Backpack for Z9 + 600 TC

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I have a custom made bag from Vertex https://www.vertexphoto.com/

I bought it for my Z800 f/6.3 on Nikon Z9 and luckily it fits my Z9 and Z600 f/4 TC perfectly. It goes into the bag with my Zemlin 2 piece hood installed in shooting position so it is ready to use as soon as it comes out of the bag.

It can be used in many ways and comes with detachable pads and straps for use as a backpack but I only use it for transport in a vehicle in back seat or secured by straps standing upright in passenger seat if wife not with me. It has multiple ways to access the camera and lens, top, sides etc..

When I leave the vehicle I carry it with a Holdfast Gear MoneyMaker solo custom made leather cross body shoulder strap/harness.
 
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I've got the NYA-EVO (and I LOVE it for hiking) and my Z9 + FTZii + 600f4 (f-mount) + hood attached fits with the XL insert. It's a little tight, though. The hood bulges against your back a little. And the top loading opening of the bag itself is a little tight to zip closed (the insert zips shut fine). If I remember correctly, the Z mount 600TC is slightly shorter and slimmer, though. So should have more wiggle room and not be as tight as this setup is with the added FTZ length.

Photos below, both with the insert alone and the insert in the bag.

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That said, I almost never use it this way. If I'm taking the 600f4 anywhere, I generally use my GuraGear with the 600 detached. And if I'm hiking with it, I just hand carry the camera/lens and take a small daypack to hold accessories to keep the overall weight down.

The NYA bag is amazing, though. It fits in carry-on and is super comfy to carry. Highly adjustable. The inserts zip fully shut, so even if they hassle you at the gate, you can just pull the insert, zip it up, and gate check the rest. The quality is great, too. And lots of handy pockets. I like the waterproof pouch at the top for storing rain gear, too. And I added a couple extra pouches to the waist belt to carry my phone and cleaning supplies. It's generally my go-to bag any time I'm not taking the 600. Highly recommend!

Edit: Note, I didn't put the insert dividers in for this shot. They're in another box somewhere and didn't feel like digging them up for a quick demo photo. But you can stabilize the camera with them easily. For the 600TC, this will probably work great.
 
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I am not sure exactly what the original question was specifically asking but the word airlines was mentioned. In a few weeks we head to Africa. At 80 years old making the first trip there. I did a lot of research into airline bag allowances etc. For a carry-on I came up with a max of 22 X 14 X 10 and for a second bag/personal bag/backpack I came up with 18 X 14 X 8 – that’s inches. If your camera/lens combo exceeds these dimensions you may not be able to carry-on.

I could not find a backpack that worked for my specific gear that would not annoy the airlines – we’ll be on several so had to check them all. I could do something in the carry-on size but wanted to have my carry-on for other things and the backpack for most of the camera equipment. I do not have the camera/lens combo mentioned so do not know what size in inches would be required and still get the airlines to let me keep my gear without checking. I want to be able to use the backpack for hiking etc and don’t want a huge one. Tripod and other stuff can be strapped on or whatever but not on this trip.

We found a backpack that is right on the airline spec size but could not find a camera backpack. I bought the sized backpack and bought some Shadow Foam on Amazon and learned how to cut it on You Tube. I made my own custom fit for my exact equipment.

I made a template by first computer sizing pictures of all my gear. Cut out each item. make a template on poster board – lots of experimenting to find best placement of everything to best use the space. Carefully cut 4 layers of Shadow Foam – only need thickness of all 4 for the biggest lens. Someone could easily improve on this. Glue the 4 layers together. Perfect custom fit bag for my personal needs – maybe not yours. I coated the finished foam with Plasti-Dip though that might not have been the best idea and would not be required – I just thought it might make the foam hold up better. Lots of Shadow Foam sizes on Amazon and lots of instruction videos on You Tube. Shadow Foam under $30.

