Best camera bag for big glass and travel

[Graham Clark]

Weight is generally not considered in the US, but in Europe and many other areas weight is strictly enforced.

Agree that weight can be an issue with European carriers. If I need the 500mm f/4 and/or the 300mm f/2.8 for a specific project I fly with British Airways for long haul (23kg carry on limit) or easyJet for short haul (no carry on weight limit for easyJet Plus members).

The most strict I've found is Air Baltic, fortunately someone on the same assignment was "travelling light" and helped out

Bag of choice is the Mindshift Backlight 45L, not had a problem on either of the above carriers

EDIT: Forgot to add that I travel with a Surface Pro tablet/keyboard plus a couple of Samsung T5 SSD's in a 5.11 Rush Messenger bag.

 

[LL4D500]

Like you, I'm always on the lookout for that "perfect" bag. I can't get my head around the idea that there may not be one (OH NOOOOO)
So after a couple of dozen, I still come back to my Lowepro 250 FastBack.

Now I'm going on trip via Athens and want something for my Nikon z6 plus three lenses and I'm eyeballing the Peli Carry On 1535 with the Traklok system. Its designed for carrying the plane - I guess the name is a bit of a give-away - and that internal system gives a lot of opportunity to change things around.

Has anyone used this?

Have you looked at the SKB 2011-7?
Photographers that I have respect for typically recommend the SKB over the Pelican, even those that sell both brands. The SKB 2011-7 is 9”x14”x22”, so it meets carryon requirements. I have 2 SKB’s (one SKB holds D500 w/one of my 3 long lenses mounted, flash and accessories. The second SKB has room for 2 D500’s with two of three long lenses mounted or the 16-80 mounted on on, but is 1.5” too wide for carryon. I am going to get the 2011-7 (wheels) for a trip to Costa Rica next year. Will accommodate my two D 500’s with a 500 PF on one and 80-400 on the other. Also has room for 70-200 2.8 plus 16-80, a flash, along with other accessories .
The 2011-7 is deep enough that I can place the two lens mounted D500’s vertical rather than horizontal.

 

[RichF]

Have you looked at the SKB 2011-7?
Photographers that I have respect for typically recommend the SKB over the Pelican, even those that sell both brands. The SKB 2011-7 is 9”x14”x22”, so it meets carryon requirements. I have 2 SKB’s (one SKB holds D500 w/one of my 3 long lenses mounted, flash and accessories. The second SKB has room for 2 D500’s with two of three long lenses mounted or the 16-80 mounted on on, but is 1.5” too wide for carryon. I am going to get the 2011-7 (wheels) for a trip to Costa Rica next year. Will accommodate my two D 500’s with a 500 PF on one and 80-400 on the other. Also has room for 70-200 2.8 plus 16-80, a flash, along with other accessories .
The 2011-7 is deep enough that I can place the two lens mounted D500’s vertical rather than horizontal.

What do you for dividers or do you cut out the foam?

 

[LL4D500]

What do you for dividers or do you cut out the foam?

They have three versions: one has foam one can cut - I don’t like that because it has no flexibility. The second has Velcro dividers that allow me to configure/re-configure based on what I want to take with me (love it) . The third option had a re-movable back pack that has Velcro dividers. I don’t like that one as I am 6’6””/240# and the back pack doesn’t fit me.
Go on the internet and look up SKB cases. They have about 50 different cases. They list the interior/exterior dimensions, weight and there are pictures showing various configurations.
Hope this helps!

 

[nmoens]

I have the lowepro Whistler BP450 AW and love it.
Its size allows you to take it into the cabin, I can carry 2 bodies, my 500 f4 , and a couple more shorter lenses, there is still plenty of room and pocket for cleaning products, batteries, card, flash and a place for your laptop... It is a sturdy backpack that is comfortable to wear and I am not afraid of tossing it around.
If I leave my F4 lens at home, I can fit my 200-500 on one of my body and pack 3 or 4 other lenses... I just cannot bring my 500 and my 200-500 at the same time
I do put my tripod or monopod in my check luggage... I never had issues but if I loose that it is not as bad as my camera or lenses

 

[Marco74]

I have an hold Guru Gear Bataflae 32L.
The main compartment is divided into two parts that can be opened separately (from here, the name Bataflae = Butterfly) or together as a unique big compartment.
On one side, there is enough space for the 600-f4 Fl. On the other side, two camera bodies like D5 and two or three lenses depend on their size.
On the external compartment that remains divided in two, some accessories like spare batteries or filter.
I bring with me several time on national flight as carrying on language. Obviously, the total weight full of equipment can be a problem.

