Photography equipment is very expensive. The conventional camera bags and backpacks do offer some protection but if you want to carry a lot of equipment and travel long distances then you certainly need Camera hard case.
Small camera bags and backpacks are good for carrying single camera with a lens for a photography day out. However they offer very little protection against hard falls , rain and other abuse faced during road and plane travel and that’s where hard case for camera comes in.
What is a camera hard case ?
A camera hard case is a bag or more of a suitcase that has a hard outer case and soft inside compartments. The outer case is generally manufactured by using hard plastic while the inside has PU foam and fabric lining to protect the gear.
A typical camera hard case has number of small compartments which are generally flexible in nature. These compartments can be adjusted to fit various type and size of cameras , lenses and other camera gear.
Camera hard cases come in different sizes and can have features such as waterproof , crushproof etc.
How to select a hard case for camera ?
When you are looking at buying a camera hard case you should look for following 4 aspects before you make your purchase decision.
- Size of the camera case : The camera hard cases come in 3 to 4 different sizes. Depending on the amount of gear you wish to carry you have the flexibility to select a suitable camera case size. You should also keep some space for future expansion. Some sizes are suitable for plane travel and you should check that before purchase.
- Whether camera case is Waterproof or not : This is a critical feature , especially if you do lot of outdoor shooting. Most camera hard cases can survive rain and are waterproof up to a meter of water. Depending upon your safety requirement you can pay extra and get even better features.
- Crushproof and fall proof : Many hard cases for camera come with specific millinery grade crush proof specifications. Most cases will also protect your camera equipment from fall of about 2 to 3 meter.
- Weatherproof : You should check for maximum and minimum temperature that the case can survive before buying it.
Top 7 Camera cases to buy in 2022
Below is the list of top 10 hard camera cases you can buy at different budget levels. We will see all these in detail later.
- Pelican Storm iM2500
- Pelican Air Case 1535
- Vanguard Supreme 46F
- Vanguard Supreme 53F
- Manfrotto ProLight Reloader Tough-55
- Monoprice Weatherproof Hard Case : Budget Option
- Nanuk 935 Carry-On Hard Case
Following table summarizes the top 7 camera hard cases in the market. There are many more options available in the market from companies such as Pelican , Vanguard , Manfrotto and many more .
| Image | Product | Size and Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Pelican Storm iM2500 | Size: 21.7 x 14.1 x 8.9 inches Weight: 5kg , 6.2 kg with foam |
Check Price |
 |
Pelican Air 1535 Best Lightweight Option |
Size: 20.39 x 11.20 x 7.21 inches Weight: 4.5kg with foam |
Check Price |
 |
Vanguard SUPREME 46F Best Heavy duty option |
Size: 20.25 x 8.63 x 17.13 inches Weight: 6.7 kg with foam |
Check Price |
 |
Vanguard SUPREME 53F Best Heavy duty option large size |
Size: 24.8 x 20.47 x 9.45 inches Weight: 10 kg with foam |
Check Price |
 |
Manfrotto Pro Light Reloader Tough H-55 Hard-sided and lightweight |
Size: 21.65 x 13.98 x 9.06 inches Weight: 4 kg with foam |
Check Price |
|
Monoprice Weatherproof Hard Case Best Budget Option |
Size: 22 x 14 x 8 Inches Weight: 4.9 kg with foam |
Check Price |
 |
Nanuk 935 Waterproof Lightweight option |
Size: 20.5 x 11.3 x 7.5 Inches Weight: 3.6 kg with foam |
Check Price |
Top 7 camera hard cases
Pelican , Vanguard , Manfrotto , Nanuk , Meijia are some of the popular companies in this space and they have many options based on size , weight carrying capacity and other features. Lets see some of the best options available in the market.
1. Pelican Storm iM2500 hard case for camera
Pelican Storm is one of the most popular series of camera cases from Pelican. You can see the complete range here.
There are many options starting from the smallest iM2050 to largest iM3075 series. The Pelican™ Storm Case™ has the same as Pelican Protector Case, with one primary difference: A unique Press and Pull latch that locks automatically, but open with a light touch.
iM2050 variant forms the best middle ground and meets most requirements of photographers and can carry good amount of camera and lenses.
Key Specifications
- Two Press & Pull Latches
- Lightweight Strong HPX® Resin
- Watertight, crushproof, and dustproof
- Double-layered, Soft-grip Handle
- Vortex™ Valve
- Two Padlockable Hasps
- Powerful Hinge
- Guaranteed for life
- Size: 21.7 x 14.1 x 8.9 inches
- Weight: 5kg , 6.2 kg with foam
You can check out the latest price and buy this case online using below link.
2. Pelican Air 1535 hard camera case
Pelican Air series is characterized by significantly light weight compared to some of the other Pelican and other manufacturer’s cases . You can see the complete range here.
Key Specifications
- Maximum airline carry on size*
- * Check with your airline for exact measurement requirements.
- Super-light proprietary HPX²™ Polymer
- Quiet Rolling Stainless-Steel Bearing Wheels
- Business card holder
- Automatic Purge Valve – Keeps water and dust out while balancing air pressure
- Retractable extension handle
- Size: 20.39 x 11.20 x 7.21 inches
- Weight: 4.5kg with foam
You can check out the latest price and buy this case online using below link.
3. Vanguard Supreme 46F
Key Specifications
The Vanguard Supreme Series hard cases are virtually indestructible. They have new features that make them stronger and more durable than any other case on the market. o-rings keep them airtight and waterproof up to 16.5 feet/5 metres.
They can also withstand temperatures as low as -40F/-40C to 203F/95C, which is what they were built for. Supreme cases are great for air travel because they have an automatic pressure equalisation valve and can hold up to 265 lbs/120 kg of weight on the outside.
Anti-slip rubber feet and a sturdy handle add more strength. Pad locks can be used with the steel-reinforced lock holders to add extra security. The latches are thick and quick-release so they stay in place. Supreme 40F is made of dense, hexagon-shaped foam that can be made to fit any kind of gear.
You can check out the latest price and buy this case online using below link.
4. Vanguard Supreme 53F
Key Specifications
- Waterproof and airtight (up to a depth of 16.5 feet/5 meters)
- Two storage levels
- High-density customizabe, hexagon-shaped foam interior
- Steel-reinforced lock holders
- Size: 24.8 x 20.47 x 9.45 inches
- Weight: 10 kg with foam
You can check out the latest price and buy this case online using below link.
5. Manfrotto Pro Light Reloader
You can check out the latest price and buy this case online using below link.
6. Monoprice Hard case
You can check out the latest price and buy this case online using below link.
7. Nanuk 935 Waterproof Hard case
You can check out the latest price and buy this case online using below link.
