Sony 200-600 Bag Guide

The Sony FE 200-600 F5.6-6.3 G lens has quickly become one of the most popular lenses for Sony Alpha wildlife shooters, however due to its size you might have found that your favorite camera bag is no longer big enough.

Since I run the Sony Alpha Wildlife Shooters Group on Facebook I noticed that bag recommendations for the 200-600 were starting to pop up on a regular basis.

So with the help of our amazing group members who have allowed me to publish their bag photos (thank you so much) I’ve created this guide that will hopefully help you to find the best bag for your Sony 200-600 along with all of the other gear that you like to carry along with it.

Please note that this guide is a work in progress. If you can recommend any additional bags not included here and also share a photo, then please add them to this this post in the Sony Alpha Wildlife Shooters Group on Facebook and I can then update this article. Thank you!

 

Sony 200-600 Bag Guide Quick Nav Menu

1. Bag Sizing Guide
2. Small Bags – 20 Liters and Less
3. Medium Bags – 21 to 35 Liters
4. Large Bags – 36 Liters and Larger
5. Lens / Camera Only Bags

Bag Sizing Guide for the 200-600

The 200-600 internal zoom lens has a length of around 332mm / 13.07 inches with the hood reversed and lens cap on. Attach a camera like the Sony a7III, a7R III, a7R IV, a9 or a9II and the length is now around 380mm / 14.96 inches.

If you want to carry the lens with the lens hood in place and the camera attached you are now looking at a length of around 455mm / 17.91 inches. Adding the 1.4x teleconverter will take you to 390mm / 15.35 inches with the hood reversed or 470mm / 18.50 inches with the hood attached.

As for the depth, if you measure from the top of the Sony 200-600 lens foot to the opposite side of the lens hood then this is around 145mm / 5.7 inches, it’s also the same if you are using the Kirk LP-68 Arca-Swiss lens foot replacement (#afflinks B&H | Wex Photo). If you remove the lens foot then now the largest element is the lens hood with a diameter of around 125mm / 4.92 inches.

So you’ll want a bag that with an internal depth of at least 145mm / 5.7 inches unless you twist the lens foot on the collar or remove it to reduce the height, then 125mm / 4.92 inches will be enough.

Some bags are rounded at the top which can make the longest internal dimensions a little misleading when you want to add an item with a larger diameter like the 200-600, therefore you’ll probably want to make sure there is 25-50mm / 1-2 inches of additional space to accommodate for this.

Small Bags – 20 Liters and Less

If you are looking for a small day pack for the 200-600 and just a couple of extra items then here are some choices for you.

MindShift Backlight 18L

The BackLight 18L will comfortably fit the Sony 200-600 lens attached to a camera with the hood reversed. It will also fit with the 1.4x teleconverter attached.

However, if you keep the lens foot on then you will need to spin this on the collar to avoid it prodding you in the back. I own this bag myself and it makes for a great lightweight day bag when I want to keep gear to a minimum.

Key Features

• Available in both black and woodland green colors
• Back-panel access to your camera gear without taking the bag off, allowing you to work out of the bag without getting your harness dirty, wet, muddy or icy
• Dedicated compartments fit up to a 13” laptop and full size tablet
• Daypack capacity! Front pockets totaling 5L carry personal gear for a day’s outing: extra layers, a light jacket, food, etc.
• Meets most international and US carry-on requirements
• Seam-sealed rain cover included, folds flat for use as a ground cover

More details and additional product photos can be found on Think Tanks website.

Think Tank Urban Access 15

The Think Tank Urban Access 15 will fit the Sony FE 200-600 lens with the hood reversed but not with a camera attached.

Thanks to Patrick Fahey for this photo.

The access panels on both sides enable you to sling the backpack left or right, while the rear-panel provides complete access to your gear when working directly out of the bag.

Key Features

• Available in graphite and dark olive colors
• Two quick side-access panels with full-access rear panel
• Dedicated laptop pocket fits 15″ laptop
• Tripod attachment on front secures a small or large tripod with deployable cup
• Seam-sealed rain cover included

More details and additional product photos can be found on Think Tanks website.

Think Tank Vision 15

The Think Tank Vision 15 will comfortably hold the 200-600 (hood reversed) with camera attached on top, together with extra lenses, converters, etc. underneath.

Thanks to Scott Fairbairn for this photo.

Sized for professional lenses, the Vision Shoulder Bag Series is designed not only for capacity but also for security. With its zippered top closure, your gear will stay safe and in place.

