Review Cullmann Ultralight CP Maxima 300

The Cullmann Ultralight CP Maxima 300 is a small camera bag that can be compared with the Lowepro Nova 180 AW. It's not very big and the bag looks simple. The bag has a shoulder strap and the bag can be worn on both sides. When carrying your photo equipment, it is easily accessible. Practical details are included: a rain cover and outside the bag, you can carry up to two water bottles with you.

Cullmann Ultralight CP Maxima 300

Dimensions exterior: 25 x 20 x 13 cm
Dimensions interior: 23 x 19 x 12 cm
Number of adjustable dividers: 6
Weight with tripod straps: 724 g
Retail Price (NL), June 2012: € 59.99

What will fit in?

This bag is a bag in the category of compact bags, which means there's little space besides the camera and a lens. The bag can be furnished only one way, the camera fitted with a lens must be on top. In this case, there is a professional flash unit and a small kit lens placed in the bag as well. A wide-range 12-24 mm lens is attached to the camera. The maximum length of the lens on the camera is 14 cm. A telephoto lens like the Canon EF-S 70-300 mm will fit in. A professional 70-200 mm lens does not fit.

Construction and finishing

The outer fabric is waterproof nylon and feels sturdy. The soft material is fed well. The stitching looks pretty sturdy, but I do see a few loose threads. The zippers do not run very smoothly by a rain flap over the zipper around it. On the front is missing a flap over a zipper, this water can penetrate. The bag has no provision on the bottom from moisture or dirt. On the front there are two boxes, one has a door but no zipper. On the inside of the large flap with which the bag is opened, there are two boxes that have a zipper. On top of the bag are elastic for a tripod or monopod. This may not be used when it rains. There is a rain cover present with a cutout for the handles, but not for a tripod or monopod. Between the big flap and the inside is an extra flap, covered and so the equipment is not damaged. Here, small business are kept. Securities may behind a net, there is no clip for otherwise, and there is a place for the memory card behind a zipper. There is also a storage compartment for a cell phone. Most small pockets have a zipper, fortunately not all, because it saves weight. On the sides are a space for water bottles.

Use comfort

The bag has a thin shoulder strap is easily adjustable and the bag has two sides to wear. The band does not feel very thick or sturdy. A small sliding piece is padded, this piece is soft and made of anti-slip material. There is no extra strap against the shifting present, the bag remains while walking does not sit in one place. On the upper side of the major flap is a solid large handle. This handle is padded and suitable for a full and heavy bag without the burden of lifting your hand to get. 

Usability

The bag consists of one large compartment. The flap on the top covers this compartment. Because you have to place the camera on top, you can not immediately your accessories or lenses. The baffles are easily adjustable, but they can not be attached to all walls. Only the long walls are covered with tape that sticks to the Velcro, the other walls are lined with smooth fabric. The inner walls protect the equipment properly. Since the zipper is on top of and the bag has a shoulder strap, you can pick your equipment from the bag while walking. In the flap on the top there is a separate section, so you can easily access these little things as well.

Conclusion

Pros

• You can open the bag while walking
• The shoulder strap is suitable for both left and right side
• Raincover included
• Ties for a monopod
• Outside space for two water bottles

 Cons

• Shoulder strap is thin and not padded
• Not suitable for long lenses
• No security clips
• No additional protection at the bottom against dirt or water
• Ties for monopod can not be used in combination with raincover

The Cullmann Ultralight CP Maxima 300 is a small bag, which if properly used, still fits a lot of stuff. The bag has a shoulder strap, which allows you to open the bag while walking. The camera is on top, it must therefore first be removed before you can access lenses or accessories. There is a separate box with enough room for smaller things like a phone and there are separate compartments for memory cards. Outside the bag, you can take two water bottles with you. Handy! On top of the bag there are straps for a monopod. Unfortunately they can not be used in combination with the supplied rain cover. This rain cover offers good protection against rain, but there is no extra protection to the bottom of the bag against dirt or water. The bag is too small for a lot of equipment or long lenses. If this not this a problem for you, then the Cullmann Ultralight CP Maxima 300 is a fine and compact bag for you.