Big Glass Backpack

[StephenNovember]

This is my first post as I just joined the Forum.

I pre-ordered the Canon 200-400mm f/4 1.4X lens and now am trying to diecide how to carry it. I have been using an F-Stop Loka but it probably will not fit in the Loka, definitely not if I want a body attached.

Most of the trips I take I am restricted to one "daypack" (backpack) and one duffle bag, so whatever bag My camera gear goes into as a carry-on on the airplane will also be the bag that I am going to shoot out of during the tour. While I do not fly with a body attached to a lens, since I am also going to shoot out of the bag I want it big enough to hold the lens with body attached (hood reversed). That way I am ready to shoot. I carry two bodies and have them both set up to go.

The 200-400mm is about the same size as the 500mm f/4 for reference.

The F-Stop bags are great for travel but a little awkward to shoot out of. I would have to go to an F-Stop Tilopa for my intentions to work.

Does anyone with Big Glass use the Gura Gear Bataflae 32L? It appears to be a bag that will work for flying and also for shooting as it advertises holding a 500mm with body attached and I like the butterfly flap concept so you can only open half the bag to get something out.

What other backpacks are people using with success. Thanks for all your help.

[Ian Cassell]

Hi Stephen. I recently went through this and you might want to look at this link:

http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/showthread.php/109774-Backpack-selection?highlight=


I wound up getting a used mint-condition Lowepro Flipside 500AW a couple of weeks ago and, so far, am very happy with it. It fits my Canon 7D with mounted 1.4x and 500/f4 in addition to a couple of other lenses including my 400/5.6. I don't think it would fit a mounted 1.4x and pro-body. It seems well built and well cushioned and it is comfortable.

I looked at the GuraGear, but it was very pricey and that was definitely a factor in my decision.

I haven't flown with it yet, but get my chance this coming weekend.

BTW, congrats on what appears to be a beautiful piece of new glass!

Also -- Here's a very warm welcome to BPN. I look forward to seeing your images.

[Loi Nguyen]

Stephen, welcome to BPN! I too use a Lowepro Flipside 500AW bag and I carry it with the 1DX+500f4 II attached. It's a tight fit, but it does fit. Cannot attach a 1.4X. I have flown US domestic and regional aircraft and never have to check it. Loi

[StephenNovember]

Ian and Loi,

Thank you for the warm welcome!

I owned a Lowepro Flipside 400AW a couple of years ago and when it got full, I found the harness uncomfortable. I assume the harness on the 500AW is the same or similar. I switched, at that time, to an F-Stop Loka which has a superior harness plus an internal frame which let me carry a lot more than my Flipside in comfort. The other thing that I did not like about the Flipside, and the F-Stop also, is that I found it difficult to get my gear out if I was in a crowded Land Rover or other tour vehicle.

I was leaning towards the Gura Gear Bataflae because of the independently opening left-right compartments. I thought they would be easier to manage in a vehicle. I don't know anything about the harness other than someone on anoter forum posted that his wife had 32# in her bag and it was comfortable. That's quite the load. I would also lose the security of the back opening of the bag vice the front opening of the Gura Gear. Gura Gear are expensive but I would try7 to get a used one. There are some demo units online that are like $100 off which makes them even cheaper than the F-Stop bag I have.

So my dilemma continues.........

[Jules Gobeil]

Have you looked at the Think Tank backpacks for big glass ?
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/categories/camera-backpacks/glass-taxi-backpacks.aspx

[Pete Woods]

I use this for my 1Dx with EF500 attached

http://store.lowepro.com/lens-trekker-600-aw-ii

[StephenNovember]

Jules and Pete,
Thanks for the suggestions. I finally settled on the Gura Gear Bataflae 32L as I was able to get a demo unit for over $100 lower than the going price. Hopefully, that will satisfy my wants. Now I just have to hold my patience waiting for the lens to show up!

[Dperkell]

Just bought the Tamarac back pack. It holds the 600mm with my D4 or D3s attached and is fully padded and secure. Love it!