Special camera bag needed for a special me...

[gdl357]

Hi All.

I have no clue where to start...

I would like to carry my 7d + Grip, 28mm 1.8, 17-40mm, 85mm 1.8. 70-200 2.8 IS, 580 EX II all in one bag so I can leave my huge bag that with the rest of the stuff in my car trunk.

I have seen waist belt bags but don't know if this is a good setup.

- The bag would be on me at all times during the ceremony shoot or the restaurant shoot since I don't have an assistant and can't leave 4K of equipment lying around.

- It should not bother me while taking shots.

- It would need to be 9" deep in order to fit the 70-200 vertically.

- getting to the lens inside of it should be rather easy/quick as I will be making some lend changes.

- Maybe sling is the way as I see the shoulder bags with belt falling off the shoulder everytime I bend down to the kid's level.

I really can't bring my regular bag as it must weigh 40+ lbs...filled up.

Basically...what the heck do you First Communion photogs use as a setup.

Thx

[jcothron]

strange as it may sound.. the Domke F-3x would work. I wear mine across the shoulder like a messenger bag and it's very comfortable to work out of. I think most would reccomend the F-2 however, or something like it.

[eeeksNYC]

I second the Domke F3X. I've had it loaded with a 5D w/grip and 28-70 f2.8 mounted in the center section. On the other side, I had a 70-200 2.8, and on the other a 17-40f4. In the side pockets I had a Sunpak 383 in each.

[gdl357]

strange as it may sound.. the Domke F-3x would work. I wear mine across the shoulder like a messenger bag and it's very comfortable to work out of. I think most would reccomend the F-2 however, or something like it.

every input is valued. I thank you...will look into it now.

wow this is great info guys. this could very well be "The" bag...

[Bob_A]

My Domke F-4AF Pro might be able to hold that. Mine usually contains:

Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR with hood reversed (very, very tight fit with the hood, no issue without it)
Nikon D700 with 24-70 f/2.8 mounted with lens pointed downwards in bag
Nikon SB900 Flash
Sekonic L-558R light meter (in case) in one side pocket (fits perfect)
Back pocket has my Kodak grey cards
Flap pocket (the only negative I have for this bag) keeps CF cards and spare batteries

This leaves me with the other side pocket. I could put the flash in it which would give me room for another lens inside the bag. Often I use it for my batteries and CF cards since the flap pocket is poorly designed.

[krb]

My vote would be Domke F4AF:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=9285221&postcount=2676


ETA: they make it in different colors and I believe you can also get it in black balistic nylon instead of canvas. The other bag I use is a Domke J3 with the same inserts inside. The dimensions are very similar bewteen the two.

[gdl357]

Hey Domkes are pretty expensive bags conscidering that their design is old, thin padding, non adjustable dividers, no zippers, steel clips, belt has no padding...looks like a car seat belt...cmon lodt in the '70', not waterproof and hard to find in Canada.

I don't know but $230 CND for a FX-3 is steep. I paid my Tarmac Pro 12 $200 and that bag has more padding and compartments than you can dream of.

I know I don't need major padding for a walk around bag, but I can't stnd hearing my lens knock each other while walking.

[jcothron]

Hey Domkes are pretty expensive bags conscidering that their design is old, thin padding, non adjustable dividers, no zippers, steel clips, not waterproof and hard to find in Canada.

I don't know but $230 CND for a FX-3 is steep. I paid my Tarmac Pro 12 $200 and that bag has more padding and compartments than you can dream of.

I know I don't need major padding for a walk around bag, but I can't stnd hearing my lens knock each other while walking.

Where are you looking? Of course maybe the exchange rate is still that bad...I was thinking it was a little better now. I paid 100 US for mine.

[gdl357]

Where are you looking? Of course maybe the exchange rate is still that bad...I was thinking it was a little better now. I paid 100 US for mine.

$190 CND
http://www.henrys.ca/6231-DOMKE-F-3X-SUPER-COMPACT-BAG-OLIVE.aspx

Ruggedwear - $220 CND
http://www.henrys.ca/6268-DOMKE-F-3X-SUPER-COMPACT-RUGGEDWEAR.aspx

INSANE. I can forget about Domke... value is just not there.

Right now the Lowepro Nova AW 200 at $120 is looking good.

Actually the 200 is 9" deep but looks too wide/big.

The 190 is 8.1" deep so I think I can manage to zipper the cover over my 1" taller lens if I place it in the center ...and the price is only $90 CND>

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Nova-190%20AW,2106.htm

[toxic]

Padding is not that important in a shooting bag.

Thought I should mention to the OP that whatever bag you choose, it only has to fit 4 lenses and a flash - there's little point putting the camera in the bag while shooting.

[gdl357]

Padding is not that important in a shooting bag.

Thought I should mention to the OP that whatever bag you choose, it only has to fit 4 lenses and a flash - there's little point putting the camera in the bag while shooting.

