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Home Storage for Camera Gear

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FatWhore
Posts: 2213 - Karma: 1,098
Im getting pretty sick of my lens being scattered around my bedroom, my tripod leaning against the wall, and my batteries at the mercy of my dogs. I recently got a new Tamron 17-50, and with that being said I really want a patted, hard shelled case or insert for a dresser to store my gear in. Something like this: http://www.swell.com/GOPRO-WATERPROOF-STORAGE-CASE?cs=BL

I've been looking around and that was the only thing I could find. Im basically looking for something that can keep 3-4 lens, a body, and a couple of extras safe while they are at home. Also i'd be nice if you could share how you store your gear.
Jul 5 2012 2:59PM
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blatt
Posts: 5584 - Karma: 3,097
Look into pelican cases, I know a few filmers/photogs that use em and have no complaints about them.

That being said, it's spelled padded
Jul 5 2012 3:04PM
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Official_Recap
Posts: 1075 - Karma: 525
THIS. I cannot reiterate how beneficial Pelican cases are. They are waterproof, dustproof, crushproof, and bullet resistant (according to their website) and are fully customizable with their pick'n'pluck foam. They may seem a bit pricey initially, but it's an investment that will definitely be worth it in the long run.
Jul 5 2012 3:15PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
Marketing BS. They did test a laptop case with a 12 gauge though, birdshot just got stuck in the plastic. However, birdshot is not even close to a bullet. The plastic holds up well, but can get scratched and scuffed up easily, an actual bullet (not a pellet of birdshot) would have no trouble penetrating a Pelican case.

Otherwise, Pelican cases are the way to go, their warranty department is unmatched; trust me on that...! I personally use a 1500 case with 1508 lid organizer for my own camera gear. But I have a constantly growing collection of random Pelican cases for other uses as well.

Pelican cases can be extremely expensive, but if you look around online you can find competitive prices, OR if you know someone that is a distributor for Pelican Products, they can probably hook you up as well...

There are also a few companies that have been trying to meet or exceed Pelican's standard of durability and reliability, but I have not personally found any of them to do so yet. Nanuk Cases are a bit cheaper and have much better latches (spring loaded) than Pelican cases, but I still would choose Pelican over any other brand every single time.
Jul 5 2012 3:50PM
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Official_Recap
Posts: 1075 - Karma: 525
That's what I figured, although even at that level, they are still incredibly protective. I'm not sure I'd ever find myself taking my computer or camera gear in any sort of line of fire anyway.
Jul 5 2012 4:13PM
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bo0b
Posts: 2964 - Karma: 996
so for the foam, do you just cut it out yourself, or...?
Jul 5 2012 4:36PM
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FatWhore
Posts: 2213 - Karma: 1,098
There not priced to bad, ill look into it! Thanks everyone
Jul 5 2012 5:02PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
You can use the Pick N Pluck foam that comes standard with Pelican cases, where you have to customize and remove the foam yourself. It's pretty straightforward, but can be easy to fuck up. If you fuck up too much, you'll have to figure out a quick fix, or order replacement foam. This is a good, cheap option as the foam comes with the Pelican case unless you purchased a "No Foam" case. Once you remove the material, it's not going back in, so measure twice, remove foam once and you are good to go. (I have extra foam for a lot of my cases so I can set them up in more than one way.)

Pelican Pick N Pluck:

Click for larger imageClick for larger image

Another option would be to purchase Pelican's padded dividers if they are a valid option for the case you are looking at. Some cases will not work with padded dividers due to size restraints. These are a good way to go if you want to spend the money, they can be setup to securely hold a ton of stuff and can be rearranged at will.

Pelican Padded Dividers:

