Best fit camera case fortravelling with Aquatica system

[Stoo 42]

Hello all...

 

I am taking delivery of a gently used Aquatica system Friday, and I need to buy a case that will hold it all... and is suitable for carry-on.

 

Currently I use a Pelican 1200 to carry my old Nikonos stuff, but I don't think it will fit the housing.

 

Specifically, I need to carry:

 

Aquatica housing with grips,

Camera body

Three lenses

Ikelite DS 161 and arm

Macro port

8" dome port

 

As I mentioned, I need this to fit into carry-on specs for airlines. I am partial to the Pelican cases, fr their durability.

 

I apologize if this has been covered before. I tried a few searches but nothing came up.

 

Also, I would appreciate your thoughts on transporting the camera inside the housing to save space (minus port etc.) This seems like a brilliant idea, but something tells me that this is in fact a bad idea!

 

Thanks!

[Captain_Caveman 0]

Hello all...

 

I am taking delivery of a gently used Aquatica system Friday, and I need to buy a case that will hold it all... and is suitable for carry-on.

 

Currently I use a Pelican 1200 to carry my old Nikonos stuff, but I don't think it will fit the housing.

 

Specifically, I need to carry:

 

Aquatica housing with grips,

Camera body

Three lenses

Ikelite DS 161 and arm

Macro port

8" dome port

 

As I mentioned, I need this to fit into carry-on specs for airlines. I am partial to the Pelican cases, fr their durability.

 

I apologize if this has been covered before. I tried a few searches but nothing came up.

 

Also, I would appreciate your thoughts on transporting the camera inside the housing to save space (minus port etc.) This seems like a brilliant idea, but something tells me that this is in fact a bad idea!

 

Thanks!

 

 

I had a look into this. The problem you'll have is accommodating the 8" dome.

 

If you're happy to put the dome in the checked in luggage, the rest of the gear will stow in the 1510. You just need to keep an eye on weight as it's 5.4kg empty.

 

No problem storing the camera inside the housing.

[johnspierce 25]

I had a look into this. The problem you'll have is accommodating the 8" dome.

 

If you're happy to put the dome in the checked in luggage, the rest of the gear will stow in the 1510. You just need to keep an eye on weight as it's 5.4kg empty.

 

No problem storing the camera inside the housing.

 

I check my dome. Put it in a plastic tupperware cake container, wrapped in some clothing in my big suitcase. They are cheap at Target/Walmart. I carry on my housing with camera body, 60mm, short port and one strobe, check the rest.

 

John

Edited January 26, 2011 by johnspierce

[Scubysnaps 9]

Aquatica housing:

in 2 pieces wrapped and taped in clothes in your hand luggage

 

with grips:

grips off in the hold

 

Camera body

around your neck with one lens

 

Three lenses

 

2 lenses in your coat pockets

 

Ikelite DS 161

wrapped and taped in clothes in your hand luggage

 

and arm

arm in the hold

 

Macro port

wrapped and taped in clothes in your hand luggage

 

8" dome port

wrapped and taped in clothes in your hand luggage

 

 

Look after your hand luggage like its made of egg shells.

 

Job done, most effective and minimalistic method

[Stewart L. Sy 12]

If you are putting your housing in your carry-on then don't bother with a hard case, just added weight, you're already going to be watching it like a hawk so you don't need to call attention to it from the beady eyed gate agents who might think "Oh, a hard case, must be heavy. It's in a hard case, will have the guy gate check it." While I place my housings and strobes in my checked bags, you might want to consider a good photo back pack (I use the Thinktank Streetwalker Hard drive) to pack all your stuff in. Backpacks are rarely noticed by gate agents but rollers and hard cases are.

 

Just a thought.

 

S.

[ckchong 0]

get a ThinkTank Airport TakeOff™ Rolling Camera Bag, I fit all my gear in the pack.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/air...camera-bag.aspx

 

Nauticam D90 Housing with hander

105 VR port

8.5" Dome+ Extension ring

2 x 5" and 2 x 8" arm

6 x clam

2 x SnS 110a

FO Cable

Focus Gear

Inon 45 VF

and ect....

 

You even can put in 14.5" Laptop.....

Edited January 26, 2011 by ckchong

[johnspierce 25]

If you are putting your housing in your carry-on then don't bother with a hard case, just added weight, you're already going to be watching it like a hawk so you don't need to call attention to it from the beady eyed gate agents who might think "Oh, a hard case, must be heavy. It's in a hard case, will have the guy gate check it." While I place my housings and strobes in my checked bags, you might want to consider a good photo back pack (I use the Thinktank Streetwalker Hard drive) to pack all your stuff in. Backpacks are rarely noticed by gate agents but rollers and hard cases are.

 

Just a thought.

 

S.

