Shoulder bag for Nikon D500 + 200-500mm

[Dan291]

How do you find it in terms of quality, usability and comfort? (I have no experience of Tamrac bags.)

I have two Tamrac bags, an Apache 6.2 messenger bag (a bit over a year old) and a system bag that I bought in 1982 (I can’t remember the model # but it is analagous to the current Stratus 15). Both are really well made, well padded, and have no ergonomic things that bug me. The system bag has held up really well, has no flaws at this point despite a lot travel and, well, the ongoing danger of being owned by me.

 

[robg]

I have two Tamrac bags, an Apache 6.2 messenger bag (a bit over a year old) and a system bag that I bought in 1982 (I can’t remember the model # then but it is analagous to the current Stratus 15). Both are really well made, well padded, and have no ergonomic things that bug me. The system bag has held up really well, has no flaws at this point despite a lot travel and, well, the ongoing danger of being owned by me.

I must say, the Tamrac bags look to be good value for money.

 

[Dan291]

I must say, the Tamrac bags look to be good value for money.

I’d brag more, but folks would think I work for Tamrac (I don’t). I looked at the Stratus 21 on their site, the photo of the interior is a bit misrepresentative. The bag interior is 10” (oops, 26cm) deep... top to bottom. Rather than as in their illustration, picture the camera on it’s side (portrait orientation). That would give more room alongside the 200-500, Mine is 9” deep and I have primes stacked sometimes with a pad between, the flashes if needed, could easily lie across the bottom. I’ve reconfigured mine often.
Again, I’m not in Sales or anything, just food for thought. Personally, I hate shopping for bags. (Actually, just omit the last two words.)

 

[robg]

I’d brag more, but folks would think I work for Tamrac (I don’t). I looked at the Stratus 21 on their site, the photo of the interior is a bit misrepresentative. The bag interior is 10” (oops, 26cm) deep... top to bottom. Rather than as in their illustration, picture the camera on it’s side (portrait orientation). That would give more room alongside the 200-500, Mine is 9” deep and I have primes stacked sometimes, the flashes if needed, could easily lie across the bottom. I’ve reconfigured mine often.

Yep, it's hard to tell from the photo just how it all fits together. I would have ordered it from Amazon (on the basis that I could return it with no fuss if I decided it wasn't suitable), but for some reason the price offered there is significantly higher than at other retailers.

Again, I’m not in Sales or anything, just food for thought. Personally, I hate shopping for bags. (Actually, just omit the last two words.)

Me too. Being able to buy stuff online has its advantages, but for some types of items it's actually very difficult.

 

[Dan291]

Me too. Being able to buy stuff online has its advantages, but for some types of items it's actually very difficult.

I was fortunate; I bought the older bag off the rack at a now-defunct local shop. When I bought the messenger bag online, I agonized over the decision much longer than a normal human should.

 

[dabhand16]

I looked at teh Magnum 650 but wasn't sure. Plus it ain't cheap…

Thanks for the extra info. After spending far too long on Amazon this afternoon, I've just ordered this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00AT8X80C/

I don't really know whether it will be suitable, or what the quality is like, or whether I'll decide it's too big and heavy and just give up on the whole idea. At least with Amazon I can return it if I'm not happy.

I got my Magnum for £105 used from ebay. Looked unused when I got it.

That one on Amazon looks OK and has similar dimensions to the Magnum.

Postage makes it not worth returning for this one: (reliable supplier)

HDEW CAMERAS Search

Online Retailer of photography equipment & electronics. Including DSLR cameras, lenses, laptops, tablets, batteries, filters. From Canon Olympus Sigma Apple Samsung LaCie Sandisk & Adata.

www.hdewcameras.co.uk

 

[robg]

Maxsimafoto - Lens Bag Pouch LP7N for Nikon 200-500mm f5.6E ED VR AF-S Lens ( lens fits without lens hood)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01NGYI6TK/

Sorry Patrick, only just noticed your reply here. That bag/case only fits the lens on its own, without the body.

 

[robg]

I got my Magnum for £105 used from ebay. Looked unused when I got it.

That was a great deal. I saw one on eBay for £40 but it didn't specify which size Magnum bag it was (and I couldn't tell from the photos), and it looked to be in a fairly scruffy state.

How do you like the Magnum? How would it cope with my rig (around 35cm in total) plus extra lenses and accessories?

 

[dabhand16]

That was a great deal. I saw one on eBay for £40 but it didn't specify which size Magnum bag it was (and I couldn't tell from the photos), and it looked to be in a fairly scruffy state.

How do you like the Magnum? How would it cope with my rig (around 35cm in total) plus extra lenses and accessories?

I'll get a picture later and post it up to give you an idea of how my Nikon kit (or a small part of it!) sits.

 

[robg]

I'll get a picture later and post it up to give you an idea of how my Nikon kit (or a small part of it!) sits.

