Okay, let's debate camera bags (1 Viewer)

[JohnRice]

My 200-400 is 8.25x4.75x4 and fits nicely standing vertically in the smaller bag.
 
Just to point out again, my bag is an Atan, but its dimensions are identical to the Domke F2 bag. Now that I have been thinking about it, I don't remember how the design moved from company to company. There may even have been a patent dispute for all I know. What I am certain of is I was aware of the Atan first, and they eventually went out of business and somewhere around there Domke showed up with the same bag using tougher material. The Atan is polyester and the Domke is canvas. Anyway, like I said, there is probably do disadvantage to getting the F1X instead of the F2. Photojournalists have been using those bags for decades.

 

[ManW_TheUncool]

John,
 
I was wondering if you meant the Nikon 200-400 f/4 VR, and that sounds like it now. That's a hefty lens. Didn't think you could keep it standing up comfortably in one spot in such a bag. Anyway, B&H lists the Domke as being only ~6.5" tall inside, but then again, I've found that dimension listings are often pretty much useless w/ bags. You can often easily fit something bigger (if more snuggly) than their specs suggest, which may well be the case here w/ the Domke (although ~1.75" is a big diff when they list ~6.5"). Bags do stretch w/ use and some parts of the bag will stretch much more than other parts.
 
NVM, I misread the dimensions of the Domke, it's actually 9" tall inside (and 6.5" deep). I guess the camcorder should do fine standing on one end inside one of the lens slots then.
 
 
Ron,
 
How exactly would you use the bag at a crowded convention center? I would think you wanna keep it as small as possible (at least in the 2 dimensions that would extend out from your body), not go to something longer.
 
Since you already have the big Lowepro backpack -- and can use that for carry-on, maybe it'd make more sense to go somewhere between the Black Rapid virtually bag-less route and a full-on regular bag like the Domke.
 
Remember, at the convention center, you'll likely wanna keep either your camcorder or your D90+lens out pretty much at all times anyway, so the bag you use there should not need to carry both (plus all the other stuff). What might be good is to use the big backpack to get you to the convention center and then swap to something else for inside the convention center itself -- and check the big backpack into a locker or something. And you would still pretty much do the same thing either way w/ your laptop (whether you bring it and check it in or leave it at the hotel).
 
_Man_

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Man,
 
The problem I have with your suggestion (while excellent) is that
it involves with bringing too many bags with me.
 
For a week's worth of travel I like to keep to 1 large suitcase for
clothing. Then 1 carry-on suitcase.
 
Based on all the discussion that has gone on through several
threads in this forum the following is being recommended:
 
* If covering a crowded convention do not wear a backpack.
Therefor, my Lowepro Fastpack 350 is not an option
 
* If covering a crowded convention do not wear the BlackRapid
Double Strap. Too much exposed equipment that could be
bumped into, not to mention the fact that it may swing when
walking.
 
Therefor, I am now looking at actual camera shoulder bags
capable of holding a camcorder, camera, two lenses, speedlight
and accessories.
 
This is why I have narrowed down the best choices to the
Domke bags, F2 or FX-1. I prefer the small size of the F2.
I am just a little nervous that I will not be able to fit all my gear
into it.

 

[JohnRice]

I will say this. There are times you will want to put all the gear away and have lunch, take a break or whatever. There is a reason the Domke bags have been so popular with photojournalists. They have great accessibility, better than any Lowe-Pro. If you aren't bothered by the lesser padding, which is one reason the accessibility is so good, they are a great bag.

 

[JohnRice]

Man, my 200-400 is a Tamron 5.6. I would never waste that much money on a lens for some pansy-ass digital camera. /img/vbsmilies/htf/laugh.gif If I want quality, I'll shoot MF or LF and scan a 100 or 200 MP image. Now that's quality.
 
 
BTW Ron, when you carry the bag, don't hang it off one shoulder. Have the strap on one side of your neck and the bag on the other with the strap going across your chest. Not only is it more secure, hanging weight for long periods of time on one shoulder can lead to hearing loss in that ear. Little known fact.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

John, will heed that advice.
 
