Lens Pouch/Case for 300mm f/2.8L IS? Also question an appropriate ball head.

I'm taking delivery tomorrow of a Canon 300mm f/2.8L IS Mark I lens tomorrow. I'm looking for a case/pouch/bag to keep it in with some kind of shoulder strap similiar to but larger than theS&F Lens Exchange 200 AW from Lowepro. http://products.lowepr​o.com …0Case%20200%20A​W,2226.htm.

Anyone got any ideas who might carry such a case? I don't want to put it in my main backpack since I won't always be taking it with me. Appreciate any input or sugguestions.

Also have a Gitzo GT2531 Mountaineer with Q-10 ball head and a Marking TB-21 base. Is this strong enough to support this lens, plus a teleconverter and a 1D Mark IV body?

I'd have a serious look at the Kinesis range....I use a L511 for the 300/2.8 with body (and possibly an extender) attached with the hood in the ready position. A smaller version will do if you're happy to reverse the hood.
http://www.kgear.com/s​tore/l/l511.html

Bob

Bob, thanks for the suggestion. Have to admit I was unaware of kgear. Typically I've used Think Tank for modular systems and I also have their retrospective 20 for walk around. For back packs I've been using Tamrac and for shoulder bags that I can set on the floor Lowepro. Great to learn about another quality supplier. Anyone else got some suggestions?

I use the Lowepro 300, lens,body and few extras fit well.

I have a Domke F300 case for mine. It looks a lot like the one you referenced. Photos, etc HERE.

You are going to love that lens. Congratulations.

katylane1 wrote in post #14823400
I use the Lowepro 300, lens,body and few extras fit well.

Can you be more specific or provide a link. Lowepro has so many 300 products.

Thanks

Can't help with the bag but I have the same tripod. The 2531 will SUPPORT anything EOS that Canon currently make, mine easily supports my 600 F4IS + 1D4. However its not ideal with very long lenses as it does not damp vibration as well as the larger models. With a 300mm it should be fine - it damps down my 300 F4 IS well though this is a lighter lens it has the same focal length. The weight is not an issue with most Carbon Gitzos as they will support far more than they claim, my 3 series ones will support silly weights for example me!
The critical factor is vibration and I think your 2 series would be fine, though a 3 series may be better in an ideal world.
As to the head, I personally, have no use for ball heads with long lenses. I have 2 ball heads (the smaller one rated at 20 Kilos) but I find larger lenses very difficult to control on them. It is a bit of a lump but I use the Wimberley 2 which I find excellent but it's expensive and heavy! Have a look at the Lensmaster Gimbal (made over here in the UK) It's cheap and cheerful and very popular with 500 F4 users. Might be a better option?
Good luck!

johnf3f wrote in post #14827369
Have a look at the Lensmaster Gimbal (made over here in the UK) It's cheap and cheerful and very popular with 500 F4 users.
Good luck!

I can see why their popular. The cost is almost 1/2 to 1/3 of the other Gimbels I've seen. I will look for a review and really want to thank you for your input.

swldstn wrote in post #14827689
I can see why their popular. The cost is almost 1/2 to 1/3 of the other Gimbels I've seen. I will look for a review and really want to thank you for your input.

You are welcome!

I use a Kinessis 311 for this lens and 1D3.
I normally don't mount it on tripod but I did it a few time with the Markins Q3 and it was fine with my Benro C-228.

Got some great feedback from Bob on the Kinesis L511 and L311. If you want the hood on and ready o use he recommends the L511. If you can live with hood facing back the the L311 will work. The internal diameter of the two are the same. The L311 is about 4" shorter than the L511.

ThinkTank glass taxi for carrying the 300 with the hood reversed. Lowepro 600AW for carrying it with the hood in shooting position. Both are for the 300 alone, but both will accept additional sliplock pouches.

I don't have a pic of the L311 and the lens but for kick, this is the LowePro 600AW with hood on shooting position...

Thanks everyone for your input. Right now I am leaning toward the Glass Taxi from Think Tank since it can be carried with a strap and as a backpack. Also, it looks like I can use it for other gear as well if I'm not using my 300mm. I may possible go up to an Airport Acceleration or Airport Addition both of which appear to carry the 300mm along with other gear so then I would only need one bag if my 300mm is along for the trip. If I do I would probably sell my Tamrac Expedition 7X which is my largest bag at the moment. Hate selling bags though. You don't often get back anywhere near your investment.

On the tripod head - I found it was impossible to use my 400/4DO (about the same weight) on a RRS BH-55 ball head. I added a Wimberley sidekick and it works like a charm. It's mounted on a carbon fibre Manfrotto 055 tripod.

If it helps, the RRS Monopod head on a Gitzo 3551 monopod also works really well with this lens.