Click for larger image

A final option would be to contact a custom foam manufacturer and have them design a drop in foam insert for your specific requirements. This is an awesome option as you get to select the density of foam, number of layers if applicable and so on. You will need exact measurements of the case, as well as any items you are trying to have secured in custom foam. Some companies prefer pictures and measurements, but you'd have to contact them for more details. This is a great option if you have exhausted the other two options, and have money to burn, or really want the best possible protection for your gear. Setup charges for custom foam are not cheap, be very aware of that! It could only cost you $20 for custom foam, but potentially $600 in additional charges for the setup involved. I honestly wouldn't go this route unless I had terrible experience with both the Pick N Pluck foam AND Pelican's padded dividers. Thankfully, the standard foam has worked well for me in the past. And if you've seen most camera bags, padded dividers are the norm for a reason. They work well, and are extremely versatile if you are changing up your setup frequently.
Jul 5 2012 5:08PM
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Official_Recap
Posts: 1075 - Karma: 525
Depending on the size of the case, the foam comes in a number of layers, each made up of small perforated cubes that you pluck away to the shape you want.
Jul 5 2012 5:09PM
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FatWhore
Posts: 2213 - Karma: 1,098
This might work out for me because im looking to put it in a cabinet drawer: http://www.caseclub.com/pick-and-pluck-foam.htm
Jul 5 2012 5:16PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
Before you drop any money on that foam, let me know what the dimensions of your drawer are as I may be able to hook you up with some foam. I can't guarantee I will be able to, but I may have enough extra foam lying around to make something work for you. Shoot me a PM if you are interested.
Jul 5 2012 7:01PM
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FatWhore
Posts: 2213 - Karma: 1,098
You offically win the award for the coolest member on NS...
Jul 5 2012 7:28PM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,246
I have a Pelican 1510 and 1650 case. I use the 1510 for my Einstein flash and vagabond II, and the 1650 for all my gear at home. the 1650 is about 35lbs empty, and with all my gear, it weighs about 70lbs. It's not very practical for transportation but for staying in my basement or room its alright.
Jul 5 2012 9:17PM
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BROBRO
Posts: 563 - Karma: 1,245
Photo backpack?
Jul 5 2012 9:24PM
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Benji.
Posts: 1146 - Karma: 88
PELICAN CASES ARE DOPE.

Go to a place that sells them.
Get a feel for the sizes and what your needs are. (I brought my gear to REI and eyed it up)
Go home and buy the size you picked on Amazon.
Enjoy

Currently have a Rebel body, a 300mm tele, and a 8mm fisheye in my case with room for a 50mm or extra batteries/gopro/intervalometer. Took a little figuring to get it to fit right (I needed a small one to fit in the back of a kayak and in my pack) but its all worth it.

If you're just keeping it in your room or traveling with it buy a big one. The extra space will be worth it.
Jul 5 2012 10:37PM
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FatWhore
Posts: 2213 - Karma: 1,098
I love yours, but I was looking for something that I could insert into a drawer from mostly home storage. I realize that a photo backpack would work, but I'm sick of it laying on the ground.
Jul 5 2012 10:39PM
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zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
A cheaper, but less durable option would just be an f-stop ICU...
Jul 6 2012 1:00AM
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FatWhore
Posts: 2213 - Karma: 1,098
Ill probably end up with a photo backpack, mainly because I need one, and it'll be both its job on the hill and at home. Still think it'd be dope to have a custom drawer for my gear...
Jul 6 2012 1:11AM
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zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
Yes but it won't improve your images, save your cash for lenses.
Jul 6 2012 7:35AM
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[J_Gasper]
Posts: 2983 - Karma: 1,594
Well said. I dont really see the point of dropping 200+ on a hard case to "have a custom drawer". Once you have a lot of stuff in your set up, and you start traveling for weddings and stuff, then get one of these. A dakine mission/sequence photo will do the job fine. I love mine.
Jul 6 2012 10:24AM
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BROBRO
Posts: 563 - Karma: 1,245
make one out of some ply wood and foam it won't be to hard
Jul 6 2012 11:22AM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
I can fit my GH2 setup in a tiny Pelican 1200 case. They're great for situations where weight isn't a factor, such as keeping your gear from getting crushed on road trips, or from getting water damage on river trips.

If you're using a full sized DSLR, and assuming you have a full set of lenses (3), look into the Pelican 1300 case.
Jul 6 2012 1:23PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
I can fit my 50D with one lens in my 1300 case, I wouldn't want to try stuffing anything else in there.

A 1500 case would be perfect for a full sized DSLR and several lenses with additional room for cables, filters, etc. I definitely prefer carrying my camera gear in my 1500 case if I am taking it somewhere it needs that level of protection.

Otherwise for just fucking around town or leaving the camera at home, I have a Dakine Sequence and a smaller Lowepro case that work perfectly fine.

Jul 6 2012 1:31PM
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FatWhore
Posts: 2213 - Karma: 1,098
This is why I didn't want a photo backpack, why waste $150 when I read have room in a smaller case that i can just put in my backpack. Nifty Fifty > BackPack
Jul 6 2012 1:34PM
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FatWhore
Posts: 2213 - Karma: 1,098
I never planned on dropping that much money on something, which is why I dont already have a dakine sequence. If I just get the Pick 'N Pluck Foam by it's self for my empty drawer It'd only be about $60, which is totally worth it. Never would I spend $200
Jul 6 2012 1:37PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
I'm telling you, get me some dimensions of your drawer, and I could more than likely save you some money.

