Lens Protection

[Lloyd Ubshura]

Hi guys. Curious what you guys are using to protect your nice lenses. I've now got a good sized collection of L lenses that are currently in either a Lowepro backback or a Pelican case.

I don't worry about the hard plastic Pelican case much, but I'm always afraid that the backpack zipper will burst some day (Murphy's Law), so I want to protect the lenses while they are INSIDE the bag when (not if) they fall out, they've at least got a fighting chance.

I see Lowepro has some soft cases. But is that enough to protect from a fall from out of a backpack? What about the hard cases? I'm having a hard time finding some for specific lenses, so I guess they are more universal. But are these better? More protection?

What do you guys use to protect your lenses beside the case they are in?

[Bill Pryor]

If it's a decent backpack, the zipper shouldn't fail. However, if it concerns you, you can buy lens pouches. Canon L lenses usually come with them, and there are generic ones available for most lenses.

[Ed Cubillan]

If you have a Lowepro Flipside, then you shouldn't worry too much, since the flap is at your back, not facing outwards. This is one of the reasons I prefer to have a backpack with the opening is at your back. I also feel more secure knowing that a pickpocket cannot open it and get my gear.