Camera rucksacks?

[Sam_swfc123]

Hello. Can anyone tell me the best rucksack to get for my lens. The lens I have is a Sigma 150-500mm lens so I need a bag that will fit it in attached to my camera aswell. I need it for walking and want it to deal with the extremes of the outdoor weather. Thank you

Sam Winslow

[Stinky Bob]

I don't know about the best, but Lowepro and Tamrac are two brands that I know off, it will all come down down to budget. Before I got my 400mm lens I used a Lowepro slingshot 200 that easily took a 300mm sigma on the body with space for a couple of other lens. I had to go bigger when I got my Sigma 400 and I went for a Tamrac Explorer backpack and it easily takes that.

[slimrbp]

Agree with Bob on that one Tamrac and Lowepro are good makes, Kata make good bags too althought they are at the pricier end.

I have the KATA HB-205 which easily takes my 7d with battery grip and 300mm F4 with extender attached. Theres plenty of room for other bit's and bobs I have been able to keep a waterproof in there as well for example. It is a big bag though so I also have a Lowepro Flipside 300 which takes the same camera lens combination but is a bit of a tight squeeze to get much else in but is a bit less conspicuous.

[Joe662]

I have just got this lens, haven't even had chance to test it yet. I have ordered the lowepro mini trekker AW, which i have read should fit the lens in as the compartments can move about and make room. I'm hoping this is the case anyway lol. Have read good things about this bag, but once it arrives i will post my thoughts

[Sam_swfc123]

Thank you for all your comments. Thanks Joe that would be very kind. Thank you again.

Sam Winslow

[MJM]

Hello Sam
I have a Tamrac Expedition 5X which I bought for my 150-500 with camera attached. It fits perfectly and I am very happy with the quality and trust it in bad weather. You can fit several other lenses in as well if you want to and strap a tripod on the back, but then you have to think about the weight.
Martin

[BillyPilgrim]

I suppose it depends what you use your camera and lens for?

I am probably in a minority here but if its for wildlife then why would you want to carry your camera and main lens around in a rucksack where you can't get to it?

I use a 500mm lens and I walk around with it slung over my shoulder on a tripod. Even with this method I still miss some shots as I place the tripod on the floor and line up the subject. But if it were stored away on my back then I would miss a whole lot more.

I also carry a khaki, canvas shoulder bag (cost £7) for accessories which contains cleaning stuff, lenses, teleconverters, beanbag, folding seat, bin liner to waterproof the lot in an emergency etc...

IMO you never know when something is going to present itself so you have to be as ready as you can be - always!

[Joe662]

Rucksack arrived this morning. Seems really good quality and lens fits in just perfect. With how i have left it its a rather snug fit as the lens is pretty wide. Just didnt want to get rid of any more of the little compartments as threy are so handy. If you have a large camera body then you might struggle to get it in, not sure.

Its actually bigger than i thought can fit loads in and the front pockets are large so ok for the much needed sandwiches etc lol

Pretty much ideal for what i need tbh. Heres a pic with most of my very limited kit in.
Oh i got mine from a well known auction site for £69.99 which is cheaper than most places ive seen it at.

[pictish]

hi there,
I have a nova 4 aw, slingshot 300, vertex 300 all will take that lens[off the camera for the nova 4]. I also own a giant crumpler shoulder bag not sure whch one it takes 17" laptop, 4 lenses [2 camera outfits] and still has loads of room.

I have also owned in the past tamrac expedition series bags and their lens cases[slip lock kinda things]. Lowe toploaders and smaller novas.

The tamrac bag straps were pretty harsh on my shoulders and I did not find them as comfy as the lowe. My then better half also didnt like them for long hikes.

The crumpler shoulder bag is actually pretty comfy for long walks with a short strap as the system has a second strap to hold it on your back or above the hip. When you remove the lining it will easily take a crate of beer[24] and munchies and my chinese crested dog and his blanket also goes in it for bus journeys, its a very strong and comfy bag.

If you can go into a store and try a few on, ask them to put something heavy in them to replicate your kit, its a lot better than finding out later the bags not very comfy.

If you are doing long walks and need a small day sack with you you might also want to consider a top loader or a field series harness. Another option is to buy a security/army webbing belt and use something like the nova as you can have it on your front,side or under a daysack.

If you have company on your walks we always had all the extra camera gear on 1 person in the big bag and other stuff on the other in a normal rucksack.

best thing is to invest in a comfy camera strap, hook the tripod mount into either your belt or on a rucksacks chest strap, and support with your arm to save your neck.

[david156]

HI.

I use a Lowpro flipside 400 AW backpack.
I can carry my 50d c/w 100-400 L lens and lens hood attached and still have space, spare body, couple of lenses and my bins if they're not round my neck.
I also strap my tripod to the back if I need my hands free.
Comes complete with a built in rain cover and the main compartment opens on the side nearest your back so its secure too.
Looks large especially when you first get it but its really comfortable and all the straps are adjustable.
Was up for sale for about £129 but got it half price from a large online camera warehouse. Think they are selling them for about £80 now.


Hope this helps,

Cheers David