Recommend a bag please

Hey folks,

I am hoping to get some suggestions on a bag.

I need something that can hold my body with a 24-70 attached and either a 17-35 or 105mm. In addition, I'd like to be able to hold a flash and some filters.

The Domke's have great reviews but unfortunately there are no stores in my local area that carry them.

I currently use a TT modular setup with a backpack and find that works well for my longer hikes.

Basically what I need is something that is light and that can act as an everyday type bag, something that I can carry with me when I am going out etc...

There is a local store that carries a ton of TT stuff so I was considering an Urban Disguise.

In terms of Domke bags what would you folks recommend for the type of gear that I have?

I currently was looking at the F3x, F4af, F2, J-3 or F803.

Any advice is appreciated.

Dave

I would look at the F3x. I use it to carry my 40D griped with 17-55 attached, 85 f/1.8, 50 f/1.8, extension tubes, 580EXII, filters, extra batteries and accessories and still have room to spare.

Its a great bag.

F3x (which I use) or F-803 will do nicely. The F-3x has more room for additional junk like a water bottle, but for what you've outlined the F-803 will be fine, too. The F-803 will accept the F-901 Compact Pouch on each end for expansion if you like.

I use the J-3 and absolutely love it. It would give you room to grow.

Jon wrote in post #6028619
F3x (which I use) or F-803 will do nicely. The F-3x has more room for additional junk like a water bottle, but for what you've outlined the F-803 will be fine, too. The F-803 will accept the F-901 Compact Pouch on each end for expansion if you like.

Cool thanks for the reply. I assume the F3x will hold the 24-70 mounted to the body no problem?

Is there any padding at the bottom of the bag in the F3x?

Sorry one last thing, is it worth comparing the urban disguise 30 bags to the Domkes? Just wondering how they might compare in terms of comfort and quality.

If you don't mind the look of Crumplers, the 6MDH might work out for you as well.

I will second the recommendations for the J3, Crumpler 6MDH and F3X (I don't have this bag, but I think it's similar to J3). The J3 is deceptively spacious. You would probably be able to fit the 24-70 mounted, 2 additional lenses (including at least one 70-200 2.8 IS, maybe w/hood), 580 flash and filters with a little space for more. The 6MDH is roomy too, but I found it to be smaller than the J3 (maybe with better organization it would work better).

davewolfs wrote in post #6029101
Cool thanks for the reply. I assume the F3x will hold the 24-70 mounted to the body no problem?

Is there any padding at the bottom of the bag in the F3x?

I use it with the 70-200 mounted quite often. There's a closed-cell foam bottom pad.

tomjr0123 wrote in post #6029725
I will second the recommendations for the J3, Crumpler 6MDH and F3X (I don't have this bag, but I think it's similar to J3). The J3 is deceptively spacious. You would probably be able to fit the 24-70 mounted, 2 additional lenses (including at least one 70-200 2.8 IS, maybe w/hood), 580 flash and filters with a little space for more. The 6MDH is roomy too, but I found it to be smaller than the J3 (maybe with better organization it would work better).

I have small lenses but I can fit 3 with one on the gripped camera in the J3 and only 1 more in the J1... +1 on the J3 being deceptively spacious.

I'll check out the J3, but I really want something that is not bulky and also light although this looks like a great combination.

Perhaps I should order both? J3 or F3x?

I took a look at the specs of the J3 and F3x at B&H. The J3 is actually a couple inches deeper than the F3x (depth not height). Additionally, it looks like the F3x has fixed dividers compared to the movable velcro dividers in the J3. Also, the F3x are available in canvas (Domke purists love the canvas) where the J3 is ballistic nylon (although the F3x is available in ballistic nylon).

I suppose both bags are a bit on the bulky side, the external dimensions are similar to the crumpler 6MDH, but one of the best things about Domke bags is that it's not as stiff as other bags because it doesn't have as much padding. The bag just conforms to your body. Also the rubberized strap of the Domke bag is nice and comfortable even when carrying gear for long periods of time.

I've used a handful of other bags, but the Domke is a keeper. It just works. The J3 I have is made in the USA too.

Jon wrote in post #6031589
I use it with the 70-200 mounted quite often. There's a closed-cell foam bottom pad.

I have be looking at this bag. Is that with or without the hood?

Hood reversed. It's only in the bag until I start shooting (i.e. between locations).

Jon wrote in post #6056977
Hood reversed. It's only in the bag until I start shooting (i.e. between locations).

Thanks