Golf Travel Case for Location Lighting

[Cougar548]

I'm looking to find something that will allow me to carry all of my location lighting in one case. I have multiple tripods (tallest is 41") and (will) have 3-4 studio lights. Add extension cords and accessories and that is quite a load.

While doing some research I came across this golf travel case (http://www.amazon.com/SKB-2SKB-5020W-Double-Golf-Travel/dp/B0007VNZEK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1238539664&sr=8-1). It is a double wide so measurements are 50x20x12. I think that would be plenty of space to carry just about all of it in one case. Now my question to all of you is do you think this is a good move? Or should I break my equipment down into multiple cases so they aren't so heavy? What do you currently do for your location lighting equipment? Any advice to give? Thanks everyone!

[Gaussian_Blur]

I was faced with your situation not long ago! Do you plan on ever shipping your gear by air? If yes get an appropriate size Pelican case. If you are just going to transport your gear in a car then a less robust alternative is an option. I decided to separate the lightstands/background stands/tripods from the lights/umbrellas/softboxes. For the stands I got the SKB hard golf case but not the double wide you are looking at. For the lights and other more fragile stuff I got the PhotoFlex Transpac single case. My rationale is that one big case with everything in it would be too heavy and too bulky to load into a sedan. So with the two smaller cases there is no problem fitting them in the car and my back is not at risk trying to load 'em.:) Oh and both cases have wheels so no strain to move them to and from the car. Try the links below (hope they work) Hope this helps! :)


Link1 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007VNZDG/ref=s9_k2a_c4_t3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1F0ZTJY59CZ0A3065TJ5&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846)


Link2 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/253512-REG/Photoflex_FV_SLBAG1KIT_Transpac_Single_Kit_Case.ht ml)

[form]

I bought a golf bag called the Caddy Shaq for my light stands and tripod, but I had no intention of keeping my lights in it; I carry those in my backpack.

[Cougar548]

Just for clarification, if I was to get the double-wide I would have put a divider down the middle and filled one side with foam to protect my lights. I would never let them just slide around in a case! :D

Gaussian_Blur, thanks for your input. I think I will end up going the route you suggested and get two containers. Thanks for your input!

[snyderman]

another option would be looking into the world of rock band gear. You'll be able to find a mic (microphone) stand case that long. A step better protection would be the carrying case for PA speaker stands which are larger, more heavy duty tubular tripod stands that support speakers weighing up to 150 lbs.

Here's a company to look up on the 'net for these types of cases: Northern Sound and Light. No affilliation, just know they'll have something to fit your need.

dave

[Peacefield]

Also surfboard bags, tent bags, etc. I originally started with a golf bag that I already had and it did the job okay, but it is too large and I didn't like the way things rattled around. I also found it to heavy and cumbersome. So I got two smaller bags off of eBay. When I say smaller, they were 46" and 51" long, but less wide/deep. They were cheap and I'm much happier with them.

[mellofelow]

Sound like a good idea. A few bubble wraps and velcro them in place should keep all the gears in place.

[fishfoto]

When I fly, I pack my longer light stands and tripods in a soft sided, minimally padded sling bag. I currently use a Tundra, which can be harder to find these days, but at times use an unpadded Domke lightstand bag, or an older beaten Lightware lightstand bag. They are all fairly small, very compact and work just fine for travel.

It is really difficult to break light stands. My Tundra case has flown 200+ flights at least with 3 stands in it, never had one damaged.

[Heraldo]

I use the a golf bag called "Bag Boy" Its the best. I can fit 3 heavy duty light stands and boom, tripod, 2 soft boxs, 2 ab800, 1 abr800 and a bag for my grip and receivers. All fits perfectly and fits in my truck. Make sure you get the one with the reinforced bottom.

[Cougar548]

I use the a golf bag called "Bag Boy" Its the best. I can fit 3 heavy duty light stands and boom, tripod, 2 soft boxs, 2 ab800, 1 abr800 and a bag for my grip and receivers. All fits perfectly and fits in my truck. Make sure you get the one with the reinforced bottom.

Great find! I like this idea better than the hard case I started looking at. I think I'll still have my own bag/case for my lights though.

[Gaussian_Blur]

:) I wish I could afford to have an assistant haul and set up my lighting gear!:lol::lol::lol: