So I just got the RS 3 and need a serious case because Im doing a wedding shoot in Colorado in like two weeks and I know Im gonna be tossing my gear around in a rental van. I was looking at the Nanuk 930 since people say its basically bulletproof but then I saw some reviews for the PGYTECH carrying case and now Im just torn. My logic was that the hard shell is better for travel but the Nanuk looks freaking huge and I dont want to be lugging a literal suitcase for just a gimbal. The official DJI case feels kinda flimsy like it wouldnt survive a drop. Budget is around $130. Is the Nanuk overkill or is there something else thats tough but more low profile?
Building on the earlier suggestion, the Nanuk is amazing but I totally get the size issue if youre cramming gear into a rental van! If you want that bulletproof vibe but in a tighter package, I swear by the HPRC 2400 for DJI RS 3. It is a freaking tank!
^ This. Also, if you want to look at the actual data, it basically comes down to the material specs. The Nanuk is great but the footprint is a legitimate concern for travel. I did a deep dive into the specs for a few others recently and two stood out for that mid-range budget.
To add to the point above: I have to respectfully disagree with the idea of buying a dedicated hard case just for the gimbal. Over the years, I've tried many different setups and I eventually realized that carrying five or six individual bulletproof cases is just a recipe for a backache and a lot of wasted time. I remember one gig where I spent more time tetrising my gear into the van than actually shooting because every piece of kit had its own massive plastic shell. It looked professional but was a total logistical nightmare. In my experience, you're better off getting a solid, high-quality padded rolling bag that can fit the gimbal along with your bodies and lenses. It is way more practical for fast-paced weddings. The DJI case is definitely thin, but if you nestle it inside a larger, well-padded gear bag, its totally fine. I've tossed my main bag into plenty of rental trunks and never had an issue. Save that money for extra glass or lighting instead... your back will thank you later.