I am after a new bag that fits my D700 with attached 24-70 2,8 and 70-200 2,8 VR and some extra equipment. I have settled for the Domke F-4Af or the F3X. Both seems to be great bags and I want the bag to be to small as possible, and still fit my gear well.
So the question:
Will the F3X hold the Nikon 70-200 VR without any trouble with lenshood reversed, or should I go with the taller F4AF. Will the F4AF hold a D700 with 70-200 2,8 attached?
I have the F3x and I can barely cram a D200 gripped w/ 17-55 (hood reversed) and a Nikon 80-200 (w/ hood reversed) in the bag and the 70-200 is even taller. I'd say you need something bigger than the F3x. I bought the F3x when I had the gripped D200, 18-70, and 50 1.8, and 85 1.4 and it all fit fine including sb-800 in side pocket.
With the upgrade to 17-55 and adding the 80-200 I now use a Thinktank SW Harddrive backpack, not really a "shooter" bag per se like the Domke's but it holds all my stuff.
I do need a new shooter bag, so I'll probably start looking at the Domkes again.
You know....there's no "ultimate" bag
I've got both bags. The biggest difference is the f3-x has two sewn-in lens sleeves in its main compartment, while the f4-af has removeable inserts. So, the f4-af is both slightly larger (height and width/depth) and more flexible. Reversed/mounted lens hoods (sorry I'm not familiar with the Nikon glass) are problematic with the f3-x. In practical terms, there isn't much difference in the feel of carrying either of these 2 bags, but the f4-af can be heavier because of its increased capacity.
As an aside, there also seem to be some construction differences between the f3-x canvas and nylon versions. In the nylon bag the lens sleeves don't extend all the way to the bottom of the main compartment, for whatever reason, and since the nylon bag does have an extra lining layer, it's a bit smaller internally, too.
You'll find some pics, with gear loaded, here: www.cambags.com
jlw82 wrote:
Stupid question, how do I see if its canvas or nylon version?
Some are only available in canvas, some only in nylon, and some can be had either way. I prefer the canvas because they break-in nicely, and can be washed. In fact, I run mine through the washer and dryer a few times when brand new, just to get them softer and a bit worn. As mentioned in the post above this one, the nylon bags are listed as "ballistic" by the vendors. I think the nylon bags are only available in black, while the canvas are available in black, sand, navy blue, and olive green. Either way, Domke bags seem to last forever, and get better with age.
I just got a F4-AF. I can put my AFS 300mm f/4 lens in it. (i think it's comparable in size to the 70-200mm). I can also put a 85mm f/1.4D mounted to my D200 and several other lenses. However one of the problems is that with the increased girth of the 300mm lens, it pushes the second lens insert inward. This will be a problem if you want to carry another bulkier lens. For smaller lenses it should be fine.
jlw82 wrote:
stompyq.. what do you think about the nikon 70-200 2,8 and 24-70 2,8 attached to a d700.. Wil I have this problem?
I think you should be fine with those two lenses and the D700 with a little bit of room to grow. I don't own either of those lenses however so (or a D700) so mine is a educated guess. Be warned
jlw82 wrote:
And another question, what is the benefits of canvas instead of the nylon?
The canvas moulds to the body, looks better (less like a camera bag) can be washed, ages better and lasts forever. The nylon one looks camera bagish, looks ugly is uncomfortable to carry etc etc. Really the whole point of a domke is the canvas. If your looking at the nylon one i think you should look at the Thinktank UD series (either a UD35 or UD40)
I agree, mostly. My only nylon Domke bag is their J-1, but I'd be so much happier if it was available in canvas. I don't think the J-1 will wear any faster than one of their canvas bags, though, because of the thickness/quality of the nylon, and it is very soft and conformable, too. I just don't like the look and feel of the black nylon, that it can't be thrown in the washer, and won't ever get that faded/broken-in look. I like my gear to look new and my bag to look old
If you click on Country: Sweden in the Shipping part of his listing and then "Update", it states that the shipping is Free.
It looks like the canvas one. I think the F3XB is the ballistic one, but I would wait to see if you get a response to know for sure.