Key Features

• Available in graphite and dark olive colors
• Internal zippered flap provides a secure closure, weather barrier and theft protection. Tucks away when not in use
• Waterproof tarpaulin base
• Tripod attachment straps included
• Seam-sealed rain cover included

More details and additional product photos can be found on Think Tanks website.

Think Tank Glass Taxi

Very light and a snug fit with the 200-600 and body, lens hood reversed. Space for another body small lens and a teleconverter. The bag alone in this configuration weighs only 1kg. Total weight as shown below is about 5.5kg – easily carried all day.

Thanks to Keith Whitehouse for this photo.

Key Features

• Can be used as a shoulder bag or a backpack
• Specially designed zippers hold their position to avoid accidental opening of the main compartment
• Carry a tripod or a monopod in side stretch pocket
• Seam-sealed rain cover included

Note: This bag is no longer listed on Thank Tanks website and some stores are showing it as discontinued.

Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II

One of the smaller Lowepro backpacks for the Sony 200-600 lens with the hood reversed and without a camera attached.

Thanks to Nick Richardson for this photo.

Key Features

• 4-point access Pro Mirrorless/Standard DSLR cameras and lenses
• Waist belt converts to utility belt with included accessories
• CradleFit compartment safeguards up to 13-inch laptop
• Compatible with all ProTactic series modular accessories
• All Weather AW Cover

More details and additional product photos can be found on Lowepro’s website.

Lowepro Pro Runner BP 350 AW II

Another small bag from Lowepro that fits the 200-600 with camera attached and the lens hood reversed, from the photo below it looks like a snug fit.

Thanks to Antoine Hlmn for this photo.

Key Features

• MaxFit divider system for maximum capacity & snug protective fit
• Space for 13” laptop, 10” tablet, plus Wacom type tablet
• Travel friendly! Sized to meet standard carry-on requirements
• Sturdy and adjustable tripod straps
• All Weather AW Cover

More details and additional product photos can be found on Lowepro’s website.

Lowepro Flipside 300 AW II

The Lowepro Flipside 300 AW II will fit the 200-600 attached to a camera with the hood reversed. In the below shot Martin Lofgren has packed in the Sony a6600 attached to the 200-600mm, Sony 18-105mm, Samyang 12mm, Flash HVL-F20M and DJI Mavic Mini.

Shown here with long insert from Pro Runner 300AW. Thanks to Martin Lofgren for this photo.

Key Features

• Flipside provides security through body-side points of entry
• CradleFit pocket suspends and protects 10” tablet
• Computer compartment compatible with 16″ laptops and the 17″ MacBook Pro
• All Weather AW Cover for premium protection from the elements
• Front storage panel & removable, padded accessory pouch

More details and additional product photos can be found on Lowepro’s website.

Case Logic SLRC-206 SLR

This backpack will fit the Sony 200-600 attached to a camera like the a7III and even squeeze in the Sony 70-200gm and Tamron 28-75 or similar sized lenses.

Thanks to Jason Walker for this photo.

Key Features

• Patent pending hammock system suspends your SLR above the bottom of case, providing superior impact protection
• Water-resistant EVA base withstands the elements and allows the backpack to stand up on its own
• Computer compartment compatible with 16″ laptops and the 17″ MacBook Pro
• Four accessory pockets allow fast access to memory cards and other small items
• Industrial strength hook and loop straps on side of the bag hold your tripod

More details and additional product photos can be found on Case Logic’s website.

Manfrotto Large Advanced Befree Messenger Bag

If you are looking for a messenger style bag then the Manfrotto Befree Messenger will fit the Sony 200-600 with the hood reversed attached to a camera like the a9 or a7III and still leave room for additional accessories.

Thanks to James Edwards for this photo.

Key Features

• Special pocket for Befree tripod or DJI OSMO
• Handy top opening for super-fast access
• Adjustable dividers to organize your gear
• Rain cover included

More details and additional product photos can be found on Manfrotto’s website.

Medium Bags – 21 to 35 Liters

If you are looking for a medium sized backpack for the Sony 200-600 along with additional gear then here are some choices for you.

MindShift Backlight 26L

The MindShift Backlight 26L is the bigger brother of the 18L. It will comfortably fit the Sony 200-600 (hood reversed) attached to a full-frame camera like the Sony a9 and still leave space for additional lenses, cameras and any other accessories you might want to pack in.

Thanks to Fitz Michael for this photo.

