Description: F-2 Original Domke( Available in Canvas or Ballistic ). The bag that started it all. Jim Domke had the first one custom made for his own use in 1976, and tens of thousands of bags later, the F-2 is still the most popular Domke Bag. It is the faithful companion of professional photographers around the world.
Summary: I love this bag. I have used up until now the Lowepro Super Trekker II and the Lowepro Nova 5. The moment I pulled this bag out of the wrapping, I new it would be my everyday bag. My first thoughts were, "maybe it is a little small" however I started to load my gear in, then added more, and more..........It is incredible how much I can fit into this bag. 70-200, 17-35, both pro lenses, a 50mm prime, Nikon D200 2xNikon speedlights, 2x B+W filters in cases, Maglite, hairbands, Stofen diffuser, 3x Pocketwizards, 2x sync cords, spare camera batteries, spare AA lithium batteries, remote shutter release, TTL cable, SU-800 speedlite controller, Giotto rocket blower, lens cloth, memory cards, business cards, Minolta light meter, flash shield!!
Strengths: Quality build
Easy access
Storage space for size
Available accessories
Low key design
Comfort
Weaknesses: Would like to see steel strap buckles but strong plastic is OK
Similar Products Used: Lowepro Nova 5
Customer Service: Not required so far but I hear good things.
Summary: The bag itself is excellent! It holds everything! It is very comfortable and works as I expected.
Strengths: It holds everything! Even my 70-200mm F/2.8L IS. I read online that it didn't, but it does fit in the bag insert. I use the bag insert for my 70-200mm F/2.8L IS, Sigma 8mm F/3.5 EX DG, 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6, and my 350D IR(such a small body, it fits in a lens pouch!) and I keep the 50mm F/1.8 II on my 40D in the open area of the bag. It also holds my camcorder and 8 spare MiniDV tapes in one of the side pouches. I keep all of the manuals in the flap top cover, and I put an 18% gray card in the front pouch. The color is a very pleasing brown and beige. It doesn't scream STEAL ME! It just resembles a students shoulder book-bag.
Weaknesses: The only problem I found with Domke F-2 was that when I am wearing it on my shoulder, the side of the bag nearest to me tended to dent in. It made it very hard to access when pushed in by my hip. I fixed the problem by inserting a small piece of cardboard in the outside pouch. The bag would be 100% perfect for me if this area was rigid as well.
Similar Products Used: Canon Backpack
Customer Service: Haven't had to use em. Not sure what could go wrong with a quality bag like this!
Summary: If you like bells and whistles this is not the bag for you, if you like simplicity and things that work and don't break, this could be what your looking for. I've had so many camera bags over the years, including: Billingham, Lowe and crumpler, the Domke F-2 is my favourite mainly because of it's simplicity and if you go for the black or olive version it doesn't scream out "steal me I contain lots of expensive equipment" like Bllingham and other fancy bags do, the F-2 is very understated. Also it's made in the USA which to me makes a big difference as it tells me the workers are getting a fair wage.
Strengths: Simple (not much to go wrong or fall off)
A bag for life if you look after it
Doesn't stand out in a crowd (less chance of having your stuff stolen)
Easy access to your stuff
Well designed
Weaknesses: None
Similar Products Used: Billingham
Lowe
Crumpler
Fogg
Summary: This is without doubt the best camera bag I have ever used. I'm able to carry it for hours in comfort, it is incredibly flexible, and washes beautifully in the machine. It doesn't look anything special, which means that I use it without worrying about it getting dirty. It performs its job superbly, and I'm selling all my other camera bags (except the Lowepro backpack!).
Strengths: Superb, flexible design, increadibly comfortable to use. Washable.
Weaknesses: Metal fixings lose their newness very quickly, though that doesn't worry me. Metal clips on teh front take a little getting used to. Probably not for people with weak hands.
Similar Products Used: Lowepro, Crumpler, CreationR (leather Leica bags available in the UK)
Summary: The bag is friggen awesome. Looks cool, solid build, easy to work with, lots of room. Holds my d2h with 17-35 2.8 attached, 80-200, 50, 24, 285hv, w/ chargers, batteries, cables, attachments etc. It also holds a 12case of beer perfectly if you remove all the inserts. I like to think Jim Domke thought of that while designing this bag.
Strengths: Solid. Cool Lookin'. Well laid out. Big. Extremely nice to work with.
Weaknesses: The metal clips at the front are hard to work with, and impossible to use with gloves.
Not really designed for digital cameras, it would be nice for some smaller pockets for CF cards.
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