Home > Consumer Reviews > Domke 701-82S F-802 Reporter's Satchel (Sand)

This is a versatile, affordable case for photogs and commuters.

The space:
* two interior bag-width pockets (1 deeper for laptop)
* two front pockets, each 1/2 bag-width (strap divides them)
* one back magazine pocket
* two flap zippered pockets (strap divides them)

It's a canvas briefcase divided into two main compartments (with various extra pockets), the rear being for a laptop, thus wider (and I think a bit padded), and the front shallower but still being the width of the bag. Each expands generously along with the rest of the canvas bag. If I don't have my laptop, I put an SLR in the back (in a wrap) and an extra lens if I want it, and my notebooks, books, accessories in the front wide pocket. If I have my laptop, I can stuff the SLR in the front pocket, but I have a bulkier bag. No big deal, but not an everyday comfortable way to go.
Two boxy front pockets each have a flap over the top with a Velcro closure; the flaps are covered by the big flap when the bag isn't overstuffed. If your bag is overstuffed, the flaps are exposed but easily closed by the Velcro, so your stuff won't be exposed or fall out. I keep a rangefinder camera in one and rolls of film and my keys in the other. You could easily slip a flash/speedlite and pocketwizard in each of the front pouches.
The back pocket easily fits a notebook, a couple of magazines, and a couple of odd items (pens, cell phone) or a newspaper. It will really take all, but you'll sacrifice room inside.
The zippered front pockets are ideal for iPod, cell phone, memory cards, pens, small notepads or notecards, business card case.
The main strap's clasp is a pain. It's an older-style metal clasp. I've dug deep grooves into my fingernails trying to open it with one hand. It gets easier over time. It does make me feel that the bag is more secure than with, say, a plastic pinch clasp, so I don't mind.
The shoulder strap is wonderful, with rubber woven into the canvas to make for an excellent grip that isn't too grippy. Just enough to stay put but not enough to wrap a nylon jacket over your shoulder and around your neck when you try to take the bag off.
The canvas wears well over time. In rain, it is slightly water-repellent but what it does take in it absorbs in a way that keeps the wet away from the gear to a large extent. This is not your rain bag, but it will do in a drizzly day.
The bag hangs well on the side or hip and does not feel like it's in the way. The canvas isn't rigid, but it holds its loose shape for packing, etc.
The top handle is so welcome. I hate shoulder-strap briefcases that leave this off. It's invaluable for grabbing the bag quickly or keeping it close to the body or lifting it easily (over a turnstile for example).
I have a second just for a small lighting kit (stand, umbrella, two speedlites, pocketwizards, cables, accessories...)

The Domke F-802 is exactly what I was looking for in a satchel style photo bag that holds a serious amount of equipment for a days work, easy to access, carry and lays against your body while giving me balance (I sometimes use a cane in one hand to steady myself while walking). Here is what I have put in my bag so far: A Nikon D90 with a Nikkor 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 lens and a MB-80 battery pack attached (may take this off when using this bag); a Nikon Kit 18-105 lens; a Nikon 50 mm 1.8 lens; a SB 600 Speedlight; 2 lens hoods; a flashlight; extra batteries; cards; some manuals; and a Canon G9. And I still have room.

I have also ordered, but not yet received, one 2 compartment and one 3 compartment Domke insert for this bag, but I don't think I will need them. I should also tell you that there aren't any velcro strips on the walls of this bag like the other bags in this line. I really like the versatility this bag offers you.
Why? Well the F-802 doesn't come with inserts the F-803 does.

Upon receipt of the bag I placed my equipment in the bag with the lenses enclosed in the padded bags that came with them. This arrangements works fine If you don't mine the lack of padding. I did, however, place a thick strip of extra padding in the bottom of the bag even though this bag is padded on the bottom and the sides.

I am comfortable with this arrangement because the Domke F-802 is made of heavy water resistant canvas and is well made. I have use and own other Domke bags for years and no equipment has ever been damage in them and I use and carried them literally everywhere. I plan to use this bag to carry my Nikon on day trips and as mentioned earlier I found that satchels and messenger bags lay great against my body giving me the balance I need when shooting without a tripod and generally while carrying this equipment.

I had the Domke F-X5 large messenger bag but it didn't have the pockets I needed and I returned it. Pockets are everything. Did I mention I still had room in this bag for my Macbook. Although I will ( but don't need to) to take the MB-80 battery pack off the camera to allow for a better fit. Domke bags wear well over time and soon conform to your body. I believe this will be one of my favorite Domke bags. I will rate the Domke compartment insert when I receive them.

What it lacks on looks is exactly why it excels. If you want to move-about with your gear DISCREETLY, this bag is second-to-none.

I use mine with several Domke inserts to make this bag work for any situation. It's very easy to configure it to haul most anything.

[...]

An absolutely classy and discreet looking bag. It's a wonder these things are so hard to find.

I simply adore this bag (as well as all other Domke bags. I think I have them all, LOL).

I have been using Domke camera bags for my photographic equipment for years. The Domke F-1X bag I have is is almost 20 years old, has traveled with me all over the world, and has held up flawlessly. I was in the market for a new brief case and found the Domke Reporter's Satchel. The construction, materials used, and quality of the Reporter's Satchel are identical to the F-1X Shooter's bag that I use. The bag is nice looking, and works great as a brief case. The bag has several cargo pockets, and the two zipper compartments in the top closing flap are really handy keeping pens, keys, and other items that you want quick access too. In short, this is a well constructed bag that will last for years.

Perfect when you need photography equipment and a laptop. Laptop sleeve is a perfect fit for my 15" MacBook Pro. Even with the laptop, I have room for my full size DLSR and a few lenses - buy the protective compartments. The front pockets are huge! I also use it for my everyday briefcase, Take out the cameras, put in the books.