Hard cases for Eyepieces/Scope?

cloud_cover · Post by **cloud_cover** » Thu May 12, 2011 1:18 pm

Does anyone know where I can get hard cases to keep my eyepieces and a 15cm diameter /75cm long telescope?
The freight from USA will kill because of the volumetric weight and I don't really mind that the eyepieces are not kept in a watertight casing since they live in a dry box otherwise.
I figure I'll need something 2/3 the size of a briefcase for the EPs (slightly larger is fine as I can keep the sensitive starbook inside as well) but I can easily source my own foam.
Any advice?

MooEy · Post by **MooEy** » Thu May 12, 2011 8:34 pm

pelican 1650?

timatworksg · Post by **timatworksg** » Thu May 12, 2011 9:15 pm

Pelican cases are THE best choice for protection, air tight and crush proof....but cost. However a worthy investment.

You could consider getting foam and making it fit a side pouch. Make holes in them and plop your EP's in there when you Grab and Go! There are also small tool boxes or tupperware that make great alternatives for EP's and small stuff! However for an All in One option, Pelicans are hard to beat. You may find alternate options (tool boxes, etc) so all depends on budget and what it can provide.
For me...I just shape foam and carry in a Photography haversack which can only fit my 88 and 66 WO scopes. The 102....no cheaper options as yet...lol!

Suggestions... :-)

cloud_cover · Post by **cloud_cover** » Thu May 12, 2011 9:51 pm

Currently I use a very flimsy toyogo plastic box with clasp, EPs kept in their boxes, but the Ethos is too big for this and I'm rather tired of fumbling with a few boxes when observing downstairs. Yeah, a Pelican would be nice but too expensive for me. I'm thinking along the lines of a sturdy tool box or something, with foam padding. Don't think I'll need the anti-crush bit for now since I'm not flying with the EPs nor jamming them into tight containers

orly_andico · Post by **orly_andico** » Thu May 12, 2011 10:43 pm

I have thought of using one of those hard roller airline cases. Carrefour sometimes has them very cheaply (just don't buy a Rimowa!)

You'd have to buy a ton of foam and cut it to fit the inside of the roller case though.

timatworksg · Post by **timatworksg** » Thu May 12, 2011 10:59 pm

Yeah the roller luggage bags are a possible option. Carrefour/Giant have a selection that may fit your needs. I used one of them to lug my old C8 around. Another for my old GP EQ head+counterweight+controllers+tupperware with EP's. Foam is the issue but you could get those foam rubber mats for the floor when you have kids playing around. The one that jig-saw's itself to each other in colorful squares. You can cut out required shapes and Glue them to form boxes, partitions, etc etc. That way you would have the compartments for your equipment and just fill in the gaps with old t-shirts/rags/softer foam to prevent vibrations.

Hope that helps!

shirox · Post by **shirox** » Thu May 12, 2011 11:18 pm

i bought a 2nd hand pelican 1620 from a bro at a good price.
It comes with wheels and pull up handle. Very sturdy and strong!

rlow · Post by **rlow** » Fri May 13, 2011 8:12 am

I use eight different sizes of Pelican cases or equivalent, for scopes, eyepieces and other accessories.