Ok, I know that this is a very general question and definitely gives a feeling for my less-than-in-depth camera aptitude (but I'm learning!), but I have gotten great feedback from you guys so far, so I trust you more than any other board =)

I've gotten all my wonderful equipment, thanks to the suggestions from everybody.  Smooth, you've been a tremendous help throughout all this!  Now, I need to take care of it.  I was wondering what kind of carry cases or other you use to transport your equipment?  I have a manfrotto tripod, nikon 5000, fc-e8, quicktilt from kaidan, 3265 ball grip, mrotatorA, and I want to make sure I take care of it in the best way possible.  I have nothing to transport any of the equipment (except the box they came in) at this time.  Any recommendations?

Also, is there any thing that a novice (me) should pay attention to take care of his equipment.  I'm going to have a UV filter on the camera whenever taking still shots, I hear that is good practice.  But anything else in particular that I should note?

Very fondly,
Steve

Hi Steve,

Looks like you're all set.  Why do you have both the tilt leveler and the 3265 head?  The 3265 should take the place of the tilt leveler.  Just wondering coz I don't have the leveler, just the 3265, and it works great.

r,
eagle

Hi eagle,

I went ahead with the leveler because I think it will work nicely with the mrotatorA from agnos.  I'm going to be using the 3265 for the still shots, and will just be swapping heads (mrotator or 3265) off the top of the tilt leveler.  I agree, the ball head is awesome!  It is just easier to leave the leveler on the tripod.

-s.

Hi Steve,

Mate, I'm glad if I helped in some way.

I too have various ways of carrying my equipment but have never really got to the point of being 100% happy. I hear a lot about the pelican hard cases and these seem to be a good product. I would lug all of your gear to a store that stocks them and try them out for size. I believe you would want all your gear in one case (At least I do!) Currently I use a bag made by "Glacier Gear" that's carries my CP4500, Kaidan Panohead, Kaidan Tilt Leveller, FC-E8 Lens, Spare Batteries, Business Cards, Pen, Lens Pen, Memory Cards, Remote Control and Mini Tripod. But it does not allow for my full-size Tripod so this is carried separately.

All my other gear like Canon 10D and Panohead are all pretty much loose at this stage until I find something suitable.

Later I will post a photo if you like, Maybe others would be so kind as to do the same.

Regards, Smooth

the pelican cases are probably the best buy although not the cheapest.

they are water proof and have an o-ring seal on them.

they come with a diced foam which you can custom cut with your hands too. this is how:  you place the equipment on top of the uncut foam. outline with toothpicks where you want to cut, remove the equipment, and cut the foam following the toothpick outline. - this directions should come with the new case when you purchase it.

 i recommend size 1500 for the head and camera. is like a the size of a briefcase.

the 1600 is very large and heavy for you to fit alot of stuff in it. but it might be an overkill.

check out pelican.com for info on their sizes.

there are also some metal looking cases with dice foam if you like that metallic look and not the plastic look.

Thanks for the recommendation, guys.  I will most likely go ahead and go with one of those, not sure if the 1500 will hold everything I need, gotta lay it out first.  I do like the "you break it, we replace it" motto, though.

So I guess that does away with my idea of being lazy and just always leaving the quicktilt leveler on the tripod, huh?  Maybe it's not a good idea to keep the equipment attached to something that will be carried freely.

always,
-S.

Scott,

I use a Lowepro pack for general stuff - it has adjustable straps and waist and chest straps to spread the load. There's a huge range of sizes etc.They're not cheap, but pretty hard wearing

www.lowepro.com

Hope this helps

Neill W