I am in process of making my Christmas list and I know what I am currently using for my stand case is not really working (large duffel bag). Does anyone have recommendations for a 'medium' size & duty stand & umbrella bag for a few stands and a couple umbrellas/softboxes that is around $150 (or less is always nice)?
I really like to look at things like cases before I get them, but none of the local shops carry anything like this other than a big buck Kata.
Depends on how long your stands are and how many you want to carry, and if you want wheels. If you just want something to throw in the car with longer stands, I like the 1 or 2 kit Photoflex Transpac cases.
I use a hard plastic golf club case. It opens like a clamshell. It'll hold 5-6 10' light stands, a Bogen 3021 tripod, heavy duty monopod, half a dozen umbrellas, a huge folding softbox, folding light discs, extension cords, and more. It has wheels so I can pull it with one hand and my Pelican 1650 in the other. I can carry pretty much everything in one trip.
I like that SKB case. It looks very presentable for something a customer might see. Might have to hit a few golf ships to see what I can find. Thanks for the input guys..
I checked out the local golf shops to check the quality. They're not as robust as I was hoping, but they seemed good enough. I wasn't able to find such incredible $20-30 deals on craigslist, but I did just buy a like-new 2SKB-4816W for about 70% off retail.
Inside it right now I have 5 13' manfrotto stands and two medium boom arms, one gitzo tripod w/ RRS ball head, 2 45" and 1 60' umbrellas and 1 54x72" softbox w/ speedring. There's room from a few smaller soft boxes w/speedrings and minor accessories.
I haven't taken it out on a job yet, so I can't say anything about its durability, but it seems like it'll do the job.
Hopefully you have insurace for the soon to come hernia from hauling all that gear around. Not that I have any room to talk, I take a few umbrellas, stands, and my full photogenic lighting kit to every wedding shoot - just in case I need it. And on more than one ocassion, I have.
I have been using my case for a few years now without a problem.
Not that I have any room to talk, I take a few umbrellas, stands, and my full photogenic lighting kit to every wedding shoot - just in case I need it. And on more than one ocassion, I have.