Lens Protection / Case

[Eric Biggerstaff]

Now that Photobackpacker is retired, what are some suggestions for single lens protection. I have a good reel case but it is to large for what I need.

Thanks!

[Eric Woodbury]

My lenses are loose in the backpack compartments. Sometimes, big, expensive, special lenses get a wrap which is still available. At home in the filing cabinet, I slip them into a little wooden rack that holds 5 or 6 lenses on their boards. If I were to go to the beach or equivalent, I might put them in a plastic bag for the trip. Obviously, I'm not too fancy. --ew--

[Kirk Gittings]

My lenses and PBP cases will last the rest of my working life. Having said that, many reel cases come in small medium and large. See for example:

http://www.orvis.com/p/safe-passage-reel-cases/2bmm

http://galvanflyreels.com/product/gfr-reel-case/

https://www.fishusa.com/product/Shimano-Neoprene-Spinning-Reel-Covers

or a multi reel case with moveable dividers in various sizes.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/boating/rod-holders-storage/fishing-reel-cases%7C/pc/104794380/c/104763780/sc/104527080/fishpond-sweetwater-reel-case/2202510.uts?destination=%2Fcategory%2FFishing-Reel-Cases%2F104527080.uts

[Keith Pitman]

I know of one guy who uses Tupperware-Type cases. Good protection, lightweight, a variety of sizes, and inexpensive.

[Eric Biggerstaff]

Tupperware - now where have I heard that before......

Thanks Kirk - I have a bunch of those for my fly reels, to many reels actually. That is a good option.

[Drew Bedo]

I have and use a set of zPhotoBackpacker boxes, yet . . .


I typically pack my 4x5 shooting kit into an older LowePro "Magnum 35" shoulder bag. I often pack 3-4 lenses on little Wista boards by putting them into a plastic bag and put that into a plush Crown Royal bag. These then go into the shoulder bag arranged with the camera and film holders such that there is no rattling around.

While this is not secure enough for an airliner's cargo hold, it can fit under the seat (on Southwest Airlines anyway) and carries well.

I do have an older model LowePro supper trekker that can take all this stuff and protect it better, but the whole package is larger and heavier . . .and I just don't c arry anything on my back these days. It fits nicely into the overhead compartment, but once it did go into the hold on a smaller regional turbo prop

[Drew Bedo]

For storage at home, extra lenses often sit in a substantial cigar box.

[Luis-F-S]

What's wrong with lens wraps? Daniel Stone makes really nice ones. I then put them in a Zone VI bag for 4x5 or a Gator Case for 8x10. If taking several lenses I use an oversized Gator case n put them next to the camera.

[Light Guru]

What's wrong with lens wraps? I then put them in a Zone VI bag for 4x5 or a Gator Case for 8x10. If taking several lenses I use an oversized Gator case n put them next to the camera.

NOTHING! Thats what I use. They are a LOT less bulky then other tings being talked about on here.

[Eric Biggerstaff]

I forgot Dan was making wraps, I dropped him a note. I think that is a great idea.

[scm]

I use soft bags like this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/281972600520) that are made for cell phones, tablets, etc. The 7" size works for a typical 150mm plasmat in a Copal #0, the 8" fits a 210mm in a Copal #1 or a larger 90mm like a Super Angulon or Grandagon and so on. They are just a few bucks, delivered.

http://stevemidgleyphotography.com/s-l1600.jpg

[Alan Gales]

I used to buy 4x5 monorail kits and part them out for profit. I ended up with a bunch of lens wraps for free so that is what I use. They work fine for me.

[Doremus Scudder]

Cheapskate here:

I make my own boxes out of double-thickness corrugated cardboard and tape. The lensboards slide into the boxes between two cardboard "guide rails" and the lens caps on the lenses just touch the surfaces on either side, so the fit is snug. These are sturdy enough to stack in my backpack/lumbar pack and very compact.

Doremus

[Drew Bedo]

What's wrong with lens wraps? Daniel Stone makes really nice ones. I then put them in a Zone VI bag for 4x5 or a Gator Case for 8x10. If taking several lenses I use an oversized Gator case n put them next to the camera.

There are plenty og good ideas in this thread. There is no one best method of storing, protecting and packing lenses. Its really a case of what works for you.
In my case, I have used lens wraps. They don't fit my photographic personality. They collect dirt (well that's probably me) and pack a bit larger than I like, making irregular lumps.

I am also a bit haphazare ans slap-dash when in the field. And so . . .As described above; my lenses and most small items go into a case or little bag before goling into the shoulder bag or pack. In this way, if there is an empty bag or box laying there it means that there is something still to find in the tall grass before moving on. Experience can bea harsh and expensive teacher.

[Eric Biggerstaff]

Thanks everyone. The reason I am asking is that I just purchased the large size Orvis boat bag on sale for 50% off. The bag is perfect for my Deardorff 5X7 and all the things I need in the field and is completely waterproof as well. In addition, the bag has movable dividers which is a plus, but I just needed to figure out lens storage. I think the lens wraps are the way to go.

So, now I just need to sell my Photobackpacker set up, it is like new and lightly used. The system is terrific but I just don't really need it. So, look on the For Sale section if you want a great deal! :D

[Eric Biggerstaff]

I went with the lens wraps from Dan Stone, love them! Best wraps I have ever owned, quality it tops, pricing is great and the colors are terrific!

Thanks Dan!

[Two23]

I've been taking old thick socks and cutting about 4-5 inches down from the top, and sticking my technika board mounted lenses in those. Works quite well. My camera bag is a soft drink insulated bag I bought from Walmart. It's a retro canvas design, and padded. It doesn't look like an expensive camera bag. I can easily fit my Chamonis 045n, three lenses, black t-shirt, meter, loupe, and about eight holders in there.


Kent in SD

[Willie]

https://photojojo.com/awesomeness/photorito-lens-wrap

Use a Burrito lens wrap and then finish it up with a lens mug for your drinks?

https://www.amazon.com/Canon-Coffee-Lens-24-105-Replica/dp/B007Y6O5ZE

[Bruce Barlow]

I know of one guy who uses Tupperware-Type cases. Good protection, lightweight, a variety of sizes, and inexpensive.

+1. I took my lenses on a date to the grocery store and found plastic storage things that fit juuuust right. I stack 3 of them in a large insulated bag from the Wal World - $8.

[Photobackpacker]

I have a good supply of cases for lenses on 4x4 boards.