What all are you trying to protect? Just a body and a few lenses?
Jul 6 2012 1:41PM
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FatWhore
Posts: 2213 - Karma: 1,098
Alright man, again thank you so much! Im in the processes of redoing a few things and might be getting a new desk. I'll let you know as soon as I can.
Jul 6 2012 1:52PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
No worries...I just have a bit of foam just chilling here not being used. I may have some larger pieces at home, I'd have to check on that though.

Jul 6 2012 2:23PM
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FatWhore
Posts: 2213 - Karma: 1,098
You love your foam man! hahaha
Jul 6 2012 2:46PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
It's not that I love the foam, this is just what I currently have available without digging into my own personal collection.

If anyone is interested, or has questions, just shoot me a PM.
Jul 6 2012 2:54PM
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FatWhore
Posts: 2213 - Karma: 1,098
okay man ill let you know!
Jul 6 2012 2:58PM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10056 - Karma: 25,313
I use Zarges aluminum cases for a lot of storage things.


The K740 line is great:
Available in a hell of a lot of sizes and damn near indestructible.
It's light weight, extremely rugged and waterproof.

The Plus line adds multiple removable sections.

Click for larger image

If you rate really hardcore get the K475:
They are beyond rugged and UN approved.

K415 has wheels and a handle.

They also have a cheaper line.

They are expensive but the space efficiency is far superior to Pelican-style cases.
They will last you a lifetime.
They are made in germany.
Jul 6 2012 5:51PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
Not to start an argument or anything, but rather to satisfy my curiosity; what facts are you basing that opinion on?
Jul 6 2012 7:39PM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10056 - Karma: 25,313
Since Zarges cases are aluminum they don't require a very thick or reinforced wall to hold a lot of weight.
This results in having very little wasted space on the inside. Much less sway space than there plastic/composite competitors. This also results in a way way lighter (better for carrying and air travel) case.

They have an astounding amount of sizes and custom cases are available and unlike plastic they don't have to create a mold to make a new size making custom work attainable.

Pelican/plastic cases aren't UV resistant, you can paint them however the paint is usually chipped off at the stress points (corners) so that's annoying if they are exposed to the sun a lot.

Zarges can also CNC foam inserts for you with incredible detail.

The clasp and hinges on the Zarges are very durable more so then on a Pelican/plastic


In my opinion Zarges cases are the best route to go. Although they are expensive.


Jul 6 2012 8:37PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
Excellent response man, thank you for your insight.

I know full well that Pelican cases are not the best solution, but they do far better than most competitors on the market regardless of the material. I also know that Pelican's warranty department is the best in the business and they are exceptionally easy to deal with. With that said, I have personally found my own shortcomings with Pelican's cases and have destroyed products way too easily. Thankfully, nothing was lost or damaged in the process. Its just a letdown to see how fragile items that are touted as being indestructible can be. However, they are the best bang for the buck in my opinion and since I am around or on the water frequently, having a floating, waterproof case makes Pelican the choice for me and many others. I've said it before, but I have personal experience with some of the lesser known companies that are trying to gain some of Pelican's customers, and Pelican is worlds beyond these generic products in just about every single aspect. I believe Nanuk has better latches than Pelican does. I know many people damage, or destroy the cheap plastic latches on Pelican cases, myself included.

I imagine if I traveled farther by plane more often and traveled with a lot more expensive photo gear/musical equipment and the like, I would need something more than Pelican could offer. Since this is not the case, I am perfectly content with my Pelican cases. But it's nice to know that others in the industry are taking a much more sophisticated, yet subtle approach. Their prices don't seem to be that outrageous for what appears to be such a high quality product.
Jul 6 2012 11:37PM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10056 - Karma: 25,313
I can understand your reasons for pelican.
If it's about plastic floating cases i'd say give Underwater Kinetics a look as well.
They are roughly the same as Pelican but feature a full width piano hinge unlike the two smaller ones found on a the Pelican cases.

And they are available in custom colors, sounds redundant but it's really handy, In the summer I'm a captain on a Volvo Ocean 60 boat (we give tours to rich people in the Riviera) and all our cases onboard have a different color making differentiation easy.

But if it's Pelican or Underwater Kinetics, unless you want the different colour options I'd choose the cheapest since they are pretty darn comparable.


And the only downside about the Zarges cases is that they get scratched up easily, but I consider that patina.
Jul 7 2012 5:18AM
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