Domke F-3X - amazing shoulder bag for DSLR 7D, Apple iPad, 4 lens & more......

[Dj R]

I purchased the Domke F-3X in ballistic.

I have owned several different camera bags. All makes and models. So when I say that I have loved this bag since day one, says a lot. It's been a few months now and today I discovered an easter egg. It fits the iPad perfectly!!!!

First, pics and specs from when I was using a 7D
Second, pics and specs have been updated to include info relevant to 5D m2/3







Yes I'm excited the iPad fits. But the bag also fits all the gear in my sig and plenty of room for personal items and accessories. All of this, yet, the bag is small! So that's two lens in the dedicated lens pouches in the main compartment. A third lens in the main chamber separated by a velcro pad that comes with the bag. And the 7D with any of my lens attached on it's side in the bag row. Total of 4 lens. My flash lives in one of the two large end compartments. The iPad in the front compartment. And there is still room for papers and personal items in the other end compartment and the back pocket. A fifth lens could live in the end pockets as well. With the body and 4 lens in the bag, it takes a minute to configure everything b/c the iPad can barely fit with that much stuff. With the body and 3 lens in the bag, the iPad is easier to fit. With the body and 2 lens in the bag, the flash in the main chamber instead of a lens, and the 2 other lens in the end pockets, the iPad fits easily as well.

The iPad will also fit in the bag while in a protective sleeve or the apple case. I don't believe it would fit in the pocket while in a leather wallet, portfolio. It's that good a fit! The iPad will fit horizonal or vertical in the pocket, obviously horizontal is the ideal method. The iPad will only fit standing up vertically in the rear pocket, it is too long to fit horizonally.

view bag on b+h

Exterior Dimensions 12.5 x 7.25 x 9.6" (31.7 x 18.4 x 24.4 cm) (LxWxD)
Interior Dimensions Main compartment: 8.5 x 5.5 x 9.0" (21.5 x 14 x 23 cm) (LxWxD)



In my pics you may notice that I've used some extra padding/dividers from other bags (that I wasn't using them in). They are not completely necessary. But they were collecting dust and they make this set-up a little bit easier use and my gear a lil more comfy.


Edit. I now have a new set up


Here is the bag loaded up:


This is what was inside:

Left pouch: 430ex ii flash in it's case
Inside main chamber:
Left lens pouch: 16-35 2.8L hood rev
Lower section 40D in a leather bag
Top section: 5D mark iii with 50 1.2L hood rev
Right lens pouch: 135 2.0L hood rev
Right pouch: lowepro case with canon s100, battery charger, battery, lens pen
nothing in the map/folder/ipad section

[josef2982]

just stumbled on this.. just wanted to say thanks for the review. I'm getting the same one, but the ruggedwear version.

[Dj R]

Awesome, post pics! I like the look of the rugged wear. But I didn't know about it at the time of purchase. bought this bag in a store while in NYC, very spontaneously.

[2mnycars]

Good post.
Mine is great too.
I tried quite a few bags one night at Henry's. They discounted the bag to get me out of the door at closing.
IIRC price here in Canada is $219 plus 13% "harmonized" sales tax. Isn't harmony wonderful?

Henry's sold it to me for $175 plus HST. Still a lot. They wanted over $40 for the Domke pad, but it would have been special order. Enjy your US pricing. It's worth a trip to stock up on gear.

[brunop]

my sh*T live here in this. best bag ever.

[Dj R]

New pics and info pertaining to my updated gear in combination with this bag.
in original post

[2mnycars]

Thanks Dj. Great review!
Check the thermoplastic rings that hold the strap on. I have 2 bags. One was broken on my F2. I have mini-biners on both bags now. If the plastic ring opens up with a loaded bag, your gear could fall. Bought mine at M.E.C. for 3$ Cdn each.

[Dj R]

Originally Posted by 2mnycars

Thanks Dj. Great review!
Check the thermoplastic rings that hold the strap on. I have 2 bags. One was broken on my F2. I have mini-biners on both bags now. If the plastic ring opens up with a loaded bag, your gear could fall. Bought mine at M.E.C. for 3$ Cdn each.

never even thought to check that out, thx.

[2mnycars]

That's a great bag.
I would like another one, but just like yours. I don't like my Ruggedwear so much. Original or lack would suit me better.

[MachTwo]

Domke bags are fantastic! I've got the F2 for all my gear and an F5XB for when I just want to go out with a camera and a few lenses. Both fit an iPad.