Easy to get stuff out.

It doesn't protect the equipment. Very limited dividers and compartment arranging.

I bought the J-1 within the last two weeks. Previously I have used a Lowepro Photo Trekker Classic and have never had any problem with it, or with it protecting my gear. On the first trip with the Domke J-1 (slightly bigger than the J-2) I found why photojournalists equipment always looks like it has been thru a war. I am VERY UNHAPPY with the protection the bag gives. I would not recommend it for people who want their equipment to stay in good shape for an extended period.

Ballistic nylon is strong but soft. The bag is big enough and I can take all my equitments easily and comfortably. The bag works well and looks great!

Price!

highly recommanded! good camera bag!

Customer Service

never needed!

Similar Products Used:

Lowepro, tamrac Shoulder Bags

Great bag! I have seen it, researched it all, for the buck this is the best value! Strong materials, and very well constructed. I have a similar shoulder bag (not for cameras, but I carry my equipment in it sometimes) by Eagle Creek, an early Made in USA version. I bought that bag 10 years ago in DC and it looks-works as new. I compared the contruction on the two bags, and it looks to me that my Domke will last at least that long.

Lid and side pouches could use zippers, but thats just my opinion.

Awesome little bag, Made in USA !

Customer Service

Just got my bag, but I don't think I will ever need cutomer service because this bag is built like a tank.

Similar Products Used:

Lowepro, Tough Traveler bags

Well-built, inconspicuous, ballistic nylon is attractive and tough as nails, holds all my stuff, easy to work out of.

Could be just a smidgen bigger, needs a literature pocket or something, rear slash pocket needs a closure of some kind.

A good bag if you''re looking for a bag you can work out of. I used a Lowe Pro bag for quite a while and was always frustrated with it''s configuration. It worked well for storing and transporting equipment, but it never allowed much access to my gear "on the run" so to speak. When a shoulder strap buckle broke on the LowePro and dumped a camera body out onto a concrete walkway, I decided to go bag-shopping again. After dragging equipment into camera shop after camera shop and not finding a bag I liked, I broke down and ordered a J2 sight unseen. A friend of mine had recommended it to me as a good bag to work out of. When it arrived I was seriously impressed. They use military spec hardware and webbing on the straps and fasteners and the shoulder strap is woven with rubber so it doesn''t slip off of your shoulder. The top flap is secured with two metal snaps and velcro for a quick closure. I can attest to the fact that the velcro will hold the flap shut when the bag tips onto its face loaded with equipment. I''ve since traded up to a Domke J1 for the extra size. It''s just as good, being the same bag only a little bigger in each dimension. Currently my J1 is loaded with a Nikon F100 w/ MB-15, N80 w/ MB-16, Sigma 70-200/2.8 HSM, Tokina 19-35/3.5-4.5, Nikon 50/1.8, Sigma 28-105/2.8-4, Nikon SB-25, Nikon SB-28, a homemade battery pack for the flashes, Nikon CoolPix 950, and a host of TTL cords for the flashes and remote cords for the camera bodies. It also usually has a dozen rolls of film or so in the front pockets. All in all a pretty nice package. I also use the Domke Postman''s Shoulder Pad...well worth the extra $15.

Customer Service

Never had to use it.

Similar Products Used:

LowePro (a lot of them), other Domke bags.

Affords some rain protection with new material Domke calls "ballistic nylon". Allows me to carry two SLR"s with zooms (6-7") attached, pointing downwards, and a sufficient amount of other stuff to make me feel like I know what the heck I"m doing. Good looks.

The top flap, which does indeed provide easy access to your gear, needs some fiddling with to make sure it fully covers the opening. Not as well-padded as many, but is intended to ride on your hip, which it does well.

I like it. It carries well, holds quite a bit, and looks good. I prefer function over style. And while Domke bags have had, as I understand it, a bit of a cult following, the canvas material, which could soak through, does nothing for me. This will at least let me walk in a light rain without having to scurry like a scared rat.
The standard insert is a four lens divider which will allow two, small SLR"s to sit butt to butt with lenses attached in opposite lens slots. If you have a motor drive, any secondary body would have to sit in one of the side slots without lens. These two slots are on either side of the four-lens insert, yet still within the main, inside compartment. If you have longer zooms, you might want to consider the J-1, which is a couple inches deeper.
It rides nicely on my hip and I can hold the flap open with an elbow and easily access a camera in seconds. Besides two hook snaps that secure the top flap, a wide swath of velcro holds it down if you find yourself in the "ready" mode.
All in all, a pretty well-thought out bag, with a nice, wide strap. If you really intend to stuff this thing to the max and/or carry it for hours at a time (ie. journalist), you"ll probably want the optional shoulder padding - what Domke calls the postman"s shoulder pad, or some such thing.
In reading the other reviews here, I deduced that many folks go through many bags before finding the one that they really use regularly. I aimed to, and believe I"ve succeeded in, cutting at least a couple corners in that regard.

Customer Service

Haven"t used, though the distributor (found elsewhere on this website) sells different inserts should you want to configure your bag slightly differently.

Similar Products Used:

None of similar configuration.

Very well thought through. Excellent quality. Ballistic nylon is an improvement over the classic Domke canvas. Easy accessability to all equipment in the bag.

None, if this is your kind of bag. You won't be able to have a long tele lens riding on a body.

If this is your kind of bag, it is simply wonderful. I want a shoulder bag that isn't too big and that allows easy access to the stuf without having to put the bag down, Domke delivers. Workmanship is excellent, like the classic Domke this is a very rugged bag. I usually carry one F-100, 80-200/2.8, 28-105, 20/2.8, SB-28. Could fit another two lenses or another body in there, but this bag is a bit small to have a tele riding on the body. For this amount of equipment it's perfect though. As opposed to Tamrac bags (for example) you can actually GET to the stuff without putting the bag down, this is a working mans bag and not a desk product. If you feel that the size and design meets your needs, it is a highly recommended buy.

Customer Service

Never needed

Similar Products Used:

Domke F-2

1.Protection of "Ballistic Nylon" is better than any other canvas Domkes'.
2.Still looks good. (Not one of those "I'm-photographer" camerabags.)
3. Large compartment. I usually carry F5 with its 70-200(sigma) attached inside J-2, and it works!

No consideration for tripod, but I hardly use it.

Can carry 2 SLR with its lense attached (SLR/70-200 + SLR/17-35)
Best choice for the any professional photogragpher.

Similar Products Used:

None

Looks good even after heavy usage
Low profile
Durable and convenient access to equiptment
Large capacity to put almost anything

Price may deter some people
Main strap tends to fade out faster than the rest of the bag

A wonderful camera bag that is a pleasure to use. I have used a couple of other bags but the ballistic nylon sure lasts. The bag looks stylish as well. It also serves its function well, carrying all my equipment with extra space for a lot of other extras. The only problem is that the main carrying strap tends to fade and looks a bit washed out after prolonged use. The interior is well made with a quality finish. This bag is the one to get if you like quick access and storage space.

Customer Service

None required

Similar Products Used:

Lowepro bags, Canon,