for Canon 300D / 10D / 20D / 30D / 40D / 50D / 5D / 7D
Review #1
(Added 9th April 2008)
I wanted a new Domke to use for air travel. My requirements were that it not look like a typical camera bag and that I be able to stow my laptop so I can use it as my only carry-on in Europe. Some airlines and airports are still limited to one carry-on only so a secondary laptop bag isn't possible. I went for the largest Domke messenger bag made, the black canvas F-804.
This isn't what I would pack for the trip as I'm still undecided on my lenses and I will probably have some other trip stuff to tote as well, but this is my everyday gear that I would use around town.
Canon EOS 5D w/ BG-E4 grip
Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L
Canon EF 85mm F/1.8 USM Lens
Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM
Canon Extender EF 1.4x
580 EX, ST-E2 wireless, Stofen / Demb flip it
Gorillapod (specifically for Europe, never used before)
batteries, blower, cleaning supplies, etc
filter pack
Loaded down like this it holds everything that I normally put in my large Domke J1. In fact I used the J-series 4 sided insert...
The lenses go in the insert and the camera can sit a few different ways on the side.
The 580 and Gorillapod go in one pocket and misc. supplies go in the other. I wasn't sure I wanted anything in the exterior pockets as it adds bulk and I want to be careful of sleight-of-hand theft -- so for traveling I will probably ditch a lens or two and move this gear into one of the insert pockets.
The lens hoods ride on top; this isn't as convenient as a Domke with side pockets where the lens hoods fit well.. but it works and isn't really a hassle. There aren't many traveler bags that could hold these lenses with the hoods on.
And now for the unfortunate part. I expected my laptop to be able to fit in the back pocket, but no such luck. The only time I'll have it with me is while actually traveling; I wouldn't walk around like this. You can also see that when fully packed, this is not a small messenger bag. Of course it is holding everything that a J1 does so you can't expect it to be much smaller. It will serve my purpose well which is as an airport carry-on Domke that offers stealth as well as protection.
thanks to Alex F / merged.ca
for review.
