Lowepro Fastpack 200 Vs Crumpler Messenger Boy Full Photo

[GafferTape]

Trying to decide between the Lowepro Fastpack 200 that is currently bargainous on Amazon, and the Crumpler Messenger Boy Full Photo that looks like a similarly good investment on Jacobs.

The Crumpler looks a bit less of a camera bag and can hold a laptop (although I have no plans to take the laptop while out taking pictures, but nice to have an option of laptop/photography bag), while the Lowepro is has the Fastpack access thing and is about £25 cheaper.

One question I have is while having the camera in the bag in the Crumpler, do you need to take off the lens (as some internal photos suggest)? I haven’t been able to confirm as couldn’t find photos online.. If I have to re-attach the lens everytime to put in/take out the camera from the bag, that would get annoying pretty quickly.

Thanks.

 

[kman]

No you don't have to take off the lens. The internal compartments you can adjust them how you want as the dividers are velcro attached so you can take them out or rearrange.

 

[jnO]

The size (and versatility of the space), looks (not easily recogniseable as a camera bag) and laptop compartment of the Crumpler sealed it for me as an 'online decision'.
When it arrived in the flesh I was very happy with my choice.

The Lowepro is a lovely bag and the quick access could be very useful at times but for the type of photography I do putting the bag down to change lenses or take the camera out (although I will have it round my shoulder mostly) was not an issue for me.
Yes the bag will hold a body with grip and lens attached (largest I have had in the bag is a 70-200 f4L.) and still have room for lenses and accessories. As kman said the internal dividers are rip and relocate

 

[coldpenguin]

The website for crumpler is here:
http://www.crumpler.de/?page=categories&language=EN

I am considering the crumpler pony myself, as there appears to be a separate flap for getting the camera(+lens) out of, without opening the full bag, and I think it will also carry a couple of extra items (bottles of drink, books etc.) for use as hand-luggage on planes (external dimension is 26cm, maximum on the plane is 25, so I will have to pack light).
Pony can be found for £135 online, not the extortionate price on their website