Bags question, right one for two primes and body

<b>Moderator note: Thread locked due since it was hijacked by others for political rhetoric. My sincere apology to Robert. Please feel free to follow up with a new thread if you have other questions about camera bags.</b><p>

 

<p>Hey, I have been looking for a nice, small shoulder bag that will be capable of holding a small kit of gear. I plan to use this new bag for a Nikon D200 (no grip), a 35mm f/2 (attached to body), and a 50mm 1.8. Maybe a SB-600 also, but mainly those two lenses and body probably 90% of time. I searched the forums for suggestions, such as the Lowepro slingshot (Don't like form-factor) and others, but most seem too big (like for more lenses and such), or too small (body only). Any recommendations? Price is the most important factor, then size. I was looking at this:</p>

<p><a href="http://www.cameta.com/index.cfm/fa:display.showprod/Nikon-5874-SLR-System-Case-Gadget-Bag/productid:29319/">http://www.cameta.com/index.cfm/fa:display.showprod/Nikon-5874-SLR-System-Case-Gadget-Bag/productid:29319/</a></p>

<p>But it seems to be too big for my needs. What do you think?</p>

<p>Robert, The first to come to mind for me is this fairly new Domke design, the F-10. I'm giving you the actual Domke site at Tiffen.com for ease of reference, but when you're ready to actually purchase, go to B&H Photo's site, Adorama, etc., as prices will me <i>much cheaper</i> through these retailers. Domke has other bags in that capacity range, also; just look around on the Tiffen site.</p>

<p>I own several different sized Domke bags primarily because I consider them the best compromise of quality construction, comfort, sufficient protection, ease of access, style, and value. They say that there is a Chinese knock-off of Domke that is cheaper. However, I have moral values concerning environment, trade, human rights, and democracy that would be completely compromised by purchasing that sort of Chinese made product, especially when a U.S. made real Domke is readily available, and is priced quite reasonably. With the sort of equipment you've invested in, I don't think you want to buy a lesser bag.</p>

<p>http://www.tiffen.com/displayproduct.html?tablename=domke&itemnum=700-00S</p>

<p> Too big, too loud with that Nikon patch, and probably cheaply constructed. Bags are very personal items, and buying one over the web is a lot like buying shoes that way. I prefer flatter ones, you might not. I would advise you to get to the local store with your gear, and try several bags out until you find one that will hold your gear (with a little extra room).</p>

<p> </p>

<p>This article might help:</p>

<p>http://www.photo.net/equipment/bags/small-bags</p>

 

<p>I like the Domke F6, a good medium sized shoulder bag, but it's actually larger than you need for the gear you've described. It's a tight squeeze but I can fit four lenses (up to the size of my 300/4.5 AI Nikkor) in the four-section insert, or three lenses and a flash, and either both of my Nikon film bodies (F3HP and FM2N) with motor drives but no lenses mounted, or just the D2H, no lens mounted. The D2H is much deeper than the older cameras so it hogs a lot of room. Plenty of room for spare batteries, media cards/film, etc.</p>

<p>Check the Lowepro Stealth Reporter series too. I was very close to getting one but due to the more rigid sides and padding it wouldn't quite accommodate the same gear as the F6, even tho' externally they're the same size. The Domkes typically have very flexible material and padding. It's a tradeoff between protection and utility.</p>

<p>Luis, hm... True... It's just that my camera stores only sell the usuals (Lowepro and Tamrac) and the one's I've seen seem just off, if it's just a tad bit too small or big. I put up the Nikon bag for reference.</p>

<p>Jeff, Thanks! I like the bag. Just a little bit out of my price range. I was hoping to pay 70$ max. Obviously, if this is not possible, then that's fine. Just trying to see my options and other's recommendations.</p>

<p>The Domke F-6 Little Bit Smaller looks really promising. Is this what you use, or the regular one?</p>

<p>Little Bit Smaller:<br>

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/16013-REG/Domke_700_60B_F_6_Little_Bit_Smaller.html</p>

<p>Regular (?)<br>

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/16014-REG/Domke_700_F6B_F_6B_Ballistic_Bag_Black_.html</p>

