Question on bag for 500mm?

[labmansid]

I have made up my mind that I am going to get a 500mm f4 lens. My question now is which bag would you recommend for transporting with the camera attached?
I have been looking at either the Lowepro 600AW or the Kinesis L511. I have heard on this board of a couple of shooters who had the Kinesis and liked it. However, when both bags are similarly equipped with backpack harnesses and tripod holders, the Kinesis is at least $100 higher. I see where Adorama now lists the Lowepro as $115, and the Lowepro is often available on ebay for somewhat less, making the difference even greater. So, would the Kinesis be worth the premium in price? I'm not sure how much the backpack harness would be used, since I would likely mostly use the bag for transport in a vehicle, which is a point in favor of the Kinesis since the harness is optional and detachable.
Thanks for any advice.
Sid

[zepp]

Originally Posted by labmansid

I have made up my mind that I am going to get a 500mm f4 lens. My question now is which bag would you recommend for transporting with the camera attached?
I have been looking at either the Lowepro 600AW or the Kinesis L511. I have heard on this board of a couple of shooters who had the Kinesis and liked it. However, when both bags are similarly equipped with backpack harnesses and tripod holders, the Kinesis is at least $100 higher. I see where Adorama now lists the Lowepro as $115, and the Lowepro is often available on ebay for somewhat less, making the difference even greater. So, would the Kinesis be worth the premium in price? I'm not sure how much the backpack harness would be used, since I would likely mostly use the bag for transport in a vehicle, which is a point in favor of the Kinesis since the harness is optional and detachable.
Thanks for any advice.
Sid

I actually wouldn't recommend transporting this combo while the two are attached. The weight of the lens while mounted to the camera body could easily ruin the camera mount if bumped or dropped by accident.

[jhom]

Have you considered the Think Tank Glass Taxi? When you are not transporting the 500, it is easily configurable as a backpack for your other gear.

[zepp]

Originally Posted by jhom

Have you considered the Think Tank Glass Taxi? When you are not transporting the 500, it is easily configurable as a get backpack for your other gear.

A ThinkTank Glass Taxi is what I use for my Canon 400mm f/2.8L IS and I love it. I attach a ThinkTank Chimp Cage to the loop on the front of the Glass Taxi to put my camera body in. The Glass Taxi also has two straps to attach your monopod to for transit. When using my lens on the field I wear the Glass Taxi on my back to keep my lightweight jacket or other small items like extra batteries that I don't need access to that often and don't want the weight of such items on my waist pack.

[labmansid]

Thanks for the responses and ideas. I already have a backpack for my other lenses and gear, so that aspect is already covered. I also have a Lowepro 75 toploader that I use for my 300 f4 with camera attached and really like, and was looking for a similar setup for use with a 500. I don't do a lot of air travel, so I am mainly just looking for some basic protection while driving around in a vehicle while looking for things to shoot or in transit to a shooting destination.

[limeybob]

I have owned and used the Kineses for 2 years and have no trouble recommending it. I keep a 20D with 1.4TC and the lens attached all the time when traveling by car. I have actually carried this bag on a plane with tha body checked ina hard case separately. the 500 F4 comes with a case adequate for checking as checked baggage and so far so good.
I would recommend good insurance if you plan to do this.
You'll enjoy your new lens whatever bag you carry it in
Bob

[wapiti]

Sid,
I have the LowePro 600AW and often use it as a back pack. I keep a D2hs attached to my 500f4.0 on a permanent basis. As to protection, I would think that bumping would be OK, but regardless of what kind of bag you have, dropping this combo would not be advised.
I have a Kineses bag for my 3002.8 and D1x/D200 and while it may have a slight advantage in padding, I don't see the that much difference in the two.
You can't, IMO, go wrong with the LowePro, especially considering the cost differential.
Bill

[Chris Anderson]

I have the two of the lowepro's and have had great luck with them, including onboard airplanes. I have carried the 400, 500 and 600 in them,
C

[labmansid]

Thanks for the replies. So it looks like either one would be similar. I have a feeling the Kinesis would be somewhat higher quality, but I'm not sure if the difference justifies it for my use.

[Jim Victory]

I have the Kinesis and have owned the Lowepro and the quality is about the same. I just felt the Kinesis was more compact.