Customer Reviews

Vanguard X-Pedition 13S Rivet Reinforced Heavy Duty Hard Case with Pluck Foam and Adjustable Divider Interior

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Advice for those who want to protect your precious small-fortune SLR camera: Don't buy a camera case. Don't even think about using a freebie case that came with your 'kit.'

Buy a hard case.

This is the X-Pedition edition of the standard Vanguard VGP-13S. It is basically a heavy-duty metal (I'm no expert, but it appears to be high-grade steel) reinforced version of the case and remains identical in functional and dimensional aspects.

Not only does it talk the talk with its bulletproof-like appearance but the case also walks the walk, with an uncomprimising structure appearing to be able to withstand most extreme weight/shock conditions.

However, the case is not submersible by any means. If that is what you are looking for, I would advise a Pelican case. For land-based photography, your case search ends here.

Measuring 15 inches wide and 10 inches tall, my Vanguard X-Pedition 13S is a case model that appears to be built to the toughest KGB spy standards. Hollywood, James Bond, Mission Impossible quality. It's also lighter than it looks and comes with a padded (although rather skimpy - think 'messenger bag') shoulder strap.

Not only is does it have an attractive shell, but also has a sensitive soft side. The real eye-catcher is without a doubt the customizable foam interior which provides a professional level of quality and reassuring safety on long trips. Expect oohs-and-aahs both before and after you open the case. Very useful if you are a commercial photographer. :]

So far I have created 3 compartments.

1. Pentax K-X with attached 50mm Prime Lens
2. Pentax DA-L 18-55mm Kit Lens [White]
3. Auxiliary square compartment housing the following items:

i. 52mm Lens Hood
ii. 49mm Lens Filter
iii. Pocket Air Cannon with Attached Brush
iv. Ray Ban Microfiber Lens Cloth

I still have room for a 'regular size' lens or two. The 13S size is not recommended for people who use heavy, large lenses, but there are two other X-Pedition cases in the lineup, both bigger.

As far as portability goes, the case is suitable for long journeys on foot, as long as you don't mind the physical bulk. It's no doubt light enough to walk around with, but since it is a hard case the persistent rubbing against your hip may be too uncomfortable for some. Carrying it by the handle instead of the strap is one way to avoid this, but has obvious conveniency issues (e.g. the need to pick up and put down everytime you want to take a picture). I usually leave the case in the trunk of my car if I don't see the need to switch lenses. However, I definitely do not hesitate to carry it out in the field seeing as how I rank safety over comfort.

Again, very impressed with the build quality of the case. If you want peace of mind for your camera coupled with a VIP appearance, Vanguard is a company worth looking at.

My case came in yesterday and I am already convinced that it will last me forever and a half. If I ever buy a second SLR, I will definitely have another Vanguard case to accompany it.

And if you want to save a few bucks and think the X-Pedition Edition is a bit on the excessive side then you can always go with the VGP-13S model, which is considerably cheaper.