should be okay.

Ic, Well I think the biggest lens I plan on getting is the 55-250mm. would that be ok for the 5MDH?

itsmejson wrote in post #10048116
Yeah I have checked out your review It was great thanks. How is the padding on the messenger for the gear? Is it thin? How comfortable is it when wearing it for a good amount of time since it does not have a shoulder pad?

The "padding" is adequate for my uses. I say "padding" because the sides really don't have any padding at all- only the bottom and the dividers. This is great for me because it means the bag will mold to your bum / back / side when you bring it about.

The thing about the exchange messenger is that even though it doesn't have a shoulder pad, the low cost of the bag itself allows you some money to get a good shoulder pad (I bought a Domke Postman Shoulder Pad) or two, and it'll still cost less than a 5mdh.

I own a Crumpler 7mdh as well, so I do know a bit about both brands. For your gear, I'd say the Lowepro might look better and feel better (assuming you buy your own shoulder pad) if you take care not to bang it around. It's thinner, lighter, and molds to your body. Whenever I bring out my 7mdh, it feels like i'm carrying an overpriced padded box.

I agree that the Crumplers are a bit boxy but thats their appeal (the 5MDH is a fair bit smaller than the 7MDH, the bigger the more boxy). The two bags mentioned are different in that respect.

If you want a slimline, go the lowepro.
If you want a protective and a bit of style, go the crumpler.

Pends on what you want to carry. I love the 5MDH but it wasn't tall enough for my 70-200 so I got the Messenger. Both really awesome bags and both a bit different. I plan on getting another 5NDH for my wife as her gear grows. She won't be jumping to F2.8 as when she shoots weddings, it's with me and she uses a standard zoom and I take care of the other stuff so...the 5MDH is great for a smaller kit. THe Messenger is awesome as well, but the padding isn't great. I use the messenger as a walk around or on small jobs as it's easy to access but I do wish it had a bit more padding but what can I expect from a $15 bag?

Both are different bags though. Check my reviews on both.

I agree they are different, but the 5mdh is just a miniaturised version of the 7mdh. Yes, the shape and design is what makes it "crumpler", but when I buy bags, I buy them not for the style, but for their usability. The 7mdh has served me well, but I will be selling it for a backpack because my shoulders can't take it.

But their style is also what adds to the price. Im sure there is quite a few bags that are just as usable as the crumpler but cheaper as well.

As for side bags, i would never use a side bag for heavy gear no matter how much padding they have. But each to their own.

Thanks for your insight guys, you both have some really good points.

I went to best buy earlier and they sell the lowepro so I checked it out. I do want a slimline walkabout bag - that definitely is the lowepro and it indeed is not very padded but I think its something that I can deal with. However I plan on heading to the local camera store to check the 5MDH in person before I make my final decision since they have a couple stocked.

Appreciate the help, I'll let you know what I decide

Update

I was able to head over to the local cam store and physically check out both the lowepro and crumpler. I found that the crumpler was a very nice padded bag however the inside was much tighter and smaller than the lowepro and is very wide. I think if they extended the length to make it more proportioned i would like it better. I decided to get the lowepro for its pricing and the look of it being inconspicuous. although it is less padded I can deal with it.

Thanks headshots, steveagle, & _aravena I appreciate all your input

Hey Headshots, you wrote above that you picked up a domke postman shoulder pad. would you recommend that with the lowepro messenger? Is it pretty comfortable? I'm thinking of picking one up from B&H

Tenba Messenger bag is a good compromise between weight, capacity and cost.

https://photography-on-the.net …?t=694314&highl​ight=tenba

itsmejson wrote in post #10062729
Update

I was able to head over to the local cam store and physically check out both the lowepro and crumpler. I found that the crumpler was a very nice padded bag however the inside was much tighter and smaller than the lowepro and is very wide. I think if they extended the length to make it more proportioned i would like it better. I decided to get the lowepro for its pricing and the look of it being inconspicuous. although it is less padded I can deal with it.

Thanks headshots, steveagle, & _aravena I appreciate all your input

Hey Headshots, you wrote above that you picked up a domke postman shoulder pad. would you recommend that with the lowepro messenger? Is it pretty comfortable? I'm thinking of picking one up from B&H

It's Headshotzx, but I don't really care

I use the domke postman shoulder pad when shooting with the 70-200 because it's very, very thick. For lightweight gear, either do it without a shoulder pad, or buy an even thinner one.

Headshotzx wrote in post #10116555
It's Headshotzx, but I don't really care

I use the domke postman shoulder pad when shooting with the 70-200 because it's very, very thick. For lightweight gear, either do it without a shoulder pad, or buy an even thinner one.

haha sorry bout that! I have the messenger and domke postman pad coming in. It should be here tomorrow!

Ooo good for ya! Hope it works! Don't blame me if it doesn't xD