Domke bag for mounted 70-200 f/4 IS ?

[SoundsGood]

I was originally looking for a backpack or sling type bag to use as a "walk around" day bag... but now I'm wondering if a shoulder bag might be better suited for me. I hadn't heard of Domke until recently, but they seem to have a good reputation.

So... which Domke bag will hold a 70-200 f/4 IS mounted on a 30D, plus a 17-55 f/2.8 (and MAYBE room for one prime lens or an external flash, but this is not as important).

Again, just a compact day-bag... not a huge bag for everything I own. :-)

[Jon]

F-2 will easily take the camera/70-200 on its side and with the 3-compartment insert along the back of the bag you can fit a couple of more lenses and/or a flash in back. F-802 (again with the 3-compartment insert) will take a camera/70-200 on end, and you've got 2 pockets for other gear as well as space at the end (where I keep my 580EX in its case). F-802's a messenger-bag look-alike. F-2's a more conventional bag.

[SoundsGood]

F-2 will easily take the camera/70-200 on its side and with the 3-compartment insert along the back of the bag you can fit a couple of more lenses and/or a flash in back. F-802 (again with the 3-compartment insert) will take a camera/70-200 on end, and you've got 2 pockets for other gear as well as space at the end (where I keep my 580EX in its case). F-802's a messenger-bag look-alike. F-2's a more conventional bag.
I think I'd prefer the more conventional bag, so I'll do some research on the F-2. Thanks!

I just hope it's not too big, since I'd prefer something as compact as possible... I'll try to find some pictures of someone carrying one, for reference.

[SoundsGood]

I just hope it's not too big, since I'd prefer something as compact as possible... I'll try to find some pictures of someone carrying one, for reference.

Well, I can't find any pics of the F-2 with a person (for reference).

Would you call this bag Large? Small? Medium? Would you like fries with that? ;)

[SoundsGood]

Hey, I found a picture of the F-2 on a guy! :D

It looks a little big for just a couple of lenses. Are there any Domke bags that are smaller, yet would still take a 70-200 f/4 mounted on the camera?

http://www.cambags.com/canon/300d_10_20d/shoulder/images/domke_f2/domke_f2_canon_5d_pierre_5.jpg

[Lightstream]

For a lower profile bag, try the F-802. Think of it like the F2, but not as wide. I prefer the narrower bags.

If you are storing your 70-200/4 vertically down with the camera on the end and the hood mounted, it's a bit too tall. Take the hood off or reverse it, it fits perfectly.

Plus there is space for up to 4 additional medium sized lenses and/or flashes.

[SoundsGood]

For a lower profile bag, try the F-802.
If you are storing your 70-200/4 vertically down with the camera on the end and the hood mounted, it's a bit too tall. Take the hood off or reverse it, it fits perfectly.
Great, thanks... I'll check out the 802.

I no longer care about keeping the hood on the 70-200 f/4 IS. I'll just reverse it or take it off. ;)


EDIT: Hey, I just took a quick peek at the F-802. It looks kinda tall... How much taller is it than the F-2?

Come to think of it, I think I'd rather lay the camera with mounted lens horizontally, rather than stand it up vertically. Which bag is that do-able with?

[Lightstream]

Both bags should be able to accomodate that - you can even leave the hood on for that. Not sure how much taller it is, maybe a bit, but you'd have to check the dimensions. I have neve rowned the F-2.

[SoundsGood]

Both bags should be able to accomodate that - you can even leave the hood on for that. Not sure how much taller it is, maybe a bit, but you'd have to check the dimensions. I have neve rowned the F-2.
Cool.

I'm doing research as we speak. Err, make that type. ;)

[Jon]

Great, thanks... I'll check out the 802.

I no longer care about keeping the hood on the 70-200 f/4 IS. I'll just reverse it or take it off. ;)


EDIT: Hey, I just took a quick peek at the F-802. It looks kinda tall... How much taller is it than the F-2?

Come to think of it, I think I'd rather lay the camera with mounted lens horizontally, rather than stand it up vertically. Which bag is that do-able with?Horizontally, the F-803 will do, I think. It's the same size as the F-802 but the height of the F-2. I don't think you'll be able to hold much else though since the camera will take up so much room. Maybe a 1-compartment insert at the end; you could probably stuff a lens on another 1-compartment insert on its side under the camera.

