Ever since I bought my DSLR I searched for an affordable hard case to protect my investment. The problem was most of the hard cases I found at camera stores started at about $80 and in my opinion didn’t look like they offered much protection. To get something that looked well-made, solid, and would actually protect a camera cost in the several hundred dollar range. It seems dumb I know to cheap out on a case to protect an expensive camera and lens but I was hesitant to spend that kind of money.
One day while shopping at Bass Pro Shops for fishing tackle I saw a display featuring the Plano 1612 Field Box. These hard plastic boxes were well-made, well-built, and well-priced. Being a fisherman I’m very familiar with the Plano name and have been using their tackle boxes since I was a kid. Over the years I’ve put my Plano tackle boxes through a lot of abuse with no issues. In fact, the only reason I’ve had to replace them is when I accumulate too much tackle and need a bigger box. Looking at the size of these field boxes which are designed for ammunition and other hunting accessories, I knew my Canon 7D, 100-400mm, and the soft case I keep them in would fit in no problem. Seeing the price I knew my search for a hard camera case was over.
I’ve been using this box for about 7 years now and it has done a great job keeping my camera and lens safe. The hard plastic protects against strikes to the outside of the case which is very useful when packing a carload of gear for vacation. I no longer have to worry about items I stack up in the back of the car damaging my camera if they topple over while driving. The hinge and latch are very sturdy and this box still looks like it did the day I bought it. Another handy feature of this box is the smaller storage compartment incorporated into the lid. This is where I keep a spare memory card, a lens pen, and any other small accessories I want handy.
This case is so practical and functional its uses go far beyond hunting and photography. If you are looking for an incredibly affordable, well-made box to store almost anything, I highly recommend checking out this Plano field box.
Good birding,
Paul
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Plano 1612 Field Box
Pros
- Provides great protection
- Solid construction
- Many uses
- Storage in lid
- Affordable
Cons
- None
Paul, what do you use as “stuffing” to cradle your equipment inside the Plano 1612?
Great question John. I keep my Canon 7D and Tamron 100-400mm inside a Lowepro Toploader soft case inside the Plano 1612. This prevents it from rattling around and getting scratched.
Hi Paul; I don’t use a normal camera case, either. I wanted something in which I could fit my camera with a 150-600mm lens attached, so I use a big honkin’ tool box. Works great, except this thing’s so big it’s a bit awkward sometimes. I can however, put the camera with the big lens in it plus a couple of smaller lenses, etc. in it. When I’ve got it loaded up it’s almost heavy enough to do curls with it! Yours may have an advantage my doesn’t have: being that it’s a tackle box, it’s probably better at keeping water out if you’re in a canoe that tips over. I think mine would be more like a sieve.
It sounds like you’ve got a great option too Jim. I’m not sure how mine would fair if I dump my canoe. I imagine some water would get in but it would float so that’s a bonus. I hope I don’t ever have to test how waterproof it is.