The Domke F2b (ballistic) is proving to be a good choice. It’s about time after a couple of expensive misses. The F804 is relegated to a tote bag for studio gear, which it does well and the Crumpler Muli is my going to work bag. The reliable F802, now the wrong shape, is basically retired except for occassional use at the school.

The bag has proven to be weather proof, put to the test the first week I had it when Tasmania suffered record rainfall. I had wet feet for a week, but my gear was fine. Unlike the canvas or rugged-wear bags, this really engenders confidence. Not only does the slick nylon outside obviously bead and repel water, but the rubberised lining looks knife proof!

Shape.

I went to the F802 origionally because the standard boxy shape was annoying and I wanted a bag that could take the 40-150 f2.8 mounted on a camera. How things change. With the 40-150 f4, I now have a shorter option and the more open, shorter layout of the F2 is far better for my current kit.

This ancient design, originally made for early film primes, has come full circle. The F802 swallowed small lenses and make access difficult. The F2 allows direct access to all. I have added large white rubberised dots to the rear caps of each lens, because even in this shorter bag, they can hide and I am sick of dropping them in on each other, scratching filters and even “loosing” small lenses for a while.

The end pockets are about right for flash, microphone, etc and the small front ones are great for my phone(s), note pads etc. It even has pen holders!

It does feel a little more cumbersome in some situations, but that is made up for by it’s stability when sitting on the floor. The F802 tends to fall over a lot, the F2 does not, but it does roll off a cars back seat easily, I found out the hard way.

Comfort.

With the added shoulder pad, it is comfortable even when full. This goes for all of my Domke bag, but this one is about perfect capacity to guarantee I do not over do it.

Any complaints? The only thing I miss is the height of the rear pocket. I have taken to carrying a butterfly wing reflector with a handle, but it is taller than the bag. I could fit this in the F802 ok.

After day to day use for over a month, it has doen the intended job and does not look any different from new.