Steve's "What's in my bag"

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RichF

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Excellent video about equipment steve takes to Africa. I found the discussion of accessories very useful. Steve has much less accessories than I do. Time to reduce the extra bulk in my bag. Good challenge.

On question for Steve or anyone who has been following him. Steve mentioned a pouch he uses to keep his TCs in. I did not catch the name of it.


 
Here you go:

Thanks
 
I’m curious what other bags will a Sony 600f4 along with 2 bodies and a second lens such as the 100-400 fit as a carry on?
That's been the million dollar question for a long time. My four best choices are all out of production but can often be found on the used market:

- Mindshift Moose Peterson MP-1: Largest of the four listed fits a 600mm f/4 with body attached and lens hood reversed. Have never had to gate check but can be a tight squeeze on the smallest regional jets. Carrying this has made me nervous a few times as gate agents start calling to check roller boards but thankfully I've never been forced to check it and it carries my full kit including a 600mm f/4 a couple of bodies and other lenses, flashes, etc. Recently when I've traveled with this pack I've paid for upgrades that give me an early boarding group which relieves a lot of the stress.

- Gura Gear Bataflae 32L: Just fits a 600mm f/4 (and plenty of other gear) but is a couple of inches shorter than the MP-1 and a better bet for small jets.

- Moose Peterson MP-3: Fits a 600mm f/4 with no body attached but is a very good fit for the small regional jets. I had the original (pre-Mindshift version) of this and I wish I still had it but sold it during some downsizing and regret it now. Still on the lookout for the newer version in good shape.

- Gura Gear Bataflae 26L: Just barely fits a 600mm f/4 with no lens hood and only by reconfiguring the pack so the lens can sit straight up the center. The smallest of the four packs listed but I've used it in a pinch to carry a 600mm f/4 when I know I'll fly on planes with tiny overhead storage spaces but my lens hood ends up traveling in checked luggage as does other less fragile gear.

I've heard great things about some of the ThinkTank products but haven't owned them and haven't tried to pack a 600mm f/4 into any of them.
 
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That's been the million dollar question for a long time. My four best choices are all out of production but can often be found on the used market:

- Mindshift Moose Peterson MP-1: Largest of the four listed fits a 600mm f/4 with body attached and lens hood reversed. Have never had to gate check but can be a tight squeeze on the smallest regional jets. Carrying this has made me nervous a few times as gate agents start calling to check roller boards but thankfully I've never been forced to check it and it carries my full kit including a 600mm f/4 a couple of bodies and other lenses, flashes, etc. Recently when I've traveled with this pack I've paid for upgrades that give me an early boarding group which relieves a lot of the stress.

- Gura Gear Bataflae 32L: Just fits a 600mm f/4 (and plenty of other gear) but is a couple of inches shorter than the MP-1 and a better bet for small jets.

- Moose Peterson MP-3: Fits a 600mm f/4 with no body attached but is a very good fit for the small regional jets. I had the original (pre-Mindshift version) of this and I wish I still had it but sold it during some downsizing and regret it now. Still on the lookout for the newer version in good shape.

- Gura Gear Bataflae 26L: Just barely fits a 600mm f/4 with no lens hood and only by reconfiguring the pack so the lens can sit straight up the center. The smallest of the four packs listed but I've used it in a pinch to carry a 600mm f/4 when I know I'll fly on planes with tiny overhead storage spaces but my lens hood ends up traveling in checked luggage as does other less fragile gear.

I've heard great things about some of the ThinkTank products but haven't owned them and haven't tried to pack a 600mm f/4 into any of them.
I have used the batafale 32L with a Nikon and Canon 600. In fact one time I had Canon 600, 200-400, 2 1Dx M? bodies, a flash or two, TC 1.4 and 2.0, probably 70-200 in the bataflae. Was a jigsaw puzzle to pack so I took pictures as I went along so I could repack on the way home. Needless to say, it was HEAVY. I can not fit a Nikon 600 with body attached and for the most part lens hoods are real problem in this bag.

A friend has the largest ThinkTank bag and it looks bigger than the bataflae. Not sure about the harness system.

BTW the new Kiboko II (Kiboko is hippo is swahili) will not fit a nikon 600 F4.

FWIW here are the lengths of the different 600mm F4 lenses (from B&H website)
Sony: 17.68"
Nikon: 17.01"
Canon RF: 18.6"
 
It will without the hood. It's tight but it fits.
On a different note, what size cards do you use and how many shots do you take in a typical morning or afternoon session? Just wondering how about battery life in terms of shots. Thanks
 
On a different note, what size cards do you use and how many shots do you take in a typical morning or afternoon session? Just wondering how about battery life in terms of shots. Thanks
I've found battery life is more about usage time than number of shots. I was averaging 3000 shots per battery if it was busy (like constant flight shots). However, if I had to stare through the viewfinder and wait a long time, that number dropped significantly. Most of the time I need less than a battery per outing (we went out morning and evening).
 
