Wheels for Your Kit

Professionals often need to travel overseas and you don’t want to be separated from your precious kit. Here are seven roller cases that can protect your gear while still being carry on. BUYERS’GUIDE CARRY-ON ROLLER CASES WORDS MATTY GRAHAM Wheels for Your Kit

Professionals often need to travel overseas and you don’t want to be separated from your precious kit. Here are seven roller cases that can protect your gear while still being carry on. BUYERS’GUIDE CARRY-ON ROLLER CASES WORDS MATTY GRAHAM Wheels for Your Kit

Professionals often need to travel overseas and you don’t want to be separated from your precious kit. Here are seven roller cases that can protect your gear while still being carry on. BUYERS’GUIDE CARRY-ON ROLLER CASES WORDS MATTY GRAHAM Wheels for Your Kit

Professionals often need to travel overseas and you don’t want to be separated from your precious kit. Here are seven roller cases that can protect your gear while still being carry on. BUYERS’GUIDE CARRY-ON ROLLER CASES WORDS MATTY GRAHAM Wheels for Your Kit This article first appeared in issue 162. Please note some details and pricing may have changed. Please check with retailers for current pricing and offers. For back issues please visit professionalphoto.online

HILE MANY PRO photographers like the portability of a rucksackstyle camera bag, the more experienced operator will tell you this style of bag gets very old very quickly when you’re carting a hefty amount of gear around day after day. Photographers want to arrive at their shoot feeling fresh and ready to go, not bemoaning the journey W HILE MANY PRO photographers like the portability of a rucksackstyle camera bag, the more experienced operator will tell you this style of bag gets very old very quickly when you’re carting a hefty amount of gear around day after day. Photographers want to arrive at their shoot feeling fresh and ready to go, not bemoaning the journey W HILE MANY PRO photographers like the portability of a rucksackstyle camera bag, the more experienced operator will tell you this style of bag gets very old very quickly when you’re carting a hefty amount of gear around day after day. Photographers want to arrive at their shoot feeling fresh and ready to go, not bemoaning the journey W HILE MANY PRO photographers like the portability of a rucksackstyle camera bag, the more experienced operator will tell you this style of bag gets very old very quickly when you’re carting a hefty amount of gear around day after day. Photographers want to arrive at their shoot feeling fresh and ready to go, not bemoaning the journey W

there and subsequent sore shoulders.

This is where roller bags come in as, thanks to the addition of wheels, photographers can simply pull the bag along, gliding to their next assignment instead of huffing and puffing to their destination. Today’s roller bags boast an excellent array of both features and protection for your precious photo equipment and the good news is that, unlike there and subsequent sore shoulders.

This is where roller bags come in as, thanks to the addition of wheels, photographers can simply pull the bag along, gliding to their next assignment instead of huffing and puffing to their destination. Today’s roller bags boast an excellent array of both features and protection for your precious photo equipment and the good news is that, unlike there and subsequent sore shoulders.

This is where roller bags come in as, thanks to the addition of wheels, photographers can simply pull the bag along, gliding to their next assignment instead of huffing and puffing to their destination. Today’s roller bags boast an excellent array of both features and protection for your precious photo equipment and the good news is that, unlike there and subsequent sore shoulders.

This is where roller bags come in as, thanks to the addition of wheels, photographers can simply pull the bag along, gliding to their next assignment instead of huffing and puffing to their destination. Today’s roller bags boast an excellent array of both features and protection for your precious photo equipment and the good news is that, unlike a few years ago, photographers are now positively spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting some new wheels.

Crucially for those undertaking overseas assignments all the bags featured here also adhere to the carry-on luggage requirements from major airlines, meaning you can keep your kit close beside you in the cabin rather than gambling it away in the hands of a baggage handler. a few years ago, photographers are now positively spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting some new wheels.

Crucially for those undertaking overseas assignments all the bags featured here also adhere to the carry-on luggage requirements from major airlines, meaning you can keep your kit close beside you in the cabin rather than gambling it away in the hands of a baggage handler. a few years ago, photographers are now positively spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting some new wheels.

Crucially for those undertaking overseas assignments all the bags featured here also adhere to the carry-on luggage requirements from major airlines, meaning you can keep your kit close beside you in the cabin rather than gambling it away in the hands of a baggage handler. a few years ago, photographers are now positively spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting some new wheels.

Crucially for those undertaking overseas assignments all the bags featured here also adhere to the carry-on luggage requirements from major airlines, meaning you can keep your kit close beside you in the cabin rather than gambling it away in the hands of a baggage handler.

