Holster bags?

Please suggest a holster camera bag for a Canon 7d II with an attached 300F4 and 1.4x and someday a 100-400 II. Lowe pro or Think Tank? If Think Tank, the 40 or 50? Would a sling style bag be a decent alternative? Goal- easy access to camera when walking or hiking unlike a backpack.

Hi Jeff, I have the think tank 40@50 holsters. I prefer the 50 with the 7D 400-5.6, their is a small zipped pocket that holds the 1.4tc.

Jeff - Check out Kari Post's post of Mar 29. She basically asked the same question with several answers including mine recommending the LowePro Top Loader. Might be your answer.

Jeff, I think this must be the link Mark refers to.  

I accessed it because I also have a lens that he uses a lot....the Nikkor 80-400 AFS.  So, I could use this while riding my hybrid bike too...here in and around Portland.  After reading Mark's description to Kari, this sounds like a perfect solution for me.    

Now I have to see (at Lowe Pro site) if I can find the model number he has.   

http://www.naturescapes.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=253757


Robert King
http://itsaboutnature.net/

Blck-shouldered Kite wrote:Jeff, I think this must be the link Mark refers to.  

I accessed it because I also have a lens that he uses a lot....the Nikkor 80-400 AFS.  So, I could use this while riding my hybrid bike too...here in and around Portland.  After reading Mark's description to Kari, this sounds like a perfect solution for me.    

Now I have to see (at Lowe Pro site) if I can find the model number he has.   

http://www.naturescapes.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=253757


Robert King
http://itsaboutnature.net/

Robert - I gave her the specific link to the bag I spoke off in my post.Here it is: 

http://store.lowepro.com/toploader-pro-75-aw-ii    Will fit either full framer or cropper with a grip attached too. Small front pouch holds converter or wide angle lens. You can add on side pouches also.

Mark Picard wrote:

Blck-shouldered Kite wrote:Jeff, I think this must be the link Mark refers to.  

I accessed it because I also have a lens that he uses a lot....the Nikkor 80-400 AFS.  So, I could use this while riding my hybrid bike too...here in and around Portland.  After reading Mark's description to Kari, this sounds like a perfect solution for me.    

Now I have to see (at Lowe Pro site) if I can find the model number he has.   

http://www.naturescapes.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=253757


Robert King
http://itsaboutnature.net/

Robert - I gave her the specific link to the bag I spoke off in my post.Here it is: 

http://store.lowepro.com/toploader-pro-75-aw-ii    Will fit either full framer or cropper with a grip attached too. Small front pouch holds converter or wide angle lens. You can add on side pouches also.

Yup...ok...sorry, I missed the link.  It shows up in your second posting in that thread. 

BTW...thanks for recommending this Mark.  Just what I need to protect my "go-to" tool and to take it with me on the bike.  I just ordered mine from B and H. 

Also, would have ordered from NSN....but not in stock.  At least I could not find it. 

Robert King

I tried the Lowepro and found the zippers much better on the Think Tank. And it also has the expanding bottom, so the 400.5.6 7D can be placed in the holster with the hood extended.

I use the 50 version of the think tank with 300 f4 and 1.4x. Fits in nicely, extend the bottom zip and you can leave the hood out. The version you pick depends on the size of you body, the 50 is for a pro sized like the 1DMkIV (which I use) and the 30 (NOT the 40) is the same length but slimmer for a standard sized 7D/5D body. If you had the grip on the 7DII you'd want the 50. The 40 is NOT what you want as it is for a pro sized body and shorter lens. It's really well made

I carried mine all through Ecuador and Galapagos using a think tank steroid belt. Just flip the lid open and lift out, I tried once with the carry strap and promptly gave up as the access is not as easy. Puts all the load on your hips and keeps your back free to sweat if need be. You want to add the pixel racing harness for added support, but OK without it.

If you want to carry extras like a flash or lunch or whatever add a belt pouch to the other side. You can also get water bottle holders (probably get a Lowe one - they fit on the steroid belt) etc. for a complete hiking solution.

I ordered the TT 30 today. The LP is too large for my need. Thanks.

Jeff-curious how you like the holster. I have the TT50 for my 1D IV plus 400 5.6, and it's great if you don't have to get your camera out in a hurry. Otherwise I find it too tight around the camera body for constant in and out use for birding. I was just looking at the new Think Tank TurnStyle 20 (http://www.naturescapes.net/store/think ... -pack.html) which I'd love to get, but it looks like maybe the 1D IV won't fit in there. Has anyone tried it? It looks like one end might be wider if you don't put an extra lens in there.

How are you carrying it Cnthia, I found my iDMkIV/300mm f4 combo relatively easy to get out when carrying it on the belt, much less so when slung by the shoulder strap.

ChrisRoss wrote:How are you carrying it Cnthia, I found my iDMkIV/300mm f4 combo relatively easy to get out when carrying it on the belt, much less so when slung by the shoulder strap.

Hi Chris-I've tried it both ways- it is just tight in the bag. Not much room to get a hand in there to get a hold of the camera, and I don't use a strap to pull it out with.  I generally just carry it around on a Black Rapid, but it would be nice to have a case for protection and perhaps better ergonomics.  That camera gets heavier every year!

Has not arrived yet.

First use on the go will be early May wandering within a NYC hot spot for migrating warblers.

The 400mm may be a bit shorter than the 300mm/1.4x combo, I recall this was easier to extract as it sat higher in the bag. Consider placing something in the base of the bag to elevate the camera/lens combo so that the top o fthe camera is right level with the zipper, then its easier to get your hand under the grip.

ChrisRoss wrote:The 400mm may be a bit shorter than the 300mm/1.4x combo, I recall this was easier to extract as it sat higher in the bag.  Consider placing something in the base of the bag to elevate the camera/lens combo so that the top o fthe camera is right level with the zipper, then its easier to get your hand under the grip.

Thanks Chris-I may try that.  Think Tank says my camera won't fit their TurnStyle bag.  .   I wish they would make a bigger one.