 

That's a really good point. The last time I flew on a small turboprop, the gate agent was checking small rollers but let me get on with my Lowepro backpack, never looked twice at me.

[philsokol 1]

Check these threads:

 

http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showt...hl=transporting

 

http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showt...hl=transporting

 

I now have two methods: For US carriers or those who aren't prone by reputation to weigh carry-ons, I use a Tamrac rolling bag. Fits all my gear, housing, dome and flat ports, extension rings, arms and 2 x Inon Z240's. Sync cords in the housing. Weighs in at 20 kg. For Asian carriers or those prone to weighing, I now check all the above in a Samsonite F'lite I lined with high density foam - and make offerings to the luggage gods.

 

2 camera bodies, lenses and laptop always go with me in a Lowepro photo backpack as a "personal" item.

 

Phil

[Captain_Caveman 0]

get a ThinkTank Airport TakeOff™ Rolling Camera Bag, I fit all my gear in the pack.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/air...camera-bag.aspx

 

Nauticam D90 Housing with hander

105 VR port

8.5" Dome+ Extension ring

2 x 5" and 2 x 8" arm

6 x clam

2 x SnS 110a

FO Cable

Focus Gear

Inon 45 VF

and ect....

 

You even can put in 14.5" Laptop.....

 

You manage to get a 8.5" done in there as well?

 

I checked these out at the camera store and couldn't figure a way to fit the Aquatica AND the 8" dome in along side or mounted.

 

They're really nice bags if not a bit pricey.

 

 

 

 

- I put everything in my innocuous looking backpack and pack the 8" dome in a box. Tupperware sounds like a plan!

[Kilili 0]

Get a standard roller bag, largest allowed size. I use one to carry my Subal D2x housing, which is huge, along with the camera and 105mm inside it. The housing is tough, and the camera is well protected within. As carry-on it is subject to minimal abuse. I also have room for the dome, 2 strobes, and those 4" wide INON float arms, with all the clamps, and lots of batteries too. You can fill the spaces with t-shirts or some such, though I just toss in a sarong.

 

I have a LowePro roller too, but it isn't big enough to accommodate the height of the D2x housing.

Edited January 27, 2011 by Kilili

[focker 15]

For many years I have used Pelican cases but when I purchased the Nauticam I decided it was time to take a look at other options. I considered both the Think Tank and the LowePro before making my decision to go with the LowePro Roller X200. This was based on what felt to me like better quality, slightly more storage room and the ability to take the internal case out and use it as a backpack while checking the shell of the x200 if needed.

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Pro-Ro...20x200,2163.htm

[Steve Williams 0]

This was based on what felt to me like better quality, slightly more storage room and the ability to take the internal case out and use it as a backpack while checking the shell of the x200 if needed.

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Pro-Ro...20x200,2163.htm

 

Backpack is an interesting idea. I'm curious though about your "better quality" statement. My experience with the Thinktank gear makes that a little hard to believe. Can you help me out and let me know why you felt that way?

 

Steve

[Scubysnaps 9]

Get a standard roller bag, largest allowed size.

 

I did that for my hand luggage last Novemebr, no good if you have no weight limit, the wheels bent, mind you including my laptop bag on top I had a total of 23kg on it while wheeling it

 

 

...out of interest, how much weight wise have people got in these pro wheeled cases without the wheels giving in?

Edited January 27, 2011 by Scubysnaps

[scorpio_fish 5]

I did that for my hand luggage last Novemebr, no good if you have no weight limit, the wheels bent, mind you including my laptop bag on top I had a total of 23kg on it while wheeling it

 

 

...out of interest, how much weight wise have people got in these pro wheeled cases without the wheels giving in?

 

I'm not clear on "no good if you have no weight limit"

 

Generally speaking, US airlines have no carry-on weight restriction, only the volume limitation expressed in linear inches. Under this constraint, the appropriate response is the find the biggest roller bag within the externalvolume limitation that allows for the most internal volume. My ancient, very cheap, no padding, no extra pockets roller was perfect for the job until it finally fell to pieces. The most I have packed in it was 16kg/35lbs., perhaps a bit more. If I have a 7kg limit, then I pack the gear in a shooter's vest and place it inside the roller. I take it out and wear it during check in, then put it back in the bag before going through security.

 

Your mileage may vary.

[NWDiver 42]

Bellow is the f.64 backpack I use (and is for sale in classified section ) and can carry my whole set up, plus chargers, 17" laptop, etc... Given you do have to pick between dome or macro port. That said if you had a 6" or 4" dome you could then carry both, flat and dome ports.