Thanks, but I'll save you the trouble: the bag I ordered from Amazon has arrived, and having played around with it a bit, I think I'm going to send it back. It's a really nice, capacious and well-made bag… but the size and weight of it have made me realise I just don't think this kind of bag is going to be practical for my purposes. If it was just a case of getting my gear from point A to point B, it would be perfect. But for strolling around a country park or estate for two to three hours, not so much.

So, back to the drawing board: I think I'm going to have to accept that a backpack is going to be the most suitable option. So the challenge becomes to find something that's more spacious inside than the Lowepro Flipside 400 AW while not breaking the bank.

 

[dabhand16]

OK. I read earlier in the thread that someone suggested a non photo bag. For the use you describe I think that could be the way to go. I'm thinking about something like a bag that you might carry a cricket bat and kit in, or a tool bag etc. If you want to carry another lens or two, wrap them is towels or make a divider to suit your needs.

My Sigma 150-600 sport only goes in my Lowepro Pro runner 450 with a camera attached but I can carry that with the side handle if I don't put too much else in. One of the reasons I have a Fuji kit too! Camera with 6 lenses, a flashgun, battery grip, spare batteries and bits and pieces weighs less than my Nikon kit with 2 lenses, 2 flashguns and bits and pieces.

 

[ccirelli]

I actually just bought the Ruggard Alpine 600 backpack, to transport the 200-500 setup... but it's HUGE. I mean it could almost pass for a small golf club bag

It's at a great price right now but i'm likely sending it back, it's overkill for the 200-500. I'l likely pick up another Lowepro Flipside 300 AW, testing out the fit today. Whenever I venture away from Lowepro, I always end up circling right back to them lol.

 

[robg]

I actually just bought the Ruggard Alpine 600 backpack, to transport the 200-500 setup... but it's HUGE. I mean it could almost pass for a small golf club bag

That does look like one very large bag.

I'l likely pick up another Lowepro Flipside 300 AW, testing out the fit today. Whenever I venture away from Lowepro, I always end up circling right back to them lol.

As I was saying in response to an earlier comment, I have an old version of the Flipside 400 AW. While it's very well made and robust, for the overall bulk of the bag there doesn't seem to be an awful lot of space inside. Thinking I might try something in the Think Tank Streetwalker range.

 

[robg]

OK. I read earlier in the thread that someone suggested a non photo bag. For the use you describe I think that could be the way to go. I'm thinking about something like a bag that you might carry a cricket bat and kit in, or a tool bag etc. If you want to carry another lens or two, wrap them is towels or make a divider to suit your needs.

Something to consider, thanks.

My Sigma 150-600 sport only goes in my Lowepro Pro runner 450 with a camera attached but I can carry that with the side handle if I don't put too much else in. One of the reasons I have a Fuji kit too! Camera with 6 lenses, a flashgun, battery grip, spare batteries and bits and pieces weighs less than my Nikon kit with 2 lenses, 2 flashguns and bits and pieces.

I hear you on the weight and bulk. I don't see myself going to mirrorless anytime soon, for reasons I won't bore you with. So I'm stuck with the weight and bulk.

 

[ccirelli]

As I was saying in response to an earlier comment, I have an old version of the Flipside 400 AW. While it's very well made and robust, for the overall bulk of the bag there doesn't seem to be an awful lot of space inside. Thinking I might try something in the Think Tank Streetwalker range.

Yup I'm just looking to transport one body and the 200-500 (with just a little room to spare). I just did a quick setup test with the Flipside 300 AW, it's perfect. Just need to move or remove the accessories bag at the top. It'll even fit my Z6 with the FTZ, on the lens. Most of the time the 200-500 will have a D7200 attached. Hood will need to be reversed obviously, which I expected. Certainly better than lugging the Ruggard Golf Club bag around (pic for size attached... whew ) Forgive my crumby iPhone pics

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[robg]

Yup I'm just looking to transport one body and the 200-500 (with just a little room to spare). I just did a quick setup test with the Flipside 300 AW, it's perfect. Just need to move or remove the accessories bag at the top. It'll even fit my Z6 with the FTZ, on the lens. Most of the time the 200-500 will have a D7200 attached. Hood will need to be reversed obviously, which I expected. Certainly better than lugging the Ruggard Golf Club bag around (pic for size attached... whew ) Forgive my crumby iPhone pics

That Ruggard bag is insanely big!

 

[robg]

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread. After considering all your responses and spending way too many hours browsing products online, I eventually decided to plump for the Think Tank Glass Taxi backpack. Finding a retailer with one in stock was not all that easy – it seems to no longer be manufactured (the Think Tank website no longer lists it), so I assume new ones are now only available from retailers who still hold some stock.

Anyway, it arrived just now (from a retailer in the Netherlands), and at first look I'm quite impressed: it should be able to comfortably hold my D500 with 200-500mm lens attached, plus two or three other lenses. It's also supplied with a shoulder strap so it can be carried across the shoulder instead of on the back if preferred.

Thanks again

 

[dabhand16]

Looks good and the best option to fit your needs. Well done for persevering.