Not that I know of, but I'm sure there's something out there :) Someone will likely chime in with some ideas.
HI Steve

I was looking for a pair of light weight bino like you have. I found a 10x25 vs your 8x25. Any reason to stick with the 8 vs 10?
 
Any tips on an electric outlet adapter for outside one's home country? I see several advertised but I'm not sure how good/reliable any of them might be.
 
Any tips on an electric outlet adapter for outside one's home country? I see several advertised but I'm not sure how good/reliable any of them might be.
I use plug adapters not voltage converters. Nearly every device is dual voltage today, but PLEASE check. I plug a power strip which does not a surge protector into the plug adapter (something like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072N854DK/?tag=backcogaller-20 though this is not the one I use). I find it is important to have the outlets well separated so device can fit without fighting for space. I also use a USB charging brick for my phone, watch, and whatever else I need
 
I use plug adapters not voltage converters. Nearly every device is dual voltage today, but PLEASE check. I plug a power strip which does not a surge protector into the plug adapter (something like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072N854DK/?tag=backcogaller-20 though this is not the one I use). I find it is important to have the outlets well separated so device can fit without fighting for space. I also use a USB charging brick for my phone, watch, and whatever else I need
That's great info, thanks!
 
When I saw Steve’s video using the Guragear bag I thought that this was the bag I’ve been looking for Looked around the site and couldn’t find any links for affiliate buying (Missing an income stream Steve), Then went out to Guradeat. Wow I got sticker shock. Had PTSD for 2 or 3 days. Then went ahead and ordered one but it still hasn’t arrived. Then a day ago I decided to try EBay. Lots of inexpensive options. When the Guragear bag arrives and if it is as good as I’m expecting I’ll keep it. Just to let everyone know that EBay can give you an option to keep your heart rate under control.
 
I’m curious what other bags will a Sony 600f4 along with 2 bodies and a second lens such as the 100-400 fit as a carry on?

Here is the bag I use for my Nikon 600 f/4.

It has a top compartment big enough for a camera body or flash and lens, as well as a relatively large pocket near the bottom. If I am using a 600 f/4 I only carry one other lens or some accessories in the bag. It's not big enough for a 70-200 or similar sized lens, but it carries well. I've used it on a bicycle and on hikes up to 5 miles or so.
 
Here is the bag I use for my Nikon 600 f/4.

It has a top compartment big enough for a camera body or flash and lens, as well as a relatively large pocket near the bottom. If I am using a 600 f/4 I only carry one other lens or some accessories in the bag. It's not big enough for a 70-200 or similar sized lens, but it carries well. I've used it on a bicycle and on hikes up to 5 miles or so.

I‘ve been using this bag for over 20 years now. Excellent item that gives great protection and can be hand carried or you can add shoulder straps and a belt.
 
When I saw Steve’s video using the Guragear bag I thought that this was the bag I’ve been looking for Looked around the site and couldn’t find any links for affiliate buying (Missing an income stream Steve), Then went out to Guradeat. Wow I got sticker shock. Had PTSD for 2 or 3 days. Then went ahead and ordered one but it still hasn’t arrived. Then a day ago I decided to try EBay. Lots of inexpensive options. When the Guragear bag arrives and if it is as good as I’m expecting I’ll keep it. Just to let everyone know that EBay can give you an option to keep your heart rate under control.
LOL, yeah, it's a pricy bag for sure. I can say they last really well though. It's seen a lot of milage and just keeps going. eBay is a good alternative for things like bags (and tripods, monopods, heads and general camera accessories too).
 
When I saw Steve’s video using the Guragear bag I thought that this was the bag I’ve been looking for Looked around the site and couldn’t find any links for affiliate buying (Missing an income stream Steve), Then went out to Guradeat. Wow I got sticker shock. Had PTSD for 2 or 3 days. Then went ahead and ordered one but it still hasn’t arrived. Then a day ago I decided to try EBay. Lots of inexpensive options. When the Guragear bag arrives and if it is as good as I’m expecting I’ll keep it. Just to let everyone know that EBay can give you an option to keep your heart rate under control.

A good bag/backpack will cost a bit, but IME the money spent is well worth it in terms of protection, usability and durability. When you consider photographic equipment expense, a good backpack costs much less than a good lens or camera body, and protects the investments you've made. :) I'm guessing you will love your Gura Grear bag!
 
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