Using a hard-sided golf travel bag to transport lighting gear?

[curtscamera]

I've been looking for an easy way to transport 2+ 10' light stands, tripods, monopod, umbrellas, speedlites, cords, and other grip gear. I have outgrown my padded nylon carry bag that came with my lightstands and this stuff is getting out of control. I'd like to travel light, but on occasions such as wedding receptions, it pays to be prepared for anything. I'm looking at possibly using a hard-sided golf club travel case, because: A)It should be big enough to house all the gear that won't fit in my camera bag, and B) you can get a used one for under $100. Any thoughts or suggestions?

[Eyegasms]

Hey Curt,

Have you considered a roller?

Think Tank: http://www.thinktankphoto.com/catego...mera-bags.aspx
LowePro: http://www.lowepro.com/prorollerx
Tamrac: http://www.tamrac.com/welcome.htm

Unfortunately none of them are cheap, however they are designed specifically for photographic equipment. Some models have straps/pouches etc. for attaching light stands and a tripod/monopod, have security locks plus they look professional. Anything else you need to carry i.e. duffle bag with grip stuff can be piled on top.

Much like yourself I'm in the process of refining my location kit.

Mark V

[davemphoto]

Last year during Help Portrait, I saw another photographer using a hard case golf bag to transport equipment. Looked like it worked for him and was impressed by his creativity of using a golf product. If all your gear fits and it fits your budget, I don't see why it wouldn't work.

[curtscamera]

I checked out a couple of the travel cases today. The size is definitely right, but neither of the cases I saw seemed very rigid. I'm going to keep looking, it's the way to go. If anyone has any other ideas on how to transport all this stuff I'd appreciate it.

[krkrows]

OK...my thoughts assuming you're planning on making a real business out of wedding photography.

First, whatever you decide on make sure it looks the part. The impression you leave on your client and others who may be looking for a wedding photographer is critical. How you dress, how you manage your gear, your workflow, and so on is what many will remember most. Rolling a modified golf club hard case may be functional but you may not be putting your best foot forward.

Second, break your gear down into smaller bags and cases. Honestly, do you really need to haul out all your gear? No. One think tank roller for camera's, lenses, flash units, remotes, etc. should be fine. A sling bag for stands and umbrellas (two). I've been to 10 weddings over the past two years and can't remember once when the photographer used a tripod. Take what you want, but taking all your "stuff" will more than likely make things more complicated.

Finally, there is a growing trend in the wedding industry for photographers who specialize in documentary photographay (photo journalists). Rule #1 for PJ's ...travel light and be prepared for the unexpected.

Understand, I'm not being critical. Only wanted to give you a few others points to consider.

[curtscamera]

100% agree with the professionalism aspect. Although the cases I looked at were originaly made for golf bags, outside of that context they look like a hard equipment case to the casual observer. No problem there. It's not just for weddings though, just to clarify. I recently did a series of "Action Portraits" for a youth soccer league. The location was over a half mile from the parking lot and I found myself running back to the truck more than once for this and that. When it was over, I had more than I could carry in one trip and had to leave some unattended and retrieve it on a second trip. I certainly didn't feel like a professional jogging back and forth in the heat (with my camera, because I did NOT want to leave that alone with a bunch of 15 year old soccer hooligans). I got some great shots that I could not have made without the extra effort, but what a pain.

[curtscamera]

Found this David Tejada video on youtube. I like his light kit, if I trade my bulky light stands for the more compact ones he demonstrated, that will help a lot. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWoTte_z3pk

[pcj]

I just picked up a Kata bag from Amazon, of all places. Fits three light stands, a reflector arm, small tripod and all the miscellaneous stuff I need. Looks good, built like a tank, and when I picked it up, it was closer to $40 than $60

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ef=oss_product

[Pip]

I'll have to have a look at Kata stuff then, I'm looking round for bags too.
I'd not thought about a golf bag - I have read that people use (field) hockey bags and cricket bags (although the latter may be somewhat harder to find on your side of the pond!).
Pip
ps: Anyone know how to block these advertising bell-ends from the site? I'm reporting them as I see them but they're really getting on my nerves.

[Pip]

Has anyone had one of these? http://www.amazon.com/Westcott-700-P.../ref=pd_cp_p_2
They look pretty good in the picture, wonder what the quality is like?