Camera backpack for Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3 lens?

[Fabian Joya]

I am considering getting a camera backpack. I am hoping to find one that can hold my 600mm/6.3 lens + my 100-400/4.5-5.6 lens. Plus ideally my Z8 + 24-70/2.8 and a medium size tripod.

I am looking at two. The LowePro Flipside Trek BP 450 AW and the LowePro PhotoSport Backpack PRO 55L AW III. Both camera compartments seem to be able to fit the two lenses. The camera I would have to carry or put in the top pocket. And the tripod I guess can be somewhat awkwardly attached to the side.

Any thoughts or recommendations? Are there better options available?

 

[arniebook]

I think both are overkill for your gear. Why do you want a 32" backpack for a 9" lens? ... gonna put a tent in there too? ... But, hey ... sometimes we want what we want, and no one here is going to tell you not to get what you want.

See my justification formula below. I've had it on all my posts since 2016.

Cheers,

Arnie

 

[Queso Dog]

I am considering getting a camera backpack. I am hoping to find one that can hold my 600mm/6.3 lens + my 100-400/4.5-5.6 lens. Plus ideally my Z8 + 24-70/2.8 and a medium size tripod.

I am looking at two. The LowePro Flipside Trek BP 450 AW and the LowePro PhotoSport Backpack PRO 55L AW III. Both camera compartments seem to be able to fit the two lenses. The camera I would have to carry or put in the top pocket. And the tripod I guess can be somewhat awkwardly attached to the side.

Any thoughts or recommendations? Are there better options available?

Thinktank Mindshift Trailscape 18L will hold both the 600mm 6.3 and 100-400mm with Z8 and some other small accessories but not the 24-70 2.8 at the same time.

Thinktank Mindshift Backlight 26L will hold all three lenses and Z8 and still have room to spare.

I have the smaller Lowepro 350 Trek and it doesn’t fit the 600mm without losing the top compartment, not sure about the 450.

 

[Lance B]

I am considering getting a camera backpack. I am hoping to find one that can hold my 600mm/6.3 lens + my 100-400/4.5-5.6 lens. Plus ideally my Z8 + 24-70/2.8 and a medium size tripod.

I am looking at two. The LowePro Flipside Trek BP 450 AW and the LowePro PhotoSport Backpack PRO 55L AW III. Both camera compartments seem to be able to fit the two lenses. The camera I would have to carry or put in the top pocket. And the tripod I guess can be somewhat awkwardly attached to the side.

Any thoughts or recommendations? Are there better options available?

Mindshift Backlight 18L. Very comfortable. Fits what you require, tripod mounted externally. Two good sized rear pockets for jackets etc.

Mindshift Backlight 26L. Gives you a little more room to spare but very comfortable to use and has plenty of space in the two rear pockets for a jacket etc, and a tripod mounted externally. Two drink bottle holders, one each side.

I like the rear opening backpack type as it means the side that is on the ground is not what goes against your back and thus you won't get a dirty back if the ground is wet or muddy. You can also access the camera/lenses by swiveling the bag around your waist via the waist belt still attached, the bag opening face up so you can get your gear.

--
Lance B
https://www.flickr.com/photos/35949907@N02/?
http://www.pbase.com/lance_b

 

[ajr images]

Look at the Gura Gear Kiboko 30L. It will take a Z9 and 400TC on one side and the other items should fit in the second side.

The Think Tank Glass Limo might also work.

 

[arniebook]

I think both are overkill for your gear. Why do you want a 32" backpack for a 9" lens? ... gonna put a tent in there too? ... But, hey ... sometimes we want what we want, and no one here is going to tell you not to get what you want.

See my justification formula below. I've had it on all my posts since 2016.

Cheers,

Arnie

Sorry about that. For some reason I got fixated on the shorter lens.

 

[BasilG]

I am considering getting a camera backpack. I am hoping to find one that can hold my 600mm/6.3 lens + my 100-400/4.5-5.6 lens. Plus ideally my Z8 + 24-70/2.8 and a medium size tripod.

