Kinesis, Lightware or Tenba or Think Tank?

Okay, so I'm looking for a nice, capable bag to schlepp a 300mm f2.8L IS, 1.4x, 2x and 1D2N around. Not just a pretty case to store it in - something to take and use in the field. Therefore I'd like to keep it "shooting ready" with the hood and camera mounted, ready to shoot. This eliminates some of the more compact bags (Kinesis L311 for example).

So far I'm considering the following bags:

Kinesis "Long Lens Case L511" - Perfect but somewhat flimsy? Polycore alternative maybe?
Lightware "Long Lens Case Z300" - Nice but no backpack option?
Tenba "Long Lens Case LL400 II" - Boxy, ugly and no backpack option?
Think Tank Photo "Glass Taxi" - Not tall enough?

I like the idea of it as a backpack first and foremost. Should strap carry is also nice. So I think this rules out the Lightware since I don't see any backpack capability, leaving the Kinesis and Think Tank bags.

So... Anyone with either of those two bags with a similar kit that can share some insight and maybe some photos?

Have you considered the Lowepro 600 AW too, if you can find it anywhere.

i have been using the L511 with my 500 for quite some time now and i can honestly say that it is perfect.

4x4rock wrote in post #5715782
Have you considered the Lowepro 600 AW too, if you can find it anywhere.

I believe this bag will be way, way too big. I don't mind a little extra room, but that may be overkill. Not to mention, as you said, it's been discontinued until later this year when the Mark II comes out so availability is iffy. Unless it's not as big as I'm thinking?

blonde wrote in post #5715881
i have been using the L511 with my 500 for quite some time now and i can honestly say that it is perfect.

Quite honestly, this bag is in the lead. It seems to offer everything I want. Don't suppose you have an interior pic with a 300 handy?

Double Negative wrote in post #5716349
I believe this bag will be way, way too big. I don't mind a little extra room, but that may be overkill. Not to mention, as you said, it's been discontinued until later this year when the Mark II comes out so availability is iffy. Unless it's not as big as I'm thinking?

Quite honestly, this bag is in the lead. It seems to offer everything I want. Don't suppose you have an interior pic with a 300 handy?

nope sorry, don't have the 300....

I would use one of these with the shoulder strap...

http://www.tenba.com/c​-7-long-lens-cases.aspx

Palladium wrote in post #5716558
I would use one of these with the shoulder strap...

http://www.tenba.com/c​-7-long-lens-cases.aspx

I was considering one of the Tenba bags (LL400 II) but I don't see a "backpack" option. I do like the ability to wear it as a backpack for longer distances and as a shoulder bag for quick storage in between shots (a holster of sorts).

'Dunno, but so far I have to say the Kinesis is winning.

P.S. Thanks anyway, blonde - no worries.

The Kinesis is one very very nice looking bag.

Are you thinking of the L511 or the L511a (without the extra pouch)?

The reason I like the Lowepro 600 is I have a LC 4 that I'm using for my 70-200 and thinking of getting a short one for the 24-70. I can attach these to the 600.

The guy I bought the 300 from has one that he's thinking of selling too so I may check it out.

If you get the L511, please post some pics, I'd like to see them too.

Yeah, that's a nice perk - the bag looks nice (as does the Glass Taxi). The Tenba and Lightware, I don't know - they're rather... Square.

The Kinesis system is also very, very modular. I shouldn't have any problem attaching some other cases for smaller lenses. I'm actually tempted by a belt system as I think that might be the best way to carry the gear.

I'm thinking of the L511, with the pouch, shoulder strap and harness - backpack ready.

I'll definitely post up a nice review, I think I'm going for it.

'Tis done... I'll have a Kinesis L511 bag with accessory pouch, shoulder strap, harness and donut enroute shortly!

I eliminated the Glass Taxi because it doesn't allow the rig to be stowed with the hood in the ready position.

I shot this weekend at a nature preserve solely with the 300/TCs and made up my mind - getting the body and lens/TC out of the bag and mounting them up, then flipping the hood... Sucks. I ended up carrying the rig around all day instead!

So basically I decided I want more of a "holster" style setup than a "storage" setup. Any number of smaller, cheaper, different bags would allow me to get the rig from point A to B - but not ready for action.

I'll post up pix when she's in.

FYI, for those considering - Domke also makes a "Long Lens Bag" that's similar to the Lightware/Tenba in that it's somewhat square/boxy.

can't go wrong with Kinesis. Solid build. A bit expensive but worth every cents.

Nice... I just got a Nature Trekker for storage and will pick up a Whickey and Cox to tow around the laptop and a few lenses (not for the f2.8 but for the f4 one )

Looking forward to your pics from the L511.

Bubble wrote in post #5732759
can't go wrong with Kinesis. Solid build. A bit expensive but worth every cents.

That's the general consensus, it seems. They're somewhat specialized also, which I think gives them an edge. They clearly cater to pros, much like Think Tank Photo.

Had I wanted something more for storage I'd have gone with the Lightware/Tenba/Domke solutions. Had I wanted something more portable and compact, the Think Tank Photo would win there. But for a true, "ready to rock" solution, the Kinesis appears to be the best solution. At least as far as the 300mm is concerned, I didn't look at all these options with an eye for anything but this lens.

I got my setup "used" (hardly, more like) for $150, so I can't complain...

4x4rock wrote in post #5717377
If you get the L511, please post some pics, I'd like to see them too.

ofcourse you can.

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Sure, NOW you post pix...