Key Features

• Available in both black and woodland green colors
• Back-panel access to your camera gear without taking the bag off, allowing you to work out of the bag without getting your harness dirty, wet, muddy or icy
• Dedicated compartments fit up to a 15” laptop and full-size tablet.
• Daypack capacity! Front pockets totaling 9L to carry personal gear for a days outing: extra layers, a light jacket, food, etc.
• Meets most international and US carry-on requirements
• Seam-sealed rain cover included, folds flat for use as a ground cover

More details and additional product photos can be found on Think Tanks website.

Think Tank StreetWalker V2.0 Rolling

If you are looking for a backpack that also rolls to take the weight off then the Think Tank StreetWalker V2.0 Rolling is worth considering.

In the photos below Tag Rice has comfortably packed in the Sony 200-600 and the Sony 400mm F2.8 GM lens. Although the 200-600 is not attached to his camera it looks like there is plenty of space to carry it attached as well.

Thanks to Tag Rice (Insta | Web) for this photo.

Key Features

• Comfortable harness system allows you to roll the bag or carry it on your back
• Dedicated laptop compartment that holds up to a 15” laptop
• Specially designed interior to maximize gear for carry-on, meets most U.S. and International airline carry-on requirements
• Tripod mount on front panel
• Seam-sealed rain cover included

More details and additional product photos can be found on Think Tanks website.

Think Tank Airport Essentials

The Think Tank Airport Essentials will fit the Sony 200-600 attached to the Sony a9II or similar full-frame camera and still have room to attach the 1.4x or 2X teleconverter.

In the below photo Steven Cheong has packed in the Sony a9II + 200-600mm + 2x tele, the 100-400mm GM with 1.4 tele, plus Nikon 8×42 Monarch binoculars, plus a 13.3inch laptop and an Apple iPad.

Thanks to Steven Cheong for this photo.

Key Features

• Cable lock and locking YKK® RC Fuse zippers protect your gear
• Fits 13” laptops, some 15” laptops and a 10” tablet
• Meets most international and US carry-on requirements
• Tripod/Monopod mounting system included
• Seam-sealed rain cover included

More details and additional product photos can be found on Think Tanks website.

Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II

The Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II will hold the Sony 200-600 with a full-frame camera attached (hood reversed) providing you place it in the middle of the bag, placed to the sides and you’ll need to remove the camera.

Thanks to Nick Richardson for this photo.

Key Features

• 4-point access to gear
• Waist belt converts to utility belt with included accessories
• CradleFit compartment safeguards up to 15-inch laptop
• New series of SlipLock modular accessories
• All Weather AW Cover

More details and additional product photos can be found on Lowepro’s website.

Lowepro Flipside 400 AW II

The Lowepro Flipside 400 AW II will fit the 200-600 attached to a camera like the a7R III with the hood reversed.

The internal photo below from Collin Xa actually shows the previous and now discontinued Flipside 400 AW and not the current II model. However the II has the same internal dimensions apart from the length which is 2cm longer than the previous model, so the 200-600 will fit just fine.

In the internal photo Collin has packed his Sony a7R IV attached to the 200-600, the Sony 35mm 2.8, a canon 5d mark iv, and a Tokina 11-20mm. In the front pocket he packs his binoculars, extra batteries and charger, rocket blower, gps unit, portable battery from Anker, and some other accessories. And it all fits under the seat of an airplane!

Note: This photo shows the previous discontinued Flipside 400 AW and not the II. The II has the same internal dimensions except for the length which is 2cm longer, so the 200-600 will fit just fine. Thanks to Collin Xa for this photo.

Key Features

• Flipside provides security through body-side points of entry
• CradleFit pocket suspends and protects 15” laptop and 10” tablet
• Hideaway Tripod Mount secures a compact tripod to the pack
• All Weather AW Cover for premium protection from the elements
• Exterior SlipLock strap system for additional storage

More details and additional product photos can be found on Lowepro’s website.

Lowepro Flipside 500 AW II

The Lowepro Flipside 500 AW II will hold the Sony 200-600 with a full-frame camera attached (hood reversed).

The internal photo below from Karen Boyer Guyton actually shows the previous and now discontinued Flipside 500 AW and not the current II model. However the II has the same internal dimensions except for the width which is 2cm smaller but this will make no difference to fitting in the 200-600.

Inside Karen has packed her Sony a9 with grip and 200-600, a7RIV with grip and 100-400, a7Rii with grip and 35mm and 1.4 TC. There is still room for an iPad or laptop and more room in the front pockets. Although she does mention that she will need a camera sherpa to lift the thing.

