Last fall I started a thread about modifying a messenger bag for photo use. There are some images on TB2's website somewhere of someone's bag using Domke inserts. I tried them but they took up too much space in the bag. The bag I had at the time was a medium size. I sent both the inserts and the bag bag. I kept the neat little TB2 non-slip shoulder pad for use on another bag--I recently got a deal on a XL size TB2 bag from Performance Bike. I tossed a folded towel in the bottom for padding, put a 1.4x, some extra batteries and card and other stuff in the pockets, and my 70-200 f/2.8 in a lens case, tossed in a 580EX in its case, along with a batter pack, then nested the camera with a Sigma 18-200 attached. I headed off to the pro national races at Red Bud last weekend with a Nalgeen water bottle hanging on the outside of the bag--hey--gotta have a place to put stickers!
Although a bit on the heavy side, the bag worked great especially in "bike riding" mode using the extra strap. But I had my camera in hand most of the time, or slung around my neck or over a shoulder while using a P&S when I didn't want to switch lenses. With the DSLR out of the bag in my hand where it should be, the bag carried extremely well and was fairly comfortable. It was not a Slingshot nor a back pack carry, and not as comfortable as my S&F system, but seemed to be more convenient to get at stuff while wearing the bag. I never had an issue with lack of padding or banging stuff around--but I was also careful. I was easily able to keep the bag away from people--not always the case with wearing a back pack, SS or S&F--I would often bump into people when turning around or away from the fence.
Now the plan is to make some thinner padded compartments to drop stuff into from rip-stop nylon taffetta and some 1/4" closed cell padding on the sides, and 1/2" closed cell padding on the bottoms. These pads would take up much less space inside the bag than Domke inserts and/or lens cases. They will also be lighter than Domke inserts and/or lens cases.
This bag-system will NOT take the place of my SS or S&F systems--they all have their places. On days I don't have to wear a suit and can be a bit stinky at work, I may start commuting to work with this bag on my bike, but take a slightly longer route for photo ops!
Oh--give me a big, loud and long RRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDD BBBBBBBBBBBUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!
