In need of a messenger bag...ThinkTank UD40 vs 7MDH

jnick wrote in post #5774722
nutsnbolts,

Thanks for the reply! I'm assuming that you were referring to the UD50/60, correct? Being the bag wasn't designed to work with a camera + grip in the main compartment, even though it DOES work, are there any drawback to doing this? Does putting a gripped camera in the main compartment hinderthe bags funcitonality in any way?

Let's put it this way, if you are not going to leave the lens attached to the gripped camera, you're fine. IF you are looking to leave the lens on the gripped camera with lens going in first, it will be a very tight fit or shall I say, it will be a bit tough to close (but it will close).

I personally use it to carry my gripped camera(s) without the lens attached, including my tablet pc (HP 2710p). I have even put both gripped cameras without the lens in the two front pockets and a good amount of lens inside the main compartment.

Of course, I don't expect to use it as an everyday bag (I have other bags for that) but you can, as long as, you don't over stuff it. My point in this is that if you use the bag the way it was supposed to be used (without a grip camera) and/or not going to have the lens attached (gripped), this bag is for you.

I hope this clarifies it.

Thanks for the clarification!

I would suggest taking a look at the Domke F802 with a Tenba insert.

See this THREAD.

I carry the following combination with this bag:

40D and 70-200 f/2.8IS or 100-400IS
5D and 24-105
plus 17-40L
Speedlite 550EX

Accessibility is excellent, it is comfortable to carry even with all of the above equipment, especially with the optional postman's shoulder pad.

I have one of the smaller ThinkTank UDs, and do not like it as much because the zipper opening is too narrow, making gear ingress/egress difficult. The harder material also makes it look more luggage-like and does not hang comfortably to the body.

I also have a much older Tenba messenger style bag, and while it's better than the ThinkTank, its still not as comfortable as the Domke.

Right now, it's my favorite bag (I also own Lowepros and Tamracs), and the only bag that I own that enables me to carry two cameras with lens mounted.

Alright, I've decided that I will have two messenger bags. First, the 5MDH, for when I want to travel light, such as if I know I'm strictly doing macro work or if I'm doing portraits with my 17-40L or 50 f/1.8.

However, as for the big guy, for when I have my 70-200 2.8 IS, I don't know if I should go with the 7MDH or the Domke F-802 with inserts and postal strap.

I like the look of the 7MDH, however, the Domke has a lot more accessory storage/compartments, from what I can tell. Also, the domke can hold the 70-200 2.8 IS ATTACHED and close properly, where as I read that the 7MDH home can hold the lens attached, but it doesn't close as it should. Then ofcourse, it's the issue of the 7MDH has more padding, and the inserts are free floating in the domke, not being secured to the bag.

For those who have worked with both...any suggestions? These bags will mainly be used out in the field. I'm hoping to grab a pelican case for in-home storage.

Haven't worked with both, but I'd describe the Domke inserts as "self-contained" rather than "free-floating". If you have a 2-3 compartment insert, the weight of whatever's in the other compartments will keep you from pulling out the whole thing if a lens catches on one. And I haven't had problems with the 70-200 2.8 IS in mine.

I can't imagine the inserts just coming out with the camera unless they get snagged, although if that happens, then sounds like an insert is ripped. The 7MDH will close, I close it all the time and did so even with the 100-400L.

I'd go for the Domke, I really wanted one but not worth the price since I already have the 7MDH. I wouldn't use it as an everyday bag, I just use it for wedding because of how it looks. I'm still in debate of an everyday bag.

Jon wrote in post #5782555
Haven't worked with both, but I'd describe the Domke inserts as "self-contained" rather than "free-floating". If you have a 2-3 compartment insert, the weight of whatever's in the other compartments will keep you from pulling out the whole thing if a lens catches on one. And I haven't had problems with the 70-200 2.8 IS in mine.

Hey Jon! Good to see ya, buddy! It's benn a while.

Ahh, I see. So maybe that will work out for me . Is there any certain inserts you'd recommend? I know EORI led me to the Teneba ones, which seem to be popular...

_aravena wrote in post #5783186
I can't imagine the inserts just coming out with the camera unless they get snagged, although if that happens, then sounds like an insert is ripped. The 7MDH will close, I close it all the time and did so even with the 100-400L.

I'd go for the Domke, I really wanted one but not worth the price since I already have the 7MDH. I wouldn't use it as an everyday bag, I just use it for wedding because of how it looks. I'm still in debate of an everyday bag.

The 7MDH will close with the 70-200 2.8 IS attached? Since you have the 7MDH...are there any "accessory" pockets? Or does it just have the main compartment, and all accessory compartments are via the add-ons you can buy?

Anoter thing I should have noted earlier, I'm going to be 21 years old...I'm 5'3ish and weigh 123lbs. Do you think either the 7MDH or F-802 will look "funny" on me since they are rather giant satchels?

Thank you again, fellas!

My wife is 5 feet, 100lbs and she typically has it with her when I'm shooting a wedding and gets lenses ready as I need them and it surprisingly doesn't look that large on her so I'm sure either would be fine.

There are side pockets and such, check my review. I love accessorizing it though with the extra pouches as you can use them on you as well. I have two Thirsty Al's which holds batteries and the other whatever I may need.

Like I said though, I think as a daily bag the Domke would look better. I forget there are other Crumpler colors (I have blue) so I'm sure it'd look fine actually, but the looks is up to you. I don't really use that many pockets.

Thanks again _aravena!

Boy oh boy...this is a tough decision