Jump to content

Protection for a 20D


tony_craig

Recommended Posts

Going to Disneyworld next week with new 20D and wondering about

protection. Should I find a semi-hard case EH-17L by Canon or is

there a better alternative? Don't want to lug around too much stuff,

but want to keep my new investment as safe as possible.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I did this recently. Just took it in the lowepro tlz mini, which fits it with a small lens attached. 18-55mm will fit, 50mm, I think the 17-85mm is is ok, but right about at the limit.

 

The bag is padded, unless you drop it off a building everything would be fine :) Honestly it was around my neck most of the time. I only put it in the bag on a few rides, I was too busy enjoying my new camera.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have to agree with KAA - your camera is not an investment, it will depreciate rapidly in value and eventually break down in such a way that it's irreparable. Sorry, but that's the way things go with modern cameras, particularly digital.<p>

Instead, get some all risks insurance for your gear to protect it against theft and accidental damage... then <i>go take some risks with your photography!</i> Yes, cameras and sand don't play well together, but which will you value more, a shiny 20D on the shelf at home, or a stunning set of seascapes, rockpool close-ups and pictures of kids playing on the beach?<p>

A certain amount of physical protection is a good idea though. Go to your local camera store, and find a camera bag that will fit your current gear <u>with room to spare</u> (at least enough space for 2 more lenses if you currently only have the 20D and the kit lens, which I'm guessing is your current setup)<br>

I don't know about Canon bags and cases, but I suspect like most Canon-branded accesories, they'll be over-priced and nothing to write home about. Take a good look at <a href="http://www.lowepro.com/">Lowepro's range</a> - I wouldn't entrust my gear to anything else, and know I can drop a well-packed Lowepro bag, and the camera won't feel a thing. I'd recommend you go for something top-loading, so you can get at your gear fairly easily without taking the bag off. Apart from the Toploader range, the smaller Novas are fairly compact shoulder bags with plenty of pockets for accessories. Camera bags are very personal things though, so <b>you must try out a selection</b> in the shop with your camera before buying one.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Forget the photo bags. Go to Target and get a rectangular insulated cooler bag used to hold cokes/sandwiches etc. They run around $20. I use one for transporting my hasselblad. Its as insulated as a photo bag but you don't pay for it being one. Plus if your traveling to questionable areas your gear doesn't scream photographer, more like someone with a lunch bag :)
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Tony,

 

I carry the tamrac velocity 9, I go through abandoned buildings, climb fences, through snow, ice, rain, dirt, and any thing else you can think of. I like the case small enough to fit into my luggage and I can carry it anywhere and its not to big. If you were looking for information how to get to and from Disney I use a pelican case...there is none better.

 

enjoy your trip,

 

Keith

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I figured that since Thunder Mountain was just a baby as far as roller coasters go, that my 10D would be safe tucked between myself and my son. I was wrong.

 

The camera flung around in front of my face and smacked on the outside of the car. I was lucky. It only cracked the LCD cover, which I was able to replace for less than $20. And the camera still works perfectly.

 

I would recommend a small lightweight case...something that's lightweight and comfortable to hold (or wear). I have a waist pack (two actually) that I really like because it allows me to keep my hands free.

 

At Disneyland, there are lockers outside and just inside the park. If I recall, the larger ones were $7, which would hold a small ice chest. The medium was $6 and the small ones, plenty big enough for your camera and a lens, was $5. You could open and close the locker as many times as you'd like in the course of the day. If in doubt about a ride, stick the camera in the locker, even if you have to go without it for an hour or two.

 

Oh...and I do consider my camera to be one heck of an investment. I don't expect to make money on it by reselling it or otherwise, but I do expect it to provide me with a lot of pleasure and a few good photos.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've been using the Tamrac 519 Pro Zoom Pak Holster bag (sometimes in combination with a vest) for various combinations of gear. I pick out what I want from the monster bag and take it with me in the lighter holster.

 

By itself, the holster bag can carry your 20D with a mid sized lens attached, and a second lens; or one big zoom. It also has spaces for a filter or two, some CF cards, depending on what you put inside, a flash.

 

I can fit the 20D with the 24-70L mounted and the hood reversed, either a 50mm 1.8 or the EF-S 18-55 kit lens, a 580EX, a 77mm circular polarizer, and couple of spare batteries. It will also take the 20D with the 70-200 2.8L IS mounted, although it is tough to get a flash in if you have the lens hood on it. I will sometimes take this lens, and stick the 50mm prime in a pocket.

 

The 580EX feels exposed though; the outside pocket doesn't have a lot of padding on it. If I think I may want some flash, but likely not, I carry a 380EX instead, otherwise it's a spare battery.

 

It's got a loop to go through your belt, a shoulder strap to distribute the weight, and a handle on the top. An optional chest harness is available to strap it to you more tightly. Several sizes were available, the 519 is the largest.

 

When we did Sea World last March, we spent two days there. Day one was "Photo Day" where I schlepped 30 lbs of gear in the holster and the vest and filled 3GB worth of cards. Day two, I brought the body and the 70-200 in the holster specifically for taking pictures of the kids feeding the dolphins. After that, I shelled out the $2.00 in quarters for a locker and stowed the camera and a change of clothes, and spent the rest of the day getting soaked with the kids.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I bought a Lowepro Nova 2 AW last night. Thank you for your insights.

 

PS - To whom it may concern, my camera is an investment of hard earned cash, research and time and will be treated as such. It is possible to be protective of expensive equipment and still utilize it as the tool it was created to be.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I carry my camera in hand always ready for a shot, when it's not there, I put it in my shoulder travel bag I got in India for 2 dollars (and used throughout india). When It's wet, under my jacket or in a plastic bag usually does the trick. Perhaps I'm lazy. But I do have travel insuarnce, so it allows me to move lightly and freely without too much worry.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Kelly's point about the soft drink cooler, is a good one. It attracts less attention. I got one from Big Lot's. I think I paid $6 for it. With a few alterations, it really works great. The other thing that I do, at Disneyland, been there 5 times in the past year and a half. Is take a consumer lens only. Again, It attracts less attention, and will hurt a lot less if it disappears. It will also deliver more than adaquate performance.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...