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/9169...pack_Black.html

[Scubysnaps 9]

I'm not clear on "no good if you have no weight limit"

 

Generally speaking, US airlines have no carry-on weight restriction, only the volume limitation expressed in linear inches. Under this constraint, the appropriate response is the find the biggest roller bag within the externalvolume limitation that allows for the most internal volume. My ancient, very cheap, no padding, no extra pockets roller was perfect for the job until it finally fell to pieces. The most I have packed in it was 16kg/35lbs., perhaps a bit more. If I have a 7kg limit, then I pack the gear in a shooter's vest and place it inside the roller. I take it out and wear it during check in, then put it back in the bag before going through security.

 

Your mileage may vary.

 

as you said really, a lot of UK flights DO have weight limits, but the last one I took (BA to Miami) never so I did really as you said buying the biggest within their size limits, (and also do what you say when I have limits)...but the case I chose couldnt handle the load I put in it! it survived the trip but doubt it could do another heavy load gain and just wondered if these wheeled camera pro ones wheels could withstand the weight

[focker 15]

Backpack is an interesting idea. I'm curious though about your "better quality" statement. My experience with the Thinktank gear makes that a little hard to believe. Can you help me out and let me know why you felt that way?

 

Steve

 

I played with both before making a decision and for me the materials that are used on the Lowepro felt (felt being the key word) a bit heavier duty and the details of finish including zippers and corners just seemed better to me. I really looked them both over carefully including weighing them, packing them and rolling them around. The Think Tank was about a pound lighter which I did like but the backpack feature on the Lowepro was worth the extra pound. The locking system on the Think Tank was a plus compared to the Lowepro but at the end of the day I am not going to let it out of my sight.

Have you had them both side by side? I would be curious to get your opinion on both of them too.

[Steve Williams 0]

I really looked them both over carefully including weighing them, packing them and rolling them around.

 

Thanks for the reply partner. Good to know that Lowepro has upped their game. I own the Thinktank International v2 which is a little smaller than yours and fits the International carry on requirements. I haven't had the chance to play with the Lowepro. Both would appear to be a good option. There are so many choices of bags with different configurations it can be tough to choose.

 

Cheers,

Steve

[johnspierce 25]

Thanks for the reply partner. Good to know that Lowepro has upped their game. I own the Thinktank International v2 which is a little smaller than yours and fits the International carry on requirements. I haven't had the chance to play with the Lowepro. Both would appear to be a good option. There are so many choices of bags with different configurations it can be tough to choose.

 

Cheers,

Steve

 

I have both Lowepro and Think Tank bags in various sizes and I personally like the Think Tank zippers better; they seem smoother. However, I find myself carrying my Lowepro Flipside 300 more often than any other bag since it's such a "logical" design. Right now I'm using a no-name brand combo roller/backpack for dive trips, but I'm really liking the Think Tank Airport Takeoff and will probably buy one.

 

Owning both brands I can say a person couldn't go wrong with either one. You probably know the guy who founded Think Tank is a former Lowepro employee?

 

BTW, I bet I'm not the only person here with a whole freaking closet full of different camera bags! It's a sickness... I always think the next one will be the last one I buy

Edited January 27, 2011 by johnspierce

[Steve Williams 0]

BTW, I bet I'm not the only person here with a whole freaking closet full of different camera bags! It's a sickness... I always think the next one will be the last one I buy

 

Ha! I thought I was the only one with the disease. If I come home with one more bag I'll be sleeping in the garage. My new Stahlsac gear bag is sure nice though.

 

Cheers,

Steve

[focker 15]

Ha! I thought I was the only one with the disease. If I come home with one more bag I'll be sleeping in the garage. My new Stahlsac gear bag is sure nice though.

 

Cheers,

Steve

 

 

ohhhhh I LOVE my Stahlsac!

[scorpio_fish 5]

Ha! I thought I was the only one with the disease. If I come home with one more bag I'll be sleeping in the garage. My new Stahlsac gear bag is sure nice though.

 

Cheers,

Steve

 

Well, I just run to her closet, point and yell, "Shoes!!!!!". End of discussion. Then I go back to the computer and surf for some more camera bags.

 

Bags are to me what shoes were to Imelda Marcos.

[jswensva 0]

I have a LowePro Pro Trekker 400AW which I've been using to carry-on a 5D mk II, Aquatica housing, 8" port, 3 lenses, 2 S&S 100a's, and arms. So far so good. Packed a bit tight, but it works nicely.

[focker 15]

OK you Bag-A-Holics... This site doesn't reviews bags but it sure does show all the options out there as they go into production!

http://www.bagexposure.com/

 

P.S. - Looking at the site, it looks like Tenba is getting into the roller game too. It seems to be a blend of the Think Tank and Lowepro... Dammit I really shouldn't have stumbled on this site!!!

Edited January 28, 2011 by focker

[Steve Williams 0]

Well, I just run to her closet, point and yell, "Shoes!!!!!". End of discussion. Then I go back to the computer and surf for some more camera bags.

 

Ha Ha Ha Ha.....!