Camera Backpack for long lenses

[Oldwolf]

I've recently treated myself to a lovely Nikon Z 180-600 lens which doesn't fit in my existing camera bag so I need to buy something bigger.

I usually only use the bag to transport everything to wherever we're going to stay and then will just take the camera and the lens I want to use when I go out although I do sometimes take everything so whatever I buy does need to be something I can use for hiking around, it must also be useable for carry on luggage on airplanes.

I only have one body, 3 lenses and a teleconverter so not masses of equipment.

Currently I've got a Lowepro, can't remember the model but I've been perfectly happy with it, in fact it's my second over a 20 year period so they seem to last well so I'm looking at the the Lowepro ProTactic BP450 and also the Vanguard Alta Sky 53 as I like the look of that.

Has anyone any experience of these or indeed any other suggestions?

TIA!

[n3il123]

Can't help with a recommendation as I have just bought a longer lens (200-600) and it doesn't fit in my current bag, which is annoying as I like the bag as it has a lot of space for things like water proofs in separate compartments.

I also want one where the back side opens so that when you lay it down to open the side that isn't against your back isn't on the floor.

I might just get a sling or something to carry the lens on its own...

[breamster]

I've got a Tamrac Nagano 16L at least I think that's the right model. I think it's out of production now but I assume they do a new equivalent.

It carries my Sigma 150-600 OK with a few other bits. The back opens up which is good.

It's been on a few foreign trips OK and I've had no issues getting it on as hand luggage. I would say it's more luggage though than a handy backpack. Good for transporting stuff around but not great for going on a long hike. It's not the most comfortable.

I also have a ThinkTank Holster 150. I haven't used it much if I'm honest. It's good for getting quick access should you need it but it's a big lump to have on a shoulder strap.

I'll watch this thread with interest as I have a selection of camera bags which are rarely used and I really should buy more.

[bstb3]

I've been using a Thinktank Backlight Sprint - holds the longer lenses I own well enough, with space for a few other odds and sods in the main compartment. It's only 15L, but ideal for a longer lens or two. I've comfortably fit an aps-c body, RF800, 100-400 and 24-105 in one for a day.

https://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/backlight-...

It's comfortable enough for the longer days, seems pretty well made and has a handy method of being able to open it without taking it completely off (see the link) but it's a bit of a faff - in the end I just take it off.

The only downsides were it's a bit pricey, and the main compartment stores everything. I'd prefer a separate compartment for other bits and pieces, but then that eats into the space and would stop it being so relatively light and compact. There are other zippable pockets, but they are very slim and aren't holding your lunch for sure. So everything goes in with the camera, and if it's wet / potentially leaky then thats not ideal at all. There are very large side pockets for bottles, tripods etc but they are exposed.

[GravelBen]

bstb3 said:

I've been using a Thinktank Backlight Sprint...

I also have one of these, despite its relatively small size it fits my Z 180-600 mounted to a body (Z5ii in my case) as long as the lens hood is reversed, with two other lenses alongside it (usually Z 24-120 f4 and 20mm f1.8 or 50mm f1.8). You might squeeze 3 lenses alongside if you reversed all their lens hoods or if they are smaller.

Very compact and portable for what it holds and comfortable to wear, as said it's just a bit limited for carrying much other gear at the same time. It has front and top pockets that are fine for keys, wallet, filters, batteries, lens cloths etc, but something bulkier like a jacket or drink bottle will be using an outside pouch.

If I want to take more lenses than that I'll often have the camera with a smaller lens fitted in a smaller holster type bag, and the other lenses in the backlight sprint. So I have been thinking about getting a larger bag as well for those trips where I want to take more gear in one bag. They make larger versions of the backlight too, the sprint is the smallest of them.

Edited by GravelBen on Saturday 17th October 23:52

[Oldwolf]

Thanks for the replies / comments, I'll check out the Tamrac and ThinkTank models too.

My other issue is that if I am carrying just the camera (not in a bag) for an entire day (which happens at Le Mans) it's not overly comfortable so I keep looking at Cotton Carrier as that looks like it would be very comfortable over a long period.

[bcr5784]

This K&F Concept is 25l, so perhaps overkill, but great value It fits a laptop too and has lots of storage for odds and ends. Space for a drinks bottle and tripod - probably your lunch too. Well made , well padded and has a waterproof cover.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/298113461655?_skw=camera+bag+backpack&itmmeta=01M57P75Q9E476YMDAQSVVZGRK&hash=item4568f26d97:g:weAAAeSwZYppsUyA&itmprp=enc%3AAQALAAAA0CHNgUiiE%2FjQhlDTaMiAde9VJ4ENBCJlpfa7r2hUwV3KeRu76MvRJLlkQOA7HMJ1yL%2FmnEvYK6cYuU1iqvfnV4Xnu%2FH%2F61Jyx4qmUxQgRyrS95uKeHmRZdw1auHoHHnOtVBZEZgqXn%2FO%2FsLOqXC7vkpiLiCUoDKI35wT9WZHEAvfz4xnuNuzLyuAtXQBNO4MJbQDxkdoYGZp49xkTkzlqptyaBK7Nz8Ws3cJrSmnwdq9xo1RSC82oSGpzQIy1JO0yk1Berz44FpHizDlJbQChFw%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR_LbnPapaA

[GravelBen]

You can often pick up second hand camera bags cheap in good condition, most of mine have been second hand ones to try out different options.

[speedking31]

Oldwolf said:

<SNIP>

My other issue is that if I am carrying just the camera (not in a bag) for an entire day (which happens at Le Mans) it's not overly comfortable so I keep looking at Cotton Carrier as that looks like it would be very comfortable over a long period.

A BLACKRAPID Classic Retro RS-4 Camera strap is good with a short zoom on the camera. Has storage for spare battery, SD card etc.

Only problem is the strap is continuous so if anything breaks it is impossible to fix. Also doesn't work with a monopod.