First things first - I became a fan of Domke about a year ago. I have had just about every other brand/type of bag, but the Domkes always seem to get used more than the others when I start packing a bag. They hold so much more than they look, and still don't "look" like a camera bag. Despite a simple, non-padded strap, they are very easy to carry for hours on end. Housekeeping - I increased the brightness on some of these photos because the black nylon and other bag details can get clipped with the room light environment where I took the pictures. If you'd like some other shots, let me know and I'll see what I can do.
The picture below will give you an idea on the relative size of the Domke J-812.
From left to right: Domke F-4AF (Olive), Domke F-7AF (Sand), Domke J-812 (Black Ballistic Nylon), Tenba Large Messenger (Black). The 812 and Tenba are the only ones with a true laptop slot.
The next couple of pictures show a side-by-side comparison of J-812 (LEFT) and Tenba Large Messenger (RIGHT). Keep in mind, the J-812 is full of stuff (which you'll see further down).
The next shots are of the J-812 only. Front flap has two zippered pockets near the top of the flap (zippers/pockets are on the other side of the gray fabric). They are more spacious than I thought they would be. Below the flap you'll see two deep and roomy pockets. Very similar to the outside pockets on other Domke bags. I could easily get a 580EXII AND 430EX into ONE of the pockets. Right now there's a 430EX, remote timer, iphone charger, ear buds, audio/video cable for the 5DMII in one of the pockets. In the other, a bunch of backup batteries for the 5DMII and 40D as well as a hard CF case.
Below is a shot from the top of the bag. Notice the size of the zippers for the main compartment and laptop compartment (towards the back). The zippers are excellent quality, very smooth and easy to open with one hand. You'd be surprised how a cheap zipper can ruin a bag. These zippers are top of the line.
As you unzip the main compartment, you immediately see a 4 compartment insert centered (can be removed or moved). A non-gripped body fits perfectly each side of the insert.
So what was in this bag?
From left to right:
580EX II, Kindle 2, Sony Vaio 13.6" Notebook, 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8, 135 2L, 17-40 4L, 70-200 4L IS, 40D with 100 2.8 Macro hooded and mounted. On other side of the insert, the camera that took these shots fits perfectly (5DMII with 24-70 2.8L hooded and mounted).
As you can imagine it's heavy. I don't have a scale but I'd guess somewhere in the 30-40 pound range. Regardless, it's an easy bag to carry with the signature Domke strap and new double handles. For relative size, I'm 6'2" and weigh 200 pounds.
Overall thoughts on the bag - I love it. Before I got this on Tuesday, I used the Tenba to and from my marketing job. It was my briefcase that fit a mounted Canon DSLR, a second lens, a 580EX II, my work files and computer. The Tenba was always bulging and very tight. (See my review on that bag here: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=694314) The Tenba also has A LOT of un-usable pockets due to their tightness. The Domke bag is well-thought-out and uses space very wisely and efficiently. It even has a sleeve on the back that you can put over the handle of a rolling suitcase/carry on bag. That will definitely alleviate some of the weight when traveling through airports.
What is it lacking? Just one thing in my opinion - a pocket for file folders/documents. Sure, you could put them with the laptop, but anything with staples will more than likely scratch your laptop, so I try to avoid putting those next to each other.
Feel free to ask any questions and I'll do what I can to answer them. Thanks.