Yeah that's a good point which I haven't overlooked.The camera will always be around my neck, so that allows me to use a smaller bag...but the 9" long L zoom doesn't. That's the delema, finding a small bag that is 9" deep. Sleeping the lens on it's side takes up too much space.

[Veemac]

The Think Tank Urban Disguise 35 should fit all your gear, and holds the 70-200 2.8 nicely.

[gdl357]

The Think Tank Urban Disguise 35 should fit all your gear, and holds the 70-200 2.8 nicely.

great find! Thx

the gripped body does not fit in this bag.

I am also looking into this "Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Home Camera Bag" which also takes my griped 7D if I don't feel like carrying it on my neck.

[bohdank]

Lowepro ProMag2

Well padded, contoured shoulder strap (I wear it cross shouldered). A waist belt so you can distribute the weight and swing the bag behind you, if needed. No messenger style flap on top which would only get in the way when changing lenses.

I can carry 5 lenses, a gripped a 5DII, an an 580 flash inside, with any of the 5 lenses mounted on the body. The longest lens in my bag is a 70-200 f4IS. The bag dimensions are 11W X 6.5D X 10H in..

I shoot events and love the bag.

Check it out at Lozeau.

[Bob_A]

$190 CND
http://www.henrys.ca/6231-DOMKE-F-3X-SUPER-COMPACT-BAG-OLIVE.aspx

Ruggedwear - $220 CND
http://www.henrys.ca/6268-DOMKE-F-3X-SUPER-COMPACT-RUGGEDWEAR.aspx

INSANE. I can forget about Domke... value is just not there.

Right now the Lowepro Nova AW 200 at $120 is looking good.

Actually the 200 is 9" deep but looks too wide/big.

The 190 is 8.1" deep so I think I can manage to zipper the cover over my 1" taller lens if I place it in the center ...and the price is only $90 CND>

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Nova-190%20AW,2106.htm

You're right, it's a pretty poor value at those prices. B&H sells it for closer to $100. I'm from Alberta and that's where I bought my F-4AF Pro.

Even though I like my Domke bag I agree with your review of how they're constructed. If it had a Domke look and the Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Home construction/features I'd be a lot happier.

[SuzyView]

The NOVA bag is nice. The largest one fits my 70-200 2.8 IS vertically and can fit a gripped dslr. I can't fit everything into 1 bag, needing 2 since I bring 4 lenses 2-3 flashes with me for weddings. So I have my Domke F-802 for the 2 camera bodies and the NOVA everything else.

[hfgarris]

great find! Thx

the gripped body does not fit in this bag.

I am also looking into this "Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Home Camera Bag" which also takes my griped 7D if I don't feel like carrying it on my neck.

The UD-35 is designed for a gripped body, as is the large UD-70 Pro. The rear wall of the camera compartment can be adjusted to share the top few inches of the computer section to accommodate a gripped/pro body. It will also allow storage of a camera mounted to the longer 70-200 lens. The front expandable pocket will also hold a gripped/pro body (no lens).

-howard

[gdl357]

Lowepro ProMag2

Well padded, contoured shoulder strap (I wear it cross shouldered). A waist belt so you can distribute the weight and swing the bag behind you, if needed. No messenger style flap on top which would only get in the way when changing lenses.

I can carry 5 lenses, a gripped a 5DII, an an 580 flash inside, with any of the 5 lenses mounted on the body. The longest lens in my bag is a 70-200 f4IS. The bag is 10" deep.

I shoot events and love the bag.

Check it out at Lozeau.

Great bag and LOTS OF ROOM...TOO MUCH lol. thats a little to big of a bag.

Also I am convinced that the messenger type bag with flap is way faster/easier to use than lowepro bags with zippered top.

I am very close to deciding on the Crumpler 6 Mil. or maybe the 7 Mil.

[bohdank]

The long flap will keep getting in the way. You don't have to keep the top of the Lowepro zippered when shooting. I leave it unzippered.

Also, you are one lens short from filling the bag, so I doubt it is too big. I wish it was smaller but I can't imagine a smaller bag, unless you removed the padding, that could hold 5 lenses, vertically, with one of those a 70-200 and mounted on a gripped body. You can't pour 2 liters of water into a one liter bottle ;-)

The Lowepro is also rigid enough so when worn it's quite easy to remove or put back a lens. A softer(er) bag will be a PITA.

[gdl357]

The Lowepro is also rigid enough so when worn it's quite easy to remove or put back a lens. A softer(er) bag will be a PITA.

Very Good and important point.I could see how much of a PITA that would be. I would be forced to remove the bag to insert a bigger len.

Ok You have convinced me. Yeah the Lowepro is best designed. I am sure the extra space will come in handy later on.

the price is right too!

Thx

[bohdank]

Like I said...check it out at Lozeau before you commit. Bring your gear with you.

[mitch2k1]

Think Tank Speed Racer, belt/shoulder bag, holds a gripped body with 70-200 2.8 attached, can hold 1 or 2 other lens and a flash plus other accessories.