Best case (camera bag) for safe practical use

[ShutteringFocus]

Im heading to Disney in a month. I want to bring my camera (a D30 with sigma 70-200 2.8 and 28-135)

Right now I don’t really have a case. My gear is split between two bags that often pop open or do other such heart pounding things :roll: . I want to get a good case and I'm thinking I'd like it to be a hard case that is lockable.

Here is my dilemma. I'd like to be able to take my camera into the parks and be able to lock it up while I am on a ride. (is that insanely stupid?)

But I am defiantly NOT carrying all my gear around in the park. So I'm thinking perhaps I will buy two cases. One gear bag style, and another small hard lockable case like a Pelican that I can fashion with a strap to carry around. The small hard case could be large enough to just fit the camera and a lens.

So I guess I have two questions.

Would you feel safe locking up YOUR D30 inside a Pelican style case while you ride a ride?

And what kind of case/cases would you recommend.

I know the best option would probably be to buy a little digital camera to take with me instead...but I don’t have the money for a $300 camera...besides I really like my camera.

I'm just trying to feel out my options. I really want to have my camera with me on this trip but I want it to be safe!

And of course…I’d love to spend less than $100 on all this…hahaha

[CoolToolGuy]

Check this out:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home;jsessionid=BAqhEbzjId!807587977?ci=1&sb=ps&pn =1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=SearchBar&A=search& Q=*&shs=pelican+pcs155&image.x=8&image.y=10

This is a Pelican soft-sided bag that is sized to fit inside a Pelican hardshell case (#1550). The soft bag has lots of dividers and compartments, a carry handle, an arm strap, tripod straps and backpack straps!

I got this one to be the bag that 'holds everything' in the car, from which I load up the bag with the things I need for the specific shoot. I don't have the hardshell case, but I thought it was a cool concept. I think Pelican makes them for most of their larger and smaller hardshells.

Have Fun,

[Adam Hicks]

I bought a Tamrac Pro12 bag as new on eBay for about $60 and it's been fantastic. Plenty of room for my 20D with grip, two flases, 100-400, 28-75, 50mm, 100mm, etc etc etc. Plus it's weatherproof (storm proof they say) with sealing zippers and some rubberized compartments.

Last time I was at Disney World those d@mned seagulls crapped all over my camer bag. (Not this one thank goodness) So watch out for them!

Adam

[robertwgross]

Would you feel safe locking up YOUR D30 inside a Pelican style case while you ride a ride?


Lock it up inside a Pelican case and leave it where? Use a bicycle lock to lock the case to a pole? That would be secure, but the security guys at the park will get a report of something that looks like a suitcase bomb. They will cut the chain lock to remove and impound it.

I, personally, feel much better if I can get my camera gear into one or two waist packs, so I've got it firmly around me. Not some flimsy little thing either, if you intend to go on a ride.

---Bob Gross---

[Aylwin]

Lock it up inside a Pelican case and leave it where? Use a bicycle lock to lock the case to a pole? That would be secure, but the security guys at the park will get a report of something that looks like a suitcase bomb. They will cut the chain lock to remove and impound it.

I was kinda thinking the same. I've been bringing my camera to theme parks before (Disney, Universal Studios, etc.) and I'd definitely never leave it anywhere to go on a ride. Then again, I never visit these places alone so I can always leave my bag with someone while I go for a ride. Are you travelling alone?

As for bringing your camera with you on the rides, I'm not sure you can. Many rides or attractions don't allow cameras. This can be a good thing though. If they don't allow you to bring your camera, then they should have a safe place for you to leave it. But I'm not entirely sure about this. As I said, I always leave my camera with someone I know.

[Icebreaker]

Im definatly with the other people. Pelican is the way to go. Sturdy lockable, and if you get on a "wet ride" it's waterproof.

[ShutteringFocus]

Hum...yeah the security guards stealing my camera wasn't something I thought of.

I was thinking just lock it to something by those little cubbys they have for backpacks and stuff where you get on the ride.

There arn't really that many rides in Disney (the Florida version...I always forget if that is World or Land... :?: )

Is there any other semi hard case that just fits the camera and ONE lens that would be weather proof and what not? It would be nice if it had a waist strap...so it fit like a fanny pack.

I'm thinking of buying a large Pelican to keep ALL my stuff in and then using a small pack to pack out a camera, lens, batteries, cards...and what not for a day trip.

[steven]

I have one of these from Tamrac.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=275795&is=REG

works very well. Appears to be water resistent or in othere words ok for all but the rides that are designed to soak you :)

There come is different sizes depending on what kind of lens you want.

[chris.bailey]

I have a large (cant remember which model 75AW I think) Lowepro toploader than takes the MkII and a 70-200 nicely with a few pockets for bits and pieces. I take it regularly onto building sites and it has taken a fair few knocks on ladders etc. As well as a shoulder strap it also has a pair of backpack straps. To me it seems to be just what you are looking for.

Most of the rides at Disney Florida are pretty harmless and I have taken a camera on all of them.

[AzzKicker]

This is why I still keep a small Digital camera handy. Forget being a photog for one day and enjoy yourself and the rides.

[Persian-Rice]

Just wondering, Whats is a pretty cheap bag that can handle 2 pro bodies and a couple lenses? What do you guys think about the NOVA 4 or 5? They seem pretty affordable and can handle a lot of equipment.

[ShutteringFocus]

Thanks everybody.

I think I've decided to try the Audorama Slinger Bag. It sounds like a good one...and right now its on sale for $30. Pretty much cant go wrong for $30 on anything when we're talking camera gear! :roll: :lol:

As far as having the camera in the park. I think Ill just have to make the call whether or not to leave it behind depending on which park I go into.

[JoeTampa]

I live an hour from Disney (World, in FL) and go to the parks with my 20D all the time.

Some (all?) of the parks have lockers, but they are not large, and are usually only at the FRONT of the park, so locking up for rides is going to be a royal pain.

I carry a Tamrac Velocity 9 with the 20D/Batt Grip, a few lenses, batteries, and a flash. I generally take it with me everywhere; I have yet to be told that I can't take the bag on a ride. You may have to place the bag on the floor, but you'll be good to go. Just make sure the bag is comfortable for long periods of time.

Of course, for rides involving water, you'll want to have someone you trust to hand it to. I would not give it to a park employee; the park will not take responsibility even if the employee accepts it.

That being said, there's a lot to photograph in the parks besides just the family. I'd also suggest Sea World for good shot potential.


- Joe (Tampa, FL)