Best case for XL2?

Alexis Vazquez · September 8th, 2004, 02:46 PM

Has anyone tried the Portabrace cc-210-pw?

Alex Okita · September 8th, 2004, 03:03 PM

or the KATA BP-502 for that matter.
Speaking of which, how do people hike around while traveling with an 8lb camera on their shoulder? Im planning on a travel documentary in thailand for a month so I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for bags, rain slickers etc.

also, has anyone tried using the portabrace xl1 rain slicker on the xl2 yet? I'd be interested since i started a thread about that a while ago...

cheers

Greg Milneck · September 9th, 2004, 10:21 AM

I just received the LowePro Professional AW DV.

Very nice case, but it is an extremly tight fit, and the mic must be adjusted back to fit properly. There is very limited room left to hold a lens.

Mike Atkin · September 9th, 2004, 04:04 PM

<<<-- Originally posted by Alexis Vazquez : Has anyone tried the Portabrace cc-210-pw? -->>>

I just bought the HK-P2 (backpack for xl1) at B&H because I didn't have the xl2 w/me. Length was OK but vf didn't fit in moon. Tried flipping mic so cable didn't protrude (reversing L/R, no big deal for down & dirty audio) but it still was beyond tight.

I'm thinking having about a person I know of who does handmade dacron bags do a custom. The big players let us down and the guys at B&H looked at me like a deer in the headlights. Anybody want to get in on a group order? We could probably get a primo case for under $250 a pop with about 10 people.

I have email notification on so speak up if you're interested in keeping tabs on this.

Alex Okita · September 10th, 2004, 12:12 AM

I have the HK-P3 for the XL1 and I'm hoping that it might fit the XL2 better. However, a custom backpack for an XL2? Sure I'm in. I just need an additional padded pouch for a 12" powerbook. Could I get some contact info at the least so I could get one made up too? 250 sounds perfectly reasonable to me, sign me up!

I was just at San Jose Camera this past weekend looking at backpacks and checking if their XL2 would fit. I wasnt too pleased with any of the backpacks they had there. I was wondering how I'd get a custom pack made for the camera. And there's no way I'm going to hike in a rian forrest for a month with a shoulder bag, yikes.

Jim Giberti · September 10th, 2004, 03:02 AM

<<It's a bit of a squeeze, but I was able to comfortably fit the xl2 w/ 20x mounted 3x 16x manual>>

Hey Barry, I'm a little confused, the Commercial AW DV is isted as 17" iinterior and the XL2 is listed as 19.5" long. How can it fit the camera let alone lenses etc.?

Greg Milneck · September 10th, 2004, 08:03 AM

<<<-- Originally posted by Jim Giberti : <<It's a bit of a squeeze, but I was able to comfortably fit the xl2 w/ 20x mounted 3x 16x manual>>

Hey Barry, I'm a little confused, the Commercial AW DV is isted as 17" iinterior and the XL2 is listed as 19.5" long. How can it fit the camera let alone lenses etc.? -->>>

I dont know how he did it....it is a very tight fit. The mic must be slid back, or totally removed. Once you put items inside the exterior pockets, you have to force the camera in, and it stretches the two exterior wall out. I have no idea how he fits two extra lenses!!

The bag is awesome, but 2" too small...I am going to keep it for now, but am looking for a better solution.

Evan Fisher · September 15th, 2004, 09:04 PM

I went bag shopping today for my XL2 and here's what I found. Neither the Kata bag nor the Porta Brace bags that were made for the XL1(s) will work. The camera is too big for these. It does however fit into the Tamrac 2249 (both versions)-There is a large(r) and small version. The large version could be modified a little to carry your extra lenses and it has room for a modest amount of other gear. I tried to fit the camera into a larger model of the Porta Brace bags (made for a full size camera). The length was OK but the bag was too narrow to deal well with the eye piece.

Anyone else have any luck?

Barry Goyette · September 15th, 2004, 10:15 PM

Greg...Jim emailed me on this...I didn't see your post...the Commercial AW DV bag I have is 18 long x 9.5-10 wide x 9.5 tall ID. When I set up my xl2 I had the mic set a little back in the holder..at this setting I measured my xl2 at 18 inches long.....camera fit like the bag was made for it...If you extend the mic all the way forward it will reach the 19.5 length....then it is too long...

sorry for any confusion...I'm very happy with the bag...its nicely designed with lots of extra storage...it would be nice to have a little more room for extra lenses, but for my purposes...I would rarely go out with all three in the first place...

Barry

Christopher Go · September 16th, 2004, 12:53 AM

I have a Pelican 1650 case but instead of purchasing a second foam set and customizing it for the XL2, I was thinking of buying the padded divider set instead.

Do you think the Pelican padded dividers is a good choice? I never cared for the dust that the custom foam sets had. Gets on the equipment.

