Bag Advice

I carry the following gear in my current bag (Kata KT R-103 Digital Rucksack), and find it a bit tight. Domke bags look intriguing, but not being thoroughly familiar with what is out there I'm seeking your wisdom. Any input you might offer will be appreciated.

Canon EOS 50D - Ungripped
CanonEF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM
Speedlite 580EX II
MacBook Air (Dimensions: 12.8 in (325 mm) wide × 8.94 in (227 mm) deep × 0.16 in (4 mm) to 0.76 in (19 mm) high)

It sounds like maybe a good case for the F-2 if you didn't need the macbook in there. I don't know exact dimensions on the macbook or anything but I think you'd be looking at the deeper messenger style ones to fit the computer and then I'm not sure if any of the messenger bags are actually big enough for all that.
I have a few domkes but I don't know the whole lineup as well as some so I'm sure someone else will chime in soon with how popular these bags are around here

Gripped or ungripped body? I'd lean toward getting the Domke F-804 satchel, which has a couple of folder-type pockets, one in the front and one in the back. You could slip the MBA in there. Put a 720-230 insert in there for your "loose" lenses and let the 100-400 rest on its side (the lens hood for that is strangely large).

F-Stop Loka with a Large ICU?

elogical wrote in post #13357481
It sounds like maybe a good case for the F-2 if you didn't need the macbook in there. I don't know exact dimensions on the macbook or anything but I think you'd be looking at the deeper messenger style ones to fit the computer and then I'm not sure if any of the messenger bags are actually big enough for all that.
I have a few domkes but I don't know the whole lineup as well as some so I'm sure someone else will chime in soon with how popular these bags are around here

Thank you. The macbook is almost always with me as I travel back and forth to work. If it did not fit in the camera bag it would mean having an extra bag which I'm trying to avoid. Is it safe to assume that if you have a few Domkes that you are satisfied with them?

Jon wrote in post #13358038
Gripped or ungripped body? I'd lean toward getting the Domke F-804 satchel, which has a couple of folder-type pockets, one in the front and one in the back. You could slip the MBA in there. Put a 720-230 insert in there for your "loose" lenses and let the 100-400 rest on its side (the lens hood for that is strangely large).

Thank you. I like the idea of the folder-type pockets.

LuLuTheMonk wrote in post #13358647
F-Stop Loka with a Large ICU?

Thank you. First Google search does not lead to many sources for this bag in the States. Britain yes. Do you know a good source? - Never mind. I found them. Thank you.

Considering the weight of your gear, I'd recommend a backpack with a padded waistbelt, like the Lowepro Pro Runner 450 AW .

You definitely won't be disappointed with the domkes as long as you can find one that's the right size for what you expect for it, I think they're great.

The best part to me is that not every single side and pocket is padded so you can fit a lot more gear than other bags having the same exterior dimensions. And of course you can always use padded inserts for specific things that you do want to be padded.

The workmanship on domke bags is great as well. Fabric is really durable and stitching, etc is well done.

...so they're definitely not the only game in town but they are quite good.

Joris wrote in post #13361589
Considering the weight of your gear, I'd recommend a backpack with a padded waistbelt, like the Lowepro Pro Runner 450 AW .

Thank you. Truthfully I am using a backpack bag now and would love to change, but may end up with one again.

elogical wrote in post #13362921
You definitely won't be disappointed with the domkes as long as you can find one that's the right size for what you expect for it, I think they're great.

The best part to me is that not every single side and pocket is padded so you can fit a lot more gear than other bags having the same exterior dimensions. And of course you can always use padded inserts for specific things that you do want to be padded.

The workmanship on domke bags is great as well. Fabric is really durable and stitching, etc is well done.

...so they're definitely not the only game in town but they are quite good.

Thanks again. Since all sides of the bag are not padded do you recommend putting lenses in the cases they came with and then in the bag?

Diamond Lil wrote in post #13363004
Thanks again. Since all sides of the bag are not padded do you recommend putting lenses in the cases they came with and then in the bag?

Nope.

1. Padding is over-rated as "protection"
   
2. The outside pockets offer plenty of additional protection (which you don't really need)
   

I am a relatively new Domke bag owner. My first one was an F3/x rugged wear.
Deceptive bag. I don't have much gear now. I can carry my dslr with grip, 2 zoom lenses (1 mounted) and a flash. Easily with empty pockets. Package is light and easy to shoot from.

I traded a TT Retro 10 for a TT Speed Racer. It is heavy, comfortable and easy to shoot from.

The Domke is easier to shoot from. I am a slow learner! I keep buying bags that are heavier than they need to be, because of the padding used. It is hard to buy Domke here. Vendor's prices are insanely high; it's hard to figure out the bags the way they are labelled and displayed for sale. Inserts and pads? Forgetaboutit!

Jon's advice is gold!

Jon wrote in post #13363032
Nope.

1. Padding is over-rated as "protection"
   
2. The outside pockets offer plenty of additional protection (which you don't really need)

My gear goes in the Domke inserts, nothing more. And I've been using Domkes since shortly after Bert Keppler first mentioned them (right after Jim Domke created the first one). Never changed. No reason to.

Thank you. Seeing so much support for Domke bags I began to question my newbie impression that padding was essential. Your insight is appreciated.

2mnycars wrote in post #13363271
I am a relatively new Domke bag owner. My first one was an F3/x rugged wear.
Deceptive bag. I don't have much gear now. I can carry my dslr with grip, 2 zoom lenses (1 mounted) and a flash. Easily with empty pockets. Package is light and easy to shoot from.

I traded a TT Retro 10 for a TT Speed Racer. It is heavy, comfortable and easy to shoot from.

The Domke is easier to shoot from. I am a slow learner! I keep buying bags that are heavier than they need to be, because of the padding used. It is hard to buy Domke here. Vendor's prices are insanely high; it's hard to figure out the bags the way they are labelled and displayed for sale. Inserts and pads? Forgetaboutit!

Jon's advice is gold!

Thank you so much. I'm learning quickly that Jon's advice most certainly is gold.

Thanks. Good gear helps us take better photos.

My Domke bags are Good Gear.

My Domke vest is eons old, and works as well as it did the first day I wore it. POTN vests hadn't even been thought of then. But they are a bargain!

DaveL

2mnycars wrote in post #13363271
I am a slow learner! I keep buying bags ...

I laughed when I read this.

I have an F2, F3x, and F5xb. I keep buying other bags thinking I am going to find something better, and always go back to the Domke.

When am I going to learn.

diputs, thanks! A kindred spirit.

My Father used to say, "Too soon old. Too late smart." Bless him. R.I.P.

Not to thread Jack or anything but I dont want to make a new thread when I need the same advice, from what I"m reading on here Domke bags are kinda the way to go. This may be beneficial for the OP as well, I'm looking into this bag:

http://www.tiffen.com …ame=domke&itemn​um=700-02A

It says it fits 2 pro dslr's and 4 to 6 lenses, does anyone have any actual experience with this bag and how much it can truly take because my gear list is going to be as follows:

Canon 550d
Canon 7d (potentially Gripped)
70-200 F2.8L IS II
24-70 F2.8L
Rokinon 8mm F3.5 Fisheye
Tokina 11-16 F2.8
50mm f1.8
Speedlight 580exii
Rode shotgun microphone
L.E.D Light
MISC. a/v cables and accessories (battery chargers, usb cables, etc.)

Will it fit?