Why would you get a hard case instead of a backpack? This review of the Nanuk 935 Hard Case will make you think differently about how you store and get your gear from point A to point B. There are other hard cases out there, but this one has a lid organizer, which in my opinion, sets it apart.
I am a DOP focused on the beauty industry in Paris. When shooting for a client, my team and I rent the cameras, lights, and gear we need. But, I often also shoot spec ads or concepts that I think would be interesting to do, and therefore, I also have my own kit. We travel by metro, taxi, or airplane depending on the project, and our gear comes along.
I was sent the Nanuk 935 case for review. I was pleasantly surprised by the design and functionality of the case, interior, and lid organizer.
What I Could Fit Into It:
- Black Magic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro, with cage, charger, batteries, a 15mm rod in position, and hand-strap
- Canon 24-70mm lens. The lens I have isn't made anymore, but a 24-70mm is the ultimate for video production and stays on the camera most of the time.
- Venus Optics Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens
- Zoom H2N Recorder
- Tilta Top Handle
- Tilta Follow Focus
- Deity Wireless Kit
- PolarPro Filters
- Moment Filter
- Rode Video Micro microphone
What I Liked
It is well made. It's engineered to keep your gear in position and protected from hard knocks. The wheels roll softly and don't make noise.
I am happy to know that I am saving my back from discomfort. I have a two-year old boy who still likes to be picked up and carried around, so I appreciate anything that reduces the amount of things I have to pick up and carry around.
The lid organizer is a great addition to the case. It's a first that I've seen and used it, and think it should become a standard for all hard cases. It gives me more options and organizational benefits. Everything has a specific place now.
What I Didn't Like
I thought that it was heavy when I first picked it up. For the review, I carried my ThinkTank camera bag with the one hand with all the camera gear I have in it and the empty case with the other. The weight was almost the same. I must say that weight isn't an issue if it's not made to be carried. So, it's not a deal-breaker.
Another thing I noticed was that the material used to cover the internal separators felt soft and nice to touch, but while I was moving them around to suite the kit I need to get into it, while getting the separators into position, I noticed the Velcro pulls it quite harshly from the divider if you didn't get it right on the first go, which I don't think is good for longevity. You need to plan ahead to know what you want before inserting them.
Conclusion
I will use this case from now on. I have retired the backpack and will only use it if it makes sense to do so and if pulling a case doesn't make sense. This could be when we're shooting on location, like the beach or forest.
2 Comments
When I shot weddings I preferred hard cases for one reason, they were stackable and I could stand on them.
Your information is too good, and the review clearly highlights why the Nanuk 935 stands out for professional filmmakers. Unicase also provides Nanuk hard cases with the same premium protection, durability, and smart organizational features you’ve mentioned, making it easier for creators to safeguard and transport their gear with total confidence.