I generally carry my camera equipment around together in a Lowepro bag which is big enough to include my DSLR and all of my lenses, filters, batteries, CF Cards etc. so that I have everything together and protected in one place. However, occasionally, such as when I'm going on holiday, I don't want to take the whole collection because I just know that I'm not going to need it all - and so I prefer to take my camera with a standard lens on it, and then carry my Canon 100-300mm lens as my secondary lens in my bag. However, I have never liked the idea of having the lens just placed in my bag loose because I think that this affords it no protection - and so I like to place my lens in something that will protect it to some degree. Previously to having the Canon LP 1019 case, I had one of those standard hard long cases, which served well, but they all made my lens even heavier to carry and even more bulky! For this reason, a soft case, or bag I guess would be a more accurate description, actually serves me very well.

The case is suitable for Canon lenses up to 300mm. In particular, the leaflet that comes with it recognises that it is compatible with the Canon EF 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM, the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III lens and the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM lens. It is actually compatible with a lot more than that, as, for example, I can actually carry my EF 70-200mm f/2.8 ISM in here also, as well as my Canon EF 100mm. There are different size bags which may be more suited to other sizes, but basically, this bag is suitable for many lenses (and, of course, not just Canon lenses).

The bag is a professional looking grey / black design. The bag material itself is like a sturdy felt and is a medium grey. This part of the bad is completely soft and comes together at the top with a black cord drawstring. The bottom of the bag is made of black leather and provides the bag with a flat bottom and is quite rigid and gives it bag some structure. This flat bottom means that if you place a lens in it, then the lens is able to stand upright and be ready for use.

The bag provides no real protection to the main barrel since its mostly constructed of soft material. However, it does provide protection to the lens is the lens cover was to come off - which does happen from time to time - and so the lens is protected from scratches by anything in my bag. It also means that if you are shooting in hot sunlight, you can take the lens out of your carry bag so that its ready to use, but by keeping it in this LP 1019 then you can protect it from direct sunlight. It also makes it a whole lot easier to grab in my bag and I can clip on the drawstring to the inside security clip in my bag for added security. Another benefit is that when I'm not using it, I can just fold it up and store it as it takes up no real room or weight at all.

The Canon LP 1019 cost me £25 from Jessops Online - which actually is very expensive for what it is. But I'm a sucker for the Canon brand and a bit of a Canon snob and so I don't regret it. Overall, its benefits are limited, but it provides some protection and makes carriage easier.