Domke F3x or Domke F3 Backpack

[jaredangle]

It's time to swap out the Tenba Mixx for a more roomy bag, so I've been looking at the current Domke F3 offerings. My current bag fits my everyday work kit - a Nikon D700 w/ 20-35mm attached, plus an 85mm f/1.8, small speedlite, notebook, and charger/cables.

I'd like to be able to use a two camera, four lens kit in a better bag, which will hopefully stick to my hip/back better (my Tenba bag is horrible at this, always slipping from my shoulder and bouncing off of my side because it's too cushioned.)

The F3x is supposed to fit two bodies and four lenses - will it hold the D700, Nikon F4, 50mm f/1.2, 20-30mm f/2.8, 300mm f/4.5, and 85mm f/1.8? Alternatively, I was thinking of the backpack version, to hold the same capacity, plus the top portion for tons of extra film/accessory room.

Will either bag fit this combo? Perhaps with my Contax G1 tossed in the bag as well. Weight is no concern, as long as everything fits safely.

 

[Rob-F]

Hi Jared, are you familiar with the Tamrac line? I have a Tamrac Pro 8 that holds two DSLRs (I use a D300 and D700). Two DSLRs with lenses attached, plus cells for four additional lenses. And that's not all you get (sounds like a late-nite TV commercial). There is space under the cameras for yet more stuff, such as more lenses. And end pockets for more stuff. And a drop-down flap with little places for little stuff. And a pull-out storage wallet for memory cards. More space under the top flap.

And yet it is not a large bag. For carrying the most stuff in the smallest space, Tamrac is king.

 

[woodphoto]

don't get the back pack unless you plan on actually hiking long distances without changing cameras/lenses. I speak from experience, get a shoulder bag for everyday shooting. For the combo you suggest, get one of the J series bags. I carried this one during my photojournalism days... lasted for a good 10 years
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/125639-REG/Domke_700_J1B_J_1_Journalist_Shoulder_Bag.html

 

[woodphoto]

Hi Jared, are you familiar with the Tamrac line? I have a Tamrac Pro 8 that holds two DSLRs (I use a D300 and D700). Two DSLRs with lenses attached, plus cells for four additional lenses. And that's not all you get (sounds like a late-nite TV commercial). There is space under the cameras for yet more stuff, such as more lenses. And end pockets for more stuff. And a drop-down flap with little places for little stuff. And a pull-out storage wallet for memory cards. More space under the top flap.

And yet it is not a large bag. For carrying the most stuff in the smallest space, Tamrac is king.

you can't go wrong with Tamrac either...

 

[Nikon Bob]

If you can, also check out the Crumpler Million Dollar Home line of bags. One of the larger ones maybe what you are looking for.

Bob

 

[Dunn]

don't get the back pack unless you plan on actually hiking long distances without changing cameras/lenses. I speak from experience, get a shoulder bag for everyday shooting. For the combo you suggest, get one of the J series bags. I carried this one during my photojournalism days... lasted for a good 10 years
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/125639-REG/Domke_700_J1B_J_1_Journalist_Shoulder_Bag.html

What this says.

I bought a backpack thinking, "oh, this is great." But it is just a pain to take it off just to change a lens or whatever. Not to mention it makes make back instantly sweaty if it's even remotely warm outside. I pretty much use it only when transporting my gear because it holds a lot.

I use a Domke shoulder bag everyday. It's awesome. Definitely go for one of those.

 

[jaredangle]

Will the F3x fit a 300mm, with some rearranging of the bag's interior? If not, that's fine, as long as it can hold two SLRs plus 2-3 lenses, or two RFs and 3-4 lenses.

 

[M.Nadz]

I use a Domke F3x, after switching from a Tenba Shootout (great shoulder bag, but waaaay too padded/bulky). I have no problems using it to carry a Canon 50D with or without grip, Canon EF 50/1.4, 70-200/4, Canon 430EXII speedlight, my Bessa R2, Nokton 50/1.5, half a dozen rolls of film, plus batteries, CF cards, notebook, and all the other assorted crap that usually gets dumped in to function throughout the day, without any problems. Still doesn't bulky or overstuffed at all, and still have plenty of room. Even loaded up like this it rides well on your shoulder and doesn't bounce around with every step like the more padded ones. Just kind of wraps around your hip and stays there as it should. Hope that helps.

-Nadz

 

[-doomed-]

I use an F3-x and it carries a Tamron 70-200 2.8 Tamron 28-75 2.8 Sigma 50/1.4 and my Canon 1D2. More often than not I use my F2 If I need to carry two bodies lenses and a flash. Really I'd go with the F2 if you're looking to carry both bodies and all four lenses. I carried my 1D and 1D2 along with all my lenses and a flash. The side pockets can easily swallow a few extra accessories with little issue as well. The F3-X is good for one body and a lens or two.