I will try to post a picture to give an idea of what I mean – but with my Z6iii and 28-400 out of their slots to take the shot. Room for my Sigma 150-600 – adapter and 1.4 TC – batteries - shoe/collar/mount for each lens – extra SD card case. There can be other things in the bag but this is just to show what I came up with. The shadowfoam website has more – I will try to link a webpage with some other ideas.

https://shadowfoam.com/blogs/article/shadow-foam-uses-photography-kitbackpack.jpg
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Marcelo_R said:
This Vanguard Alta Sky 68 will hold the Z9 + Z600TC attached and much more:

www.vanguardworld.com

Alta Sky 68 Large Camera Backpack

Vanguard's Alta collection of tripods, tripod heads, and camera bags feature state of the art material and production processes that yield flawless results. Our Alta Sky 68 is a next-gen camera backpack that is designed to be a true workhorse, with a generous volume of interior space...
www.vanguardworld.com www.vanguardworld.com

I did have it loaded with the Z800 PF and the AfS 180/400 TC with both Z9's, a D6 body on top and some more small items... (battery chargers, HDD, etc). Heavy load though...
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Adding to this, there is both space for the hood to face forward, a bonus of very quick top access and (if you are fit) space for the 800 PF at the side.
 
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RichF said:
ALl the standard size backpacks will not fit the Z9 with the 600 TC attached. I am looking for a good backpack for this combination, versus carrying the lens detached from the body. I realize that this bag would be too long to be airline legal, but when driving or walking to a sight, it would be nice to have the camera attached to the lens.
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Rich, I do have the z9+Z 600TC attached and it fits just fine along one half of the Tenba Axis 36. Along the other side I usually have the Canon EF 200-400mm f4 TC (which is identical to the nikon version in 180-400/4 TC) + Canon R5ii body or Z8, both of which require a lens to body adapter. This leaves 'just' enough space for a tenba pouch having inside the Z TC 1.4xx and 2x and spare body/lens caps.

Both are orriented with body to top of pack and hoods at bottom, side by side.

Some packs "use up" their total linear intn'l airline length by using too much depth and then aren't as wide or long. I'd say this tenba gets it perfectly.

I do use the Zemlin lens covers which allows leaving behind the bulky over-hood.

If I keep the z9+z 600/tc in there but swap out to the canon RF 100-300, an R5ii, it allows another lens such as a wide zoom 24-70/2.8 but I have not tested fitting in the RF 28-70/2. If I reduced to only the Z9 body, I could still have the EF 200-400/4, plus a wide zoom, maybe 2 short lenses.
 
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RichF said:
ALl the standard size backpacks will not fit the Z9 with the 600 TC attached. I am looking for a good backpack for this combination, versus carrying the lens detached from the body. I realize that this bag would be too long to be airline legal, but when driving or walking to a sight, it would be nice to have the camera attached to the lens.
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Take a look at what Ruggard has to offer. I have one that handles my D500 attached to my sigma 300-800mm f5 6 . It works well. It also has a couple pockets that I put my 105mm f2.8 in and another pocket that holds card battery ect ect. Had it for 3 years now and it's still in great shape
 
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Drbobcameraguy said:
Take a look at what Ruggard has to offer. I have one that handles my D500 attached to my sigma 300-800mm f5 6 . It works well. It also has a couple pockets that I put my 105mm f2.8 in and another pocket that holds card battery ect ect. Had it for 3 years now and it's still in great shape
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I had the Ruggard I think it is now called the Alpine 600 I used it with d6 and 600 f/4E. It worked for for the Z9 and Z 600 f/4TC but sold it I just found the custom made bag from Vertex https://www.vertexphoto.com/ worked better for my use.
 
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RichF said:
ALl the standard size backpacks will not fit the Z9 with the 600 TC attached. I am looking for a good backpack for this combination, versus carrying the lens detached from the body. I realize that this bag would be too long to be airline legal, but when driving or walking to a sight, it would be nice to have the camera attached to the lens.
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Man, do I wish I had that problem!
 
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RichF said:
All the standard size backpacks will not fit the Z9 with the 600 TC attached. I am looking for a good backpack for this combination, versus carrying the lens detached from the body. I realize that this bag would be too long to be airline legal, but when driving or walking to a sight, it would be nice to have the camera attached to the lens.
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I know that having the lens attached is a bonus for quick removal for shooting straight away, but is it really necessary? I have decided to have the camera and lens separate in a smaller backpack and take the lens and camera out prior to shooting and then sling the combo over my shoulder rather than carry it in the backpack and then get it out. I find that the backpacks for the camera and the 600mm f4 TC lens attached is just getting way too large for comfortable use in most cases. Like @Krümelkraft above, I do have the Mindshift Backlight 36L which just fits in with camera and lens attached but it is also a largish bag. I use the Mindshift Backlight 36L when I want to take another lens or two also as shown by @Krümelkraft above. I do have a the Lowepro Lens Trekker 600AW but never use it as it is too large for me IMO.

