Domke J-1 vs. J-2

[bob_mcbob]

My current bag line-up hasn't been cutting it since I purchased a 1D3 last year, and I'd like to get something new. I am sold on Domke, but I'm not sure which bag is most appropriate for the gear I want to hold. I prefer their ballistic nylon bags, so I've been trying to decide between the J-1 and J-2.<br /> <br /> I'd like to hold a 1D mark III with 16-35 II mounted, 50/1.4, 100/2.8 macro, the option of a 70-200/2.8 IS or 100-400, and perhaps some assorted crap like flashes, filters, etc. The flashes can easily go in the side pockets, so I'm only concerned about the camera and lenses. I don't want the bag to be stuffed full, but I also don't want it to have a lot of free space to move around. The inserts on my J-803 won't hold a 70-200 with the tripod ring or (reversed) hood attached. Is the J-series insert any better in this respect? It is quite a pain to have to remove these components -- especially the hood.<br /> <br /> Unfortunately, there is nowhere local that even carries Domke products, so I am stuck buying blind on the internet. I've been looking at what reviews are available with photos, and I'm a bit concerned the J-2 will be stuffed rather tight with what I want to hold. The J-series bags aren't as wide as the F-series, but they are taller. Here are a couple of photos to illustrate:

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<strong>J-1</strong> <br />

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<p><img src="http://cambags.com/canon/300d_10_20d/shoulder/images/domke_j1/DSCN0003.jpg" alt="" width="576" height="432" /></p>

<p><strong>J-2</strong><br>

<img src="http://cambags.com/canon/300d_10_20d/shoulder/images/domke_j-2/Domke_J-2_canon_30d_syd_2.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600" /></p>

[Hector Javkin]

<p>I have the J-1 and the J-3. First, because on the J-series one compartment can expand into the space of another, you should be able to leave a tripod mount on. Second, with the longer lenses you want to carry, you should definitely go for the extra depth of the J1, two inches deeper than the J-2 and J-3. For shorter lenses, I use the extra depth to add a bit of padding, even though the J-series is better padded than the original Domkes. Finally, a camera bag is like an off-the-rack suit -- if you can't try it out beforehand, make sure you can return it if it doesn't fit. I don't know what country you're in but, if you're in the U.S., order it from B&H or Calumet or some other good store, and you'll have no trouble returning it if it isn't suitable.</p>

[bob_mcbob]

<p>Thanks for your thoughts, Hector. It's true that the extra height would be an advantage with longer lenses. I'm glad to hear the divider is so easy to reconfigure; I really hate to have to remove hoods and tripod rings. I also added a bit of padding at the bottom of my J-803 so my 1D3 can sit in the main compartment on its bottom.</p>

<p>I think I will probably order a J-1 and hope it works out okay with my gear. I'm really concerned the J-2 just won't cut it for what I want to put in. The organization in the photos I posted is probably what I'd be aiming for, and the J-2 looks crowded with just a 10D. The J-1's extra couple of inches makes it look purpose built for a 1-series packed that way. It would be even better with a plain insert or some foam padding on the camera side to keep things snug.</p>

<p>I really wish there were somewhere to try these bags locally. Unfortunately, the only Domke dealer in Canada is Henry's, and -- as is the case with almost anything like this -- they don't even stock the J-1 and J-2. They are only available as special order, no returns, for a huge mark-up over what B&H charges. Vistek used to carry Domke products, but they only have a few random little accessories nowadays.</p>

[tdigi]

<p>I am interested in these bags as well. Does either bag hold a 70-200 2.8? Are these bags pretty easy to get your gear in and out of? </p>

[bob_mcbob]

<p>Anyone else?</p>

[kenny_c]

<p>I have a J-1 and I think with what you have mentioned you sholdnt have any problems. There is a place in toronto called http://www.photocreative.com/ and they deal domkes.</p>

[bob_mcbob]

<p>I'm more concerned about whether the J-1 is a bit too big for what I want to carry. I think it really depends on whether you want to keep hoods reversed and have the camera oriented downwards with a lens mounted. The stuff I listed fits nicely in the J-2, provided you leave the camera pointing sideways without a lens. I've seen photos of the J-2/F-2 stuffed the way the J-1 is in the photo I posted, but it seems like it doesn't really leave room for the hoods and collars. Any thoughts?</p>

<p>I'm actually sort of thinking of going the J-1 and J-3 route. It would be nice to also have a bag a little bigger than my J-803 for when I don't want to carry a 70-200 or 100-400.</p>

<p>I'm hoping photo-co in Quebec still carries Domke products. Their web site prices are certainly attractive.</p>

 

[thomas_sullivan]

<p>I'm a "Domke man" myself. Think I own 7 of these now. Fs and Js. The 70-200 f/2.8 w/tripod collar and hood reversed is a major pain in the a$$. Luckily that lens is not something I always carry with me, so I use a Kata 3n1 (large) backpack/sling bag when I do have to bring that lens with rest...or equivalent... of what you said. If I chose to keep it a shoulder bag...which I haven't yet...I was thinking that a lens case for the 70-200 mounted to my belt and one of the Domke bags would be the best option. As I said though, I haven't felt the need to try this yet. The Kata works very well for when I need your array of equipment (which is Youth Hockey at the moment). Kata is pretty good. not Domke "lastability" but they are a quality product. And the "3n1 sling bags" Kata make are much better than the competition's offerings....in my opinion.</p>

[christian_witt]

<p>Have the J-2<br>

Heres my configuration,<br>

1D mk3 with the 50mm 1.4 attached.<br>

24-70mm 2.8<br>

70-200mm 2.8<br>

100mm 2.8<br>

580Ex flash<br>

all in the main compartment<br>

Gorilla Pod, in the top pocket.<br>

PocketBlower in the sidecompartment with C-Cards in the other compartment.<br>

This configuration normaly is with me when travelíng abroad, and up until recently it was with me out there shoot all day long.<br>

Recently i most say that it tends too be just a bit to heavy, so now i use a belt and minor shoulder configuration. I use the, Domke J-5XC shoulder bag for body and lenses, the J-5XB for flash and pocket wizards.<br>

Overall the J-2 will stand up too a long life's fieldwork, and is my favorit bag.</p>

<p>Regards<br>

Chr. Witt</p>