New here and making my first trip to the BWCA. What is the best method to keep your photo equipment safe? I want to bring my Pentex KR and a 300mm lense. I own a good Canon PS, but I know if I bring it I would want the Pentex.

Thanks for your help.

Randy

Pelican case for an SLR

I use a dry bag for my smaller camera

Yup, the Pelican Case is the only way to go. You just need to figure out what size you need. The weight does add up fast though. Next thing you know you want to bring the tripod with too. :)

Trying to figure out the tripod also. I have an older aluminum tripod that does not weigh to much, but is big.

I've been using my Pelican Case for over 15 years without any leaks or problems.

quote mnaquaman: "Trying to figure out the tripod also. I have an older aluminum tripod that does not weigh to much, but is big.
"

I bought a new tripod last year at Best Buy with carbon fiber legs, and folded it's 18" tall. It slides nicely into my pack.

Pelican case for me also, and insurance (it's very reasonable).

butthead

Agreed on the Pelican Case. I carry a large version and I can pack in the following:

Nikon D700 body
Nikon D3S body
70-200mm lens
24-70mm lens
105mm macro
spare batteries
misc stuff (cable, filters etc).

It is a pig to lug around but for me, photography is a main focus on a trip so I don't mind. It certainly provides peace of mind knowing it will all be safe and weather proof. Mine sits in front of me in the canoe so I can open or close it quickly if needed.

The nice thing about the Pelican Case is the Pick and Pluck foam. I laid all my gear in the case and then outlined it by sticking toothpicks in the foam, around my gear. Then I used an exacto blade to get a precision cut around my gear, so it all fits perfectly in the case and doesn't move at all.

OK, so the Pelican method appears to be the favorite method for keeping camera gear safe from the elements.

One final question. If I dump the canoe I am assuming with a water tight box and all of the foam that it will float? I will have to fill the bath tube and try it out.

Thanks for all of your help.

Steve, love you work. I really like the star shot on you site. I think I will have to give that a try.

Thanks all

Randy

Thanks Randy :) I've honestly never dumped with it but I assume it will float (although I can't verify that..perhaps someone else can?).

Another suggestion Randy...bring all the gear you would want to a camera store or store that sells the cases. Then lay it all out inside the various cases so you can see how it will all fit. I like to ensure I have at least 2 cubes of foam between my various pieces inside the case. Just a thought :)

Steve,

Great idea. I don't like the bulk of a Pelican but it appears as though it is the best method.

I need study up on long exposre star shot's know!!

Wow that's a beauty shot there! Well done!

Ya the Pelican case is big, heavy and awkward to portage, and takes up a lot of room on a canoe, but in my opinion, the peace of mind is worth it. YOu can leave it out in the pouring rain, bump it etc and not worry a bit.

Here's a post I did about star trail photography. I'm sure there are better posts out there but this may be a starting point for you

Star Trail Photography

Steve,

Thanks for the photo comment and the link to your Star shoot info.

The meteor shower is supposed to be in high gear in August when I will be in the BWCA with a slight crescent moon so it should be a great time to give this a try.

Thanks again.

Randy

Ya it's nice to get away from the city for stuff like that for sure. I really enjoy long exposure photography, you can really get creative with it!

Anybody willing to share what size case is working well for them? I don't have anyplace here that sells them so I'll have to take a shot ordering online and hope. In particular Steve, if you'd share what you're using it would be helpful as- if I'd take my good stuff- my gear list is very much like yours. I've never taken the good gear because it just seems like there is no way to keep it safe. Thus, I'm interested in a case. There is little sense in not using the stuff if you have it...


Thanks for any help!

quote onepaddleshort: "Anybody willing to share what size case is working well for them? I don't have anyplace here that sells them so I'll have to take a shot ordering online and hope. In particular Steve, if you'd share what you're using it would be helpful as- if I'd take my good stuff- my gear list is very much like yours. I've never taken the good gear because it just seems like there is no way to keep it safe. Thus, I'm interested in a case. There is little sense in not using the stuff if you have it...


Thanks for any help!"

I had some of the same questions looking for a smaller case. I have been using a 1530 which has 18.25x13 inside dimensions with no padding. In that I would take a D7000 wide angle lens and a D300 with a 70-200 F2.8 and sometimes my P&S camera. There was lots of extra room for memory cards, cell phone, filters, car keys,etc. On my last trip it weighed 28 lbs. That was just too much for the long solo.

So to downsize I bought a 18-300 Nikon lens so I could get by with one camera lens. Then I got a Pelican 1300 case. It fits nice but not much room for extras. The case and camera come in at 6.2 lbs. Anyhow I hope the picture helps. The picture is the D7000 and 18-300 lens and 1300 case taken inside the 1530 case. If you go big there are several different sizes of 1500 series cases but that should be plenty to all that you would want to carry.

Thank you. That was very helpful. Just as I was ready to start hauling the 70-200 f2.8 though, you have me rethinking again. For our trip this summer we plan on a lot of moving and therefore there will be a lot of portaging. But I guess a bigger case gives more options. Ah, well, planning is half the fun. And with the snow still on the ground planning is all the fun right now.

quote onepaddleshort: "Thank you. That was very helpful. Just as I was ready to start hauling the 70-200 f2.8 though, you have me rethinking again. For our trip this summer we plan on a lot of moving and therefore there will be a lot of portaging. But I guess a bigger case gives more options. Ah, well, planning is half the fun. And with the snow still on the ground planning is all the fun right now. "

I pack lite.

Smaller Camera Bag
Or
Larger Camrea Bag

Lens Covers[name]=PROMASTER%C2%AE-Neoprene-Lens-Pouch---Small-%237837-Bags-and-Cases&catalog[product_guids][0]=705260

Maybe the last link will work this time...

Lens Covers[name]=PROMASTER%C2%AE-Neoprene-Lens-Pouch---Small-%237837-Bags-and-Cases&catalog[product_guids][0]=705260