I just got the Kinesis L511a bag. But, it doesn't have straps to make it usable as a backpack. It only comes with the shoulder strap. So, is there a strap that KGear sells that is compatible with this bag, making it a backpack? I also emailed their sales account .. but haven't received a reply yet, so I thought I'd ask here as well. Thanks for any info.
+1 on Kinesis 511a. I have carried it onboard a couple of times, no problem (and great bag). Will fit a 1D series + 1.4 TC + 500/4 attached with hood reversed.
Glass Taxi is the bag. It will fit under a seat in any plane. We actually carry it on as our personal bag because it looks so small. It is also amazing the amount of stuff you can get in it around the lens. I also attach a TT bag to the front of it and carry another camera body in it. Well made and a great airplane travel bag.
Mark McAmish wrote:
I picked up a used Lowepro commercial AW on ebay for $26. Works perfectly with the 500 !
The Kinesis 511 fits the 500 (hood reversed) with my Canon 7D and it has enough space to fit the 500 + 1.4x + 7D. But the Lowepro Commercial AW looks like a good option if I needed a shoulder bag for the 500 f/4. I wanted to be able to trek with the lens and camera mounted, and to use the bag as a backpack.
Nill Toulme wrote:
Yes, you want a H245 or 250 padded shoulder harness
Thanks. I find the KGear site hard to find items and compatible accesories on, for some reason.
scorless wrote:
Glass Taxi is the bag.
I checked it out, but it won't fit a 500 f/4 with a body attached, will it?
Yes, you want a H245 or 250 padded shoulder harness, look here.
http://kgear.com/images/H250L520.jpg
Nill
This is way to go. The Glass Taxi is NOT a good choice...its light padding will not protect from anything other then the lightest bumps. The Kenesis Nill shows is a far better for travel. The Glass Taxi will not fit a 400 2.8 IS with 1D body but don't know about your lens.
Just ordered the H250 and the 130 adapter (optional) ... thanks. I like the Kinesis 511. It is light and even with the 500 and the 7D, it doesn't hurt for the short distance I tried it for .. doesn't feel heavy. With the backpack straps, I'll be a happy camper. Doesn't look too big for carry-on at all.
I think that whatever bag/case you get, you should make sure it fits under the seat on small to big airliners. There will always be a space available for under the seat and if your bag/case fits, then you don't have to worry about having to gate check it.
Just posted this in another thread running on the same subject. Figured maybe this would help the OP here too.
For transport carrying the Think Tank Glass Taxi is the way to go. And it can be used as a backpack for the 500mm, a body in a pouch attached to the front, & a tripod or bushhawk strapped to the side. It has great protection for the lens. It's smaller too. And easily rides with you when driving to "critter" sites.
For actual backpacking, the Kinesis systems are a good way to go. You have to get a lot of different parts to make a complete setup and fit the rig to your liking. If you got that way email Kinesis and the owner will work with you to determine what you need. He's an upright guy.
Another top line one is the Kiboko (Gura Gear) pack at $400+. It's a bit more suitable for flight travel as well as backpacking and can hold a lot of equipment. Expensive but well thought of by a lot of people. Kiboko by Gura Gear
I have pack carried my 500mm in at times is my Tamrac Cyber 8 back pack but best only for shorter distances. But the weight penalty of 11+ pounds for the pack makes it not a good choice for trekking. I weighed the rig after I got back from one "walk" to a bird lookout. At 52.4 pounds total, I could understand why I was a little bit worn out. But I did carry more than just the 500mm setup. The Tamrac was just fine however for air travel etc where I didn't have to carry it all around a lot and didn't have space for a number of different bags. It carries a lot of gear and is very well padded.
btw for air travel now I am using the ThinkTank Airport International Security roller pack. Sure saves my back getting thru airports & carries a lot of stuff very safely. Also I've gotten no questions about its size when I've explained that it meets international standards. The airport people just move to the next person in line. But it's not for backpack trekking.
That's what I was afraid of too. I love that it can hold the 500 with the body attached, making it easier to carry just that bag and a smaller bag with a backup body and a couple of everyday shooting lenses. It's probably not carry-on size for smaller airplanes then. Gate-checking a 500 in that bag is equivalent to lens suicide.
Is the Pelican 1510 carry-on-sized in bigger planes? And is it sturdy enough to pass the test with uncaring baggage handlers in the event it has to be gate-checked? If so, I might get this as well as the Lowepro Trekker 600. That way, when I travel, I can use the Pelican, stuffing the trekker bag in my checked-in bag. And when I am actually out shooting or hiking, I'll use the trekker and have the convenience of the lens and camera already attached in the bag for easy and faster shooting....Show more →
For air travel nowadays, the 1510 is the most versatile option (IMO of course) for peace of mind. I wouldn't want to gate check any soft sided bag, but have gate checked the 1510 numerous times with long glass (400 2.8). To answer the question above, yes, the 1510 is carry-on sized for most aircraft. Definitely not a problem in larger planes. It's definitely OK in the overheads of the Embraer 170/175 planes coming online with US Air and probably other airlines. It will also fit the overhead of the CRJ 700, though it is a very precise fit that requires a bit of force to get the case out again. The downside to the 1510 is it's not ideal if you're traveling off the paved path by foot.
rscheffler wrote:
I hope you don't have to gate check it...
I'll find out soon .. going to Florida in a few weeks .. American Airlines
For air travel nowadays, the 1510 is the most versatile option (IMO of course) for peace of mind. I wouldn't want to gate check any soft sided bag, but have gate checked the 1510 numerous times with long glass (400 2.8).
I'm seriously considering it.
To answer the question above, yes, the 1510 is carry-on sized for most aircraft. Definitely not a problem in larger planes
How about the weight? No hassles from the airline nazis?
Just placed an order from B&H for the Pelican 1510 with the padded dividers and free shipping. So, I'll travel with the 500 in the Pelican and use the Kinesis 511 when I'm actually using the lens and walking around.
saaketham wrote:
How about the weight? No hassles from the airline nazis?
If you're flying on a US carrier (which appears to be the case) you shouldn't have a problem so long as it's under around 40 pounds. If it's a non-US carrier, you could face issues. It's best to check the airline's website.