I am looking at two. The LowePro Flipside Trek BP 450 AW and the LowePro PhotoSport Backpack PRO 55L AW III. Both camera compartments seem to be able to fit the two lenses. The camera I would have to carry or put in the top pocket. And the tripod I guess can be somewhat awkwardly attached to the side.

Any thoughts or recommendations? Are there better options available?

If the camera equipment makes up most of what you want to put in the backpack, I would second LanceB's suggestions. I have both packs and they both work well. I like to unmount lenses from bodies for travel, so the 26L might be a better fit for what you want.

If you want a hiking backpack for serious hikes that also fits your camera, then of course you may need to look elsewhere, and the PhotoSport series may be a viable option.

 

[RBFresno]

I am considering getting a camera backpack. I am hoping to find one that can hold my 600mm/6.3 lens + my 100-400/4.5-5.6 lens. Plus ideally my Z8 + 24-70/2.8 and a medium size tripod.

I am looking at two. The LowePro Flipside Trek BP 450 AW and the LowePro PhotoSport Backpack PRO 55L AW III. Both camera compartments seem to be able to fit the two lenses. The camera I would have to carry or put in the top pocket. And the tripod I guess can be somewhat awkwardly attached to the side.

Any thoughts or recommendations? Are there better options available?

Hi!

While I feel comfortable buying on line photography gear, I'm lucky to have a "pro"level camera store in my town

When it comes to camera bags, it can be really useful to visit a store that has a good selection of bags. Not only to see what fits, but also what your individual preferences might be.

Just as there is no one lens that's ideal for all occasions (at least for me) , there's a reason why I have multiple camera bags as well (at least high quality camera bags are cheaper than high quality lenses!)

(Notice all of the camera bags against the wall )

So if you have the opportunity to visit a camera store with a good selection, it might help.

Best Regards,

RB

--
http://www.dpreview.com/members/2305099006/challenges
https://www.nikonimages.com/member-photos/859

 

[Fabian Joya]

I am considering getting a camera backpack. I am hoping to find one that can hold my 600mm/6.3 lens + my 100-400/4.5-5.6 lens. Plus ideally my Z8 + 24-70/2.8 and a medium size tripod.

I am looking at two. The LowePro Flipside Trek BP 450 AW and the LowePro PhotoSport Backpack PRO 55L AW III. Both camera compartments seem to be able to fit the two lenses. The camera I would have to carry or put in the top pocket. And the tripod I guess can be somewhat awkwardly attached to the side.

Any thoughts or recommendations? Are there better options available?

If the camera equipment makes up most of what you want to put in the backpack, I would second LanceB's suggestions. I have both packs and they both work well. I like to unmount lenses from bodies for travel, so the 26L might be a better fit for what you want.

If you want a hiking backpack for serious hikes that also fits your camera, then of course you may need to look elsewhere, and the PhotoSport series may be a viable option.

Yes, I forgot to mention that. I am looking for pack that can carry stuff besides camera gear, e.g. lunch/snacks, some clothes/raingear, etc.

 

[Leonard Shepherd]

If you are fit and strong - overkill maybe - the Vanguard Alta Pro 68 has a huge plus for big long lenses.

The big plus is just unzip the top zip and lift out the 180-600 with Z9 attached and hood facing forward from one side ready to shoot - and the 800 PF with Z8 attached (hood reversed) from the other side.

For quick easy access to 2 long lenses it is a front runner.

For carry-on etc - no way.

 

[Born2Code]

I like the Backlight bags as well. I have a LowePro Flipside 400AW and the Backlight is built much better.

Go to the Think Tank website and watch the videos for the Backlight packs. They can hold quite a bit more than just camera gear -- they have 9 liters of "daypack" space and give you access without having to put the bag down.

 

[shuncheung]

Mindshift Backlight 26L. Gives you a little more room to spare but very comfortable to use and has plenty of space in the two rear pockets for a jacket etc, and a tripod mounted externally. Two drink bottle holders, one each side.

