Alta Sky: The best bags for a 600mm (or bigger) telephoto lens

Long lenses such as the Canon RF 600mm f/4 or the Nikon Z 600mm f/4 are always a popular choice for styles where you need to observe from a distance, but want clear, crisp images. Traditionally this has been for wildlife, sports and Astro photography, but it can also allow for better composition (such as tight framing) and clear images without pushing the limits of a smaller lens.

Whatever your style, if you’ve invested in a long lens, you’re going to need a good bag to carry and protect it. Here we share the key things to consider when choosing a bag, and then link this to why we believe that the Alta Sky offers the best options on the market.

The original Alta Sky Series included the Alta Sky 66 that was designed for a camera with a single telephoto lens, up to 800mm.  This included a extra large top opening that made it easy to remove and pack the camera as you can see demonstrated here at Brands Hatch.

Following the launch, we were asked for a bag that could carry the telephoto lens with additional lenses. Photographers wanted to be able to carry the long lens, but not miss a macro opportunity, or a stunning sunset.  Based on this feedback we developed a prototype that we nicknamed “The Beast” that we took to the Photography Show and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and the Alta Sky 68 was created soon after.

Following further feedback, we’ve launched smaller models for 150-600mm with the super compact Alta Sky 42 that never ceases to amaze us with it’s Tardis-like properties, and the Alta Sky 62 for larger kits.

All the new models retain the protection, comfort and easy access while offering the length, depth and configurability that covers the majority of the telephoto models on the market. At the same time, the series currently includes one model that meet the IATA Guidelines on hand luggage (though we recommend you read our “Will my bag fit in as hand luggage” blog).

This has resulted in some great reviews such as:

• Amateur Photographer awarded the Alta Sky 42 a 5-star Testbench Gold saying “If you frequently shoot sports, wildlife, or airshows, where you need to carry your camera with a long lens attached, it’s a great choice.” 
• Camera Jabber gave the Alta Sky 42 a 5-star review saying “it’s absolutely ideal for wildlife and sports. Not only does it enable you to comfortably carry your kit, but it also provides fast access, which makes it a must if you own a longer telephoto lens”

Award winning wildlife photographer Andy Rouse also uses the Alta Sky, and you can click here to see his video review.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS:

Length:  The bag should be able to fit your chosen lens with the camera attached. This saves time when you see that fleeting moment you wish to capture, and minimises the risk of dust entering the camera body as you fix the body to the lens in the field.  You should also consider the impact of the hood.  Do you want this deployed in the bag, or are you happy to fit it on the go?  Either way, we recommend measuring the length of your kit as you want to fit it in the bag, as this will be a key factor in choosing the right bag.

Depth:  While technology is constantly improving, allowing lenses to get smaller, you need to ensure that the bag will be deep enough for your kit.  If you have a SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 then the lens is only 12cm deep with the hood which is a common size, but if you have a larger lens, such as the Canon ED 800mm f5.6L, then is can be 16cm or more deep.  You also need to consider the camera depth which can be significant with a grip or battery pack attached, and also the depth of your chosen combination as there is a chance that these could combine to be deeper than the maximum depth of either alone. Again, we recommend measuring the true depth of your kit as you want to fit it in the bag.

Additional Kit:  We recommend considering what else you might want to carry.  This could include additional lenses and camera bodies, a laptop, a tripod, accessories, water and other personal kit.

Easy Access:  For a long telephoto lens, most bags offer full rear access to your camera and long lens.  Many will also offer top access, but this can be narrow and difficult to use with a long lens, especially if the bag is packed with other kit. 

Configurability:  If you’re just packing the telephoto lens, then this doesn’t matter too much. If you’re looking to carry additional kit in the bag, then you need to ensure that the dividers can be set up in such a way that they can fit your kit without pressing against the telephoto lens. While a tight fit is unlikely to damage your lens, it can restrict the movement, making it difficult to pack and remove your camera.

Protection:  Any brand advertising a bag for use with a long lens should include thick padding with quality materials to keep your kit safe, and should provide a rain cover for the wettest days.

Comfort: Combining a long lens with a camera, additional lenses, a tripod and personal kit can quickly take the weight you need to carry to well over 10kg. In addition, the styles of photography can mean the photographer has to carry the kit longer distances and over rugged terrain, so choosing a bag with ergonomic shoulder and hip straps (or wheels if used in a more urban setting) is key.

Hand Luggage Compatible:  Today’s photographers are incredibly mobile, and to get that exclusive bird shot, you may need to travel to more exotic locations.  No photographer wants their valuable lens in the aircraft hold, so if this applies to you then you should check if the bag will fit your chosen airline. While there are international IATA Guidelines of 56cm tall x 45cm wide x 25cm deep, this is not a simple topic as every airline has different rules on size and weight. As it’s a question we’re often asked we’ve created a “Will my bag fit in as hand luggage” blog to cover the topic in more detail than we can here.

WHY CHOOSE THE ALTA SKY SERIES?

The Alta Sky Series was originally designed for landscape photographers wanting to take large kits long distances across rugged terrain.  This means that the series is designed to be as tough as possible, while offering a harness and waist strap system that allows the weight to be carried in comfort.

WHICH MODEL IS BEST FOR ME?

Based on the key differences, the table below will hopefully help you decide:

NEXT STEPS:

The best way to check which Alta Sky is right for you is to pop into an authorised Vanguard dealer with your kit, and we’d recommend calling first to make sure they have the bag(s) you want to test.  Alternatively, if you know the model you want, you can always buy online in confidence. You can click here to see the full Alta Sky Series on Vanguard’s website.