As another customer said, it IS a bit on the big side -- but I think that's a plus! As far as it being too big to want to take along just about everywhere [even on vacation, to a ball game or whatever] --- it's definitely not too big..... In fact, it's just right.

I've found that I can just throw my car keys, sunglasses, lip balm & wallet/checkbook right inside --- there's plenty of room! This way I don't have to lug a purse or backpack with my other essentials in it.....

I'd say this is a must have. I carried a 35mm camera & extra lenses around without a camera bag for years --- I don't know what I was thinking. Luckily I decided to treat my new Canon Rebel right & get it this wonderful little home.
Woo hoo!


Worth searching for!   June 27, 2004
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

I just bought a Digital Rebel and a bunch of accessories... this bag takes it all without a sweat. Yeah, it is large, but that's what you need if you're serious about your photography.

Here's what mine holds: Digital Rebel, 18-55mm lens, 55-200mm lens, 420EX Speedlite, filters (several in one case), extra batteries and small manuals. I even carry my old Canon PowerShot for quick shots. I had to play with it a bit to customize it -- as expected with a "generic" case -- but everything fits excellently.

The interior dimensions are: 9 x 5 x 7 (to top of dividers - 9 to rim of bag) inches (LxWxH). You get two adjustable dividers for the main compartment. There is nice .5 in. padding on the walls. There is a mesh holder on the inside of the lid. There is a tough front pouch with filter pockets, another mesh holder and space for thin items. And there are mesh side pockets with drawstrings.

Finding a configuration was interesting, and I didn't follow their suggestion, but it works. I have my flash, camera (body) and big lens standing vertically. I keep the standard lens sitting on top in bubble wrap. (It barely moves, really.) My PowerShot fits perfectly on the other side. (Their suggestion is to keep the lens attached and pointing downward in the center space, so you can just pull out the camera and shoot.)

The materials are tough where they need to be... and gentle where you want them to be. The whole outer shell is fine suitcase-quality. It has a stiff bottom with plastic feet. The top handle is very comfortable and soft. It comes with a shoulder strap (sewn-on).

Because of its size, I don't always want to carry it everywhere. So I also bought a Tamrac Small Lens Case. That'll carry my other lens, battery and CF card... the essentials.

The only "complaint" I have about the Samsonite bag is that once you put enough stuff in the front pouch its center of gravity shifts forward and it falls on its face. However, this is FAR from anything to be upset about.

I expect this bag to last a long time -- it is "guaranteed for life", after all -- and I am very happy I didn't settle for one of the default Canon bags.


Great bag--holds everything!   April 10, 2007
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

So I purchased this bag to go with my Nikon D50 SLR camera and two lenses (one telephoto and one 18-55mm). It is great because it has room for everything--the camera, both lenses, exra battery and charger, two filter sets, manuals, etc. I am sure it could also hold an additional lens if I had one. It is BIG for just toting around and I kept my small camera case for holding just the camera for when I'm out with my kids. But if you want a really functional case that will keep all your camera stuff in the same place and need access to all your lenses, this is the case for you!


good camera bag   January 4, 2007
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

i had this for awhile and it serves me good still. i can fit 2 cameras in there, Nikon N80 and a manual Canon, with 2 lens. enough pockets to store few films and such and even a small p&s digicam. i dropped my bag few times and bumped it against few things while shooting in nyc but nothing happened to the cameras. strong bag. ONE downside is that, perhaps because i had so many things in the bag, that the top part of the cover ripped while i was carrying it by the handle. i just stapled it back. other than that, it's really good.