Review: Domke F-3x

So I just got a new F2 (B&H deal in Marketplace) and removed the 4 way insert and installed it in the F-3x.

Now I cannot decide whether to use the F2 (of which I have 2) or the F3X. I definitely do not need to be carrying any more weight. Currently at 16lbs.

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• 580EXII
  
• (8) Spare Enloop Batteries in Case
  

• S100
  
• Spare Memory cards for both camera
  
• Spare battery for DSLR
  
• Business Cards
  

• Canon 7D
  
• Sigma 4.5 (mounted)
  
• 28 1.8
  
• 85 1.8
  
• 70-200 2.8 IS MKII
  

• iPad 2
  
• X-rite Color Checker Passport
  

I got my Domke F-3x in today! I should be getting my 70-200F4 IS in the mail later on today or tomorrow. Here's my question.

Can I fit all below, with the 70-200, into my new bag?

T1i Gripped
10-22 w/hood
24-105 w/hood
100 Macro w/hood
28 2.8 w/hood
50 1.8
430EX ii

No. For that, you want the Domke F-2. For that matter, you'd be pushing it to fit the stuff you have now into an F3x without putting a lens or two in an outside pocket. If you want to try, while minimizing the lenses in outer pockets, put the 70-200 on the camera and surround it with as many of the other lenses as you can.

Thanks Jon! I'll probably not carry the 100 and 50 to make room. I just put all the above in and it's pretty comfortable walking around. I have a Kata backpack for most of my gear but I'll use the Domke for lighter travels. I'll post pics up later if I can.

I've been through quite a few bags since I got my 350d about 7/8 years ago. And now, with the F3X, I'm pretty sure I've found the one that I'll stick with! It's crazy how much you can fill this thing without it feeling overly heavy or looking massive!

No Earthly Man wrote in post #16139484
I've been through quite a few bags since I got my 350d about 7/8 years ago. And now, with the F3X, I'm pretty sure I've found the one that I'll stick with! It's crazy how much you can fill this thing without it feeling overly heavy or looking massive!

Yes, it is really quite an excellent bit of kit. I sold mine a while back due to changing needs but now I'm considering picking one up again, heh.

Jim G wrote in post #16139558
Yes, it is really quite an excellent bit of kit. I sold mine a while back due to changing needs but now I'm considering picking one up again, heh.

I picked mine up used, because I just couldn't justify the price of a new one here in the UK, despite all the glowing praise I'd read about them. Now I'm a little disappointed that I didn't just save up a little longer and buy the new Ruggedwear one that I'd really wanted.

Still, I'm incredibly happy with what I've got.

Wonderful review that has been seen by a lot of people.
I have a Ruggedwear f3x and olive F2. I prefer the f3x shape, but wish I had chosen a different colour. ymmv.
Caution...I have replaced the plastic fittings that attach the strap.

Have the rugged wear F-6. Decided I needed some more room so changed it up but it was a great bag while I needed it.

Two questions:

1) Can the 70-200 IS f4 with reversed lens hood fit in one of the lens pouches?

2) Is it possible to flatten or fold in order to put inside a larger bag during transit?

Pericles77 wrote in post #16148700
Two questions:

1) Can the 70-200 IS f4 with reversed lens hood fit in one of the lens pouches?

2) Is it possible to flatten or fold in order to put inside a larger bag during transit?

Can't answer Q1, but yes, you can roll it into a relatively flat shape. Although it's a strong bag, it's not overly firm. Which is one of the main things I love about it!

I bring greetings from the year 2017!

I found this thread while searching for information on the Domke F-3X, with all the usual questions of usability and will my gear fit and blah blah blah. This thread was a great help, so I just wanted to resurrect it for a moment to thank everybody for contributing to this great thread. A special thanks to Jim G for not only the excellent and well-illustrated review, but also for staying involved in the discussion for nearly five years! Thanks also to all the folks who shared their personal experiences and photos such as Jon, ANGUS, artspraken, 7dfever, zwright, jklewer, djchrono, and Rainyday. I'm sure there are others I omitted who deserve thanks as well, so apologies to anybody I missed and thanks to one and all!

I've always preferred small bags (my main bag for the past couple of years has been a Tamrac Rally 6), but I've been thinking about a larger bag lately and my recent acquisition of a grip for my 70D made it a necessity. I liked the F-3X in principle but I had a lot of questions about it and this thread has been a big help.

I picked one up today at my favorite local brick-and-mortar camera store, Ace Photo in Ashburn VA (one of the few remaining real camera stores in the DC area). They have a big room to one side, probably half of the sales floor, filled with rows and rows of bags from all of the well-known manufacturers. While the olive green and the RuggedWear brown both looked really sharp, I was going to get the sand color because I prefer light colors. However, they had two in tan, which I think is an older color, but I liked it so I got one of those. It's less brown than the sand color, more like khaki. Here it is:

mcoren wrote in post #18287294
I bring greetings from the year 2017!

I found this thread while searching for information on the Domke F-3X, with all the usual questions of usability and will my gear fit and blah blah blah. This thread was a great help, so I just wanted to resurrect it for a moment to thank everybody for contributing to this great thread. A special thanks to Jim G for not only the excellent and well-illustrated review, but also for staying involved in the discussion for nearly five years! Thanks also to all the folks who shared their personal experiences and photos such as Jon, ANGUS, artspraken, 7dfever, zwright, jklewer, djchrono, and Rainyday. I'm sure there are others I omitted who deserve thanks as well, so apologies to anybody I missed and thanks to one and all!

I've always preferred small bags (my main bag for the past couple of years has been a Tamrac Rally 6), but I've been thinking about a larger bag lately and my recent acquisition of a grip for my 70D made it a necessity. I liked the F-3X in principle but I had a lot of questions about it and this thread has been a big help.

I picked one up today at my favorite local brick-and-mortar camera store, Ace Photo in Ashburn VA (one of the few remaining real camera stores in the DC area). They have a big room to one side, probably half of the sales floor, filled with rows and rows of bags from all of the well-known manufacturers. While the olive green and the RuggedWear brown both looked really sharp, I was going to get the sand color because I prefer light colors. However, they had two in tan, which I think is an older color, but I liked it so I got one of those. It's less brown than the sand color, more like khaki. Here it is:

Hosted photo: posted by mcoren in
./showthread.php?p=182​87294&i=i182730556
forum: Canon Accessories

Here is how I have it loaded now:

Hosted photo: posted by mcoren in
./showthread.php?p=182​87294&i=i81970756
forum: Canon Accessories

In the middle is the 70D + grip + Sigma 17-70. On the left is the Canon 70-200 f/4L, and on the right is the Canon 10-18 STM.

I also have a 430EX II flash in one of the side pockets, with plenty of room to spare. The other side pocket is currently empty, and I have my filters (grad ND + polarizer + Cokin P holder + rings) in the front pocket.

Thanks again to all!
Mike

Wow, the forums sure look different compared to last time I logged in. Glad to see people are still getting use out of the review

I have the Domke F2 and its still in use today. Domke bags are durable and simply get the job done. Attached is my post from several years ago.

https://photography-on-the.net …showthread.php?​p=11535957