<p>Any other choices?</p>

<p>I've been using the Domke F6B this year. As far as I can tell it's identical to the Little Bit Smaller, but in black ballistic nylon instead of canvas. (I didn't realize there was such a price difference between the ballistic nylon and canvas Domkes.) Perfect replacement for my old Nikon bag, which was the same size and basic design but poorly constructed. The Domke ballistic nylon bag is tougher.</p>

<p>BTW, another reason I like the Domkes - I despise Velcro. It's an abomination and should never be used for closures. It's okay for custom designing partitions inside a bag, but should never be used as pocket or lid closures. There's nothing quite like spotting a rare Speckled Flutternutter Wampus Hawk, known for extreme skittishness, reaching for your bag and "rrrRRRIIIPPP!" goes the Velcro and away flies the rare bird. So I prefer anything over Velcro - coated zippers, leather thongs over brass studs, metal or plastic hooks... anything but Velcro.</p>

<p>I got an old Nikon N90s off eBay which came with a bag & some other stuff. I'd missed that somehow in the auction. It's a small bag which would probably be ideal for what you're looking for. It's a Samsonite Worldproof & is tiny - but just the right size for what you're looking for. It's come along a lot but is in reality far too small for me - though it's been used a lot. I use it for bringing "stuff" like snacks, TCs & tubes - along with other stuff when I go out.<br>

I'd look for something like that & I would most assuredly stay away from anything which says Nikon or looks like a camera bag. That's asking for trouble.<br>

JMHO<br>

Lil :-)</p>

<p>Lex: True, but for me velcro is fine because I don't shoot skittish birds :).</p>

<p>Does anyone have experience with the Domke F-5XB? Seems small, and perfect for my needs, albeit it does look suspiciously like a man-purse :D. Seriously though, it looks good, and for 50 bucks on BH....</p>

<p>I have a Lowepro toploader zoom 2 (IIRC..) that holds a body with a small lens and one or two small lenses at the bottom, or a body with a larger lens. It also has a side pocket. I bought it because I needed a bag for such small setups and it was cheap. The flash can fit in the side pocket.</p>

<p>Robert.... Take a look at the Lowepro "Nova 2" or the "Nova Mini". I have both and they are great for a compact kit. </p>

<p>The super small Nova Mini will hold the D200 and three 50mm-85mm sized primes (one on body), but not the flash at the same time. I really love the Nova Mini when I'm going light, and it's also great for walkabout where the camera is around my neck and the bag is just for lenses/flash.</p>

<p>The Nova 2, while still a smaller bag, will gobble up the D200, 35mm, 50mm, SB-600, and another lens up to a 105mm Macro or 17-35 sized. The absolute biggest thing that will fit, and I do it all the time when quality and space are an issue, is the 17-35mm 2.8 on the D300, and the 70-200VR on it's own, both with hoods reversed.</p>

<p>There are many Nova Minis in different colors listed "buy it now" on theBay for $11.95 + $8 shipping. There is a Nova 2 for $11.11 + $10 shipping. You could get either for $20, or have both options on hand for about $40 total. :)</p>

<p>If you want something that does not scream "camera bag" but fits your bill, look at Osprey bags, especially the Astro. ALthough it is marketed as a messenger bag with a nice laptop area, it also serves as a great camera bag.<br>

<a href="http://www.ospreypacks.com/detail.php?productID=112&colorCode=618&tab=description">http://www.ospreypacks.com/detail.php?productID=112&colorCode=618&tab=description</a> <br>

Jim</p>

<p>Before I purchased a ThinkTank ChangeUp I did some research on the web then went to the local camera store with the gear I wanted to put in a bag. When I found what worked I purchased it. The ChangeUp is bigger than you require but there where smaller bags availaable.</p>

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Hey Robert, As a passionate film guy I'm afraid I'm not familiar with your D200, but I do own the F-5XB. If this body is not much bigger than the n6006, I think this bag would work well for you with those nice primes, and you might be able to fit your flash in the front zippered pocket. I'd always thought this was a great sized bag and always wanted one. Several months ago I got my first rangefinder, a cosmetically very nice Yashica Electro GT, restored to like-new mechanical condition and needed a bag for it. I already had the F-6 and the F-2 and loved both, but they were obviously too big for this fixed lens rangefinder and film, so I finally tried the F-5XB. I've only owned it for a few months, but love it!</p>

