Digital Cameras Ratings: Domke 700-70B F-7 Double AF Bag (Black) Review

Average Reviews:
4.5 out of 5 stars

(More customer reviews)I've collected a lot of bags over the last couple of years, and this is probably the best, certainly the best value.

The bag is made of rough canvas, the only soft spots are the removable and replaceable inserts.Two large inserts and one smaller one divided in two fill the inside.They are made like pods, you can buy extra ones and just pop them in and out to change equipment.There are 2 large side pockets that close with velcro, I put a SB-900 in its case in one and a poncho and large garbage bag in the other.Two front pockets are closed with the top flap, I put all my cleaning stuff like solution, lens pen, rocket blower in one and the backpack harness in the other.Most of the top has a mesh pocket inside, I put a lastolite reflector in there besides all of my filters, batteries, flash cards, etc.

In the left insert I put my D300 with a battery grip, side handle bracket, and quick release plate attached.There is a Nikkor 24-70 f/2.8 attached with the hood reversed.This is the first bag I've seen that will let me put that camera in vertically, ready to shoot.Another camera would fit on the other side if you need it there.I put a Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8 and a Sigma 1.4 teleconverter in that place.In the middle insert is a Nikkor 105mm Micro on the top, and a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 with a Nikkor 12-24 f/4 DX on the bottom.

All of this weighs about 22 pounds, but I noticed from the first time I picked it up that it doesn't feel like it.Maybe its the balancing or the compactness, but it feels lighter, and I could see myself carrying it around for a while were it not for the problem noted below.

I bought the large lens pouch which fits my Sigma 150-500, now I can just velcro and strap it to the shoulder strap when I'm going to need it.I also bought the large pouch, and all of my 4"X6" filters and holders fit in that and I can add it as necessary.I'm going to get some more pouches so that I can switch out equipment depending on what I'll be doing.

All-in-all a nice bag, except for some problems:

It doesn't look waterproof.Not the material but gaps between the parts. Carry a large garbage bag.

The hooks that hold the bag closed have a small spring loaded blade to keep them closed.To open them takes two hands, one to hold the blade in and the other to slide the loop from the other side out.It almost takes two hands to get them back on.These hooks are a major pain, they should be modernized and beefed up.They may be strong but they don't look strong.None of the hardware looks strong.

The straps for the top adjust from one side only, so if you fill up the top (or the inside to the top) the handle will be crooked and the bag will tilt to one side when you're carrying it.

The handle has the seams on the top and bottom, and they are hard and rough being sewed rough canvas.After just a few minutes my hand starts hurting like it's being cut into.This definitely needs a pad.

Speaking of rough straps, the shoulder strap is also rough canvas.Don't even think of buying this without the `mail carrier' pad.As a matter of fact it should be standard equipment.

Despite the shortcomings, I still like this bag the most of those in my collection (need to sell some.)The little problems can be corrected or gotten around. I think between this and a backpack I modifiedI would be able to carry all of my equipment and some overnight drying clothes, and still talk my way on an airplane with everything needed for an extended trip.

Instead of adding dividers and plastic tabs and infinitely variable interiors, which all take up more space than your camera equipment, Domke has taken the minimalist approach, proving that sometimes less is more.

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Product Description:
This Bag is designed to hold two complete DSLR Cameras with attached zooms up to 80mm plus two additional lenses and accessories. Featuring 14 compartments and pockets and 3 moveable inserts, this bag will easily configure to your specific needs. A four-point suspension hand grip and removable waist belt gives multiple carry options for the most comfortable use

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