It is also very comfortable.
A few years ago, the American Guru Gear company was bought by Tamrac. Now a similar model is available by Tamrac, but the quality is a lot lower.
I bought from Tamrac the 26lt. And it is very uncomfortable to carry; it literally breaks my shoulders. So now I keep it as an emergency backpack and keep my gear well organized in the closet. If you are interested, don't buy the Tamrac but look for the original Guru Gear.

Here a review with some photos.
https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Gura-Gear-Bataflae-32L-Review.aspx

 

[Marco74]

I checked. The Tamrac have removed from their catalogue the Bataflae.
Guru Gaer exists again, but they don't produce the Bataflae but a similar one. The Kiboko is a little smaller, 30lt.

https://guragear.com/collections/camera-backpacks/products/kiboko-v2-0-30l

it's not cheap, but it wasn't cheap before either.

 

[RichF]

I checked. The Tamrac have removed from their catalogue the Bataflae.
Guru Gaer exists again, but they don't produce the Bataflae but a similar one. The Kiboko is a little smaller, 30lt.

https://guragear.com/collections/camera-backpacks/products/kiboko-v2-0-30l

it's not cheap, but it wasn't cheap before either.

The Bataflae could hold a 600F4 without hood while the Kiboko II (BTW Kiboko means hippo in Swahili) can not. It is a bit smaller. I talked to the Gura Gear company (I think Andy Biggs is still one of the leads) and their is interest in making a Kiboko-like bag that hold a 600F4 - not sure if they will do it.

 

[DRwyoming]

FWIW, I use a Mindshift Moose Peterson MP-1 vII to carry my 600mm f/4 G lens and kit. I've carried it (and the original MP-1 I bought from Moose) on many airplanes including small commuter planes and though I've stressed over late boarding and strict gate check agents I've never had to check the bag to the cargo hold. One time I had a flight attendant try to force me to gate check my camera bag when I was in a late boarding group but I showed her what was in it and she found room for it in the first class section up front. These days with the tiny seats and everyone doing carry on I usually pay the fee for an early boarding group which reduces pre-boarding stress levels.

 

[RichF]

FWIW, I use a Mindshift Moose Peterson MP-1 vII to carry my 600mm f/4 G lens and kit. I've carried it (and the original MP-1 I bought from Moose) on many airplanes including small commuter planes and though I've stressed over late boarding and strict gate check agents I've never had to check the bag to the cargo hold. One time I had a flight attendant try to force me to gate check my camera bag when I was in a late boarding group but I showed her what was in it and she found room for it in the first class section up front. These days with the tiny seats and everyone doing carry on I usually pay the fee for an early boarding group which reduces pre-boarding stress levels.

I wish the airlines would sell guaranteed overhead bin space. My wife occasionally travels with her viola and I travel with camera equipment. Between us, many 10s of thousands of $. In fact I think the charge for carry on space should be higher than checked bags

 

[DRwyoming]

I wish the airlines would sell guaranteed overhead bin space. My wife occasionally travels with her viola and I travel with camera equipment. Between us, many 10s of thousands of $. In fact I think the charge for carry on space should be higher than checked bags

Agreed, that would be great.

 

[Marco74]

The Bataflae could hold a 600F4 without hood while the Kiboko II (BTW Kiboko means hippo in Swahili) can not. It is a bit smaller. I talked to the Gura Gear company (I think Andy Biggs is still one of the leads) and their is interest in making a Kiboko-like bag that hold a 600F4 - not sure if they will do it.

Nice to know. I will keep my BataFlae 32L like a precious gem now that I know it's no longer in production. For me, it's a great backpack and I don't understand why GuruGear doesn't put it back in the catalogue.

 

[RichF]

Nice to know. I will keep my BataFlae 32L like a precious gem now that I know it's no longer in production. For me, it's a great backpack and I don't understand why GuruGear doesn't put it back in the catalogue.

I think they sold out to Tamrac and then regretted it. But since Tamrac owns the design ...

