The (almost) Perfect Bag?

I have come to the conclusion that finding the perfect bag is like finding a flying unicorn in your backyard...impossible due to the fact that it doesn't exist. So, the next best option is to find the "almost perfect" camera bag.

I currently have over 10 camera bags (shoulder bags, back packs, etc.). However, I am trying to fit my new camera/lens combo ( 7dmk2, 16-35 f4 L, 70-20 2.8L, 50mm 1.8 STM and 430 EX2 flash), but no matter how much I rearange the dividers it's simply not working for me.

I have spent the last 3 hours taking inserts out of all my bags and trying to make everything fit, but no luck. The problem I am findind is that my 70-200 is too tall for my shoulder bags, and carrying the 7dmk2 with lens attched won't fit (too tall as well) face down.

I like carrying my camera with lens attatched, and that is where the problem lies. I really don't want to spebd any more money on a bag, but it looks like I might need a messenger style bag to fit my set up.

So, before I go out and reluctanty spend more money on bag # 11, I'd like to get feedback on what bag works best for youm and how do you carry your equipment in your "almost perfect" bag.

P.S. the bags I am trying to fit my stuff in are:

- Canon 200DG (best fit so far, but needs to be 1 inch taller)
- Canon 10 EG (fits only 7dmk2 with 16-35 sideways, nothing else)
- Lowepro Nova 5 AW (still working on it...)
- Lowepro Nova 4AW (too short)
- Tamrac Expedition 5 (everything fits, but it's a back pack)
- All my other bags are either smaller or way too large (Lowepro Medium Format Commercial AW).

snegron wrote in post #17966369
I have come to the conclusion that finding the perfect bag is like finding a flying unicorn in your backyard...impossible due to the fact that it doesn't exist. So, the next best option is to find the "almost perfect" camera bag.

I currently have over 10 camera bags (shoulder bags, back packs, etc.). However, I am trying to fit my new camera/lens combo ( 7dmk2, 16-35 f4 L, 70-20 2.8L, 50mm 1.8 STM and 430 EX2 flash), but no matter how much I rearange the dividers it's simply not working for me.

I have spent the last 3 hours taking inserts out of all my bags and trying to make everything fit, but no luck. The problem I am findind is that my 70-200 is too tall for my shoulder bags, and carrying the 7dmk2 with lens attched won't fit (too tall as well) face down.

I like carrying my camera with lens attatched, and that is where the problem lies. I really don't want to spebd any more money on a bag, but it looks like I might need a messenger style bag to fit my set up.

So, before I go out and reluctanty spend more money on bag # 11, I'd like to get feedback on what bag works best for youm and how do you carry your equipment in your "almost perfect" bag.

P.S. the bags I am trying to fit my stuff in are:

- Canon 200DG (best fit so far, but needs to be 1 inch taller)
- Canon 10 EG (fits only 7dmk2 with 16-35 sideways, nothing else)
- Lowepro Nova 5 AW (still working on it...)
- Lowepro Nova 4AW (too short)
- Tamrac Expedition 5 (everything fits, but it's a back pack)
- All my other bags are either smaller or way too large (Lowepro Medium Format Commercial AW).

I have similar sized gear and get everything in my Domke F1-x. I use the 720-230 insert. My 1D IV with a 100-400ii attached sits on its side with the lens parallel to the front of the shoulder bag.

Here it is but with my 70-300L attached:

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/eWJj​6b

At the moment, I have my 1D IV with 100-400ii attached, my 16-35 f/4 IS, 100 IS L macro, 24-105 in the bag, along with my 580 EX II flash, a 1.4X teleconverter, a set of CPLs in a Tamrac filter holder, extra battery, flash cord, flash bracket, RRS pano rail, cards, sling straps, compass... and a bunch of other things I'd have to take out to remember what they are and why they are in the bag. <eg> (evil grin)

It holds a lot. Huge pockets at each end with flaps, two in the front, also with flaps.... zippered back section the whole way along the length of the bag.

I know you don't want to spend any more money...... Still, one sort of needs a bag that can carry the tools for the job.

Manfrotto Backpack 30. Ive never looked back. I have 2 gripped bodies, 3 lens, 2 flahes, triggers, remotes, light meter in the main body. Buggest selling point for me was only unzipping 8 inches to get the camera out.

Thanks Kim! I need to buy a Domke insert!

My Domke F2 will work much better with my gear. Inserts are so hard to find in Canada

Great post. I keep returning to Domke