Durable Lens case for 300 2.8 IS

I just sold my old 300 2.8 and bought a new IS model. It is very pretty. My old method of carrying my previous 300 and present 400 2.8 (non IS) was an old back pack stuffed with foam inserts. It worked...but unfortunately many scrapes and dings over the years have led to some cosmetic flaws (they look beat up). So I am determined to try to keep my new baby "pretty". I am looking for a dedicated padded case that could either: (1) hold the 300 2.8 IS in "ready" position with Hood (not inverted) attached OR (2) hold the 300 2.8 IS in "ready" position with 1DMKIIN attached. Surely there must be many manufacturers out there who have such specialized products. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

Do you play golf? There's a lot of golf bags that can fit a 400 f2.8, or two; let alone a 300 f2.8

Think Tank make the rather nice Glass Taxi...

http://www.thinktankph​oto.com/ttp_product_Gl​ssTxi.php

...although you'll need to reverse the hood.

Otherwise look at Kinesis gear:

http://kgear.com/

...and there's the Lowepro 600AW...

http://www.abc-digital-cameras.co.uk …t.php?xProd=743​&a=froogle

Jubbly.

---- Gavin

Cooper911 wrote in post #3342408
I just sold my old 300 2.8 and bought a new IS model. It is very pretty. My old method of carrying my previous 300 and present 400 2.8 (non IS) was an old back pack stuffed with foam inserts. It worked...but unfortunately many scrapes and dings over the years have led to some cosmetic flaws (they look beat up). So I am determined to try to keep my new baby "pretty". I am looking for a dedicated padded case that could either: (1) hold the 300 2.8 IS in "ready" position with Hood (not inverted) attached OR (2) hold the 300 2.8 IS in "ready" position with 1DMKIIN attached. Surely there must be many manufacturers out there who have such specialized products. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

thats easy, the kinesis L511 will allow you to carry your 300 2.8 with hood in ready postion + 1.4tc + 1dmkII and it is just a fantastic bag. you can also get the smaller L311 but than your hood will have to be reversed (still a great bag)

http://kgear.com/l/http://www.kgear.com

...and don't forget Lightware make some nice options too...

http://lightwareinc.co​m …s|Rain%20Covers​&Cat_ID=13

http://lightwareinc.co​m …s|Rain%20Covers​&Cat_ID=13

---- Gavin

Gavin and Snir, Thank you for the advice...they all look pretty interesting but I think the kinesis L511 is just what I am looking for. A might expensive but if it protects the L glass it is well worth it. Thanks.
P.S. Eosman...I already have my tripod,laptop and printer in my golf bag

Why not look into buying "lens coats" for you 300 f 2.8?...

http://www.naturescape​s.net …oductid=186&cat​=67&page=1

They are a lot cheaper than a new bag, protect the lens at all times, and camoflage the lens at the same time. You can protect your lens and keep using the bag you now use without spending a ton of money. Works for me.

IMHO, the Lowepro Lens Trekker 600 AW is the best for what you suggested. I just decommissioned mine in favor of the Think Tank Glass Taxi. However, the Glass Taxi can't handle the lenses you describe with the hood in the "shoot" position - in the case of the 400mm, you also cannot have the body mounted. The trade-off is that the Lens Trekker is a big bag that takes a lot of room to store.

Have Fun,

blonde wrote in post #3342459
thats easy, the kinesis L511 will allow you to carry your 300 2.8 with hood in ready postion + 1.4tc + 1dmkII and it is just a fantastic bag. you can also get the smaller L311 but than your hood will have to be reversed (still a great bag)

http://kgear.com/l/

Ditto on the Kinesis bag. It's absolutely the best. As stated above you can have the lens attached, with TC, hood in place and ready to shoot. I even strap my monopod and tripod onto the side of the bag. Best accessory I've purchased thus far.

I just ordered the the kinesis L511 and it should be on its way on Monday. It became a toss up between the L511 and the 600 AW...but the latter looked so friggin big. But a hearty thanks to all the advice I received, it was very helpful. Might even look at a lenscoat as well.

i love my lens coat

I was just looking at the lens coats and was a bit surprised at how expensive they are. I'm wondering if the cosmetic differences have any functional value.

blonde, I'm just wondering what you love about the lens coat. I'm on the fence now because the price is more than I would like to spend.

i like the fact that it keeps the body of my lens scratch free. i love how it looks. it feels great to hold because it give you better grip. i love how the lens doesn't stick out when i am shooting wildlife from a bush (although you do stick out like crazy when people see you with it...). i think that it is a good buy to be honest with you.

I second what blonde said. I have a set on both my 300 f/2.8 and 500 f/4. But mine are the Advantage Max4 HD pattern which I think are a little less conspicuous than the other patterns available. The only problem is if you drop the lens out in the field. You might have a hard time finding it again because it'll blend in with the leaves and the grass.