 

[Marco74]

Tamrac removed the BataFlae from the catalogue. Probably the choice to ruin the quality of the product by maintaining a high selling price, in the end, did not give the results they expected. And from my point of view, that's what they deserve.

On the market, there are a lot of backpacks and photographic bags, but none are perfect. The BataFlae is the product that comes closest to the features that, in my opinion, are indispensable. However, now for my mountains photographic excursions, I use mountaineering backpacks. They are much more comfortable in a lighter structure.

Up to 11kg in weight, I use an Osprey Exos with great satisfaction. The Neoprene cases protect the photographic material.
If I bring with me the 500PF, I use its suitcase.

Last Sunday, my friend and I, made a trail with 860 m of elevation, and both use the Exos.
Inside were the 24-70Z, 14-30Z, Z6II, clothes, GoreTex rain cover, lunch, water, snow crampons, tripod, and various photographic filters.
It is impossible to store the same material inside any other photographic bags or backpack.

I also bought the F-Stop Tilopa, but I wouldn't say I like it, so I sold it. It is not comfortable.
As an alternative with the same volume, I bought the Osprey Atmos, which is a lot better, but now I use it only when I spend out the night.
Personally tested up to 21kg.

 

[SandyW]

I really like the F-Stop IUC combos. Very adaptable and their backpack frames are very comfortable. Unfortunately now that I am no longer young and in shape I use a Thinktank roller to get through airports, but the F-Stop bag travels nicely in my rolling duffel.
https://shop.fstopgear.com/

 

[arbitrage]

I own the original Kiboko 30L and the Bataflae 32L. I use an original Chobe for my personal item bag. That thing can swallow a 200-400 and I did that once going to Antarctica with other big glass and bodies etc in the Kiboko.

However, at home I mostly use my F-Stop Ajna bag with XL ICU as it is a little better comfort bag for walking or hiking but it doesn't fit everything I'd take on a plane to an exotic photo trip. At home I put my 600/4GM, 200-600 and A1 in the bag with the TCs. I can also lay a 2nd body in a neoprene case on top but not into the proper place in the ICU. The GuraGear bags can swallow a lot more for air travel.

As noted above the new version of the Kiboko has issues fitting the hood of the 600/4 lenses in the bag now. Not sure why they made it just slightly smaller and sacrificed 600/4 travel (possibly 400/2.8 travel also...I've read mixed reports)??

 

[arbitrage]

I think they sold out to Tamrac and then regretted it. But since Tamrac owns the design ...

GuraGear actually bought Tamrac but kept the Tamrac brand as it was a bigger name at the time. I'm not sure what they have now done with Tamrac after reestablishing GuraGear as a separate brand??

 

[RichF]

GuraGear actually bought Tamrac but kept the Tamrac brand as it was a bigger name at the time. I'm not sure what they have now done with Tamrac after reestablishing GuraGear as a separate brand??

Just checked Tamrac and found no Gura Gear bags. Their backpacks more "basic". Not sure what the future of the Gura Gear is. They are designed the Chobe which hopefully will be a major improvement.

 

[fcotterill]

I've also tried out too many backpacks for photography system(s) - with each of the several bags trialled, there's always not quite correct!

In 2 posts, I summarized my previous (circa 2019) and current solutions in this thread:

Large Lens Carry-on Packs

It absolutely will not take the 500F4 with the camera attached, that I can attest to :) The 500F4 by itself just fits exactly in the compartment, and that's without the hood. I put an Optec hood hat on it for protection and carry the hood separately, either in my personal item, or pack it in...

bcgforums.com

Large Lens Carry-on Packs

I'm looking for suggestions for a small-airplane carry-on bag that will accommodate 2 bodies, 1 500mm F4 lens, 1 120-400 zoom, 1 15" laptop, a hard drive and assorted accessories. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks.

bcgforums.com

I have been in search of the ideal camera bag for years. My wife accuses me of joining "The Bag of the Month" club and threaten to put me on a 12 step program.

I realize that no bag is ideal, but what is your favorite for travel with long glass?

What is your computer bag when traveling?

What is missing from your camera bag?

 

[fcotterill]

Hello, my two previous posts try to cover many of the factors/lessons etc travelling and hiking. While a Pelican style hard case has best protection and security, a backpack ticks most of the demands. But then, no backpack for photographic gear can meet "everyone's" needs... too much diversity of needs, gear and what each of us is prepared to pack and lug about.

