The reason my Domke F2 is gathering dust
When I started my career in photography – like so many photographers before me – I began the search for the perfect photo bag. Sadly, after nearly 20 years in the field, I can definitively say that the perfect photo bag does not exist. The good news? Perfect bags do exist for specific tasks.
For many, many years my bag of choice for photojournalism and documentary work was the Domke F-2. It’s Zen-like minimalism allowed me to carry many lenses in an extremely compact space. It also looks cool – like a bag I could imagine Robert Capa hauling around the battlefields of World War II. I love the way the thick cotton canvas molds to my body over time. Sadly, my camera does not fit into the Domke with its 80-200mm f2.8 lens attached. This is the Domke’s Achilles heel.
The solution: A taller bag
Think Tank Photo Speed Racer V2.0 next to Nikon with 80-400mm attached. As you can see, the bag is just tall enough to fit the lens.
Top view of the Think Tank Photo Speed Racer V2.0 next to Nikon with 80-400mm attached. As you can see, the bag is just tall enough to fit the lens.Thank Tank Photo has solved this problem with Speed Racer V2.0. Contrary to what Think Tank advertises on their website — my camera fits in the V2.0 with either the 80-200mm f2.8, or the 80-400mm f4-5.6 attached! Throw in the luxury of a hip belt to take the weight off my shoulders, a top-access-zip for quick lens changes, a ingenious (optional) lens switch case, and it is no surprise that my Domke F-2 has been gathering dust.
A few moons ago I was riding in the bow of a small zodiac on my way to shore in the Galapagos when a wave of salt water washed over the bow – and over my bag. Thanks to the rain cover and the water repellent nylon on my Speed Racer, my camera stayed bone-dry. A feat my brave old Domke could not have accomplished.
The Domke F-2 will always hold a special place in my heart, but for photojournalism and documentary work that requires me to be quick on my feet, the Speed Racer V2.0 is my bag of choice.
My basic documentary travel kit. Think Tank Photo Speed Racer V2.0 with add-on pouch. Nikon DSLR, 17-35mm f2.8, 28-70mm f2.8, 80-200mm f2.8, phone, hat, water bottle, passport, extra battery, select filters.