Kinesis long lens systems?

[Messiah Khan]

Anyone got one? (GrumpyBadger, Canon Bob I am looking in your directions ) I have finally come to realise that my Lowpro Pro Trekker fully loaded is bad for my back. My Lowpro Flipside fully loaded is about the right weight, but not quite big enough, not tall enough for to attach my tripod to and the straps are rubbish.

So yet again im after the perfect bag. A lot of reviews and forums seems to suggest looking at the Kinesis system. Anyone got one? Good or bad things about them? Im intially looking for a system to take a D300+Grip, 1.4X TC, 300mm f2.8 with hoods in place etc, all together in shooting position, somewhere to put a 10-20mm and 30mm lenses, place for a few filters and last but not least, my Gitzo 3540XLS with gimbal head (with a view for it to take something like a 600mm f4 in later years). Will I need the pack frame to comfortably take the tripod? Anyone got a similar setup, if so what parts did you get?

 

[grumpybadger]

Hi MK

I had one but sold it. Stifler has it now and seems happy with it, as does IanC with his. However, I couldn't get it comfortable on my back and it gave me backache.

You'll need a different one for a 300/2.8 and 600/4 anyway.

I use a ThinkTank Airport Acceleration which will take a 500/4 or a 300/2.8 with hood in shooting position down one side. I think you have a Sigma 300 which has a shorter hood than the Canon? In that case, I reckon it would take TC and body - I can check with Sue's Sigma 300/2.8 if you are interested.

If I want to go for a long stroll now, I actually use a "proper" rucksack with a frame and just pop the 500 in. The tripod attaches to the ice axe straps. I can't take extra stuff easily but for a wildlife day its just fine. It's not padded but for walking around I don't think you need padding.

The Kinesis stuff is all tubes. I presume you've found www.kgear.com? Maybe I should have tried a frame for my Kinesis bag but you live and learn!

The bag that I would love to see is the new GuruGear one but they don't have a UK rep and I don't fancy being a guinea pig!

Paul

 

[Canon Bob]

I've got a 511 for my 300/2.8 and a 621 for the 600/4....both with harness and waist-strap.

The 511 takes the 300 with hood ready and body attached (+ t/c if required). The 621 takes the 600 (hood reversed) body and T/C.
I also briefly tried a Lowepro Lenstrekker (before buying the second Kinesis) but the Kinesis appears to offer better protection and weighs only around what the Lowepro version does.
I haven't tried attaching the big Gitzo and Wimberley...preffering to carry that separately.

Bob