[SoundsGood]

Horizontally, the F-803 will do, I think. It's the same size as the F-802 but the height of the F-2. I don't think you'll be able to hold much else though since the camera will take up so much room.
I'm getting confused. :p

Maybe the F-2 ain't so bad after all. So many bags, so little time... ;)

[SoundsGood]

Hey, do you guys know if a mounted 70-200 f/4 will fit into a Domke F-3X ?

[Jon]

I think it'll be close. You might be able to if you loosen the snap strap or don't secure it. If you put it in on an angle (which will leave you using the outside pockets for a lot of stuff) it should work pretty well. I'll try to get to it tonight with the (longer) 100-400.

[SoundsGood]

Thanks. I'm not sure I care how it fits -- as long as it fits! :)

I'm just trying to get away with the smallest bag possible.

[JNunn]

Go with the F2. Its amazing how much gear you will carry when you're traveling "light". I myself use the F1 ('cuz it'll carry a mounted 100-400) and I carry whatever I need when shooting. Its nice to be able to go from a 100-400 and switch to a 100 macro when you find that unusual spider.

[SoundsGood]

Go with the F2.
But what if I'm really only going out with a mounted 70-200 f/4 and one other lens? Which bag would you suggest for that?

I'm pretty sure I'll end up buying more than one bag.

[Jon]

I think it'll be close. You might be able to if you loosen the snap strap or don't secure it. If you put it in on an angle (which will leave you using the outside pockets for a lot of stuff) it should work pretty well. I'll try to get to it tonight with the (longer) 100-400.F-3X will fit; 5D and 100-400 fit with room for more inside plus the outside pockets, and not even at an angle as I'd feared.

[SoundsGood]

F-3X will fit; 5D and 100-400 fit with room for more inside plus the outside pockets, and not even at an angle as I'd feared.
Ahaaa, great to know... Thanks for checking!

Does it lay across flat (like the picture of the F2 below) or does it stand straight up and down (vertical)?

http://k47.pbase.com/o4/02/348102/1/59674533.DomkeF25.JPG

[Jon]

Vertical.

[SoundsGood]

Thanks, Jon.

Just out of curiosity, which do you think is better? Vertical, horizontal, or doesn't matter?

[Jon]

Only time my cameras are actually in the bag is between photo sites. If I'm likely to be shooting they're out. On the F-3X, vertical; on an F-1X or F-2, horizontal.

[SoundsGood]

On the F-3X, vertical; on an F-1X or F-2, horizontal.
Gotcha. I'll have to give it some thought (F-3X vs. F-2).

Just to clarify... with a mounted 70-200 f/4 in the F-3X, the bag will close, correct?

[Jon]

Correct. Unless you stuff it to the limits with other stuff.

[SoundsGood]

Correct. Unless you stuff it to the limits with other stuff.
Excellent.

You've really got me thinking about the F-2 now, so I've got a decision to make. I want to try and find a side-by-side comparison picture (F-2 vs. F-3X) to see the actual size difference. But one way or another, it looks like a Domke bag is in my future. ;)

Thanks very much for your help, Jon... it is much appreciated!

[Dorman]

Darn this thread all to heck! *shaking fist* FX-3 looks like something I'd be interested in...

[SoundsGood]

Darn this thread all to heck!
Sorry about that... ;)

I think you and I are in the same boat bag-wise. We seem to be looking at very similar bags.

To make matters worse, I'm now looking into Crumpler bags. I'm not in love with the looks of them, so it'll be a tough sell... but I'm looking none-the-less.

[Dorman]

Sorry about that... ;)

I think you and I are in the same boat bag-wise. We seem to be looking at very similar bags.

To make matters worse, I'm now looking into Crumpler bags. I'm not in love with the looks of them, so it'll be a tough sell... but I'm looking none-the-less.

Yes I think we are indeed in about the same boat for this. I've put crumpler out of the running due to their looks, just not for me. I'm also now looking at the national geographic medium shoulder bag, stay outta that thread!

[SoundsGood]

Yes I think we are indeed in about the same boat for this. I've put crumpler out of the running due to their looks, just not for me. I'm also now looking at the national geographic medium shoulder bag, stay outta that thread!
Yeah, I'm with ya on the Crumpler looks. No offence to the Crumpler fans. ;)

I haven't seen the national geographic medium shoulder bag (or thread!) but I'll take a peek.

Keep me posted...

[Dorman]

Yeah, I'm with ya on the Crumpler looks. No offence to the Crumpler fans. ;)

I haven't seen the national geographic medium shoulder bag (or thread!) but I'll take a peek.

Keep me posted...