If I am just using the 600TC, I now mainly use the Vanguard R48 which is very small and light but you have to have the lens separate from the camera. As I stated above, I just take the camera and lens out and attach them before walking to where I am shooting. I can then put the backpack on my back and the camera/lens slung over my shoulder. As with my preference, the Vanguard R48 and the Mindshift Backlight are all rear entry backpacks. Rear entry meaning that the opening to get to the gear is against your back and thus when you put the bag on the ground after taking off your back it is open upwards facing you. This also means that if you put it on a dirty or wet ground, you do not get that dirt on your back or get a wet back. In a pinch, these bags can be accessed with the belt still done up and removing the shoulder straps and then swiveling the bag around your hips and accessing the gear without putting it on the ground.
 
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Lance B said:
I know that having the lens attached is a bonus for quick removal for shooting straight away, but is it really necessary? I have decided to have the camera and lens separate in a smaller backpack and take the lens and camera out prior to shooting and then sling the combo over my shoulder rather than carry it in the backpack and then get it out. I find that the backpacks for the camera and the 600mm f4 TC lens attached is just getting way too large for comfortable use in most cases. Like @Krümelkraft above, I do have the Mindshift Backlight 36L which just fits in with camera and lens attached but it is also a largish bag. I use the Mindshift Backlight 36L when I want to take another lens or two also as shown by @Krümelkraft above. I do have a the Lowepro Lens Trekker 600AW but never use it as it is too large for me IMO.

If I am just using the 600TC, I now mainly use the Vanguard R48 which is very small and light but you have to have the lens separate from the camera. As I stated above, I just take the camera and lens out and attach them before walking to where I am shooting. I can then put the backpack on my back and the camera/lens slung over my shoulder. As with my preference, the Vanguard R48 and the Mindshift Backlight are all rear entry backpacks. Rear entry meaning that the opening to get to the gear is against your back and thus when you put the bag on the ground after taking off your back it is open upwards facing you. This also means that if you put it on a dirty or wet ground, you do not get that dirt on your back or get a wet back. In a pinch, these bags can be accessed with the belt still done up and removing the shoulder straps and then swiveling the bag around your hips and accessing the gear without putting it on the ground.
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As I noted earlier I carry my Z9 600 f/4 TC on a Holdfast Gear money maker solo leather cross body strap/harness when I am in the field ready to shoot.

I have a custom made bag from Vertex https://www.vertexphoto.com/

It goes into the bag with my Zemlin 2 piece hood installed in shooting position so it is ready to use as soon as it comes out of the bag. I only use it for transport in a vehicle in back seat or secured by straps standing upright in passenger seat if wife not with me. It has multiple ways to access the camera and lens, top, sides etc..

It does have a waist belt and padded shoulder straps but they are detachable and I have never used them.

If I really needed a backpack for some reason I would most likely use my Mindshift Backlight 36L.
 
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Ken Miracle said:
As I noted I carry my Z9 600 f/4 TC on a Holdfast Gear money maker solo leather cross body strap/harness when I am in the field ready to shoot.
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I only really read your OP, so I missed where you stated that. :)

I find the Vanguard R48 is really comfortable with and without the camera/lens in the bag and it is also very light. However, I am not a tall person and thus may not suit you where another bag may suit you. These things can be very personal! :)
 
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RichF said:
Yes if I am hiking and come upon a great scene. Wasting 30 second or a minute means I could miss the shto.

For travel no .
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What I am saying is, have it out on your shoulder whilst hiking and you will never miss a shot. That is the way I do it. You can still miss a shot even when the lens and camera is attached in the backpack and have to get it out first. :)
 
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RichF said:
ALl the standard size backpacks will not fit the Z9 with the 600 TC attached. I am looking for a good backpack for this combination, versus carrying the lens detached from the body. I realize that this bag would be too long to be airline legal, but when driving or walking to a sight, it would be nice to have the camera attached to the lens.
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Depending on the additional gear you want to carry (hide/tripod, matt, stool etc.) I would recommend:
-for really heavy loading - check out bags with zipper opening used by military or for trecking - with a high load capacity and order a custom insert.
-for moderate weight - check out photo backpacks. I highly recommend Nya Evo and Shimoda.
-for low weight - a single lens backpack - usually they have enough space to take an additional lens
 
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+1 for Nya Evo 60L with XL ICU. I discovered it thanks to this forum and it's amazing. Comfortable, sturdy, weatherproof & you can pack a lot of additional stuff there (including wet raincoat) and you gear will stay safe. I've used it a few times in the forest and I love it so far.
 
