Long lens backpack?

[jim56]

I recently acquired a Sony 200-600mm lens for my a7C camera and I need a backpack to carry it, a couple
smaller lenses, and the usual accessories. Have any of you guys found a setup that works well for you? I live in
Montana and we have one camera shop in the whole state that is 100 miles away! Makes it tough to go see
how things fit in different packs. Please let me know what you think works and have a great day!

 

[Richard A]

I like LowePro bags myself. At the moment I have a FlipSide 400 AWIII Backpack. I think you would fit a 200-600 in it depending on what else you want to put in there as well. They have other sizes though. I also have a smaller Sling bag but you wouldn’t fit such a big lens in that.

 

[jim56]

I like LowePro bags myself. At the moment I have a FlipSide 400 AWIII Backpack. I think you would fit a 200-600 in it depending on what else you want to put in there as well. They have other sizes though. I also have a smaller Sling bag but you wouldn’t fit such a big lens in that.

Thanks Richard A, I also like the LowePro stuff and have the Sling bag myself. I will take a look at the bag you suggested. LowePro shows the Flipside 400 will fit the 70-200mm lens but a couple inches short of fitting the 200-600mm. It looks like the 500 might work if I can find one to check out. Thanks again for the heads up.

 

[Unframed Dave]

My go to is a think tank streetwalker, it takes that lens with the body attached, another body with 70-200mm f2.8 and a few other bits and bobs. Absolute tank of a thing, it's been around the world with me and still going strong.

I also have a lowepro that does the job, will check the model when I get in. A bit lighter and easier on the back if walking a lot.

 

[Hans F]

I recently acquired a Sony 200-600mm lens for my a7C camera and I need a backpack to carry it, a couple
smaller lenses, and the usual accessories. Have any of you guys found a setup that works well for you? I live in
Montana and we have one camera shop in the whole state that is 100 miles away! Makes it tough to go see
how things fit in different packs. Please let me know what you think works and have a great day!

I use a Shimoda Explore V2 backpack with the large core unit (V3 is the latest and fits the 200-600). I like the concept of changing this core unit to a smaller one when I don't take the 200-600mm with me and use this backpack for long hikes with my camera gear. This core unit will also fit the larger Shimoda Action backpacks.

 

[iamdlewis]

I am using the Thinktank Backlight 36L. This is my 2nd bag and it took me a while to fully understand what I wanted in a bag and this covers nearly everything in a good way. You can fit the 200-600 attached to a body with the hood on ready to shoot.
What I like about this bag
- It is carry-on size
- Lots of room. When I travel I usually fit 2 bodies, 200-600, 100-400, 24-105, 100 macro, 6 batteries, flashes, flash trigger, cleaning kit, rain cover, snacks, and charging kit in the main compartment. Laptop, tablet, cables and other miscellaneous stuff in the rest of the bag.
- Opens in the rear. I didn't think this was that important at first till I was doing more macro and switching lens more and I learned that I would much rather get the front of the bag wet/dirty than the rear.
- There are 3 options for carrying a tripod including center mounted, which is great for balance.

Only real minus is that you can't use a PD Clip due to the thickness of the straps but there are other options like the PGYTECH 2025 New Version Beetle Camera Clip V2 which works with PD plates it just isn't a smooth operational.

I think side pockets could open a little more and the neck strap thing for the swing the bag around your body feature just gets in the way and the feature really doesn't work that well anyway.