Tenba Roadie Roller Hybrid 21 FROM: £255 TENBA ENJOYS A RICH PEDIGREE when it comes to roller bags: any professional who remembers the classic Tenba Shootout Roller bag will know that this is a brand that knows what they are doing. The Roller Hybrid 21 builds on the success of previous models and can fit two pro-spec camera bodies and around five extra lenses. Size-wise, the Tenba meets carry-on dimensions so you won’t experience any problems at the airport. However, you have the option to put your gear in the hold in any case since Tenba’s patented Air Case construction allows the case to be safely shipped or checked as luggage since it’s virtually uncrushable, and can withstand more than 180kg stacked on top if necessary.

The Roller 21 can even accommodate a long 400mm lens, making it suitable for sports and wildlife photographers, while those professionals who prefer to edit on the go will be pleased to hear that the Tenba includes a slot for your laptop (up to 17-inches in size). Along WWW.TENBA.COM Tenba Roadie Roller Hybrid 21 FROM: £255 TENBA ENJOYS A RICH PEDIGREE when it comes to roller bags: any professional who remembers the classic Tenba Shootout Roller bag will know that this is a brand that knows what they are doing. The Roller Hybrid 21 builds on the success of previous models and can fit two pro-spec camera bodies and around five extra lenses. Size-wise, the Tenba meets carry-on dimensions so you won’t experience any problems at the airport. However, you have the option to put your gear in the hold in any case since Tenba’s patented Air Case construction allows the case to be safely shipped or checked as luggage since it’s virtually uncrushable, and can withstand more than 180kg stacked on top if necessary.

The Roller 21 can even accommodate a long 400mm lens, making it suitable for sports and wildlife photographers, while those professionals who prefer to edit on the go will be pleased to hear that the Tenba includes a slot for your laptop (up to 17-inches in size). Along WWW.TENBA.COM Tenba Roadie Roller Hybrid 21 FROM: £255 TENBA ENJOYS A RICH PEDIGREE when it comes to roller bags: any professional who remembers the classic Tenba Shootout Roller bag will know that this is a brand that knows what they are doing. The Roller Hybrid 21 builds on the success of previous models and can fit two pro-spec camera bodies and around five extra lenses. Size-wise, the Tenba meets carry-on dimensions so you won’t experience any problems at the airport. However, you have the option to put your gear in the hold in any case since Tenba’s patented Air Case construction allows the case to be safely shipped or checked as luggage since it’s virtually uncrushable, and can withstand more than 180kg stacked on top if necessary.

The Roller 21 can even accommodate a long 400mm lens, making it suitable for sports and wildlife photographers, while those professionals who prefer to edit on the go will be pleased to hear that the Tenba includes a slot for your laptop (up to 17-inches in size). Along WWW.TENBA.COM Tenba Roadie Roller Hybrid 21 FROM: £255 TENBA ENJOYS A RICH PEDIGREE when it comes to roller bags: any professional who remembers the classic Tenba Shootout Roller bag will know that this is a brand that knows what they are doing. The Roller Hybrid 21 builds on the success of previous models and can fit two pro-spec camera bodies and around five extra lenses. Size-wise, the Tenba meets carry-on dimensions so you won’t experience any problems at the airport. However, you have the option to put your gear in the hold in any case since Tenba’s patented Air Case construction allows the case to be safely shipped or checked as luggage since it’s virtually uncrushable, and can withstand more than 180kg stacked on top if necessary.

The Roller 21 can even accommodate a long 400mm lens, making it suitable for sports and wildlife photographers, while those professionals who prefer to edit on the go will be pleased to hear that the Tenba includes a slot for your laptop (up to 17-inches in size). Along WWW.TENBA.COM

with shock-absorbing wheels that should provide a much smoother glide, the Roadie Roller 21 also includes shoulder straps to allow the photographer to carry the bag if they need to. with shock-absorbing wheels that should provide a much smoother glide, the Roadie Roller 21 also includes shoulder straps to allow the photographer to carry the bag if they need to. with shock-absorbing wheels that should provide a much smoother glide, the Roadie Roller 21 also includes shoulder straps to allow the photographer to carry the bag if they need to. with shock-absorbing wheels that should provide a much smoother glide, the Roadie Roller 21 also includes shoulder straps to allow the photographer to carry the bag if they need to.

Tamrac Speed Roller International FROM £330

TAMRAC’S SPEEDROLLER is a beast of a roller bag and is well suited to everyday professional use. Capable of swallowing two pro bodies and 4-6 extra lenses, the Tamrac meets international flight carryon requirements and can also accommodate laptops up to 15-inches. With the presence of foam dividers, pro

photographers can re-shape the bag to fit their exact shape and needs and the Tamrac also boasts clear storage compartments for additional accessories. Smooth in-line skate-style wheels help the Speedroller with manoeuvrability so you can carve through a busy conference hall to your photoshoot location. The Ballistic nylon outer shell is discreet and shouldn’t attract unwanted attention - plus the plastic-armoured outer of the bag will provide an enhanced level of protection, should your roller bag take any unexpected knocks. The Speedroller features premium YKK zips and also comes with a rain cover to add an extra level of protection for your gear from the elements.