<p>Even though I have the F-6, I find myself taking a fairly minimalist approach to much of my photo as time goes on. So, I've also put my n6006, with either a prime or a short zoom mounted, into the F-5XB face down after adjusting the removable divider to fit another lens off to the side. This works very well and I look forward to this set-up for future use. Another useful feature about the F-5XB is that the strap comes right off should you want to put the bag on your belt; I think this could be quite useful. The F-6 is a wonderful bag for when more equipment is needed.</p>

<p>Naive, I guess, I'd never thought about a "man purse" before reading about this online, but now am a bit self conscious about this aspect:) Through sheer luck, I'd bought mine in the olive color, and perhaps this obviates the issue a bit;) Once the camera is around my neck, there's no mistaking my outstanding machismo;)! Seriously, though, it doesn't bother me too much as I really like this bag.</p>

<p>You should know a few more things about Domke, one being that they originated because of Jim Domke, a news photographer for the Philadelphia Inquirer, needing a bag that would fulfill the needs of a photog on the go. They don't have a huge amount of padding because of the inherent compromise necessitated by the ability to have quick and easy access. But with a little common sense handling, I always find the protection that they do possess to be <em>very adequate</em>. They have nice wide "gripper straps" (I liked these so much I got them for my camera straps, too). They're high quality, and will last with any sort of decent care- the couple of bucks you may or may not save with another brand is completely obviated by this fact, imho. This may be just me, but I'd get the "sand" color for bags that are going to be out in any prolonged sun because of the natural quality of lighter colors to hold less heat, but maybe the “olive” if you chose an F-5XB. Domkes look and are "cool"; I've heard people say that they are like a favorite pair of jeans in that respect, and they seem to conform to the shape of your body making them comfortable.</p>

<p>If you think you might need a bit more room, again, I'd check out the newer F-10, too. I think B&H's price is only two dollars above your limit;); free shipping, too. And if you are like me in these things, and would like to see more than one bag, B&H has a no questions asked return policy, so all you'd be out is the return shipping back of a bag that you didn't think would work for you. I think you’re right to look at this closely, as having the right bag is just as important as having the appropriate equipment for a given purpose.</p>

<p>I'm not totally familiar with all of their new models, but there may well be others in that size/price range. Here's some good general info. for you, and of course you can find your way to the other models from here. Also, Jim Domke himself seems to occasionally participate if you follow the Domke Forum link. And, I believe at least one Domke rep participates regularly if you want to ask them some questions. I don't think you'll regret a Domke, as I know I haven't. Best of luck to you! Jeff<br>

<a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/560314-REG/Domke_700_00S_F_10_JD_Medium_Shoulder.html">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/560314-REG/Domke_700_00S_F_10_JD_Medium_Shoulder.html</a></p>

<p>http://www.tiffen.com/products.html?tablename=domke</p>

<p> </p>

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<p>I have two Lowpro bags, my newest is a LowPro Pro Mag 2 AW. It will hold my 80-200, D200 w/50mm, flash, 24-70mm, and room for a few other items. I use this to mainly store my equip, or if I 'have' to take everything with me. Then I have a smaller travel bag that will hold the body and a couple lens.<br>

<a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/114170-REG/Lowepro_LP00453_PEF_Pro_Mag_2_AW.html">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/114170-REG/Lowepro_LP00453_PEF_Pro_Mag_2_AW.html</a></p>

<p>I have a Tamrac Express 6. Fairly small bag that would hold your d200, both primes and a SB600, and not much else. There is also an Express 5, which I think is not quite as deep, but that would probably count the SB600 out. Both are under $50. Also, you might look at some of the smaller Crumpler bags, maybe the 2 and 4 million dollar homes, around $35 and $65 respectively. I also have a Crumpler bag, the 7 million dollar home for when I want to take nearly all my gear. It is well constructed, nicely padded, and doesn't look like a camera bag.</p>

