I have been looking at hard cases for my camera gear as I travel to remote, dusty, wet and sometimes harsh environments that soft cases just don’t offer the protection I need.
I was thinking about a Pelican 1560 Case, these are purported to be moulded high impact plastic that is unbreakable, watertight, dust proof, chemical resistant and corrosion proof. They offer a purge valve for quick equalisation after changes in atmospheric pressure. Your equipment can fit into the high density foam for total protection against impact, vibration or shock.
Problem is they are about $350 to $450 a pop!
So while at a Supercheap Auto store last weekend buying some motor oil while they had a 20% off sale I noticed they had some hard cases that are obviously a cheap Chinese knock off of the pelican cases.
At $49 each plus 20% off I thought these may be a good investment to try at least. So what features did these case have compared to a Pelican case:
- Watertight, crushproof, and dust proof - yes
- Unbreakable - Maybe
- Easy open Double Throw latches - yes
- 2 level open cell foam (pick and pluck) core with convoluted foam on lid - yes
- O-ring seal that makes the case waterproof and even submersible- yes
- Pressure Equalisation Valve - yes
- Comfortable rubber over moulded handles - No but OK
- Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee of Excellence - No
I’m under no illusions that these cases are as good as a Pelican but they may just give me the added protection I need when camping, fishing or four wheel driving with my camera gear. What do you think?
Case 1 D610 and lenses flash and accessories
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Case 2 D300 lenses flash mic and accessories
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Equaliser valve
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Padlock or cable lock points x 2
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O Ring water proofing seal on lid
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