You shouldn't have done that, it'll just complicate matters. There's no helping you now. ;)

[JNunn]

But what if I'm really only going out with a mounted 70-200 f/4 and one other lens? Which bag would you suggest for that?

The F2 would be my choice. The great thing about Domkes is that they don't look like camera bags, while being very versatile in carrying equipment.

[SoundsGood]

The F2 would be my choice.
You don't think an F2 would be too big for just a mounted 70-200 f/4 and one other lens? (vs. using an F-3X instead?)

I've never seen the F2 or the F3X in person.

[Permagrin]

I have the perfect backpack for you, but unfortunately they don't make them anymore. I bought mine used though, through B&H and they have them occasionally. It's the Billingham 25 Rucksack. I carry the 5D w/the mounted 70-200 F4 IS and the 24-105 constantly. It's not a large pack at all not too small either. In a pinch, I put another lens in there as well. It's a bit smaller than the Lowepro micro trekker, for an idea of the size...

My husband has the Domke f2 and you'd have to remove the 4 compartment padded pack to put the 5D in it with the 70-200 F4 attached. I just tested it t won't fit sideways or vertically any other way. If you remove the compartment pack then it's just a big, unpadded bag.

Have you considered the lowepro micro trekker? It's not expensive either and a small pack...

There is also the Adorama slinger that you can carry the camera (used to own this one) with the 7-2 on and one other lens...it's a good non expensive sling bag but you can't carry much else in it.

[SoundsGood]

My husband has the Domke f2 and you'd have to remove the 4 compartment padded pack to put the 5D in it with the 70-200 F4 attached. If you remove the compartment pack then it's just a big, unpadded bag.
eeek. $100+ for a big, unpadded, empty bag. Not good. :cry:

Thanks for letting me know!

[Jon]

Padding's overrated. I take care of my gear, but don't feel the need for a lot of extra padding. The F2, BTW, has assorted removable inserts available; I use the 3-compartment FA-301, which leaves the front of the bag free for a body & long lens. Front protection is provided by the outside pockets.
Tan bag is the F3 w/ 5D and 100-400, there's a 580EX in one of the outside pockets (closed); Navy's an F-2 (FA-301 insert; some lens in there) with 20D and 70-200 f/2.8 IS. That is how I carry my long lens/body combo in both the F2 and F1x. Just threw stuff into it; the F2 will close, I just didn't bother.

[SoundsGood]

The F2, BTW, has assorted removable inserts available; I use the 3-compartment FA-301, which leaves the front of the bag free for a body & long lens.
Ohhhhh...... interesting.

[SoundsGood]

Hmm, can't find the FA-301. Is that the right number?

[Jon]

Must have changed it. Seems to be a Cat. No. 720-230 now. They've got a full range of inserts for whatever your configuration needs to be; the inserts work well in other peoples' bags as well.

[Jon]

For informational purposes only, I took my F-3X out yesteday with 5D/24-70 and D60/24-105 along with the 550EX, 580EX and a StroboFrame Folding Flip Bracket. It all fit (just), but I wouldn't want to work out of the bag that way.

[SoundsGood]

For informational purposes only, I took my F-3X out yesteday with 5D/24-70 and D60/24-105 along with the 550EX, 580EX and a StroboFrame Folding Flip Bracket. It all fit (just), but I wouldn't want to work out of the bag that way.
Hmm, that means a mounted 70-200 f/4 in this bag would be really tight. Right?

Thanks for the update, BTW.

[Jon]

No - note that's 2 cameras, 2 big diameter lenses and 2 flashes. A fair amount of stuff. 1 body and a couple of lenses is fine. It's fitting 2 in the center part that's tight.

[SoundsGood]

No - note that's 2 cameras, 2 big diameter lenses and 2 flashes.
Oh, duh.... right.

So a mounted 70-200 f/4 IS, plus 17-55 lens, plus a prime and/or an external flash would be ok?

[Jon]

Yep. External flash in one of the outside pockets; lens in one of the inside end compartments and camera in main compartment. Collision arose fitting 2 bodies and lenses in main compartment with a flash in one of the inside end compartments and an A620 in the other one.

[SoundsGood]

Great. Thanks again.

I'm torn between this bag and the National Geographic Medium Shoulder Bag... but at least I've got it narrowed down! ;)

[SoundsGood]

I'm torn between this bag and the National Geographic Medium Shoulder Bag... but at least I've got it narrowed down! ;)
Now leaning towards the National Geographic bag.