Joel Guy · September 16th, 2004, 05:55 AM

Evan,

Which Kata bag were you looking at? I ordered the CCC-10, one of the largest bags that they allow you to carry onto an airplane, and it's pretty big. Going off the dimensions of the XL2 and the internal dimensions of the main compartment of the bag, the camera should fit, but things like that don't always work out. The CCC-10 was made for professional sized cameras, but was also advertized for the XL1s, as a larger bag option for that camera. Were you looking at the CCC-3333? Just wondering, thanks,

Joel

Kevin Chao · September 16th, 2004, 11:35 AM

where can you get padded dividers???

Evan Fisher · September 16th, 2004, 11:50 AM

Joel,

No, I didn't look at the Kata CCC-10. I was looking at the bag that was recommended by the Kata site for the XL1s. I have since been speaking with Brian at Zotz and he is hoping that the CCC-10 will work and will offer the most protection but as of now, I don't know of anyone who has actually put an XL2 into this bag. I can't wait to hear how it works out for you.

Evan

Jim Giberti · September 16th, 2004, 05:32 PM

<<No, I didn't look at the Kata CCC-10. I was looking at the bag that was recommended by the Kata site for the XL1s. I have since been speaking with Brian at Zotz and he is hoping that the CCC-10 will work and will offer the most protection but as of now, I don't know of anyone who has actually put an XL2 into this bag. I can't wait to hear how it works out for you.
Evan>>

After doing some homework, I ordered the ccc-10. Using the inside dimensions of (I think) 23.5 inches with a width of 9.5 it seemed like a good fit for the XL2 that has a length of 18" with the mic pulled back and about 8.75 wide, with the VF assembly slid hard right. It also has a formed sidewall to prevent pressure on the VF and looks like there should be ample room for batteries, charger, lenses and I hope a 7" LCD.

Joel Guy · September 17th, 2004, 06:05 AM

Jim,

I received mine a few days ago. While I don't have the XL2 to test in it yet, I can say that the bag is very very nice. You won't be disappointed.

September 9th, 2004, 10:21 AM	#18
Greg Milneck Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 145	I just received the LowePro Professional AW DV. Very nice case, but it is an extremly tight fit, and the mic must be adjusted back to fit properly. There is very limited room left to hold a lens. __________________ www.digitalfx.tv

September 10th, 2004, 08:03 AM	#22
Greg Milneck Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 145	<<<-- Originally posted by Jim Giberti : <<It's a bit of a squeeze, but I was able to comfortably fit the xl2 w/ 20x mounted 3x 16x manual>> Hey Barry, I'm a little confused, the Commercial AW DV is isted as 17" iinterior and the XL2 is listed as 19.5" long. How can it fit the camera let alone lenses etc.? -->>> I dont know how he did it....it is a very tight fit. The mic must be slid back, or totally removed. Once you put items inside the exterior pockets, you have to force the camera in, and it stretches the two exterior wall out. I have no idea how he fits two extra lenses!! The bag is awesome, but 2" too small...I am going to keep it for now, but am looking for a better solution. __________________ www.digitalfx.tv

September 15th, 2004, 09:04 PM	#23
Evan Fisher Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Los Angeles, Ca. Posts: 137	I went bag shopping today for my XL2 and here's what I found. Neither the Kata bag nor the Porta Brace bags that were made for the XL1(s) will work. The camera is too big for these. It does however fit into the Tamrac 2249 (both versions)-There is a large(r) and small version. The large version could be modified a little to carry your extra lenses and it has room for a modest amount of other gear. I tried to fit the camera into a larger model of the Porta Brace bags (made for a full size camera). The length was OK but the bag was too narrow to deal well with the eye piece. Anyone else have any luck? __________________ Fisher Media Productions

September 16th, 2004, 11:50 AM	#28
Evan Fisher Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Los Angeles, Ca. Posts: 137	Joel, No, I didn't look at the Kata CCC-10. I was looking at the bag that was recommended by the Kata site for the XL1s. I have since been speaking with Brian at Zotz and he is hoping that the CCC-10 will work and will offer the most protection but as of now, I don't know of anyone who has actually put an XL2 into this bag. I can't wait to hear how it works out for you. Evan __________________ Fisher Media Productions

September 8th, 2004, 02:46 PM	#16
Alexis Vazquez Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: USA Posts: 188	Has anyone tried the Portabrace cc-210-pw?

