Carrying a beast on your back(pack)!

Sanjay Sen

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I am looking for a suitable backpack to carry the Canon 600mm 1:4.5 FD out to where it can actually be put to use. So, what do you wildlife and bird photogs with super telephoto lenses use? Ideally, the backpack should hold the lens, a body (or two), 2-3 smaller lenses and accessories. Are there any special backpacks for super telephoto lenses?

Your suggestions/ideas are always much appreciated!


Regards.
 

David A. Goldfarb

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I use an OutPack ScopePack for the same lens, but I'm not sure they are still available. Last I checked, the company had been bought out by Domke. When I bought it, it was generally considered the best option for big lenses. The bottom pockets are padded and can hold another body or two or three lenses or strobe battery pack.



There are long lens packs available from Tenba, Lightware, ThinkTank, and I think Domke may make another one, but I'm not sure how those are on pockets for other equipment. You can find a few at B&H, and Adorama may carry the ThinkTank.
 
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Sanjay Sen

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Thanks, David. I will look into those that you mentioned. I have not been able to use this lens since I don't have a means to carry it out to the field. The lens case is too unwieldy.


Best,
Sanjay
 

David A. Goldfarb

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Spring migration is on, so it's a good time to get out at least to Central Park.
 

Mahler_one

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Photo-Backpacker is one of our sponsors. I have purchased several LF "ready" back packs from the company. The back packs have performed exactly as planned. I suggest giving the owner a ring, and discussing your exact needs with reference to what you will be carrying, etc., etc. I believe that he can design a solution that will be perfect for your gear and how you plan to photograph.

Ed
 

David A. Goldfarb

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I don't think Lowe-Pro currently makes a long-lens bag, at least not from looking at their website, and out of curiosity, I checked ThinkTank, Domke, and Tenba, and they have big glass bags, but not long enough for the FD 600/4.5, which needs 19" to go in a pack without a camera attached, and it's preferable to be able to keep the camera attached as I do in the ScopePack. Lightware makes a bag (Z600) for a 600mm that's long enough, and it takes accessory pockets, but it's a shoulder bag, rather than a backpack.

Tamrac makes the 5589 Expedition 9x backpack, which is long enough for the lens with camera attached, and can carry a lot of stuff, but seems big and bulky compared to a ScopePack.
 
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Sanjay Sen

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I'll probably haul the lens in the case to Central Park one of these mornings, if I cannot find a suitable backpack soon. I was actually planning to make it to the Rowe Sanctuary this year to catch the Sandhill Crane migration (have been thinking about it for a few years now), but not sure if I'll be able to make it this year (either). It's supposed to be a great experience.

Do you have any tips on good Central Park locations? I am quite new to this, as you can probably tell.


Thanks, all!
 

David A. Goldfarb

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There are many good birding spots in Central Park, particularly right now. There's a lot of birding activity in The Ramble, but that's mostly for smaller birds like warblers, which can be more challenging to photograph, particularly if you're just getting used to the big lens, though there are also thrushes and woodpeckers that can be easier to get. You should find some migrant waterfowl on the big lake, Turtle Pond, and the Harlem Meer that are a little easier.
 
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Sanjay Sen

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cyberspider said:
ok im very very jealous i only have a 200mm for the minolta and a 210mm for the pentax
Click to expand...
I blew my bonus a couple of years ago on this, and a Canon F1-n to go with it. Had to convince you-know-who a bit, especially since this was the most expensive lens I've bought (so far). What I would really like is to be able to put it to good use.
 
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Sanjay Sen

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Thanks again, David. I've been to your website and looked over your bird photographs a number of times. Have you photographed any recently that are not on the site?

(I have seen just one Northern Flicker to date, a couple of years back in our "backyard" in Jersey. It is a gorgeous bird!)
 

jeffreyg

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Tamrac has some large backpacks with adjustable inserts as well as being comfortable. I have been very pleased with mine but use it for medium format equipment and it holds a lot and keeps them dry. They also ha add-on accessories. i would think they have a website that would give dimensions of their products.
 

David A. Goldfarb

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Posted wirelessly..


I have lots more recent slides, but haven't had much time to scan them. My bird gallery is way overdue for an update.
 
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