Q: Which case is best for my 300/2.8 or 400/4 DO lens?
A: If you plan to carry the lens without a body, then the E660 is our first recommendation. If you want to carry the lens with a body attached, then we recommend the L311. The E970 will house a 300/2.8 or 400/4 with a small body attached. See the note at the bottom of the E970 page.
Q: Which case is best for my 200-400/4 or 500/4 lens?
A: If you plan to carry the lens without a body, then the E970 is our first recommendation. 200-400s and 500s will also fit in the slightly larger (diameter) L311 case.
If you want to carry the lens with a body attached, then we recommend the L511.
Q: Why don't you recommend the L321, L521 or L526 or "2-series" cases for 300s or 500s?
A: The diameter of these cases is much larger than necessary to house a 300/2.8 or 500/4 lens. Including the lid (which protrudes out beyond the main case body), the 2-series cases are 40mm (1.5") larger in diameter than the L311/L511 cases.
The L321 was originally designed to house a 300/2.8 with a body attached or a 400/2.8 without a body. The L521 or L526 was designed to hold a 400/2.8 with a body attached or a 600/4 without a body (although we have found that the latest Canon IS 600s just fit in the L521 or L526 with a body attached).
Q: When would you recommend the L321, L521 or L526 cases for a 300mm, 200-400 or 500mm lens?
A: We recommend one of these cases when you want bomber protection for your lens, but are not worried about the extra bulk or weight of a "2-series" case. The L311, L511 or L526 cases offer protection (12mm closed-cell foam side walls) similar to other long lens cases like Tenba, Lowepro, Lightware etc. Our PolyCore cases (L321, L521 or L622), on the other hand, offer more protection than the softer L311, L511 or L526 cases. The bottom corners, where the front element sits, has overlapping rigid protection. They are heavier however.
If you choose a "2-series" case, then consider adding an insert, such as the L026 and/or L029 so the lens doesn't slide around so much inside the case.
Q: How do I turn my long lens case into a backpack?
A: Add a H245 or larger H250 padded harness along with a H130 strap. A waist belt (B108, B308 etc.) is optional, but is recommended as it provides additional stability. Some customers have complained that the bottom edge of the case digs into their back when a belt is not used, so we typically recommend one when a harness is attached. As a rule, the standard-weight Kinesis Black Belt (B108, B109 etc.) is adequate when attached to long lens case. The heavy-duty belts (B307, B308 etc.) are primarily designed for use with the Heavy-duty Pack Frames or when carrying a heavy "waist belt only" load around your waist.
Long Lens Nomenclature (L311, L521 etc.)
