Nikon Z 24-120 + 100-400 travel setup. How do you carry it?

[Fabian Joya]

If you use the Nikon Z 24-120 f/4 S and Nikon Z 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 S lenses as a travel setup, how do you carry them? Since the 100-400 is rather large and heavy, I am trying to figure out what would be the ideal way to carry around this lens.

 

[skyrunr]

There are lots of posts on bags here. I think everyone has different preferences. I mostly use a Lowepro Flipside 200. It will also hold accessories (three locations,) a tripod (ext), a bottle(ext), and an additional lens/flash. It has a belt and front strap attachment for security/cycling. Plenty of webbing for add-ons.

I have the older model. It is currently on sale: https://www.adorama.com/lpflpsd200aw.html

I'll include photos when I receive the lens (my second time around) today.

The problem with larger bags is that I fill them up and don't want to carry them. My next main/travel bag is probably going to be a Shimoda because it has an aluminum frame and expands. I'm also a fan of bags that don't look like camera bags or have giant logos on them (tsk tsk!)

--
SkyRunR
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TIPS: Be kind, RT#M, use gear not signature, limit/shorten replies with quotes!
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[Tom Stites]

I have a small, sling type backpack that is ideal for carrying a waterbottle, some extra batteries, external mic, ND filters, TC1.4 and an extra lens, up to my 600pf. I can get several smaller lenses in it if I'm not carrying the 600pf. With the 100-400, I can get it, a TC and a couple small primes as well.

When I'm carrying lenses in that bag, I keep them in their cloth pouches that they cam with or with the smaller primes or TC, I use some of the older, heavier weight Nikon lens pouches I've accumulated over the years.

It's not really a camera backback, more just to carry a few things in an urban or park environment, but it has a divider in it and a couple zip pockets big enough for a phone or battery or two.

I also have a older Camelbak "Rim Runner" 22L hydration backpack that is better suited for carrying a few more lenses and 3L of water or Sangria! It's great when I might want to carry more lenses and maybe another body. Much more comfortable with the standard backback design and a hip belt and sternum strap to if carrying the extra weight and a plethora of pockets, sections and external attachment points. The model I have is quite different from the newer designs that are currently sold and I prefer it, but I've had it for 14-15 years.

Cheers!

 

[ajr images]

I have some Think Tank Urban Disguise shoulder bags that take these lenses plus a Z9, and not look too much like a camera bag.

Unfortunately I think these bags are no longer made.

 

[Leonard Shepherd]

If you have a Z8 – your gear list is blank – the combined weight including the bag is likely to be around 9 pounds - or more with accessories and a water bottle.

Many in the medical profession would suggest this is too heavy for a shoulder bag.

There are hundreds of backpacks to choose from.

I often carry double this weight and prefer a backpack with waist straps that can be adjusted to distributed some of the weight around the waist.

 

[Snapshotx7]

Definitely in a backpack. Too much weight for a sling or shoulder bag.

 

[sirhawkeye64]

If you use the Nikon Z 24-120 f/4 S and Nikon Z 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 S lenses as a travel setup, how do you carry them? Since the 100-400 is rather large and heavy, I am trying to figure out what would be the ideal way to carry around this lens.

Are you hiking or just carrying it around shooting?

If HIking, then I'd use a backpack. If I'm shooting wildlife, then I'd almost say a sling or shoulder bag (or just mount each to a separate body and put them on a camera strap for easy of use and speed).

For transporting via air/car probably a backpack. If all else fails, a backpack can be a safe route.

Personally I like slings because I can access them without needing to put the bag down, but the 100-400 with a body and a 24-120 may be a bit big and not fit into many slings.

--
PLEASE NOTE: I usually unsubscribe from forums and comments after a period of time, so if I do not respond, that is likely the reason. Feel free to PM me if you have a questions or need clarification about a comment I made.

 

[dasams]

If you want a backpack and your travel includes air flights, then it's important to have a bag that securely attaches to a wheelie. I have a Gura Gear Kiboko City Commuter 18L and I like it a lot. It has the strap on the back to sit on a wheelie and some other nice features including a zipper on the side to pull out your camera without taking the backpack off. There is also a newer version called the classic. Both are $299 so not cheap but you get what you pay for. YMMV.

 

[Hooligans Imagery]

Peak Design 20l with add on hip belt.

There is a TRICK. You reconfigure the bag inserts for two vertical sides and a top shelf.

You can put the 100-400 one one side and the 24-120 plus others on the other side and still have the top shelf.

What's good about it - dual side sling access. This is HUGE for me. You can access both sides as if it were a sling.

Hip belt makes it easy to wear all day but also can be tucked away.

Two side storage compartments.

Top shelf inside can be used for other things you take out that day - phone battery, rain coat etc. I have done many trips this way.

 

[Fabian Joya]

There are lots of posts on bags here. I think everyone has different preferences. I mostly use a Lowepro Flipside 200. It will also hold accessories (three locations,) a tripod (ext), a bottle(ext), and an additional lens/flash. It has a belt and front strap attachment for security/cycling. Plenty of webbing for add-ons.

