Transportation and Storage

Ok, so my gear list has grown enough that my Tenba backpack just won't cut it. Besides, it's a tiny backpack and looks plain funny on my back since I'm a big dude.

Anyway, I'm looking for two things--something to safely store my gear and something to transport what I need.

Storage
I'm looking for something where I can safely store my gear--2 bodies, multiple lenses, flashes, etc. Longest lens at the moment is 70-200 f2.8L but looking at picking up a 300 soon and (eventually) a 400. Also have some off-camera lighting (1 AB800 with another coming) and the odds and ends associated with it/them.

I'd like to have it organized so it's easy to find what I need quickly without having to dig through my gear. I'd also like a little room to grow (as you can see). It will probably be stored in my garage so I'd like it to be able to keep dust out of it pretty well.

I'm sort of guessing a Pelican case with dividers is probably my best option but wanted to find out if there is anything else I should be looking at.

Transportation
I don't need to take all of my gear with me. I shoot a lot of real estate photography. I don't use any lighting and (obviously) one body and a wide angle lens. So don't need much space there--the Tenba is fine for that.

I also do traditional photography and do use external lighting (usually 580 EXII). I take along one or two lenses usually as well. The Tenba is just a little small for me to carry all of the trigger(s) and other stuff. I'd also like a little extra space in that bag to carry other things (like maybe lunch if I'm on a walking shoot (for fun). I also need it to be able to easily strap/carry my tripod. I've got a big heavy one (I prefer them that way) with a geared head (which adds more weight) so I need something sturdy.

What I don't like is having to cram gear into a tightly (too small) bag. I don't want the gear swimming around but I want enough room that I'm not fighting to get gear in/out of my bag.

My problem is, I now live in Jacksonville, FL and there are no good camera stores anywhere around that I've found where I can go check out any solutions first-hand. I used to live in North New Jersey where I'd just pop over to B&H but I'm now 1,000 miles away. So I've got to buy sight unseen. I see the photos of everything on the Internet but don't really know what works and what doesn't. So looking for suggestions/advice, etc.

I appreciate any help.

My current setup is a ThinkTank Airport Takeoff, went with this after getting rid of my 400 and going with a 200-400. I have been thinking about getting another 400 or 500 I have my TT Airport Security but right now this is a nice light setup.

I was looking at one of the TT Airport bags, looks like that may work for me. Just wish I could play with one in the store since it's a bit of change.

GadgetRick wrote in post #15671169
I was looking at one of the TT Airport bags, looks like that may work for me. Just wish I could play with one in the store since it's a bit of change.

If you get down to the Orlando area check out Colonial Photo and Hobby they stock a full line of TT products.

GadgetRick wrote in post #15671169
I was looking at one of the TT Airport bags, looks like that may work for me. Just wish I could play with one in the store since it's a bit of change.

Rick,

I have to tell you, depending on whether you want a hard case or a rigid luggage roller, you can't go wrong with either Pelican or Think Tank. The fit, finish, and functionality of both are simply outstanding. (I own both.)

I think you could easily do enough internet research to decide which one is right for you. For example, the Pelican distribution photo thread here on POTN is an excellent resource, and both Pelican and Think Tank do a great job of publishing the internal/external dimensions on their website. Between those three alone, you should be able to determine what would best suit your needs.

As for Pelican versus Think Tank, here are my thoughts:

1) Pelican: hands down, the most bombproof protection. You can literally throw your gear across the room with a well-packed Pelican (not that I've ever done this) and you can throw it off a boat into the water and it would be fine. I love the way you can redesign the padded liners to accommodate one's ever-changing needs. The mesh organizer, which is an additional accessory, is great for organizing smaller items in the lid. If I had to point out one thing about a Pelican case that would drive you to look at the Think Tank, that is it's slightly "rougher looking" if you're traveling in upscale environments where you need a more refined look.

2) Think Tank Airport Series: the engineering, fit, finish, and functionality of Think Tank is superb. I had always heard this about Think Tank, but I was still astonished when I received mine in the mail. The Think Tank Airport series can also swallow up a ton of gear, more so then a similar sized Pelican case. The Think Tank protects your gear extremely well, but it won't hold up against a Pelican case in extremely destructive scenarios, such as your gear being thrown off a balcony, left out in the rain for hours, or having a 500-pound box being thrown on top of it. Don't get me wrong, the Think Tank will protect your gear from most things a normal luggage handler will throw at it...just not the extremes. The Think Tank looks very well-refined and as a photographer, you can feel comfortable taking into any shoot, no matter how formal it is. Also, when it comes to movement during travel, the Think Tank is better then the Pelican because it has a wider wheel base and is less-prone to tipping sideways when rolling it on or off uneven surfaces. Also, the Think Tank's integrated locks are very handy if you decide to take a nap in the airport or need to add some security on-location during your photo shoot.

So why do I own both? I work, photograph, and play in some of the roughest environments imaginable. The Pelican reigns supreme in these conditions. And then I use the Think Tank when I'm doing normal travel (that's not adventure intensive) and when I'm shooting in more formal environments. (Second-shooting in weddings, formal portraits, business meetings, etc.)

Hopefully my outlook will aid you in making a decision.

Bryan

gromeo wrote in post #15671374
If you get down to the Orlando area check out Colonial Photo and Hobby they stock a full line of TT products.

Thanks for that. A good friend (and photog) is moving down to Orlando from NJ and I was saying there must be a decent place in that area.

bps:

I agree I can do plenty of research online and the dimensions are published but knowing the dimensions just isn't the same as holding the product in order to envision how you'd use it. But I'm stuck by not having anywhere here in Jax where I can touch everything.

I'm pretty much set on getting a Pelican case (or cases) because of what you said about them. I know how durable they are--used them for other things--and I want to use them for storing in the garage (where my extra gear must reside) as well as other things.

I need something smaller/easier to manage to take along with me on shoots which is why I mentioned the TT stuff. Glad to know they make a great product. Now just need to figure out which one.

Thanks!