Note: This photo shows the previous discontinued Flipside 500 AW and not the II. The II has the same internal dimensions except for the width which is 2cm smaller but this will make no difference to fitting in the 200-600. Thanks to Karen Boyer Guyton for this photo.

Key Features

• Secure body-side access
• Hideaway Tripod Mount secures a compact tripod to the pack
• CradleFit pocket suspends and protects 15” laptop and 10” tablet
• All Weather AW Cover

More details and additional product photos can be found on Lowepro’s website.

Tenba AXIS 24L Backpack

The Tenba AXIS 24L will fit the Sony 200-600 (with hood attached) and mounted to a camera like the Sony a7III and still have plenty of room for additional lenses and accessories.

Thanks to Cameron Vesperman for this photo.

Key Features

• Adjustable to fit your height and comes with a removable hip belt for extra back support.
• 3-point camera access system
• Fits up to 17″ Macbook Pro
• Waterproof hydrophobic exterior
• MOLLE webbing allows limitless expandability with Tenba Tools, such as Lens Capsules, Battery Pouches and Memory Card Wallets

More details and additional product photos can be found on Tenba’s website.

Tenba AXIS 32L Backpack

If the Tenba Axis 24L is a little too small, then its bigger brother the Tenba AXIS 32L might suit your needs better.

Just like the 24L version it will also fit the Sony 200-600 (with hood attached) mounted to a camera like the Sony a7III and still have plenty of room left over for additional gear.

Thanks to Derek Teague for this photo.

Key Features

• Adjustable to fit your height and comes with a removable hip belt for extra back support.
• 3-point camera access system
• Fits up to 17″ Macbook Pro
• Waterproof hydrophobic exterior
• MOLLE webbing allows limitless expandability with Tenba Tools, such as Lens Capsules, Battery Pouches and Memory Card Wallets

More details and additional product photos can be found on Tenba’s website.

Large Bags – 35 Liters and Larger

If you need to carry lots of gear then here are some of the larger bag options for the 200-600.

MindShift Backlight 36L

The BackLight 36L will comfortably fit the Sony 200-600 lens attached to a camera like the a9 with the hood in-place.

Unlike the 18L version of this backpack there is no need to turn the lens on the collar to prevent the lens foot from prodding you in the back as there is plenty of room.

In the below internal photo I’ve packed in the Sony a9 + 200-600, an a7R IV with SmallRig L-bracket + Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM lens, the Sony FE 100-400 GM, an Atomos Ninja V HDMI recover and the Jobu Design Jobu Jr.3 gimbal head.

There is lots of space left for accessories and clothing in the large front pocket, along with a 15″ laptop if you wish. I only recently purchased this backpack myself and although I haven’t used it a great deal yet it’s definitely very comfortable with plenty of padding.

Key Features

• Available in both black and woodland green colors
• Back-panel access to your camera gear without taking the bag off, allowing you to work out of the bag without getting your harness dirty, wet, muddy or icy
• Dedicated compartments fit up to a 15” laptop and a 10” tablet.
• Daypack capacity! Front pockets totaling 11L carry personal gear for a day’s outing: extra layers, a light jacket, food, etc.
• Seam-sealed rain cover included, folds flat for use as a ground cover

More details and additional product photos can be found on Think Tanks website.

MindShift Backlight Elite 45L

If you are looking for a very large bag with an internal frame for extra heavy loads and lots of padding then the MindShift Backlight Elite 45L is worth looking at.

Sony Alpha Wildlife Shooters Group member Travis Saunders switched from the Backlight 36L to the Backlight Elite 45L, not because of size but because the Elite is so much more comfortable with heavier loads. It is a little bigger than he would like, but feels great on a long day of hiking.

In the photo below he has packed in his: A7RIII, A6500, 200-600, 24-70gm, Zeiss 18, Mavic 2 Pro, filters and batteries.

Thanks to Travis Saunders for this photo.

Key Features

• Aluminum internal frame supports the load and keeps it in place
• Storm proof construction with YKK® AquaGuard® zippers and waterproof/tearproof Sailcloth
• Superior Fit: Robust lumbar padding, hip-hugging waist belt, quick-dry back panel, and foam ridges for increased ventilation
• Back and top panel access to all of your camera gear, allowing you to work out of your bag without getting your harness dirty or wet
• Trekking capacity! Front pockets totaling 17L carry personal gear for a day’s outing: extra layers, a jacket, food, etc.

More details and additional product photos can be found on Think Tanks website.

