wolfe with an e's blog
The Leica Q2 Monochrom journal.
Chapter 13: The Domke Sling for the day’s photo forays.
Previously I wrote an article on perfect-sized bags for the Leica Q line. A few comments came in from people who wanted a little more space to carry everything else, like a rain jacket, tablet, analog notebook, espresso thermos, etc. (We all have espresso thermoses, right?) Recently Domke came out with a 6-liter photo sling that has enough room for the Leica Q, Q2 or Q3, filters, flash, battery, etc., as well as those non-photographic essentials you might use on a day trip.
I’ve tried specialized camera packs over the years and they’re typically bulky and unwieldily. The Domke Sling is refreshing in that it offers good protection for a Leica, while also accommodating a reasonable amount of daypack necessities. The packs I’ve tried also required that you remove them from your back to access the camera. This Domke Sling lets you spin it to your side for faster access. Since it never leaves your body, the sling is also more secure and keeps accessories contained when shooting in public.
Pluses
- big enough for your stuff
- three separate compartments for camera, medium tablet and accessories
- camera compartment and tablet pocket are padded
- accessory compartment has many zippered pockets and elastic loops for organizing
- strap has a pocket for sunglasses
- hidden pocket for Airtag
- hanging hook can be used for something to be attached outside: water bottle, Kershaw Pub knife, etc.
Minuses
- designed for the right-handed
- no key hook inside
- no external provisions to strap on a monopod
Black Nylon or Ruggedwear Brown?
The Domke Sling comes in two materials with a $20 (or more) price difference. The nylon is cheaper and has a smooth, maintenance-free finish. The Ruggedwear is Domke’s stiff canvas and requires occasional waxing to maintain the maintain the weatherproofing. While cool, retro and hipster, to me it’s not as practical as the nylon.
My take.
As a Midwesterner, most day adventures are in the car and up to four hours away. I always need room for the Leica Q2 Monochrom, but also might need the items mentioned above like a rain jacket, tablet, analog notebook, espresso thermos, sunglasses for a cemetour or urban walk. Or a Platypus Soft Bottle, snack, knife, first aid kit, space to take off the thin jacket as cool morning changes to hot afternoon on a hike. Or an audio field-recording kit with the Polyend Tracker Mini. It varies with the trip, but so far the Domke Sling has handled what was needed without being too small or too big. It fits comfortably in the passenger seat or on the floor. I’ve bought three other smaller bags for the Leica, but this is the one thats always used now.
Nope, no paid sponsorship, no affilliate or tracking links here. Consider supporting honest content by buying me a coffee below.
Photography Leica Q2 Monochrom