It's the F2 or the F-1X
 
My friend Cees and his wife are coming into
NYC soon. I only have two possible days I can
make it in to meet them, but if I do, I will go to
both BH PHOTO and ADORAMA to look at both
bags because I really need to see if the larger F-1X
is going to be too bulky to wear on a crowded
convention floor.

 

[ManW_TheUncool]

 

BTW Ron, when you carry the bag, don't hang it off one shoulder. Have the strap on one side of your neck and the bag on the other with the strap going across your chest. Not only is it more secure, hanging weight for long periods of time on one shoulder can lead to hearing loss in that ear. Little known fact.

Seriously about the hearing loss? /img/vbsmilies/htf/confused.gif
 
_Man_

 

[Citizen87645]

A little late to the party, but my guess is the F1-X will be too long / big.
 
One of my favorite bags is actually the F6 "little bit smaller." The F2 is a nice bag, though for my purposes I usually find myself using the F6 or the F5-xc.
 
My physical issue is that my shoulders / neck are easily strained from shoulder bags, which is why I go with a backpack or belt system if I'm going to be lugging equipment around for a long time.
 
And here are some pics of the F2 in use: http://www.cambags.com/bag-type/shoulder-bags-menu/domke-shoulder-bags/item/398-domke-f-2.html

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Okay...so after all this time I am still debating camera
bags but at least I have a better understanding of what
I may need.
 
Took some HTF advice. Went to B&H Photo this morning.
Looked at the camera bags that were on display.
 
The Domke bags were kind of disappointing once I saw
them.
 
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/16018-REG/Domke_700_60S_F_6_Little_Bit_Smaller.html
 
The F6 bag is the perfect size for a lightweight
walkabout. Looks very small. Though, they took
the compartments out of there (so nobody would
steal them) which makes it hard to see exactly how
much equipment it can fit.
 
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/79580-REG/Domke_700_F1B_F_1X_Ballistic_Shoulder_Bag.html
 
The F-1X could be the perfect size for traveling with a
lot of equipment and would suit my needs better, but I
found the Domke bags way too flimsy to carry around expensive
equipment with. There is no padding and I fear that if
I knock into someone I could damage whatever is inside.
 
While walking through the store I did find a bag that
immediately caught my eye....
 
I think I found the perfect bag for what I need though I am
certain I am going to get slammed by some of you for going
with a bag that is too big.
 
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/424410-REG/Lowepro_LP34953_PEU.html
 
This bag is very big. It's going to be a bit of a pain
walking with it during a crowded trade show.
 
However, it's perfect for traveling. It holds a 17" laptop
and loads of gear. It's waterproof, has easy unzip top
access to gear and plenty of pockets and PADDING.
 
What I may have to do is buy the Lowepro d650aw for
travel and find a smaller padded bag to wear over the
shoulder that I can fit a DSLR, a camcorder and two
lenses.
 
 
 
 

 

[JohnRice]

Ron,
 
if you look back to some original comments I made, I believe I stated that the Domkes had minimal padding, maybe not enough for you to feel comfortable about, and that the Lowe-Pros have abundant, maybe even excessive padding.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

John,
 
I indeed did remember your original comments
as I was browsing the store today.
 
Your comments are the main reason why I had
to go look at these bags in person.
 
The problem is I am looking for two features that
cannot be had in one bag...
 
1. A durable travel bag that holds a 17" laptop.
 
2. A lightweight carry-around bag that holds
a DSLR, Camcorder and a few lenses.
 
You can't get both.
 
I need the travel bag. Therefor the Lowepro 650
will probably be that choice. Can't use the Domke
bags for travel. They are too flimsy.
 
I am also trying to find, for about $50-$80 tops a
nice carry-around bag for a trade show that will
accommodate the things I mentioned in #2. Perhaps
the Domke F6 bag will be it unless I can find a better
padded bag.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

John,
 
Question...
 
Will the Domke F2 totally collapse flat?
 
Including the insert?
 
If I can put it in my main suitcase, totally
flattened where it takes no additional space
it might just become the day bag that I need.
 
I can then purchase the Domke F2 and the
Lowepro travel bag.