<p>Robert, I use the Lowepro Slingshot 200 for my D300 and four lenses with accessories. The 100 sounds like it would work great for you and is in the right price range.<br>

<a href="http://products.lowepro.com/product/SlingShot-100-AW,2034,4.htm">http://products.lowepro.com/product/SlingShot-100-AW,2034,4.htm</a><br>

These bags are well made, tough and very comfortable for travel. One nice thing about this design is that you can get to the camera very easily without taking the bag off. You just swing it around front and open the flap for the camera. Their design really does work the way it's advertised. The 200 fits easily under an airline seat, so the 100 should be no problem.</p>

<p>Sounds like a job for a Crumpler: </p>

<p>http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/shop/10188/Crumpler_Cases_Shoulder_Bags.html</p>

<p>We have a total of 3 Crumplers: 2x 7-million dollar Crumplers and 1x Brazilion. Don't like the Brazillion but love the 7-million dollar bag. They make them in just about any size for just about any Budget. Looks to be very similar to the Domke.</p>

<p>I used to have a bag problem. I'd buy and sell them - continually looking for the perfect bag. I was hopeless.</p>

<p>Until, that is, I bought a Courierware bag. For walking around, I think they can't be beat. They get little attention, but they're certainly worth a look - especially if you like messenger-style bags that you sling over your head and shoulder. </p>

<p>I purchased the "medium" size camera bag - which is the largest camera bag they offer - and I regularly use it to carry a D700 with prime attached and up to four additional primes in the bag with various other accessories. </p>

<p>http://courierbags.com/objects/20.itml/icOid/20</p>

<p>I used to have a bag problem. I'd buy and sell them - continually looking for the perfect bag. I was hopeless.</p>

<p>Until, that is, I bought a Courierware bag. For walking around, I think they can't be beat. They get little attention, but they're certainly worth a look - especially if you like messenger-style bags that you sling over your head and shoulder. </p>

<p>I purchased the "medium" size camera bag - which is the largest camera bag they offer - and I regularly use it to carry a D700 with prime attached and up to four additional primes in the bag with various other accessories. </p>

<p>http://courierbags.com/objects/20.itml/icOid/20</p>

<p>I like the <a href="http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=searchresults&searchinfo=Stealth%20Reporter">Lowepro Stealth Reporter bags</a> . I have the AW550 (big one) and plan on getting a smaller one for less gear. I packed the AW 550 to Vegas, and it fit in all the plane overheads (little tight on the smaller CRJs tho). It has a zipper on top for easy access, lots of pouches/memory card holders, and a rain guard built into the bottom.<br /> <br /> I put an <a href="http://www.optechusa.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=41&PRODUCT_SUB_ID=">OP/TECH S.O.S. bag strap</a> on it and it is very comfortable with lots of gear.</p>

<p>As far as price/quality goes, I'm not sure you can top the LowePro Stealth Reporter series. I am very happy with mine and would highly suggest it.</p>

<p>The Domke F-5xb that Jeff Z recommends is nice but if you need larger (and less man purse like :)) you might consider it's big brother, the F-5xc. It's a bit more like a messenger bag and will hold your kit plus a little more if necessary. There's a discreet compartment underneath that's perfect for a flash but the bag can be configured a few different ways to accommodate your gear. Here's a link for reference:<br>

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/538764-REG/Domke_700_53S_F_5XC_Large_Shoulder_Bag.html</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Take a look at the Think Tank line of photo accessories. They have a nice selection of bags etc. I have an Urban Disguise 40. I can carry my d300/mb-10 and 24-70mm f2.8 attached, an sb800 or 900 flash and a couple of small in length lenses plus the usual accessories.<br>

<a href="http://www.thinktankphoto.com/">http://www.thinktankphoto.com/</a></p>

 

<p>Take a look at the Think Tank line of photo accessories. They have a nice selection of bags etc. I have an Urban Disguise 40. I can carry my d300/mb-10 and 24-70mm f2.8 attached, an sb800 or 900 flash and a couple of small in length lenses plus the usual accessories.<br>

<a href="http://www.thinktankphoto.com/">http://www.thinktankphoto.com/</a></p>