I have a Mindshift Backlight 26L also, and I think that would be a very good fit. Since I also have a Z9, the thicker 26L is a better fit for me than the 18L.

The Gura Gear Kiboko 30L is also a great backpack; I have the version that does not have a laptop pouch, but it can fit a 600mm/f4 TC and 800mm/f6.3 PF. That seems to be an overkill for the OP's 600/6.3 PF + 100-400.

 

[Fabian Joya]

I just discovered Shimoda. The Urban Explore 30 I think may be a good fit.

 

[Konrad1]

I recommend also to look on the weight of the backpack itself. If you travel with your camera by air , you have limitations. The worst limitation is weight which is 8-10 kg ( 18-22 lb?) depending on company . I am always on the limit with my big lenses, so sometimes I have to put a camera or lens in my coatpocket. Nevertheless if you travel a lot by air , I would recommend not to by a heavy backpack. I have a F-stop Lotus bag which has no inner insulations to drop the weight, in which I can carry 1x800pf,1xZ9,1x100-400S,1xz6iii + all within 10kg ( 22lb). I wrap the lenses and camera with light platstic before I put them into the bag.

 

[Fabian Joya]

I just discovered Shimoda. The Urban Explore 30 I think may be a good fit.

The Urban Explore 30 didn't work out. It's just too big and bulky.

I just ordered the Peak Design 20L, which apparently can hold even the 180-600 lengthwise, which is pretty cool.

So I am thinking this could be a very versatile bag. The Z8 + 24-70/2.8 & 100-400 fit crosswise, or I can re-configure it to fit the 600/6.3 (and hopefully also the 100-400) lengthwise, while carrying the Z8 body w/a standard zoom in my hand.

Hopefully I can also strap on a travel-size tripod to it.

Let's see how well it works. But I have high hopes for this one.

 

[NeedMorePractice]

I can't speak highly enough of ThinkTank gear in terms of quality and design. If I were in your position, I'd at least check out and consider their Outdoor Backpacks. They have several that would fit the bill for your space requirements.

 

[JT the Bikeman]

Another benefit of backside opening backpacks is that it is harder/almost impossible for thieves to unzip the bag and remove your camera equipment.

 

[Fabian Joya]

I can't speak highly enough of ThinkTank gear in terms of quality and design. If I were in your position, I'd at least check out and consider their Outdoor Backpacks. They have several that would fit the bill for your space requirements.

Why do you think so highly of the design of the ThinkTank backpacks? They seem rather ordinary to me. I am also looking for a bag that can easily carry stuff besides camera gear, like food, drink, snacks & clothes.

 

[John W McCormick]

I have the same camera and lenses as you plus a 14-24mm with a set of 100mm filters. They fit nicely in my Gura Gear Kiboko 30L Camera Backpack. I also have their 22L and 16L bags for when I don't carry my full kit. I was a member of the "bag of the month club" until I found Gura Gear.

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guragear.com

 

[Born2Code]

I can't speak highly enough of ThinkTank gear in terms of quality and design. If I were in your position, I'd at least check out and consider their Outdoor Backpacks. They have several that would fit the bill for your space requirements.

Why do you think so highly of the design of the ThinkTank backpacks? They seem rather ordinary to me. I am also looking for a bag that can easily carry stuff besides camera gear, like food, drink, snacks & clothes.

I agree about ThinkTank and MindShift Gear (also part of ThinkTank). Their stuff is very well made and they get the details right.

Packing for Iceland, my MindShift Backlight 26L holds a Z8 with the 24-120 mounted and another Z8 with the 100-400 on it. It also holds a 14-30, TC14, batteries, memory cards and a lot more. That's just in the main compartment. It also carries a 16" MacBook Pro, an iPad and chargers and cords for both of them. The Backlight bags also have unpadded "daypack space" for non-photo stuff.

On top of that, you can get anything in or out without having to put the pack down on the ground.

Like I said, go to ThinkTank's website and watch the videos