I Hate Shopping for Bags!

I so hate shopping for bags. There are no stores close to me that have much selection, and their prices are high. And shopping for camera bags online is a total crap shoot because....well....unt​il you start stuffing your kit into the bag it is hard to know if it is the size you want.

So I turn to the POTN community.

I want a shoulder bag that will hold a 1D or 5D body with a lens like the 24-105 attached, plus one other large lens (up to the size of a 70-200) and a 430 size flash someplace (can be a protruding pouch).

I know this is kind of a big bag, but my really big-ass Lowepro bag that will swallow the above plus another couple lenses is only good for shoots that are on location.

I was looking at the Crumpler stuff, but I can't tell online just what a 5 million dollar home will swallow vs. 7 million or 9 million or whatever.

I would really appreciate input with people who have such shoulder bags (any brand thanks!) telling me what they can realistically fit into them.

Thanks!

Have you looked at www.cambags.com?

Domke F-3x. Slam-dunk decision. And it doesn't look big at all.

Crumpler 7mdh. Holds my 70-200mm/4, 7d with 15-85 mounted, 10-22mm, 2x TC, 50/1.8, 430ex and batteries/charger/etc. It's full but not over bulging and it's very comfortable to carry.

Crumpler 6 should be good 7 might be cavenous but that's not a bad thing for future purchases BUT i'm sure almost everyone here has their own bag store if they're been adding equipment over the years or for some months

Jon wrote in post #13617748
Domke F-3x. Slam-dunk decision. And it doesn't look big at all.

Jon, That Domke really looks attractive. I agree that it doesn't look big, almost to the point that you make me a little nervous....heh heh.

But if you say the gear I listed would fit, this would be a totally awesome day bag for a day on the go.

I'm more confident that the 7MDH that Griz mentioned would fit the gear, but it's also a bigger bag. The Domke is a lot more appealing, as we all love the smallest bag we can get away with for what we want to carry.

JeffreyG wrote in post #13617817
Jon, That Domke really looks attractive. I agree that it doesn't look big, almost to the point that you make me a little nervous....heh heh.

If you to the site I linked and read their review for the F3 you will see pics of it with a 1D+24-105 and a 70-200. Not how I would choose to carry the camera but it works.

I have and really like the Domke F4 which is just a little bigger than the F3.

krb wrote in post #13617829
If you to the site I linked and read their review for the F3 you will see pics of it with a 1D+24-105 and a 70-200...

Thanks! I'm bookmarking that site. It is so helpful to have those shots of bags with some commonly used lenses.

Looks like Jon was right, that Domke is a wonder of space. The obvious tradeoff is that it isn't padded, but in a day bag where I'd normally have the camera dangling from my neck anyways this is not a big deal.

Thanks for the hands on (and linked site) help guys.

I really like the ThinkTank Urban Disguise series (I own the UD 60 V2). It can hold your 1D/5D with those two lenses. It's also padded and it comes with a rain cover when needed. Also, I do like the thick padding for the shoulder. Very comfy imo.

I like the Crumpler bags a lot. I just bought a Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger with their "Snoop" camera insert. Their "small" version should fit you fine, and you can customize them!

Jeffrey, I also have the Domke F-7 if you want to stick to Domke.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …0B_F_7_Double_A​F_Bag.html

EDIT: One more. My wife got me the Billingham 307 for X-Mas. It's really a high quality bag.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …307_Camera_Bag_​Black.html

jdizzle wrote in post #13617910
Jeffrey, I also have the Domke F-7 if you want to stick to Domke.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …0B_F_7_Double_A​F_Bag.html

I'm open to any brand. I'm collecting my choices via you guys for now with size as the key factor. Then I'll mull over the fabrics, pouches, looks etc and pick one.

I will second the idea of TT Urban Disguise bags.
They are deceptively small outside for as much as they seem to hold.

I have an UD 35 which is amazing for full sized bodies with big zoom attached.
I have not really seen another bag in person that will fit them like that?

I can also get an iPad or 13" MBP in at the same time in the separate padded compartment.

I also have the UD 60 which will take a 17" MBP and a lot more gear than the 35 but it is starting to be a bigger bag then but still streamlined I think for what it carries.
I also have a 7MDH and it just feels a lot bigger to me.

Ed

I have a Crumpler 6MDH, and it's nice but it does feel like I'm carrying a microwave on my shoulder. I prefer Domke because of the way they mold to your body and honestly, they do provide good protection.

Think Tank Retro series is very good, too.

My Think Tank Retrospective 10 will hold my gripped 5D with 24-105 attached with the hood in shooting position, 100-400 with hood reversed, and 580EX II flash. It gets a little tight with the flash in there so you could always just throw it in the front pocket or in a modular pouch attached to the side. The Retro 30 is the same depth (front to back) and height as the Retro10, but its longer (left to right).