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One of the most underrated things in those backpacks are helmet nets. They are so bloody awesome to carry light and high volume items. In my case usually these are camo nets (in their bags) or mats. Mats can be carried below the backpack. Shimoda sells those compression straps as accessories. Nye Evo deos not, but Nya evo 60l has loops on the bottom and you can buy the straps for like 4 bucks at alliexpress/temu/whatever.

Add a rolltop and you can basicaly carry everything on your back. The main dwarback is max loading. Both nya evo and shimoda have the upper limit - around 15kg I would say. And they start to get uncomfy. For it happens if I load them with complete hide kit - full insert, tripod with head, stool, hide and a camo net. All strapped to the backpack. Note that the head+tripod is around 3kg, tent is 6kg and stool is around 1kg. Add the camera and backpack itself and we are talking at least 15kg, with two lenses batteries etc. getting close to 20 kg.
 
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Ken Miracle said:
I have a custom made bag from Vertex https://www.vertexphoto.com/

I bought it for my Z800 f/6.3 on Nikon Z9 and luckily it fits my Z9 and Z600 f/4 TC perfectly. It goes into the bag with my Zemlin 2 piece hood installed in shooting position so it is ready to use as soon as it comes out of the bag.

It can be used in many ways and comes with detachable pads and straps for use as a backpack but I only use it for transport in a vehicle in back seat or secured by straps standing upright in passenger seat if wife not with me. It has multiple ways to access the camera and lens, top, sides etc..

When I leave the vehicle I carry it with a Holdfast Gear MoneyMaker solo custom made leather cross body shoulder strap/harness.
Click to expand...
I would have packed this bag for use in the field on my recent arctic trip. Thanks for the tip; gonna grab one -- the price is ridiculously good given it's a photo bag :)
 
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Anjin San said:
Hudson Henry uses his Nya Evo and the extra large insert for Z9 and 400/2.8…and the 600TC is only 2 inches longer so it might fit…but I don’t know for sure.
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Yes it fits as has been mentioned already in this thread and detailed with photos in the thread that Nick linked to in post #2. Here are a few direct links to post showing the combination:

Big Prime - Camera Bags & Backpacks

When I learned of the cost to replace a Nikon lens hood for the 600mm f/4E lens I bought a Lenscoat adjustable hood the comes apart and lies flat in the bag. After a trip to Costa Rica with a 37 lb backpack I started to investigate using a 18L backpack as my "personal item" and transfer 12-15...
bcgforums.com bcgforums.com

Big Prime - Camera Bags & Backpacks

anyone have the new Sony 300 2.8 and a big prime? 400 f2.8 or 600 f4? @arbitrage wondering if it's easier to pack say a 300/600 vs 400/800. I should've done testing when I had both, but alas I didn't. I have the 300GM and the 600GM now. 400GM was sold to fund the 300GM. My preferred bag for...
bcgforums.com bcgforums.com

Big Prime - Camera Bags & Backpacks

Ok, I finally had time to pack the bag and take a photo. This is the Nya-Evo 60C (or whatever) with XL RCI. It contains a 600mm FL E attached to a Z9 and FTZ II. In the other side, I have a 1.4x TC III, Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8, Zeiss 21mm f/2.8, and Nikon 100-4000 S. The 600mm has the Zemlin...
bcgforums.com bcgforums.com

Big Prime - Camera Bags & Backpacks

does anyone have experience with the Ruggard Alpine 600, Lowepro Lens Trekker 600, or something similar? thanks! I have the Ruggard Alpine 600, and it fits my Z9 with 180-400 & FTZII and an extender attached, cradles it nicely. I've also fit a 400mm/2.8 the same way. I'm able to fit a...
bcgforums.com bcgforums.com
 
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