Originally posted by lithedreamer The Cubeze looks like a very nice, cheaper alternative. I'll definitely look into those. Are there reviews of them anywhere?
Well, I can review them for you...
Texture of the cloth is more like nylon than felt, there are two velcro strips on the sides to attach the dividers. I prefer felt since it gives more flexibility for the dividers positioning, but the nylon makes cleaning and maintenance easy. The padding is good, but there is no cover so the top (or front, if you insert it on the side like I do) is not padded. The insert closes via a drawstring and flexible, non-padded but extensible "cover". That cover folds properly around the padded cube and all but disappears when not needed, adding a little bit of protection to the sides. When I insert the cube in my bag, I make sure the camera strap is above everything (to the front, in fact, since the cube is on its side) so that there is added protection there. The cube that I use can hold the K-1 with 16-85 mounted, plus a flash, 2 pancake lenses or one larger lens (such as a 100 macro), and I have one other compartment left which can hold pancake lenses or accessories such as batteries. Sizes vary of course.
It's very well made, and after more than 4 years, it looks new even though it was used a lot. I'd buy it again.
Originally posted by lithedreamer I actually bought the Snoop insert from Timbuk2, and...I hate it.
Why? Because of the shape? Because frankly, apart from the curved width I don't see anything wrong at all with that insert. Mine stays inside the bag 100% of the time, but it seems extremely well made. It's sturdy, solid, well sewn (I gambled with eBay niserts that sell for a song, and they are worthless. This is different).