How to carry a 600?

My father has just bought a 600 f4L IS - What an awesome bit of kit (and a fine inheritance )

The issue is now how to transport it. Obviously it comes in its own hard case but this isn't ideal as carry on luggage or, indeed, carry any where.

I have suggested that the Lowepro Lens Trekker 600AW would be worth considering but would welcome further recommendations (even if they are swap it for a 500mm).

I look forward to your comments.

Put it in the boot of your dad's car, lol

I use the lenstrekker 600, it's a tight squeeze with a pro body mounted, and you may have to remove the base padding... but as a carry case for the 600/4 with no superfluous extras, it's as compact as you'll get.

Kinesis also do a similar case that is well reviewed.

cheers,
Andy

John Sims wrote in post #2829939
My father has just bought a 600 f4L IS - What an awesome bit of kit (and a fine inheritance )

The issue is now how to transport it. Obviously it comes in its own hard case but this isn't ideal as carry on luggage or, indeed, carry any where.

I have suggested that the Lowepro Lens Trekker 600AW would be worth considering but would welcome further recommendations (even if they are swap it for a 500mm).

I look forward to your comments.

Maybe hire someone like me to carry it around

kram wrote in post #2829981
Maybe hire someone like me to carry it around

He is flying up to Scotland to do a bird watching holiday and we have even considered having the lens taken up by a courier.

The main issue is trying to get the lens on as carry on for the flight as, obviously, it doesn't want to go in the hold.

The flight aside being able to get at the lens and camera readily is also important.

Thanks for your comments so far.

I use couriers and really really wouldnt trust them with a 600 unless it was packaged like a china vase!!!

If you must do this, make absolutley sure you have ticked the insurance box and double check that they will pay for a complete new lens for any damage at all (including scratches) and get the name of the person who confirms this!

I've taken my 600 on a number of flights. As much as possible I have tried to take it as hand luggage but I have been forced to stow it in the hold on a number of occasions and so far have had no problems (the lens has been packed in the hard case).

Given the current hand baggage restrictions out of the UK, for my next trip to Namibia I will have no choice but to stow both the lens and the majority of my camera gear in the hold. Don't really see another way as a courier to Namibia would be probably even more questionable.

Per-Gunnar

John Sims wrote in post #2830018
He is flying up to Scotland to do a bird watching holiday and we have even considered having the lens taken up by a courier.

The main issue is trying to get the lens on as carry on for the flight as, obviously, it doesn't want to go in the hold.

The flight aside being able to get at the lens and camera readily is also important.

Thanks for your comments so far.

I'm sure he will be more worried about the 'courier' in this case wanting to play with it....when the 'master' isnt using it

I use a Lowepro 600AW for my large lenses, its a great case

Oh, how I wish I had this problem.

mark

calicokat wrote in post #2830368
I use a Lowepro 600AW for my large lenses, its a great case

After running around with my lens (500) naked, I finally ordered the lenstrekker from B & H !

John Sims wrote in post #2829939
The issue is now how to transport it.

Well John, it is quite obvious, is it not?

If you are looking forward to inheriting it one day, you better now prove a worthy son by volunteering as a sherpa

As far as air transport is concerned, I would just insist on taking it into the cabin.

If that is not possible, I'd suggest to ask them to have 'delivery at aircraft' (normally available in smaller aircraft, but also on larger) ... you get an extra tag to put on your bag, hand it over to the loaders at the aircraft, it is stored in the hold after all the other stuff has been loaded and it is given back to you by the unloaders when you exit the aircraft. You at least do without the 'tossers' that unload it from the baggage car and throw it on the carousel (and whatever possibly else they might do as when nobody is looking ).

Best regards,
Andreas

Thanks for your comments guys.

I would go with the Lowepro myself but it is a little larger than the Easyjet carry on allowance. Not that that seems to make much difference - I 've seen students with ruck sacks so big that, if they fell on their backs, they'd die. Then they carry hand bags, make-up cases and the inevitable three carrier bags - how does that lot constitute hand luggage. And don't get me started on wheelie cases.....touched a bit of a business traveller nerve there I'm afraid.

Back on thread - what he is now considering is building a bespoke case that fits exactly within Easyjet carry on allowance. It makes a lot of sense but seems a bit eccentric putting a lens of that calibre in something he knocked up in his shed.

I have every confidence it will do the job. His previous cases have had ABS shells and sprayed foam formed liners (he has an 800mm Nikon lens modified to fit a Canon T90 body) but the exteriors do look very Blue Peter.

Things may yet change and obviously any further ideas are most welcome.

Why do not put it in the case and then put the case in the original cardboard box ? That way it is almost impossible to damage it.

MDJAK wrote in post #2830472
Oh, how I wish I had this problem.

mark

Isn't that the truth. Are all Brits actually THIS rich? If so, I'm moving to London!