Steve: I think you mentioned possibly getting the new 80-400 VR. If you do I'm looking forward to seeing some of your work with that lens!
Thanks! Me too I have a 600mm on the way, but I think I'm more excited for the 80-400 (if it's good). I really want a more practical hiking lens (I carry the 500mm on a tripod for several miles when I'm hiking local parks - it's not as fun as it sounds ). I'm also thinking it will work real well in the kayak, next to me on the front seat of the truck, when I want to take a long lens "just in case", etc etc... Yup, I'm dorking out on it for sure
Steve Perry wrote:
Thanks! Me too I have a 600mm on the way, but I think I'm more excited for the 80-400 (if it's good). I really want a more practical hiking lens (I carry the 500mm on a tripod for several miles when I'm hiking local parks - it's not as fun as it sounds ). I'm also thinking it will work real well in the kayak, next to me on the front seat of the truck, when I want to take a long lens "just in case", etc etc... Yup, I'm dorking out on it for sure...Show more →
Steve,
Any chance you can share your experience(s) on what backpack you use? I am going to Yellowstone and need a good backpack to carry my 500mm, tripod and gimbal when hiking.
When I'm hiking I usually have the camera and lens mounted to the tripod with legs extended. Takes too long to get it all setup if I see something if it's bagged.
That said, when I travel I use a Gura Gear Kiboko 32L (I think it's been discontinued - current version is the GURA GEAR BATAFLAE 32L). I can easily put a 500mm w/ hood on one side with the rest of my gear on the other. In fact, I'd bet you could even mount a smaller body to the lens (like a D800- if I recall the D4 wouldn't quite fit attached to the lens).
I suppose you could even strap a large tripod to the backpack, but I always just carry mine.
When I'm hiking I usually have the camera and lens mounted to the tripod with legs extended. Takes too long to get it all setup if I see something if it's bagged.
That said, when I travel I use a Gura Gear Kiboko 32L (I think it's been discontinued - current version is the GURA GEAR BATAFLAE 32L). I can easily put a 500mm w/ hood on one side with the rest of my gear on the other. In fact, I'd bet you could even mount a smaller body to the lens (like a D800- if I recall the D4 wouldn't quite fit attached to the lens).
I suppose you could even strap a large tripod to the backpack, but I always just carry mine.
I have a Kiboko myself and really like it. I have taken it on some hikes with the 500vr and my d4 (not attached) with another lens or two. To be blunt it is pretty heavy when climbing up steep trails as I sometimes do, but it is comfortable on your back and protects your gear. The stuff is just heavy, no way around it. Only difference for me is that I am often not taking a tripod with me. I make my wife take it!
cohenfive wrote:
I have a Kiboko myself and really like it. I have taken it on some hikes with the 500vr and my d4 (not attached) with another lens or two. To be blunt it is pretty heavy when climbing up steep trails as I sometimes do, but it is comfortable on your back and protects your gear. The stuff is just heavy, no way around it. Only difference for me is that I am often not taking a tripod with me. I make my wife take it!
funny how things can change so fast, since posting earlier in this thread that this lens was on my wish list, little did i know that 4 days later an opportunity would come up for me to get one, after having it for a couple weeks and not really getting to use it, with spring coming late and not many subjects yet i decided to head to Minnesota the past weekend to some of my favorite eagle haunts
things didn't start off good, i woke up saturday to pouring rain but by noon the rain ended and i headed out, the skies were hazy with a light fog drifting in and out when i got my first couple shots, i was surprised by what i was able to capture through the haze and was dying to see what i could get in good light
these are all handheld
1)
2)
in the evening the fog and haze lifted as the sun set and i got this, i'd say that VR works pretty good as this was 1/80 ss handheld
3)
today the light was better though a lil cooler and with some snow drifting around with each cloud that moved in
I have a 600mm on the way, but I think I'm more excited for the 80-400 (if it's good). I really want a more practical hiking lens (I carry the 500mm on a tripod for several miles when I'm hiking local parks - it's not as fun as it sounds 
