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Hey there!

I totally get the stress of protecting that X2D II 100C! It's a beauty (and a serious investment).

So, my approach is a *dual* system, and I think it's something you might want to consider, especially given your landscape focus. For transport and storage, I actually use a Pelican 1535 Air case with custom foam. It's bombproof, honestly. But! It's not exactly convenient for hiking around.

That said, *while I'm actually shooting*, I transfer the camera (with lens attached) to a Peak Design Everyday Sling (6L). It's padded enough for bumps and scrapes, super quick to access, and holds extra batteries and cards. It doesn't offer *Pelican*-level protection, but it's a great balance of portability and safety for active shooting. Be careful with the sling in very wet conditions though; it's water-resistant, not waterproof. I would suggest a rain cover if you're expecting serious downpours.

This way, I have maximum protection when travelling or storing, and decent protection when I'm out in the field. Hope this helps! Feel free to ask questions.

Hey there,

While the dual-case system mentioned previously might work for some, I've honestly had issues with softer padded bags when dealing with equipment as sensitive as the X2D II 100C, especially in demanding landscape scenarios. They're often just not as good as expected in terms of impact resistance.

For pure protection, you really can't beat a hard case conforming to, or exceeding, Ingress Protection (IP) ratings. Specifically, look for cases with an IP67 rating or higher. This means they're dust-tight and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Pelican is the obvious choice, but SKB also makes excellent cases that are often a bit lighter.

Instead of pre-cut foam, consider a case with a customizable foam insert. You can get these from companies like MyCaseBuilder. This allows you to create a perfectly snug fit for your X2D II 100C, lenses, and accessories, maximizing protection and space efficiency. This is crucial because a loose camera *inside* a rugged case is still a camera at risk.

Also, **really** pay attention to the case's latches. I had a cheaper hard case once (not naming names!) where the latches failed after only a few uses. A broken latch defeats the whole purpose, right? Pelican's latches are generally very robust, as are SKB's.

Unfortunately, hard cases add bulk. But IMO, the trade-off is worth it for the peace of mind, especially if you're hiking in remote locations or dealing with unpredictable weather. Perhaps consider a smaller hard case *inside* a larger backpack designed for photography gear, if portability is a major concern.

Finally, before committing to any case, I strongly recommend consulting with a professional photographer or camera equipment specialist. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and shooting style.

Hope this helps!

Hey! I'd say a hard case is a must for that beauty. Pelican or similar, definitely. I've seen too many soft bags fail. Better safe than sorry, right? Just my two cents!

Hey there!

I totally get the anxiety about keeping that X2D II 100C safe! It's a serious piece of kit, and the cost...whew! While the others have some good points, I'm coming at this from a slightly different angle: budget and practicality.

Honestly, before diving into super expensive cases, have you considered a really good camera bag insert? I've been using a padded insert inside a regular, sturdy backpack for my gear for a while now, and honestly, it works really well. Something like a Tenba BYOB insert or similar.

Why this approach? Well, first off, it's way cheaper than a dedicated hard case like a Pelican. Those things are tanks, for sure, but they also scream "expensive camera inside!" which can attract unwanted attention. A regular backpack is much more discreet, IMO. Also, you can easily switch the insert between different bags depending on the situation – a hiking backpack for landscape shoots, or a more stylish everyday bag for city stuff.

Secondly, a well-padded insert offers surprisingly good protection. Look for one with adjustable dividers so you can customize the fit for your X2D II 100C and lenses. It'll keep everything snug and prevent it from bouncing around. Plus, you can often find inserts with extra pockets for batteries and memory cards. I actually found one on Amazon Warehouse (used, but like new!) for a steal.

Of course, this isn't for everyone. If you're consistently shooting in really harsh conditions (think deserts or extreme weather), a hard case might be the better option. But for general landscape photography and travel, I think a padded insert offers a great balance of protection, portability, and cost-effectiveness. Plus, it doesn't add a ton of extra bulk, which is always a bonus.

Just a thought! Hope this helps! Let me know what you think.