WWW.THINKTANKPHOTO.COM

ThinkTankAirport International V.3.0 FROM: £369

THIS IS THE THIRD GENERATION of ThinkTankPhoto’s roller and it should come as no surprise that it boasts a huge range of features. Built around a two-wheel design, the bag benefits from a reinforced telescoping handle, a dedicated padded pocket for your laptop/tablet (up to 15-inch) and the ability for users to maintain and service various parts, like swapping out the wheels, thus extending the life of the bag. The wheels themselves measure 80mm and are sealed with ABEC grade 5 bearings to ensure quiet rolling. The case is capable of

carrying two pro bodies and around 4-5 extra lenses, including a long telephoto like a 400mm, and it also (as the name suggests) meets carry on requirements so you should never have to check this roller into the hold. What’s more, security-approved zip locks offer extra protection, while each bag comes with a unique serial number so if the bag is lost/stolen, the ThinkTankAirport

International V.3.0 should be easier to subsequently recover.

Vanguard Alta Fly 55T Roller Backpack FROM: £249 AS YOU’D EXPECT from a TIPA awardwinning product, the Alta Fly 55T has plenty of features to sway a pro photographer’s buying decision. The roller bag features four wheels instead of the usual two, meaning you can simply push it along like a suitcase, making life very comfortable. Easily meeting airline carry on requirements, the 55T is slightly smaller than some bags included in this guide, but can comfortably take two pro cameras and up to six extra lenses - including a long 300mm optic. Like the Tenba bag, the Vanguard also sports shoulder straps to turn the roller into a backpack and the 55T can also take a 14-inch laptop or tablet, too.

A three-point buckle system adds an additional level of security to the bag and there’s also a tripod-holding system too, which will free up the photographer’s hands to concentrate on pulling along their bag.

The durable exterior of the Alta is water/ scratch resistant, plus the bag provides excellent protection from rain, which should reassure pros who often have to work out in the elements if the job requires.

The Alta Fly 55T also comes with Vanguard’s two-year warranty to offer additional peace of mind.

Peli 1510 Protector Case £194.99

ESSENTIALLY, THE PELI 1510 Protector is the Ironman of roller cases and is a great option for professional photographers who work in challenging environments. Crushproof and waterproof, the Peli is built like a tank and is on the verge of being indestructible. This version include roller wheels, and is carry-on approved. Although the 1510 Protector Case lacks the additional space and features found on other bags in this round up, its reputation as the toughest case on the market more than makes up for it. Additional features include an automatic pressure equalisation valve, which stops moisture from entering the case and

prevents vacuum-lock, meaning that it can be opened easily at any altitude. What’s more, the handle features an easy-release mechanism and the bag rolls on heavy duty wheels. Security-wise, there are stainless-steel, reinforced padlock protectors to defend against cutting and theft and there are options for internal divider systems too.

Extras add to the overall cost: with a foam insert the case is £227.12, a divider set costs £97.72 while a Trepak insert would be £115.16.

WWW.MANFROTTO.COM

Manfrotto Spin 55 £349.95 THE DESIGNERS OVER AT Manfrotto deserve an extra digestive biscuit with their cup of tea because the Spin 55 is a wonder of innovation. The roller bag doubles up as a regular travel suitcase, which makes perfect sense, saves you money and begs the question; ‘why did nobody do this sooner?’

Sporting a polycarbonate external shell, which not only keeps weight down but also enhances durability and protection for your equipment, the Spin 55 can hold two DSLRs, and 3-4 extra lenses, including a long telephoto such as a fast 70-200mm. Built around a four-wheel design,

the Spin 55 is very capable of transporting heavier payloads and also offers a large front facing pouch for laptops (up to 15-inches) and accessories.

Meeting carry-on requirements for major airlines, the Spin 55 comes with connectors so you can attach your tripod to the exterior and inside the interchangeable dividers can be moved around to suit your particular gear set-up.

Lowepro SP 200 £279.95

ONE OF LOWEPRO’S SMALLER roller bags, the SP 200 easily meets airline carryon requirements and can hold a pair of DSLRs (one with a 70-200mm lens), along with up to 7-8 extra lenses. Also capable of transporting your laptop/tablet (up to 15-inches), the SP200 weighs just 4.2kg and is built around a fourwheel design - in fact it was Lowepro’s first ever four-wheel roller - and also features a dual-stalked extendable handle.

In the front flap, compartments for accessories are complimented by mesh holders so you can see where your gear is located and the moulded EVA shell exterior adds structure to the bag while protecting your equipment. The zips can be locked for enhanced security should you need it and on the rear photographers will find a document pocket - useful for keeping your passport and boarding pass in.

Straps on the side will hold your tripod in place while foam reinforced handles can be found on both the side, top and rear of the roller bag. While the dividers can be moved around as with other bags in this guide, what’s interesting about the SP 200 is that it also contains a reinforced divider to secure heavier lenses.

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