Telephoto bag

[brioche]

I've just bought a Nikon 300mm f2.8 and I'm looking for a bag big enough to house it when it is attached to the camera. I also have a few other lenses, filters, converters - you know the usual stuff that needs to be included in the bag. I've been looking on the internet and there are literally hundreds to choose from ranging from £100 to £600. The question is I am wondering if anyone on the forum has bought a bag they would recommend that would serve my purpose. I'm not bothered about the brand but it must be a good bag that keeps all the items inside it safe and secure.

[sk66]

Ive always liked Tenba's stuff: 300mm f/2.8 case But I don't have one of those in particular.

Have a bit more to spend and want a better/more versatile bag? I'd recommend one of these. Here's a write-up on it

[brioche]

Thanks for your reply.

It is so difficult to choose one of these just from pictures on the internet. Some of the videos do help but there's nothing like seeing an item in real life and my problem is I've got to travel about 3 hours to be able to get a choice of perhaps 2 items so I will definitely be buying from the internet. That's why I would appreciate anyone's further suggestions or experiences from their purchase - good or bad - so I know which one to buy, or not to buy.

[sk66]

I have a smaller bag for my 50-500., A hardcase for my 500 f/4.5, and a large bag for 300-800 f/5.6. The large case is very much like the Tenba, but factory supplied.

The question has to be what do you want the case for?
If it is just for storage/transportation I would suggest using the OEM bag, one of the stiffer bags such as the Tenba, or better yet, a Pelican 1510 (I love my Pelican for everything else...my really big lenses just don't fit).

For anything else, such as packing it a couple miles, I recommend a backpack setup. I had my 300-800 bag modified with backpack straps..it still sucks to carry. My 500 will fit in my Moutainsmith Backpack w/ body attached. When it comes to large lenses and packing it in the best bet is a purpose made solution. When you start carrying big lenses/big tripods you don't really want to be carrying anything else you don't need.

[brioche]

Thanks so much for your reply and after reading it, I'm opting for a backpack that will house maybe the camera with the lens attached and a couple of spare lenses, with a few leads, remote control etc. I want to make it as light as possible. So it's homework time again to find something that's not too heavy to carry around but at the same time needs to be robust. The hunting season starts right now.....
Thank you for your help and sound advice.
Best regards
Stuart

[sk66]

Depending on your needs, I would recommend the Mountainsmith Parallax (I have the Odyssey which I think is discontinued, but very similar)....It's hard to find a Camera backpack for larger lenses w/ body attached and extras.....The problem with this bag is that it will allow you to carry too much stuff.....use some of the space for snacks/ rain gear... (you'll need a backpack with around 14" interior length for lens w/ body)

Originally Posted by sk66

My Mountainsmith Odyssey Review

Or the Vertex big lens bag suggested earlier... The parallax will cost about 1/2 of the vertex (check ebags.com)