Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Einstein storage post by Hotshot below has got me searching for a big bag as well.

However, I would like something that will also house the lightstands, umbrellas, AND
ABR800. So, the list of everything i want in my bag is as follows:

1. 2 AB400's (with reflectors)
2. 1 ABR800 (with reflector)
3. 2 10-ft standard lightstands
4. 2 umbrellas (standard black/white)
5. 1 13-ft air-cushioned heavy duty lightstand
6. all the power cords & other small accessories too

I would appreciate a input from anyone with similiar equipment list using a suitable
storage (with wheels). All inputs are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I have a similar equipment list; no ringflash, but a set of PLMs (1 large, 2 medium, 1 small) in addition to a couple of AlienBees and a similar collection of stands.

My solution was to get a separate bag for my lightstands (and my PLMs). A single bag or chest that's both big enough for my AlienBees and long enought for the stands would have been too big.

Since I transport by car, rather than by plane, I went with a cheap but non-airworthy solution. My 2 ABs (in the Buff soft cases), the mounting cages for the PLMs, and the various cords and bits go into a cheap plastic chest from Walmart. The stands, the umbrella portions of the PLMs, and certain other long pieces go into this musician's stand bag: http://www.amazon.com/Music-People-SSB6 ... 000CCXLTS/

thanks for the reply EKB.
yeah, i also have stands and lights separated right now, but it was just too much
hassle for me, juggling 3-4 bags out in the field. so regardless of the size, i thought
it'd be more convenient to have just 2 bags: cameras/lenses and lights.

so far, i think this is the best option for me. it's definitely big enough and even ATA
approved. for it's size, i think it's relatively inexpensive too:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/2 ... _Case.html

the only draw back is that this case doesn't come with foams, but, i think i found a
solution to that too. i don't know how much it'll be to fill this case with foam inserts,
but this place can customize the foam for you, or you can create your own:

http://www.carrycasesplus.com/custom-fo ... diced.html

all in all, i think i can get everything setup (with custom foam cuts too) at around
$300 or so, which is a lot less expensive than pelican or thinktank products of similar
size.

It's a tradeoff: The awkwardness of one extra-large case vs the awkwardness of one large and one long case. I've settled on the two-case solution, but if you've tried it and don't like it, then yeah.

The extra-large case you found does look like a reasonable solution.

Why not try a golf hard travel case. They cost between 60 and 200 dollars, are very sturdy, Most have wheels, and you can add your own foam as needed. or you could just wrap the stuff that makes you nervous in bubblewrap and stuff em in the case.
The more expensive versions typically just have better hinges, wheels, and locks.

Something like this
http://www.amazon.com/GTB-Guardian-Hard ... +case+hard

Worth thinking about: that big case is 23+ pounds before you put anything in it. Depending on what you load into it, it could become a beast. Not much an issue when you can roll it, of course; however, if you have a high lift-over into your vehicle, or you encounter a flight or two of stairs, well, it can Hurt.

Of course, if you routinely hire a coupla grips to haul your gear, then they can fight with it. :D

I went with this:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_174826-355-0188 ... tt=toolbox

I also have one of these, same concept:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_391726-82673-ST ... RRWidgetID

The bottom holds 2 einsteins and PLM cages, the top holds the power cables, sync cords and more, then on the top case I put in the receivers/transmitters, spare batteries, etc. I just wish there was a good way to attach the lightstands and PLMs, but for $20 this works great.

Fred

I went with a couple of bags made by Photoflex Transpac they have different sizes and are very reasonably priced.

Lowepro X300 rolling case for heads and batteries, f64 light stand case for stands and PLMs. I use a small duffel for the speedrings. I've also used a SKB weapons transport casehttp://www.skbcasesusa.com/skb-stock-lp-series.htm for the stands and umbrellas which will hold the speeds rings. They have wheels and weigh less than Storm/Pelican.

This is what I use: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-48-in-Job-Box-BMJB4824/203645735

4) WL X800 with reflectors in PCB travel cases
2) PCB Giant Soft boxes
3) PCB Heavy duty 12' light stands
2) PCB Back light stands
1) 3' Step ladder
1) PCB 7" Honey Comb Grids
1) PCB Vagabond mini Lithium battery.
2) 50' extension cords.
1) Power strip.
NOTE: Additional room available for muslin backdrop and stands.

I put it on a hand truck and can take my whole studio with me. I slide box off of the hand truck into the back of my Nissan Xterra then put the hand truck in next to it. I simply reverse the process to unload on location. I used to have to make multiple trips in and out of my location now I only take one in and one out. I have a similar setup to you with
a few additional items. After I'm on location I use the top as a tabletop on which to lay various tools meters, dark clothes, film backs etc. BTW this would not work as an airline case.

I'll take pics and post them tomorrow.