 

[JohnRice]

Ron, if you remove the padded insert and remove it's own insert (which is held in with velcro) you can probably collapse it all pretty flat. Remember, my bag is the same design as the Domke, but it was made before Domke, so you might find out from someone who has the actual bag. Doesn't someone here have the F1X? Basically the same bag, just a little longer. It wouldn't take up "No" space, but it should be relatively little space.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Thanks, John.
 
Coming very close to pulling the trigger on the Lowepro 650AW
 

 

[ManW_TheUncool]

Ron,
 
Why do you still need to get a travel bag anyway? I thought the big Lowepro backpack you already bought was good enough for travel (w/ 17" laptop). /img/vbsmilies/htf/confused.gif
 
One thing. Will you actually usually be lugging camcorder w/ you whenever you go places w/ your DSLR kit? Is that just for the trade shows? Maybe you should just get a small bag for the DSLR kit and add some sort of separate waist bag/case for the camcorder, if the camcorder won't often be going w/ the DSLR (outside of occasional trade shows). Also, some of the bag designs out there allow the option to attach a waist bag/case or similar (vs simply wearing that 2ndary bag/case separately). If nothing else, you might even consider using something like the Think Tank lens case you mentioned earlier to double as a camcorder case -- you'd have to check to see if that's actually feasible, but the dimensions seem like it could be close enough.
 
_Man_

 

[JohnRice]

FWIW Ron, after putting my digital outfit in the Atan (Domke) bag, I decided to go back to the Lowe-Pro. The Domke is GREAT if you are shooting in a photojournalistic fashion, but I'm not. I set the bag down somewhere, take out what I need and leave the bag there. The Lowe-Pro does offer much better protection, but the Domke has much better access. Like I've said, back when I was shooting for a newspaper, the Atan was perfect.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Man,
 
I could use the Lowepro 350 for travel. Yes.
Just thought that would work better for hiking/field
shooting rather than travel. However...you know
what? Maybe I should try it when I go to Atlanta
next week before deciding to pick up the Lowepro 650AW.
 
(and yes...I am very indecisive sometimes)
 
As far as a bag to lug around the trade show floor...
 
Will I be lugging a DSLR kit and Camcorder with
me most of the time? Yes. For trade shows (I do
two a year) I trade off between them both. So I need
a bag with easy access that can handle both gear and
lenses + has a small footprint + easy on the shoulders.
 
I keep going back to the Domke F2. The only thing
holding me back is the minimal padding.

 

[Ronald Epstein]

 
 

FWIW Ron, after putting my digital outfit in the Atan (Domke) bag, I decided to go back to the Lowe-Pro.

 
 
Which LowePro bag, John?

 

[ManW_TheUncool]

 

Originally Posted by Ronald Epstein
As far as a bag to lug around the trade show floor...
 
Will I be lugging a DSLR kit and Camcorder with
me most of the time? Yes. For trade shows (I do
two a year) I trade off between them both. So I need
a bag with easy access that can handle both gear and
lenses + has a small footprint + easy on the shoulders.
 
I keep going back to the Domke F2. The only thing
holding me back is the minimal padding.

So Ron, you really only need to have the camcorder w/ you during those 2 (or so) trade shows each year? What about other times?
 
What I'm trying to get at is that maybe it makes sense to simply add something for the camcorder only for the few occasions where you'd actually need it (like at an occasional trade show). For all other times, just stick w/ a bag that can handle your DSLR kit -- and just add that extra something (like a separate small waist bag) for the camcorder for the couple trade shows, etc. There's no law that says you have to keep everything in one bag afterall. /img/vbsmilies/htf/smiley_wink.gif That might make it much easier to find a good small (maybe sling) bag for your DSLR kit, which would probably be a good thing if you like to go hiking, biking, etc. (and don't need your camcorder for that).
 
_Man_

 

[Ronald Epstein]

Man,
 
Thank you. Will probably wait on the large
Lowepro bag and try to travel with the Fastpack
backpack and let you know how that goes.
 
In the meantime, I will go with the Domke F2
for walking the trade show floor and hope that
I don't get knocked into.