Hard Case Suggestions

[Bodley]

I need a large hard sided, lockable camera case with extendable handle and wheels, oh yeah - priced right.

I'm wanting to carry this to the games I shoot and chain it to the fence while I'm on the field.

Any suggestions?

[Bob Bell]

I need a large hard sided, lockable camera case with extendable handle and wheels, oh yeah - priced right.

I'm wanting to carry this to the games I shoot and chain it to the fence while I'm on the field.

Any suggestions?
Do you need to be able to carry it on board or are you going to check it? I have a lowepro road runner AW and its very stiff sided but still fabric.

[Bodley]

Do you need to be able to carry it on board or are you going to check it? I have a lowepro road runner AW and its very stiff sided but still fabric.

Mostly local but carry-on would be a bonus. I've seen some Pelican cases online but not sure about the cushion (shock-absorbability). Equipment protection is job one.

Does the roadrunner lock?

[Art Scott]

Pelican is one of the oldest brands and a very good product ...kinda pricey from your local shops but at times van be found on Ebay cheaper....Another good compay is HARDIGG they make the STORM cases......they are very similar to pelican only they used to be somewhat less expensive.


linky to PELICAN:
http://www.pelican.com/cases/cases.html

linky to HARDIGG / STORM:
http://www.stormcase.com/

these two lock and also will float and don't scream cameras...but do scream very valuable stuff :-}

They come in carry on as well as other sizes andwith wheels and handles.

Then there are others like Porter case, however i don't know anything of these.....when it comes to protecteing my cameras with a hardcase....I prefer a brand name and either of the two linked above are great...both have been used by the government.

Good luck.

[Bodley]

Pelican is one of the oldest brands and a very good product ...kinda pricey from your local shops but at times van be found on Ebay cheaper....Another good compay is HARDIGG they make the STORM cases......they are very similar to pelican only they used to be somewhat less expensive.


linky to PELICAN:
http://www.pelican.com/cases/cases.html

linky to HARDIGG / STORM:
http://www.stormcase.com/

these two lock and also will float and don't scream cameras...but do scream very valuable stuff :-}

They come in carry on as well as other sizes andwith wheels and handles.

Then there are others like Porter case, however i don't know anything of these.....when it comes to protecteing my cameras with a hardcase....I prefer a brand name and either of the two linked above are great...both have been used by the government.

Good luck.

Thanks Art :thumb

[docwalker]

I had all of my gear in a Pelican until I sold it. I still have several Pelicans for other uses. I also have a few other hard cases from other companies. The shock absorbtion is very good with this type of case depending on the padding you use. I have always used the pick and pluck foam. I never bought one with the movable dividers they were just never offered locally.

The Hardigg cases are very good as well. I have handled a few of them and if there was a local supplier I would probably buy from them if the need arose in the future.

I now use a Dryzone 200. I would not want to chain it to a fence as a strap could be easily cut. I wanted a bag that was easier to carry than a Pelican but still offered waterproof protection.

How much gear are you planning to carry? The hard cases get pretty heavy as the size goes up due to the amount of plastic. If you get too large, consider wheels. I have one of the largest cases Pelican makes to store scuba gear in. The wheels are a back saver.

[Bodley]

The shock absorbtion is very good with this type of case depending on the padding you use. I have always used the pick and pluck foam. I never bought one with the movable dividers they were just never offered locally.
Was looking at the movable dividers for more room, just not sure about shock absorption

How much gear are you planning to carry? The hard cases get pretty heavy as the size goes up due to the amount of plastic. If you get too large, consider wheels. I have one of the largest cases Pelican makes to store scuba gear in. The wheels are a back saver.
Lots - the general stuff 2-1dmkII's w/ appurtenances, 70-200/f2.8, 200mm/f1.8, 85mm/1.8, 24-70/f2.8, flashes, wizards, blowers, cleaners etc.... Needs wheels :D

In reality I'm not going to carry all items at the same time all the time but general config. is 1 body (2nd if I have it) w/ appurtenances, plus 70-200/2.8, 200mm/1.8, 85mm/f1.8, 1.4xTC, 2xTC, flash, blower.

[Art Scott]

You don't get near the protection with the movable dividers as with pick/pluck foam......actually it comes down to what will work for you....
I suggest going to a dealer with equip and seeing how it lays out in the config you're thinking of.......

[Bob Bell]

Im not sure there is a decent way to lock bags in the airport because of TSA requirements but the rest of the time this are very nice:

http://www.pac-safe.com/product.aspx?pId=642

[Art Scott]

Im not sure there is a decent way to lock bags in the airport because of TSA requirements but the rest of the time this are very nice:

http://www.pac-safe.com/product.aspx?pId=642

Those look kinda neat for use around parks and the likes...but still i won't sit my camera backp[ack down and leave it unattended at all.


Sometimes TSA will allow for the use of cable ties to be used once they inspect. I am only going on what was told at a TSA seminar I was the sound engineer on....no key or combination locks....if you are checking very valuable equipment then ask for insurance against theft or to speak to the head of the TSA at that facility.

[Bob Bell]

Those look kinda neat for use around parks and the likes...but still i won't sit my camera backp[ack down and leave it unattended at all.


Sometimes TSA will allow for the use of cable ties to be used once they inspect. I am only going on what was told at a TSA seminar I was the sound engineer on....no key or combination locks....if you are checking very valuable equipment then ask for insurance against theft or to speak to the head of the TSA at that facility.


Art, thats interesting about locks. I have heard so many times of TSA approved locks being cut off, now it makes sense.

[Art Scott]

It was amazing at what I was able to learn sitting there keeping mics up and running....there was one session that they tried to keep me out of ...until I went in unplugged and started removing our sound gear and explained that I would not leave my equip to be run by them..insurance did not approve of it.....took about 5 minutes for them to decide I could stay....that was when I saw all kinds of weapons, bombs..plasteek.....name of seminar...."SEMTEX"...SEMINAR ON TERRORISM AND EXPOSIVES....the working dogs were the best tho.

oops didn't mean to hi-jack:D

[Art Scott]

Art, thats interesting about locks. I have heard so many times of TSA approved locks being cut off, now it makes sense.

Yes in 2003 when I visited Prague..I had a footlocker that had the lid removed bcause it was easire to do than cut the locks.....I did lose a few things but nothing important (a couple of Czech maps and socks and a tee shirt or 2).

[Bodley]

oops didn't mean to hi-jack:D
No problem :thumb

Pelican has a TSA approved padlock with combination for owner and a separate TSA coded keyhole for airport security.

[mercphoto]

I have a Pelican hard-cased water-tight case, with rollers and handle for easy airport travel. Will fit in overhead bins. You can get dividers or pick-and-pluck. Can be locked. I think the part number is 1510. Very nice. Would probably suit your needs very well.