Guys, thanks. This is helpful. Also I appreciate the picture with 150-450, and the information on which dividers come out from the backpacks. I saw many people mentionining lowepros flipside, the tamrac 5x and manfrotto off road hiker are new to me, I will check them out.
- am doing some 5-6 mile hiking with it, so water space would be nice.
- with 200-500, 12-24, 50/1.8 kit, with water, headlamp, vanguard 263ab tripod
---------- Post added 11-24-17 at 12:35 PM ----------
Originally posted by DeadJohn What price range is "cheap"? How far are you looking to hike? For 1 mile you can get away with a minimal strap system, for 10 miles over difficult terrain you'll regret cheaping out with bad straps.
Here are 2 bags I have used with my Sigma 50-500:
- Canon "Deluxe" Backpack: Around $40. There's nothing deluxe about it: big, inexpensive, and the quality is passable considering the low price. The 50-500 fits attached to a body, but with a large K-1 it's very tight vertically. There's a lot of storage space for other lenses, maps, batteries, remote, and accessories. Tripod straps at the base of the bag are usable but no-frills. Shoulder straps are padded and comfortable. The waist strap is way too thin; it holds the bag from moving but doesn't transfer weight to your hips. Canvas fabric has held up well but is not at all rainproof. Canon Deluxe Backpack 200 EG 6229A003 B&H Photo Video
- Manfrotto Off Road Hiker 30L: $80 Black Friday sale. The Canon is purely a camera bag; this Manfrotto is a hiking bag designed for camera and lenses in lower half plus open storage up top. I've carried the 50-500 up top with the body detached below. I suppose you could keep the body attached by remove the inner divider; the divider does come out even though I never used the bag that way. The carrying straps are comfortable, and the thick waist belt does a great job of weight transfer. Side pouch easily fits my 1.5l water bottle, and I can find places to carry more water when needed. Semi-rigid back makes it comfortable and allows back ventilation on hot days; I still get a sweaty back but not as bad as without that spacing. Lightweight water-repellant fabric plus a detachable rain cover. Manfrotto Off road Hiker Backpack (30L, Green) MB OR-BP-30GR B&H
If you're just parking a car and hiking a mile to a photo spot, the Canon is good. If you are considering hiking 15 miles, though, get the Manfrotto or something even larger, because in addition to camera and lens you also need room for water, food, first aid, etc.
Thanks! I was looking at the canon, but it seemed to small. For the off road hiker 30l - it seems that there is just a small padded divider for the dslr + lens, and the rest is just a regular backpack?
---------- Post added 11-24-17 at 12:37 PM ----------
Originally posted by steve_k If your doing day hikes the Tamrac Expedition 5x should be large enough (18 inches tall) plus room for more camera gear. There is one on eBay right now for $70 including shipping. Tamrac also makes smaller bags.
I own the expedition 8x for hauling most of my equipment around and it is a very solid backpack.
Thanks! I like that tamrac line, I am looking into the video reviews right now. I found a used ex condition 8x for $75.