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I have a two week trip to Lisbon, Portugal and Luanda, Angola coming up and I decided I did not want to take a camera bag, and wanted to take them in a standard backpack. The problem with a standard backpack is they do not offer padding like a photo backpack, but they are thinner and don’t look like a photo backpack. I tinkered with the thought of getting a Think Tank Shape Shifter, but with limited pouches, I could not take what I wanted. So this post will be a review of how I am padding my lenses to go in a standard backpack.

I have reviewed the Op/Tech USA Lens Sleeve and LensCoat Hoodie before (Nikon 50mm Lens Protection, Nikon 14-24mm Lens Protection, Nikon 24-70mm Lens Protection), but I decided that this was not enough padding, and Op/Tech USA does not have a Lens Sleeve longer than 6″, so a no go for my 70-200mm f/2.8G VRII, so here is what I used.

Op/Tech USA Snoot Boot (Large 3.6″D x 9″L)
Domke Protective Wrap (Large 19″)
LensCoat LensPouch (Extra Large Wide 5″ x 11″)

I first started with the Op/Tech USA Snoot Boot and put the lens inside.  The lens was loaded with the lensmount towards the opening.  I then closed the drawstring as tight as possible.  This was a perfect fit.

Then I take the lens in the Snoot Boot and wrap it tight in the Domke Protective Wrap.  I start with the lens towards one of the corners and roll it until I get to the other end.

Once the lens is rolled in the wrap, I fold the ends as tight as possible, and it looks somewhat like a burrito when complete.

I will then drop the burrito lens inside the hood trying to get the front of the lens tight in the hood.  It is a good idea to do this to protect the glass.  Even if you shoot without the hood, the hood still serves as a rigid protective band around the lens.

I now drop the lens in the LensCoat LensPouch and tighten the string.  The thing I love about this is the double layer of neoprene, which has a rubber layer for water/moisture resistance.

The lens and hood alone weigh 3lb 7oz, and with the protection, 4lb 3oz.  So 12oz for three layers of protection for those of you that pack light.  Worth it in my opinion.

See the Photo Gallery for more pictures

And finally my Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G with the Op/Tech Lens Sleeve (6″) and the LensCoat Hoodie (Small). I keep this lens on my camera mostly, so I have did not order the pouch for it. More pictures are in the gallery when you click on the picture.
The combo can be ordered from Adorama at the links below:
$9.95 OpTech Lens Sleeve (6″)
$12.99 LensCoat Hoodie (Small)

Update 02.09 – I added a LensCoat LensPouch Large Wide pouch to complete the combo!

Here is what my Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G lens looks like with the Op/Tech Lens Sleeve (4″) and the LensCoat Hoodie (Medium). Excellent protection for this. I also ordered a LensCoat LensPouch (Medium Wide) for storage. More pictures are in the gallery when you click on the picture.
The whole combo can be ordered from Adorama at the links below:
$8.95 OpTech Lens Sleeve (4″)
$13.75 LensCoat Hoodie (Medium)
$17.99 LensCoat LensPouch (Medium Wide)

I am very anal about lens protection for my Nikon and I think I have finally found what I feel is the best combination of protection for my lenses that get put in my camera bag.
I have been using the LensCoat Hoodie Lens Caps on my lenses, and I just got some Op/Tech USA Lens Sleeves to match.

For the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G I purchased a LensCoat Hoodie (Small) and a Op/Tech Lens Sleeve (3″).

Op/Tech makes a “Hood Hat” but I prefer the LensCoat variety since they include a hard plastic/foam insert to protect the front element. The same insert is found in the bottom of their pouches as well.  The “leather” tab also appears to be thicker and stronger than the ones on the Op/Tech variety.

When the pair is used in combination, it provides excellent protection for the lens. I typically use keep this lens with the hood on at all times, and I believe that if your are a “hoodless” shooter, it will work as well, but the LensCoat Hoodie XS may be required for the perfect fit.
The padding seems more than adequate and the neoprene will provide excellent moisture restistance due to the rubber inside.  I have no problems putting this lens now in a non-photo backpack if I need to take it on the go.

I also purchased a LensCoat LensPouch (Small Wide) to keep this lens in for storage, although when I shoot, I can leave this at home.  This is ideal since the hard foam/plastic inserts makes the lens “float” in the middle of the pouch with protection on the top and bottom.

The whole combo can be ordered from Adorama at the links below:
$7.95 OpTech Lens Sleeve (3″)
$12.99 LensCoat Hoodie (Small)
$16.99 LensCoat LensPouch (Small Wide)

Full pictures are in the slideshow which are linked by clicking on either picture.  I will post pictures for the Nikon 14-24mm and the 24-70mm later today.