what case will fit this bad girl and offer actual protection? I travel to Alaska a lot and often toss my gear in a truck bed. I have a pelican for my body and smaller lenses, but the big dog needs a separate case. I can keep it in a backpack...but I do not want to have to baby it. any advice?

For a grand or so, wouldn't it come in a substantial case? Shippers are not famous for being especially gentle.

It came with a well designed cardboard box, in a box, in a box.

The only case I am aware of that fits it is a LowePro. I keep mine in my backpack so I don't know the number for sure but it is either the #11 Case or #13 Case. You can check the website and I am sure Camera Land can order it for you, if they don't have it in stock.

No case? they should raise the price enough to cover a case with it. I got a 170-500 Sigma years ago and it came with a very very nice case. Don't know that I'd just throw anything I valued in the back of a truck!