View Full Version : Ok, how about a bag/case for multiple tripods?


Clive McLaughlin
August 26th, 2014, 01:20 PM
I've been using a slazenger hockey/cricket bag like this...

http://thumbs2.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mmsVgd9wNOj_SKgY3BUQFpQ.jpg

But its too bright and has no padding.

All I can see on the net is padded bags for a single tripod.

I have two tripods, two light stands, a slider and a monopod!

Ok - so the essentials are two lightstands, monopod and slider. Surely I can find a padded bag/case that can fit all these in one rather than carrying 3/4/5 separate tripod cases.

Anyone got a good solution?

Alec Moreno
August 26th, 2014, 03:58 PM
I use the middle-sized OGIO rolling case made by Ahead Armor Cases. It's a padded soft case made for transporting drum equipment. I like it a lot.

I'm able to fit a large tripod, a small tripod, two light stands, a monopod, a Flowpod (made by Varizoom), a slider, and a small camera backpack (which holds a couple DSLR bodies, several lenses, and accessories). It's not made to wear as a backpack or carry with a shoulder strap, but it does have a couple strong handles on top. (I'm able to carry it one-handed up stairs if necessary.) It also has large wheels and an extendable handle.

Peter Riding
August 26th, 2014, 04:01 PM
Why do you need bags for tripods lightstands etc anyway? All that does is add extra time to your setup and breakdown times.

Use tripod straps instead like these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/OP-TECH-Tripod-Strap-Black/dp/B00009MKCR

They have quick releases on them so you can easily detach a strap if needs be e.g. from your slider.

You can carry several over a shoulder at the same time just like rifles, or use the straps to hang them from a two wheel trolleys top handle (attach a manfrotto superclamp to the handle to give a "hook"), with an additional luggage strap as sold for halfords roof-racks to stop the bottoms bouncing around. Your bag on the trolley's step and your stands on the opposite side of the trolley uprights nearest you.

Quick and very easy :- )

Loose stands and tripods bouncing around on the back seat of a car can scratch the fittings so carry a travel blanket to act as a barrier if you are car-proud :- )

Pete

Adrian Tan
August 26th, 2014, 04:56 PM
Hi Clive, here's what I use: Cinevate Inc Camera Slider/Grip Case CWSC-42 B&H Photo Video

It'll fit all the gear you mention, and has wheels on one side (a necessity). It's also durable; mine has been across some rough terrain.

Padding only on one end though. If you want more, even bubblewrap works fine.

Edit: do check out the length, width, height measurements before committing. It might well not fit professional light stands (I use cheap, plastic, eBay lightstands). On the other hand, you could strap lightstands to the top if you really wanted to.

Chris Harding
August 26th, 2014, 07:57 PM
I have galvanised "U" shaped garage hooks bolted to my trolley frame and they work great for tripods, lights stands and anything that is long and skinny!! Never thought about a hockey/cricket bag..that's clever! After doing my height enhancement mod on one of my tripods it won't fit in the original bag any more.

Now if I had a roll of ballistic nylon fabric, a few zips and an industrial sewing machine I could make my own custom bags... that would be neat!!

Clive McLaughlin
August 27th, 2014, 02:11 AM
Hi guys, some great suggestions!

I'd like a bag though rather than straps - it also helps tidiness in my office.

I think Alec's suggestion has caught my eye most. I hadn't thought of a drum hardware case. I'm checking them out now. Certainly cheaper than wheeled cases specifically made for camera/lighting equipment!

Peter Riding
August 27th, 2014, 03:29 AM
I'd like a bag though rather than straps - it also helps tidiness in my office

My various supports never go anywhere near my office. When not in use they hang on hooks in my garage. I love not having to haul all that stuff into the house :- )

Even some of my smaller non-electrical stuff like boom arms monopods and counterweights sit in a black plastic builders bucket in my garage. The only things I bring in in the winter are photographic brollies as they can suffer in a damp atmosphere.

Pete

Kyle Root
August 27th, 2014, 08:26 PM
Interesting stuff here.

Yeah, I carry 5 tripods of various sizes when I go to weddings, because I never know exactly how I'm going to place some of my smaller cameras.

I like the idea of just leaving them in the garage, as right now, I too bring everything into my office and stuff it in a closet. lol

Clive McLaughlin
August 28th, 2014, 01:48 AM
I just bought this.

Gator Standard Drum Hardware Bag (14" x 36") - PMT Online (http://www.pmtonline.co.uk/gator-standard-14-x-36-hardware-bag.html) for £30

Would have preferred wheels, but didn't want to spend loads right now.

Down the line I can see myself upgrading to this.

http://www.gearnuts.com/images/items/1800/GPDrumCart-xlarge.jpg

Danny O'Neill
August 28th, 2014, 05:23 AM
All our sliders, tripods and light stands go in a kata bag LW-99 PL | Kata Bags (http://www.katabags.co.uk/lw-99-pl-rolling-organizer)

Peter Rush
August 31st, 2014, 04:15 AM
Ouch Danny - £600!!!

I use an Arriba DJ case - £40 and slightly padded you can also sling it over your shoulder - Holds 3 Manfrotto light stands, Tripod and Monopod nicely

Arriba Cases UK AC-159 LED Effect Bar Case (http://www.arribacases.co.uk/dj-cases/AC-159.html)

Pete

Danny O'Neill
August 31st, 2014, 10:25 AM
Peter, don't buy direct, amazon was half that.

Its still expensive but the bag is solid, rolls well, padded nice and protects it all while a 2 year old decides she needs to jump on it.

Brian David Melnyk
August 31st, 2014, 11:52 AM
I use a keyboard case. Works great, extra pockets etc.
Many models and prices. This one looks heavy duty:

http://www.amazon.com/Gator-GK-88-SLIM-Lightweight-Keyboard/dp/B000XFRMYY/ref=sr_1_12?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1409507524&sr=1-12

Alec Moreno
September 1st, 2014, 12:43 AM
I've worn out four or five keyboard cases. In my experience, they're okay for a while but they're not made for carrying a lot of gear. They may be a good fit for transporting just a few items, but do not try to cram them too full.

Brian David Melnyk
September 1st, 2014, 09:55 AM
I have hauled mine, stuffed full, into the roughest Malian and Burundian terrains. Lots of abuse and use, and no problems...

Max Palmer
September 10th, 2014, 06:49 AM
I use these to hold my slider and monopod together:
Gear Tie 18" (http://www.niteize.com/product/Gear-Tie-18.asp)

You can find them at Home Depot (for us Yanks) or on Amazon. They're great for run and gun, because I can really quickly wrap them around a couple large objects and go. They have a nice rubbery texture that grips. It's also helpful, because if I tie my slider and monopod together, the monopod almost acts as a nice little handle that makes it all easy to carry.