Domke Camera Bags

[squarerigger]

I am not trying to start a new camera bag contest. What I am interested in is the Domke bag line. I have reviewed the Domke J-1, F-7, and F-2 and would like to get anyone who owns these bags to give me their opinions. My kit currently consists of a K10D with a Pentax 16-45 attached, additionally I have the pentax 50-200, pentax 35mm, and Tamron 90mm Macro. I also have a flash and asssorted SD cards along with cleaning gear and filters. My goal is to get a Domke bag that will carry all this and have room for maybe one more lens. I am unable to locate these bags in the local area to get a good feel for their capacity so I am looking for some who may have these bags and to see if you think I have a fit using any of these. Any insight ill be greatly appreciated.

[jmax]

I have an F2 that is several years old. It's a well made bag that I could recommend to anyone. One reason I like it is that it is fast to get into and encourages camera use. I hate bages that make you jump through hoops to reach your equipment.

I think it would hold your gear although I don't know how much room your flash takes up. According to some old literature I have, when Jim Domke designed the bag in 1976 he needed it to hold the following: two SLR 35mm cameras (one motorized), a 17mm, 35mm, 85mm, 75-200mm, and a 300mm f/4 as well as a flash and other misc. items.
Wow, I not sure I could get mine to hold that much.

I doesn't seem to me that items placed in the outside pockets have that much protection--just a layer of canvas. Also, it looks to me like the snaps that holds the cover down could hit equipment if you are not careful, but I've never had it happen. I leave the top unsnapped much of the time and have little worry about a spill because of the way it is designed.

[wlachan]

Originally Posted by squarerigger

I am not trying to start a new camera bag contest. What I am interested in is the Domke bag line. I have reviewed the Domke J-1, F-7, and F-2 and would like to get anyone who owns these bags to give me their opinions. My kit currently consists of a K10D with a Pentax 16-45 attached, additionally I have the pentax 50-200, pentax 35mm, and Tamron 90mm Macro. I also have a flash and asssorted SD cards along with cleaning gear and filters. My goal is to get a Domke bag that will carry all this and have room for maybe one more lens. I am unable to locate these bags in the local area to get a good feel for their capacity so I am looking for some who may have these bags and to see if you think I have a fit using any of these. Any insight ill be greatly appreciated.

With the gears you have, the shorter F-6 should do. But if you plan to purchase any lens longer than 16cm, you will need something taller.

[J.Scott]

I have a Domke f3X bag. In it I carry a K10D, 75-200mm, 10-17mm, 125mm (Voigtlander), 18-55mm and 40mm Limited. The 2 outside pouches have my flash and the hood for the 125mm. There is a slim pouch in front that is covered by the large flap and one on the outside not covered. In the tip of the inside of the flap is a zippered pouch where I keep memory cards and a small card reader. Even with this much gear it can be tiring after a few hours. I do switch it from shoulder to shoulder but it can seem heavy at the end of the day. Actually I am looking at the Lowepro Sling bag 300 or something that may distribute the weight more evenly on my back and shoulders. But I do like the Domke - it is simple in design but the fabric is very tough and will last for many years.

[lesmore49]

Originally Posted by squarerigger

I am not trying to start a new camera bag contest. What I am interested in is the Domke bag line. I have reviewed the Domke J-1, F-7, and F-2 and would like to get anyone who owns these bags to give me their opinions. My kit currently consists of a K10D with a Pentax 16-45 attached, additionally I have the pentax 50-200, pentax 35mm, and Tamron 90mm Macro. I also have a flash and asssorted SD cards along with cleaning gear and filters. My goal is to get a Domke bag that will carry all this and have room for maybe one more lens. I am unable to locate these bags in the local area to get a good feel for their capacity so I am looking for some who may have these bags and to see if you think I have a fit using any of these. Any insight ill be greatly appreciated.

Funny you should ask this question. I have the K10D with the 16-45 and also the 360 flash, 35-105 A zoom macro lens and want to get the 55-300 mm Pentax zoom. I looked at the Domke and although I liked it, I have some concerns. The padding seems kind of on the thin side, even using the inserts. I know it's not supposed to be a Pelican type case, but even so, padding seems a bit on the thin side.

I wonder about the protection it would afford.

I have also looked at the LowePro Sling 300 bag and it has some features I like, screen cover, wet protectant cover, thicker padding.

[squarerigger]

Thanks very much for the input. I just ordered the F-2. Seems a lot of folks have a high regard for the bag. I really like a shoulder bag over a backpack for ease of use. Anyway, I appreciate the insights.

Gary

[Geekybiker]

I reviewed one of their bugbag 20 bags on another forum
.omke Bug Bag 20 Review:. - NSOP Forums

Probably smaller than you're looking for though.