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(More customer reviews)update: i ordered another vanguard case, the VGC-13, after i got this one. they make a good pair, but if you're trying to choose one, get the other one. it's bigger and less expensive with the same quality. (otherwise, you'll end up getting it anyway as your gear selection grows.) in retrospect, i would recommend this more as storage for just your camera (w/cables, memory cards, filters, speedlight) or if you have a small (2-3 lens) outfit. get the vgc-13 if you have a lot of lenses (more than 5) and/or a long telephoto lens.
i ordered the vanguard hard case because i didn't want to just toss my extra lenses in a backpack. also, i live in california, so you never know when an earthquake might hit.
when it arrived today--beating the shipping estimate by over a week--i was fairly impressed out of the box. it's brushed aluminum hardware and sides, backed with slightly ribbed ABS plastic on the outside. on the inside, there's a waffle-foam top, a two-layer foam bottom, several rubber section dividers, and a dice-pattern foam sheet. the dividers slide together into any number of configurations, the foam can be used to custom-fit pieces. you also get two keys for the front locks and a shoulder strap that clips onto the side.
it's a rugged-seeming package that doesn't look cheap, but is a bit on the small side--amazon offers no specs, but this is the VGP-13S model, the dimensions are 15.75" x 9.9" x 6.9"--although compact might be a more politically-correct term.
after loading it up with some gear, here's what i was able to fit into it:
-70-300 tele w/ hood
-12-24 wide angle w/ hood
-15 fisheye w/ hood
-50 prime
-flash
-two 3-filter kits and 3 loose filters
-two extra batteries.
obviously, this is not a solution to hold all your gear if you have much more than 2 lenses and one body. then again, the relatively small size does offer a degree of portability, even if its just from one end of your studio to another. the handle's nice and sturdy, but the nonpadded strap would probably get uncomfortable after more than about 5 minutes, although the case isn't all that heavy loaded up, unless you fill it with bricks or something.
I decided to give the Vanguard 5 stars because this unit did what i wanted it to do, which was secure my gear in the event of any unforseen accidents, like accidentally siting on a lens or filter i've left on the couch. even without cutting out the foam and fitting them into the partitioned dividers, it held the gear steady in the upright position--no jostling or rustling. i may leave the foam sheet untouched, so i can reconfigure it easier, but if you want to have a dedicated home for specific items you don't always need in your camera bag, this isn't a bad choice. i couldn't fit some of my lens pouches, cables, and the like, but those things aren't as in dire need of being properly secured as all your precious glass and/or body(s), so no biggie.
overall, this is a versatile case that's just big enough to be a stay-at-home unit, and just small enough to venture out w/ you on a shoot. does exactly what you'd expect, has a professional appearance, and is a good looker to boot. if you're an extreme gearhound, at the price it might be worth it to get two, although you might also want to look into the wheeled model, which is a bit bigger, for around twice the price, especially if you plan on carrying this around a lot.
bottom line: why expose expensive glass and/or your camera to danger or possible damage? protect your investment -- after all, it's cheaper than sending a bag full of lenses in for warranty service if your drunk uncle roy has a mishap while watching WWF or NASCAR.
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Vanguard VGP-13S Digital Camera Hard CaseVanguard's #1 selling hard case offers advanced protection in 7 different sizes from our famous VGP-3200 all the way up to the vgp-310W. The VGP Series provides superior protection by use of advanced reinforced aluminum construction. Ergonomically designed, the shoulder strap offers extra padding and material that "breathes". These cases are ideal for storing various outdoors and photo equipment including spotting scopes, cameras, binoculars, and hunting equipment. Sizes vary with model numbers.
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