PattyW60 Loc: Northwest Illinois

I've been looking at a couple of different bags to carry my Canon 600mm f/4 lens when I'm on the trail, and possibly biking. It would also be nice for storing it when I'm not using it. One is the Ruggard Alpine 600, and the other is Lowepro Lens Trekker 600 iii. I'm wondering if anyone has an opinion on either of these bags. There is a big price difference, so any comments on comfort and/or durability are important to consider.
How do you like to carry your big lens?

Patty

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Don't know about you but I consider a lens in a bag as freight in transit. When I use my "Big Whites" I always remove unwanted baggage as the lens is heavy enough. I imagine someone riding their bike and holding their camera and I smile.

PattyW60 Loc: Northwest Illinois

haha...I hear ya, David. The bag adds another 6-7 pounds! Can I ask, how do you carry your "Big White" when you're out shooting? Do you just use a strap, or attach it to a tripod or monopod and sling it over your shoulder?

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

I use a monopod. When it is time to travel I put the lens behind my head on my left shoulder and hold the top portion of the monopod. At crunch time my right side brings the rig into place while the left hand finds the camera. I tried several methods and this works best for me in both open meadows and close-treed woods. I find straps tend to get snagged on too many objects and avoid their use. FWIW I use this method with any/all my long lenses and they vary in weight from 5.6lbs to 9.9lbs.

PattyW60 Loc: Northwest Illinois

Thanks, David! I appreciate the tip! It's very helpful to know how others manage and work with their longer lenses in the field.

Capn_Dave

Yep a bag for the lens is used for shipping. When I am in the field and am no using my tripod or monopod I carry it on my chest attached to the camera using a Cotton Carrier. It also comes in great when riding my mountain bike.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

When ever I travel with my Sony 600 f4 it is always in it's original case, which protects it much better than any third party bag. My case can fit into a special hiking back pack that can carry the case inside it, this back pack is designed to be carried on long distance hikes, works very well and my very EXPENSIVE lens is safe.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.

PattyW60 Loc: Northwest Illinois

Thanks, Dave. I'm 5'9", so probably not tall enough to bike with this camera and lens attached to my chest. I do remember seeing something quite a while ago that was kinda like a sleeve that you put the lens into and carry the camera in front of you. That's not what you're talking about, is it Dave?

PattyW60 Loc: Northwest Illinois

Good advice. Thank you, Bill. I appreciate your comments.

Mr. B Loc: eastern Connecticut

I use a Tamrac bag that I'm very happy with. Carrying a Canon 7DII with a 500mm f/4 lens and 1.4 X extender.
https://www.tamrac.com/collections/backpacks/products/anvil-super-25

Basil_O Loc: Minneapolis, MN

I am a big fan of fast primes so that means I need to have a way to move them around. My biggest challenge is the beast of a Minolta 600/4 that weighs in at over 12 pounds. Since handholding for more than just a quick burst or two is out of the question, I also need to have some sort of support for it. Here are the various options I use, depending on the situation:

For storage in the vehicle, the Tamrac bag mentioned above is my choice. I can keep the lens with a body attached to it inside. If I am shooting from my vehicle, a bean bag on the windowsill is all I need. If I am walking a short distance, the attaching the tripod and slinging it over my shoulder is what I do.

For longer walks, I will use the backpack, but it gets old in a big hurry. I have used sling straps, Cotton Carriers and a variety of other options. Each works to some degree, but each has its own challenges. I am eyeing this carrier: https://mrjangear.com/shop/lens-carrier-system/ I think that may be what you were thinking about.

But honestly, I have found an all-terrain jogging stroller to be my favorite method for walking any distance. I put the Tamrac bag in the stroller seat and nestle the tripod in next to it. I get some strange looks (especially at the zoo) but have found it to be a stress-free way to cover distance with such a big load. I can also put a folding stool and a small cooler inside, so I am set to spend hours in the field. I have found that it will go almost anywhere I can walk (and certainly anywhere I can bike). The shape of the stroller, coupled with the legs of the tripod, push brush and branches aside quite readily. I picked one up dirt cheap on Craigslist, figuring that I could always resell it if it didn't work out. Turns out that it was just the solution I needed.

Good luck in your search for a solution that works for you. Yes, there are lighter lens options. Sometimes my 150-600 is that option for me. But nothing beats the rendering of that massive prime!

daledo Loc: Billings, MT

I also use a monopod and lens on shoulder. I don't fully trust the connection so I tether the camera to the monopod using wrist strap and carabiner.

Capn_Dave

No it isn't. This is more like a harness that goes over the shoulders and the camers and lens are hooked to your chest. I am 5'9" also. https://www.cottoncarrier.com/

PattyW60 Loc: Northwest Illinois

Great! Thank you for the tip and link for the tamrac bag.

PattyW60 Loc: Northwest Illinois

Thanks, Basil. Yes, that is the carrier I was referring to! Thank you for the link! It's funny you mentioned the stroller, as I had thoughts about using one when I visit my daughter in Denver, and at home on the trail. You've given me more to think about and consider, and I really appreciate the feedback. Thank you!