Nikon/Tamron 200-500 camera bag advice sought

[Astrokev]

I currently use and love a D70s with the Tamron 200-500 zoom. When in the field I tend to carry my gear around my neck or over the shoulder, which works fine most of the time.

However, when travelling, I'd like to get a bag that affords good protection and allows easy access. Currently, I transport the camera/lens in either a conventional back-pack, which is less than ideal, or as separate components in individual camera and lens bags. These give good protection but obviously need to be assembled before I can use the camera.

I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who uses the big Tamron lens, and can offer any advice on bags to carry the assembled set-up.

Many thanks
Kevin

[Gaz Shilton]

Hi Astrokev,
I got a 'medium' sized Lowepro Micro Trekker 200 from Jessops.
I can fit my Tamron 200-500 attached to a D200, a Tamron 70-300, D70s and 2 lenses for my scope inside with straps underneath for a monopod. Oh, and a bean bag.
It also has other little pockets for odds and ends.
Cost around £75.
Hope this helps.

[Guidenet]

I really like the Think Tank Airport Anectdote. I took a long time looking at new bags before deciding on it. My criteria was that it had to be strong, padded, good bottom, comfortable, carry all the gear I wanted when traveling abroad, and be small enough to fit as a carry-on for most all airlines.

It holds my D300, D80, Tamron 200-500 with hood, 70-300 vr Nikkor, 10-20 Sigma, 60mm Micro Nikkor, 18-135 Nikkor, extension tubes, tele-extender, SB600 Flash with diffuser, various cables, filters, and memory, small laptop in removable container. All the lenses have hoods reversed except the Sigma which is attached normally and the Micro which doesn't have one. I usually stick another AIS Micro in there too. It also has straps for tripod and monopods.

The Think Tank also has additional rain cover folded inside but the whole thing is pretty weather proof without it. The shoulder straps are very comfortable and fully adjustable. There's a waist strap too if you want it. It accepts various hang-on pouches if you need them. I don't.

Another reason I purchased it was a review by Thom Hogan who said it was the best bag out there for the size and was used as carry-on in even regional flights. It's so well padded that it looks like you could drop it from nearly any angle. The zippers and hardware are all top-notch.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_ArprtAntdt.php