dave sproul Loc: Tucson AZ

I am looking for a non-backpack means for transporting equipment when out in the field.

The equipment list is:
D500 Nikon
AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR and a
Nikon 1.4 teleconverter.

The method to transport the above equipment when flying and traveling to the trail head or base camp is resolved.

A means to carry (hands free) the above listed equipment assembled and be quickly ready to use when traveling out of Base camp is problematic. I want to protect the equipment against usual e.g., impact, rain, dust, etc..

My current idea for transporting this equipment is some type of chest pack because I want want the ability to transport a tripod, snacks, water, jacket and other stuff in a hands free manner — which I think I have figured out using a backpack.

All ideas and leads to manufacture specific product lines are welcomed, especially if you have personal experience and comments relative to the advantages and disadvantages.

Thank you for your input.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Carry it on a sling strap with the strap attached to the tripod collar of the lens.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

If you are tall, a Cotton Carrier might work with the lens collapsed. Sling straps have the lens and camera bouncing off your hip and would not be a good solution if you are walking more than 1/2 mile.

CO

I transport my Nikon D500 with attached 80-400mm lens in a Lowepro Magnum 200AW shoulder bag. I took out all of the dividers and place it right on the bottom. The Lowepro Magnum series shoulder bags are really tough. They have a one-piece molded bottom that's strong and can take a lot of weight without sagging. The Magnum 200AW is 12.4 inches long inside, the 400AW is 13.8 inches long inside, and the 650AW is 16.1 inches.

The Lowepro AW (all weather) bags have a rain jacket that pulls out of a zippered compartment and stretches over the bag. They also have a trolley sleeve for mounting to a cart.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I like large Tamrac cases because they have nice belt loops - but many are no longer available. The harness shown below is one used for fishing application.

These are quite nice and current - https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-521359-1.html

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rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I have the same camera and lens and I just double strap it, one on the body and one on the lens. I like to keep it simple and not have cases strapped to me. Others may disagree but I've had no problems doing this.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

dave sproul I shoot girls league soccer with both the AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR and the AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR
200-400mm f/4G IF-ED. Always use the CL-L2 Ballistic Nylon Lens Case to transport these with a D3x attached.
https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/lens-case/cl-l2-ballistic-nylon-soft-lens-case.html
Note: You will see the CL-L2 lens case on the sidelines and in the photographer "pit" at many sporting events.
Why? because it is designed from the ground up for working professionals...

On the soccer pitch I have used a black rapid strap and hand held the AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR. Albeit the AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED lives on a SIRUI P-424 Monopod. Even though it has VR the weight will only allow brief hand holding.

btw, my clients expect results regardless of weather conditions... a.k.a. I have to shoot in heavy rain.
Here only the AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED is germane in as the AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR is not adequately weather sealed.

Hope this helps or is at least food for thought...
I wish you well on your journey dave sproul

Girls League Soccer in heavy rain

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