September 8th, 2004, 03:03 PM	#17
Alex Okita New Boot Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: California Posts: 7	or the KATA BP-502 for that matter. Speaking of which, how do people hike around while traveling with an 8lb camera on their shoulder? Im planning on a travel documentary in thailand for a month so I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for bags, rain slickers etc. also, has anyone tried using the portabrace xl1 rain slicker on the xl2 yet? I'd be interested since i started a thread about that a while ago... cheers

September 9th, 2004, 04:04 PM	#19
Mike Atkin Tourist Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Suffern, NY Posts: 1	<<<-- Originally posted by Alexis Vazquez : Has anyone tried the Portabrace cc-210-pw? -->>> I just bought the HK-P2 (backpack for xl1) at B&H because I didn't have the xl2 w/me. Length was OK but vf didn't fit in moon. Tried flipping mic so cable didn't protrude (reversing L/R, no big deal for down & dirty audio) but it still was beyond tight. I'm thinking having about a person I know of who does handmade dacron bags do a custom. The big players let us down and the guys at B&H looked at me like a deer in the headlights. Anybody want to get in on a group order? We could probably get a primo case for under $250 a pop with about 10 people. I have email notification on so speak up if you're interested in keeping tabs on this.

September 10th, 2004, 12:12 AM	#20
Alex Okita New Boot Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: California Posts: 7	I have the HK-P3 for the XL1 and I'm hoping that it might fit the XL2 better. However, a custom backpack for an XL2? Sure I'm in. I just need an additional padded pouch for a 12" powerbook. Could I get some contact info at the least so I could get one made up too? 250 sounds perfectly reasonable to me, sign me up! I was just at San Jose Camera this past weekend looking at backpacks and checking if their XL2 would fit. I wasnt too pleased with any of the backpacks they had there. I was wondering how I'd get a custom pack made for the camera. And there's no way I'm going to hike in a rian forrest for a month with a shoulder bag, yikes.

September 10th, 2004, 03:02 AM	#21
Jim Giberti Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bethel, VT Posts: 824	<<It's a bit of a squeeze, but I was able to comfortably fit the xl2 w/ 20x mounted 3x 16x manual>> Hey Barry, I'm a little confused, the Commercial AW DV is isted as 17" iinterior and the XL2 is listed as 19.5" long. How can it fit the camera let alone lenses etc.?

September 15th, 2004, 10:15 PM	#24
Barry Goyette Trustee Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: San Luis Obispo CA Posts: 1,195	Greg...Jim emailed me on this...I didn't see your post...the Commercial AW DV bag I have is 18 long x 9.5-10 wide x 9.5 tall ID. When I set up my xl2 I had the mic set a little back in the holder..at this setting I measured my xl2 at 18 inches long.....camera fit like the bag was made for it...If you extend the mic all the way forward it will reach the 19.5 length....then it is too long... sorry for any confusion...I'm very happy with the bag...its nicely designed with lots of extra storage...it would be nice to have a little more room for extra lenses, but for my purposes...I would rarely go out with all three in the first place... Barry

September 16th, 2004, 12:53 AM	#25
Christopher Go Major Player Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 429	I have a Pelican 1650 case but instead of purchasing a second foam set and customizing it for the XL2, I was thinking of buying the padded divider set instead. Do you think the Pelican padded dividers is a good choice? I never cared for the dust that the custom foam sets had. Gets on the equipment.

September 16th, 2004, 05:55 AM	#26
Joel Guy Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: NYC, NY Posts: 151	Evan, Which Kata bag were you looking at? I ordered the CCC-10, one of the largest bags that they allow you to carry onto an airplane, and it's pretty big. Going off the dimensions of the XL2 and the internal dimensions of the main compartment of the bag, the camera should fit, but things like that don't always work out. The CCC-10 was made for professional sized cameras, but was also advertized for the XL1s, as a larger bag option for that camera. Were you looking at the CCC-3333? Just wondering, thanks, Joel

September 16th, 2004, 11:35 AM	#27
Kevin Chao Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: United States Posts: 37	where can you get padded dividers???

September 16th, 2004, 05:32 PM	#29
Jim Giberti Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bethel, VT Posts: 824	<<No, I didn't look at the Kata CCC-10. I was looking at the bag that was recommended by the Kata site for the XL1s. I have since been speaking with Brian at Zotz and he is hoping that the CCC-10 will work and will offer the most protection but as of now, I don't know of anyone who has actually put an XL2 into this bag. I can't wait to hear how it works out for you. Evan>> After doing some homework, I ordered the ccc-10. Using the inside dimensions of (I think) 23.5 inches with a width of 9.5 it seemed like a good fit for the XL2 that has a length of 18" with the mic pulled back and about 8.75 wide, with the VF assembly slid hard right. It also has a formed sidewall to prevent pressure on the VF and looks like there should be ample room for batteries, charger, lenses and I hope a 7" LCD.

September 17th, 2004, 06:05 AM	#30
Joel Guy Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: NYC, NY Posts: 151	Jim, I received mine a few days ago. While I don't have the XL2 to test in it yet, I can say that the bag is very very nice. You won't be disappointed.