I have the older model. It is currently on sale: https://www.adorama.com/lpflpsd200aw.html

I'll include photos when I receive the lens (my second time around) today.

The problem with larger bags is that I fill them up and don't want to carry them. My next main/travel bag is probably going to be a Shimoda because it has an aluminum frame and expands. I'm also a fan of bags that don't look like camera bags or have giant logos on them (tsk tsk!)

Looks interesting.

The 200, will it fit a Z8 + 24-120 + 100-400?

How do you like the "flipside" design? Is it convenient to use every time you want to switch lenses? Is it sturdy? I worry that a lens would fall out or the bag flip over, spilling its expensive contents.

And is it comfortable to wear for a full day running around a city or on a day hike?

Also, my main problem with pure camera bags is that I usually have other stuff I want to fit, like a light jacket or some snacks. What do you do in this case? I see they also have a "Trek" series which is split half-and-half. Any experience with those?

 

[Fabian Joya]

I have some Think Tank Urban Disguise shoulder bags that take these lenses plus a Z9, and not look too much like a camera bag.

Unfortunately I think these bags are no longer made.

I do have a shoulder bag, and while convenient, I think the Z8 + 24-120 + 100-400 is too heavy to carry on my shoulder all day.

 

[Fabian Joya]

If you use the Nikon Z 24-120 f/4 S and Nikon Z 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 S lenses as a travel setup, how do you carry them? Since the 100-400 is rather large and heavy, I am trying to figure out what would be the ideal way to carry around this lens.

Are you hiking or just carrying it around shooting?

If HIking, then I'd use a backpack. If I'm shooting wildlife, then I'd almost say a sling or shoulder bag (or just mount each to a separate body and put them on a camera strap for easy of use and speed).

For transporting via air/car probably a backpack. If all else fails, a backpack can be a safe route.

Personally I like slings because I can access them without needing to put the bag down, but the 100-400 with a body and a 24-120 may be a bit big and not fit into many slings.

Well, it's for travel photography so it would be a mix of the above. Airplanes, trains, cars, boats, public transport, biking, walking around town, day hikes, etc.

 

[sirhawkeye64]

If you use the Nikon Z 24-120 f/4 S and Nikon Z 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 S lenses as a travel setup, how do you carry them? Since the 100-400 is rather large and heavy, I am trying to figure out what would be the ideal way to carry around this lens.

Are you hiking or just carrying it around shooting?

If HIking, then I'd use a backpack. If I'm shooting wildlife, then I'd almost say a sling or shoulder bag (or just mount each to a separate body and put them on a camera strap for easy of use and speed).

For transporting via air/car probably a backpack. If all else fails, a backpack can be a safe route.

Personally I like slings because I can access them without needing to put the bag down, but the 100-400 with a body and a 24-120 may be a bit big and not fit into many slings.

Well, it's for travel photography so it would be a mix of the above. Airplanes, trains, cars, boats, public transport, biking, walking around town, day hikes, etc.

I'd lean towards a sling then. I'm going to be doing some traveling myself this fall and plan on just using a sling for walking around (I'll use a backpack to transport the gear) but the sling for when I'm actually on location. The other advantage of a sling is that you can swing it around in front of you and keep an eye on your gear (good if you're in questionable areas).

 

[Fabian Joya]

Peak Design 20l with add on hip belt.

There is a TRICK. You reconfigure the bag inserts for two vertical sides and a top shelf.

You can put the 100-400 one one side and the 24-120 plus others on the other side and still have the top shelf.

What's good about it - dual side sling access. This is HUGE for me. You can access both sides as if it were a sling.

Hip belt makes it easy to wear all day but also can be tucked away.

Two side storage compartments.

Top shelf inside can be used for other things you take out that day - phone battery, rain coat etc. I have done many trips this way.

Seems like a nice bag, if a little pricey. So the 20L is sufficient for the 100-400? The bag is wide enough to hold it? How comfortable is it if you wear it walking around all day? The straps seem a little narrow with little padding.

 

[skyrunr]

Looks interesting.

The 200, will it fit a Z8 + 24-120 + 100-400?

How do you like the "flipside" design? Is it convenient to use every time you want to switch lenses? Is it sturdy? I worry that a lens would fall out or the bag flip over, spilling its expensive contents.

And is it comfortable to wear for a full day running around a city or on a day hike?

Also, my main problem with pure camera bags is that I usually have other stuff I want to fit, like a light jacket or some snacks. What do you do in this case? I see they also have a "Trek" series which is split half-and-half. Any experience with those?

I think you'd be pushing the limits but fine. The bag is flexible enough to move around a bit. You could remove (or just not cram) the top zipper pouch and 100% be fine. The newer design above is better than mine. The flipside work as advertised, but be sensible with it.

Super comfortable. Mine has a water bag built in you can put ice in.