Peak Design Travel 45L

Another larger pack the Peak Design Travel 45L will comfortably fit the 200-600 attached to a camera like the a9 with the hood reversed.

In the photo below Lester Tsai has also squeezed in the Sony 100-400 attached to an a7R III along with a couple of additional lenses.

Thanks to Lester Tsai for this photo.

Key Features

• Available in both black and sage green colors
• Dual expansion zips give 10L extra volume for 45L max storage
• Rigid sidewalls and full-back panel load for organized packing
• Zippered dividing panel separates bag into two compartments or merge into one
• Front organizational panel four-zippered mesh pockets for small and flat items
• Meets international max carry-on standards in default 35L configuration

More details and additional product photos can be found on Peak Design’s website.

Shimoda Action X50 with Large ICU

The Shimoda Action X50 has been designed for photographers who need to carry a lot of gear.

When used with the Large ICU you can comfortably fit the Sony 200-600 (hood reversed) attached to a full frame camera like the a7III.

In the below photo Bonnie Block has squeezed in the 200-600 attached to the Sony a9, the Sony 100-400, Sony a7R IV, Sony 24-105 and the Sony 1.4x teleconverter.

Thanks to Bonnie Block for this photo.

Key Features

• Available in both black and army green colors
• Rear and side access options
• Adjustable torso height offering four size options
• Core init modular camera insert system
• Roll-top access

More details and additional product photos can be found on Shimoda’s website.

Atlas Adventure Pack

The Atlas Adventure will comfortably fit the Sony 200-600 attached to a camera with the hood reversed.

In the internal photo below Will Seals has packed in his Sony a9 with battery grip attached to the 290-600. Also inside is the a7RIV with battery grip. The 24mm GM and the 85mm 1.8. The 1.4x TC and room for more.

He can also packs his Wimberley gimbal head and tripod and still have room left over. When cinched down if you take the metal support out it can be stored overhears on flights.

Thanks to Will Seals for this photo.

Key Features

• Origami camera core can be reconfigured between camera core and non-camera section of pack
• Designed to carry large to x-large sets of camera and video gear
• Dedicated pocket for a 15″ laptop
• The ultimate in comfort. Air vented mesh back panel, overbuilt harness and suspension system
• Room for two tripods (one on each size of pack)
• Removable shoulder straps
• Removable waist belt
• Internal frame backpack (removable)
• Built-in rainfly with tether
• Hidden passport pocket designed for valuables
• Quickdraw hip pockets hidden into sides of waist-belt

More details and additional product photos can be found on Atlas Packs website.

Lens / Camera Only Bags

If you only want a bag to carry the 200-600 with a camera and no additional gear then here are a couple of options for you.

Think Tank Digital Holster 150

Think Tank Holster 150 holds a camera like the Sony a7III with the 200/600 lens attached, has a waterproof cover tucked in a little pocket and has a pouch and a couple of small pockets, nice padded shoulder strap, very easy to carry or wear.

Thanks to Paul Peters for this photo.

Thanks to Paul Peters for this photo.

Key Features

• Quick access top opening
• Carry with the included shoulder strap or belt mount
• Attachment for a monopod, a small tripod or a modular component
• Front stretch pocket for lens caps, back caps, and other items
• Seam-sealed rain cover included

More details and additional product photos can be found on Think Tanks website.

Ape Case ACPROLC18 Professional Large

If you are looking for one of the smallest cases just for the 200-600 (hood reversed) and a small APS-C camera like the Sony a6400 then this one from Ape Case is a possible option. It will also fit a full-frame camera but it’s a very snug fit at the top.

Thanks to Michel Julien for this photo.

Thanks to Michel Julien for this photo.

Key Features

• Removable interior padded base
• Attach the case to a belt or backpack
• Fully padded

More details and additional product photos can be found on Ape Case’s website.

Pelican Storm iM2306

If you are looking for a hard case for the Sony 200-600 then the Pelican Storm iM2306 is one option worth considering.

Thanks to Michel Julien for this photo.

Key Features

• Two Press & Pull Latches
• Lightweight Strong HPX® Resin
• Watertight, crushproof, and dustproof
• Double-layered, Soft-grip Handle
• Two Padlockable Hasps

More details and additional product photos can be found on Pelican’s website.

Please note that this guide is a work in progress. If you can recommend any additional bags not included here and also share a photo, then please add them to this this post in the Sony Alpha Wildlife Shooters Group on Facebook and I’ll then update this article. Thank you!