I want to see how you organized your stuff before I start ripping out my foam. I got a Pelican 1500 and here is what I'm putting into it:

300D + grip
70-200 f/2.8 IS
50 f/1.4
17-40 f/4
1.4x TC
X-Drive II w/ charger
6 batteries w/ charger
2 CF cards

Thanks.

Pelican makes an insert for the 1500 case that is specially designed for photography. Pelican product number 1505 for the 1500 case. You can see it here
http://www.pelican.com/cases/cases2.html

This looks like the perfect setup as you can re-arrange it over and over.

Got this case (or the 1600) in mind for a future purchase. Would be interested to hear how it works out for you.

Good Luck

Scotty

Not sure I can be of help. I have a Pelican 1610 with padded dividers. It allows me to rearrange whenever I need to.

1610



Edited by rdonson on Feb 28, 2004 at 02:51 AM GMT

Yeah, I'm going to try the foam first because it came with it. If it doesn't turn out that great I'll get the dividers. What do you think of the "Photographers Organizer Lid" thing?

Also, my gear is not going to change much if that matters either way. This is going to be my "race box" and only has my gear I use at races. I shoot mostly rowing so I'm out in a little powerboat most of the day so my stuff gets wet sometimes.

I found this image, pretty close gear to what I have. I don't know if I want to mount a lens on my body though.

The lid organizer looks pretty cool. Here it is at B&H. It doesn't seem unreasonably priced. I'm going to think about this. I may end up buying one.

I recently purchased a LowePro Omni Pro Attache w/Extreme hard case,
ref B & H # LOOPEB. It is a nice shoulder bag in a hard case.

I'll never go back to the pick & pluck foam. The foam can't be rearranged and leaves debris which might jam-up lenses & bodies.

Here's my Pelican case set-up:

What size is that?

1600 If my memory serves me well.

You can also get this case as the 1610, which has wheels and a pull out luggage handle.

Chris.

Has anyone experienced problems with the "pluckable" foam inserts over the years. I've read a post on another forum where some of the foam started to deteriorate over time, causing fine pieces to make their way into the cameras and lenses.

sometihng to consider with the lid inserts. They replace to top padding. I have an insert on the lid of my 1650 and sometimes I wish I had a little extra padding in there as it's my lighting case.

Yeah, I'm a little worried about that. I'm going to go without the organizer for now.

Hey, I have had a 1500 Pelican Case for over 15 years (heavy use working as River Guide) never had use for the pick & pluck foam so I just saved it in the garage. Six months ago I broke out the foam for camera use. Foam still is great shape, no dry rot or deteriorating. Lid space was an issue for me also. Ended up using hard plastic VCR case, Velcro to the lid. That is where I stash little stuff, like battery charger cable, lens covers, mono pod wrench, .....

I got the 70-200 lens AFTER I plucked the foam now the fit is not as good - I instead of having the body and lens (I keep the 70-200 on the body) lined up fFROM "handle to hing" I would rather line it up ALONG the handle or hing. Oh well, I do not have the BG-ED3 grip so I cant speak of the fit with that attached to the body in the case.

Sorry for using links but -

This link shows the layout (hole is from camera used to make photo - also the 24-70 lens - you can see the green lens bag)
http://jim5293.fotopic.net/p3044572.html

This link shows the velcro attaching the VCR cases
http://jim5293.fotopic.net/p3044549.html

This link shows the stash inside the VCR cases
http://jim5293.fotopic.net/p3044561.html

The VCR case are thick enought to keep stuff in the pick and pluck from flopping around - You will have quite a load in the case if you can get it all in. But it will be secure inside the case - heavy but secure

Hope it helps
Jim

Great! Thank you Jim! Now I have some good ideas for mine. I'll combine the power of all of your minds!!

Here is what the inside of my Peli 1550 looks like: (Sorry for the cheesey fade off into white)

Lowepro Omni Trekker in Pelican 1550:

No issues in two years of use.

Chris.

FWIW, I got the 1620 with photo inserts for air shipping my stuff or carrying all of it, and the 1520 with the photo insert for carry-on travel. Both have plenty of room. With the 1620, I can carry the 300/4, 70-200, 50-500, my hi-ti printer & cords paper, and all my smaller lenses, and flashes. The 1520 will hold the 300/4, 70-200, my Zenitar 16/2.8, 50/1.8, and the 28-75/2.8 and flash. Can't go wrong with either. Pelican makes a removeable carry bag for the 1520 also. Haven't used it though.

randy