If you go much larger you have to go above 20L. I have a 30+ year old Mountain Smith that does just that. It has a huge duffle back underneath it. I've never seen anything like it. The strap management can be annoying. I also use a really nice Camel Back pack when I only use the 24-120F4S.

You just can't have comfortable/all-day and carry more stuff too. I'm liking the 22L Gura, but I'm worried I'll put too much in it, and I prefer the aluminum frame of the Shimoda for that price.

I have two older LowePro's that hold a laptop with a storage on top. They get too heavy. Like this:
https://www.lowepro.com/us-en/truckee-bp-250-lx-lp37238-pww/

Lowepro covers just about every size you might need, and they have the best customer service.

It is also surprising how bad pictures are of these bags. Just how us every compartment and side! They never have the feature or example I want to see. I just got back from B&H in NYC and I spent half a day there.

--
SkyRunR
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
TIPS: Be kind, RT#M, use gear not signature, limit/shorten replies with quotes!
'The first casualty, when war comes, is truth' - Hiram Johnson (1866-1945)

 

[Twinion]

I often carry a similar kit, though with a Z9. If I'm out for an afternoon, I might use a small shoulder bag to carry water and the extra lens, and just have the camera on a strap. If it's for all day or for a trip, I'd also recommend a backpack. I really like my Peak Design everyday backpack, which I've found capable in all but the most demanding situations, but really any small photo backpack should work.

 

[skyrunr]

I'm not a fan of slings because they often can't be used on either side. They are bad for your posture over long periods of time. I'd use them for a DX or point and shoot traveling. I use a three way shoulder harness that I put two cameras with lenses on and a lens pouch while shooting.

 

[Hooligans Imagery]

Peak Design 20l with add on hip belt.

There is a TRICK. You reconfigure the bag inserts for two vertical sides and a top shelf.

You can put the 100-400 one one side and the 24-120 plus others on the other side and still have the top shelf.

What's good about it - dual side sling access. This is HUGE for me. You can access both sides as if it were a sling.

Hip belt makes it easy to wear all day but also can be tucked away.

Two side storage compartments.

Top shelf inside can be used for other things you take out that day - phone battery, rain coat etc. I have done many trips this way.

Seems like a nice bag, if a little pricey. So the 20L is sufficient for the 100-400? The bag is wide enough to hold it? How comfortable is it if you wear it walking around all day? The straps seem a little narrow with little padding.

I have had no problem carrying this all day on three week trips. The hip belt helps.

Here you see the what I mean by the set up.

This is a Z6iii with 24-120 and 26 in the red bag and battery charger. On the left you see what I mean is the top shelf.



Here is the 100-400 by itself.



If you want the camera on it, you shorten the shelf making the one side longer.. Sorry quick snap with a phone, it fits fine. From these images you can see once you sling a side you have full access.





Here is the other side with the Plena. Top shelf is on the left here. Grey bag has batteries.







While expensive, built well and lifetime guarantee. I am happy with their products and service. There are ways to interlock the zippers to make them more access proof.

As mentioned the fact that it slings is huge for me for travel photography.



--
Thanks for your help, Michael

 

[Fabian Joya]

Peak Design 20l with add on hip belt.

There is a TRICK. You reconfigure the bag inserts for two vertical sides and a top shelf.

You can put the 100-400 one one side and the 24-120 plus others on the other side and still have the top shelf.

What's good about it - dual side sling access. This is HUGE for me. You can access both sides as if it were a sling.

Hip belt makes it easy to wear all day but also can be tucked away.

Two side storage compartments.

Top shelf inside can be used for other things you take out that day - phone battery, rain coat etc. I have done many trips this way.

Seems like a nice bag, if a little pricey. So the 20L is sufficient for the 100-400? The bag is wide enough to hold it? How comfortable is it if you wear it walking around all day? The straps seem a little narrow with little padding.

I have had no problem carrying this all day on three week trips. The hip belt helps.

Here you see the what I mean by the set up.

This is a Z6iii with 24-120 and 26 in the red bag and battery charger. On the left you see what I mean is the top shelf.



Here is the 100-400 by itself.



If you want the camera on it, you shorten the shelf making the one side longer.. Sorry quick snap with a phone, it fits fine. From these images you can see once you sling a side you have full access.



Here is the other side with the Plena. Top shelf is on the left here. Grey bag has batteries.



While expensive, built well and lifetime guarantee. I am happy with their products and service. There are ways to interlock the zippers to make them more access proof.

As mentioned the fact that it slings is huge for me for travel photography.

I see. You put it in lengthwise, and use the divider to make a right and left side.

Does it fit crosswise? In that case you would remove the middle divider and I guess you would only access the camera gear from one side. But the bag would have to be wide enough.

 

[msu79gt82]

If you use the Nikon Z 24-120 f/4 S and Nikon Z 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 S lenses as a travel setup, how do you carry them? Since the 100-400 is rather large and heavy, I am trying to figure out what would be the ideal way to carry around this lens.

I prefer a using a regular backpack with the lenses in neoprene pouches.