Based on all the recommendations here on birdforum and elsehwere, I have taken the plunge and purchased a used Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S + TC14E II for bird photography.
I can't afford a newer body at the moment, so am mounting the lens and teleconverter onto my Nikon D70. Because of its poor ISO performance and lack of VR, I know that a monopod will be necessary in less than favorable light. I'm thinking about the Manfrotto 679b with 234RC head. I'd like to keep the weight down as most of my bird photography will require hiking many miles over difficult terrain, but am not sure if a carbon fiber monopod is worth the extra cost. I'd really like to be able to use the monopod as a walking stick when my camera is packed away. Has anyone hiked considerable distances with the 679b?
The other problem I'm coming across is finding a bag to carry this setup with relatively quick access. I'd love to be able to use something like the Lowepro Toploader 75 AW, but my camera won't fit with the TC attached. I've also checked out the holsters made by Think Tank, but none of them will fit this combo without extending the bottom of the bag (therefore compromising protection). I'd really prefer a slim bag with top loading access that could be dropped into a hiking backpack along with other required gear for longer excursions. Nobody seems to make a low profile bag that will hold a 300 f/4 + TC attached to a camera body. The closest thing I have seen so far is the Lowepro Flipside 200, but even that has extra space on the sides that would simply take up more room in my hiking pack (not to mention the access to zippers would be very difficult). So my question to the other 300 f/4 + TC owners out there is: what do you use or recommend for carrying this combination without breaking it down into its component parts for back-country birding? Is removing the lens or TC the only way to go?
Sorry for the long-winded questions, hopefully someone has had the same frustrations and has found a solution.
Thanks,
Adam
I can't afford a newer body at the moment, so am mounting the lens and teleconverter onto my Nikon D70. Because of its poor ISO performance and lack of VR, I know that a monopod will be necessary in less than favorable light. I'm thinking about the Manfrotto 679b with 234RC head. I'd like to keep the weight down as most of my bird photography will require hiking many miles over difficult terrain, but am not sure if a carbon fiber monopod is worth the extra cost. I'd really like to be able to use the monopod as a walking stick when my camera is packed away. Has anyone hiked considerable distances with the 679b?
The other problem I'm coming across is finding a bag to carry this setup with relatively quick access. I'd love to be able to use something like the Lowepro Toploader 75 AW, but my camera won't fit with the TC attached. I've also checked out the holsters made by Think Tank, but none of them will fit this combo without extending the bottom of the bag (therefore compromising protection). I'd really prefer a slim bag with top loading access that could be dropped into a hiking backpack along with other required gear for longer excursions. Nobody seems to make a low profile bag that will hold a 300 f/4 + TC attached to a camera body. The closest thing I have seen so far is the Lowepro Flipside 200, but even that has extra space on the sides that would simply take up more room in my hiking pack (not to mention the access to zippers would be very difficult). So my question to the other 300 f/4 + TC owners out there is: what do you use or recommend for carrying this combination without breaking it down into its component parts for back-country birding? Is removing the lens or TC the only way to go?
Sorry for the long-winded questions, hopefully someone has had the same frustrations and has found a solution.
Thanks,
Adam