Hi Guys
I manufacture Custom ( and standard stock) Canera and Lens carrying systems Bags and we are developing an all terrain all weather Rucksack style with a central protective core for a long 600 F4 and connecting camera with grip and around 9 /12 internal External zipped pockets to take lenses extra body and all the kit we need ( or think we need) on an expedition. All this on a Carry on Airline locker size.. What else would you want to see included?? Made in Any suggestions welcome

 

[fcotterill]

I remembered this Kickstarter last year, and these reviews under my vast list of bookmarks for Bags

A Detailed Review of the New Gura Gear Chobe 2.0 Camera Bag - Worth the Wait?

The Gura Gear Chobe 2.0 is an updated version of a popular camera shoulder bag. It was built for organization, travel, durability and style.

shuttermuse.com

Gura Gear Chobe 2.0 Camera Bag Review | A Durable Everyday Messenger Bag

This newly redesigned shoulder bag offers extremely high quality construction and ample gear protection, in a package that won't attract too much attention.

www.slrlounge.com

Review: Gura Gear Chobe 2.0 laptop/camera bag - Squiver

Read the latest news about award-winning professional wildlife and nature photographer Marsel van Oosten. Squiver offers exciting nature photography trips to great destinations worldwide. Book your photo safari, photography holiday or photo tour online with Squiver Photo Trips. We offer...

www.squiver.com

Also Thom Hogan has covered some of this territory but it's still incomplete for my needs

Carrying 101 | Cameras and Photography Explained | Thom Hogan

How do you carry camera equipment?

www.bythom.com

Just checked Tamrac and found no Gura Gear bags. Their backpacks more "basic". Not sure what the future of the Gura Gear is. They are designed the Chobe which hopefully will be a major improvement.

 

[Clive57]

I have been in search of the ideal camera bag for years. My wife accuses me of joining "The Bag of the Month" club and threaten to put me on a 12 step program.

I realize that no bag is ideal, but what is your favorite for travel with long glass?

What is your computer bag when traveling?

What is missing from your camera bag?

Fstop bags are far and away the best I have used

 

[Don'sPhotoStream]

Excellent discussion... I’ll add that always research every airline you will fly on, and pack for the most restrictive size and weight. Oh, one other thing... be prepared to have a flight attendant tell you “I’m sorry, but all the available overheads are full, you’ll have to “gate check“ your bag.”

 

[DL Photo]

I too continue to search for the right bag... it just seems like I want to carry more than any one bag can handle. But when I travel... I use the Mindshift Gear Moose Peterson MP-1 V2.0 Backpack to carry on the plane. While it is labeled a backpack it is not one I would use for really long hikes. It does carry my D500, D810, 500ph, 14-24mm, 70-200mm, 24-70mm, and a host of supplies. As long as the airline does not weigh the bag it has taken me to a lot of places by air. I also take a light weight Tamrac bag in the checked duffel along with my tripod.

 

[GrandNagus50]

I've been paranoid-obsessive about this topic for a while now; this has been the best discussion I've encountered. When I travel with a 600mm f4 I use a ThinkTank International rolling bag. This fits the U.S. airlines' domestic and nominally, international carry-on requirements. HOWEVER, I learned on my most recent trip that it's really, really important to check the type/model of airplane for each flight. American Airlines assured me that the carry-on requirements are consistent for all flights, but if you end up on a commuter-type flight (mine was an American Eagle flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Hobby Airport in Houston), some of the planes used (e.g., the CRJ-900) have miniscule overhead storage bins and rolling bags are required to be gate-checked, especially if "the decider" is the intransigent type. On my trip from Dallas to Houston, I explained what was in the bag and they allowed me to push the bag under the seat in front of me. On the return flight, however, I encountered the gate agent from Hell and I had to gate check the bag. Ugh. Nothing bad happened, but I realized that one must research in advance what plane is being used. Some of these commuter flights use Airbus planes with larger overhead bins, and those are the flights to take.

I will add that I have moved to micro four-thirds gear for international travel, as this is much easier to carry. I use a Gura Gear Bataflae 32l I bought lightly used on ebay. The total weight of my "international bag" is inevitably more than the paltry 8k allowed by many international carriers (more like 10-11k), but I have never had it weighed.