Long lenses are critical for certain types of photography, such as sports or wildlife, and often mean that you need a bag that will work with the new lens. A wide range of bags will work with the body and lens packed separately, but this will slow you down in the field and risks dust on your sensor as you connect them from the bag, or separate them to pack.  Here we focus on a shortlist of bags from Vanguard that allow you to have the camera body attached to the lens for immediate use. 

The Alta Sky Series has models that are specifically designed to hold your long lens (in most cases with hood extended if you wish) with easy, extra wide top access that makes getting your camera and lens in and out incredibly easy. These technical backpacks are designed for maximum protection and comfort that will get you and your kit safely to your chosen destination, whatever the terrain.  Whether its a new 150-600mm lens or a trusty old 800mm lens, the Alta Sky Series has a model that is right for you.

Easy Access

Each has an easy access section specifically designed for up to a 600mm, or up to an 800mm lens fitted to your camera.

Multiple Lenses

Selected models can carry additional lenses alongside the larger lens, to ensure you don't miss an opportunity because you only have the large lens.

Carry A Full Sized Tripod

Each is designed to carry a full sized tripod on the rear for optimal balance.

Comfortable Harness

All of the models have a comfortable harness system to minimise stress.

If you don't need the capability of the Alta Sky Series and you're looking for a slimmer solution for a smaller APSC (used to be known as "mirrorless") 150-600mm lens, then the VEO Adaptor "R" Rear Access Backpacks may be just the thing for you. They are great everyday backpacks that are incredibly light and compact, but the top access is more restricted than the Alta Sky.

Slim Profile

These backpacks are designed to be compact and lightweight while being able to carry a surprising amount of kit. 

Multiple Lenses

Designed to carry multiple lenses, or an APSC 150-600mm setup, but this will reduce the amount of additional lenses you can fit.

Carry A Travel Tripod

Designed to carry a travel sized tripod on the rear for optimal balance, or can be attached to the side.

Charge On The Go

Includes a USB-A Port and internal cable that allows you to attach a power bank in the bag, and power a camera/smartphone safely on the go.

If you're a sports photographer, you probably don't need a backpack that's designed to take you to the top of Ben Nevis, but you do need to carry more kit than the VEO Adaptor "R".  If that's the case, have you considered a Roller Bag that you can pull to your location?  Several now come with backpack straps that allow you to pull your kit with ease for most of the journey, and use it as a backpack for the stretches of parkland or gravel that separate you from your destination.

Up to 17cm deep and IATA sized hand luggage**, but shallower sections mean it is not deep enough for a pro camera with battery pack attached when fitted to a lens (can be carried separately).

Up to 17cm deep and IATA sized hand luggage**, but shallower sections mean it is not deep enough for a pro camera with battery pack attached when fitted to a lens (can be carried separately).

Up to 17.5cm deep so can be used with a pro camera with battery pack attached and fitted to pretty much any 600mm lens, but too deep to be hand luggage compatible on any airline.

Up to 19cm deep and suitcase sized so can be used with a pro camera with battery pack attached and fitted most 800mm lenses, or carry your whole studio, but too deep to be hand luggage compatible on any airline.