It's a great pack & holds a ton (500f/4 with body attached, a 2nd body, a 100-400 (or 70-200), a flash & a couple of small primes or zooms pretty easily.
The only thing I didn't like is that the waist belt is not removable. The belt adds a lot of bulk and I didn't use it. A razor blade made quick work of that problem
Haven't checked out either the Gura Gear Kiboko (that sounds like a form of martial arts ) .. or the Glass Taxi. Are they carry-on sized? The Lens Trekker 600 AW .. sounds ideal because the camera can also be mounted on a 500 or 600 lens and the bag can still hold it, but it sounds like it won't be carry-on size on smaller planes.
A few months ago I was coming back from FL and the plane was at capacity. Almost 30 people had to gate check their luggage to get on the flight. People are not checking baggage to save on the fees and taking WAY too much stuff for carryon. I know if I was farther back in line I would have a major problem because I needed to get back for work and no other passengers were giving up their luggage space. When I returned I ordered a pelican 1510 w/dividers so next time I will be ready if a gate check is necessary.
mauri wrote:
If you want to carry the lens only, the ThinkTank Glass Taxi is an option.
Agreed - it is an excellent option. It is not only built well but also well thought out. I was amazed to see how flexible it could be beyond housing a big telephoto.
Juat grabbed a Think Tank Glass Taxi for my a Nikon 400 2.8 that I'll be picking up in Chicago and flying back with and I can tell you that this bag is nice. Flexible and high quality.
BTW considering that I can fit my Airport Acceleration V2.0 in a regional airliner bin (E-170 and up and any CRJ, no chance on a Embraer Brasilia or Beech 1900D but it may fit in a E-145) I'm pretty sure this bag will fit in any bin as it is smaller.
godfather wrote:
A few months ago I was coming back from FL and the plane was at capacity. Almost 30 people had to gate check their luggage to get on the flight. People are not checking baggage to save on the fees and taking WAY too much stuff for carryon. I know if I was farther back in line I would have a major problem because I needed to get back for work and no other passengers were giving up their luggage space. When I returned I ordered a pelican 1510 w/dividers so next time I will be ready if a gate check is necessary....Show more →
I would remember this post anytime you fly. Doesn't matter what case you think you can carry on, it's best to be prepared for the worse. I've had gear in cases that I know for a fact meet carry-on requirements--I've carried them on before--but one flight attendant or crew member can make you check the bag if they want. Yes. They can. In this "worse case" scenario--the one where you're not prepared to check your gear if they tell you to--you will either check the bag if they tell you to, or you won't take that flight. Been there.
picfox wrote:
photo trekker AW II is great stuff, but as Rob mentioned the waist belt is too bulky.
I took his advise and cut off the waist belt, what a new feeling
The Lowepro Photo Trekker AW II is a really big bag. I had it for a while then sold it because it was just too big.
It does hold a lot of gears and pretty well padded.
hsk06 wrote:
Kinesis Long Lens Cases
Is that carry-on size?
duffguy808 wrote:
The Lowepro Photo Trekker AW II is a really big bag.
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.
godfather wrote: A few months ago I was coming back from FL and the plane was at capacity. ..... When I returned I ordered a pelican 1510 w/dividers so next time I will be ready if a gate check is necessary.
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.
Anand .. between the Acceleration and this one, which would you recommend? Ever been asked to gate check the Acceleration on domestic and/or international flights? Thanks.
Ok .. I think as of right now, I will get a hard case that is carry-on sized (ThinkTank or the Pelican) and use it for when I travel .. in case I am forced to gate-check. Once out in the field, I'll switch to a Lowepro Trekker 600 or something similar which can hold the camera with the lens mounted. Thanks a lot, everyone.
) .. or the Glass Taxi. Are they carry-on sized? The Lens Trekker 600 AW .. sounds ideal because the camera can also be mounted on a 500 or 600 lens and the bag can still hold it, but it sounds like it won't be carry-on size on smaller planes. 