Thought I might share my experience of finding a suitable case for my Tak FS-102. Ideally I wanted one that would accommodate the scope with 2" diagonal attached. The scope has a Baader 2" Tak adapter (visual back) that may add slightly to the standard length of the scope (not sure).
Matt (Kunama) pointed me towards a photography place in Ashfield (Sydney). They describe themselves as Photography & Studio Equipment Specialists.
Website is here:
http://www.photo-shop-studio.com.au/
I had three bags in mind to look at:
BENRO TRIPOD BAG 95 CM (EXTRA LARGE)
http://www.photo-shop-studio.com.au/...m-extra-large/
E-IMAGE TRIPOD/ LIGHTING BAG HARMONY T40 (ROLLING, WHEELS)
http://www.photo-shop-studio.com.au/...olling-wheels/
BENRO STUDIO STROBE TRIPOD HARD CASE BAG
http://www.photo-shop-studio.com.au/...hard-case-bag/
The first one (
Benro tripod bag 95cm) seems very similar to the Tenba Tripak bag that Takahashi used to brand and sell. Although it's not obvious from the photo it tapers at the top like the Tenba bags. I don't think it would take an FS-102 with clamshell & dovetail, but perhaps low profile rings would fit.
Having never seen the Tenba model I can't say if this one is of the same quality (it's a lot cheaper, so make your own assumption). The dealer told me that Tenba bags are made by Benro. I doubt that was always the case.
In any event, the case seemed well made but was a bit on the soft side for my liking, being used to the sturdy Stellarvue C9 case. It would be fine for transport but not offering much protection.
I then looked at the
E-Image T40 rolling bag, which had been my preferred choice based on looking at the website. It's quite impressive with a well-padded base and lid but surprisingly soft at the sides. It is also tapered at the handle end which would make borderline to fit the scope with diagonal.
The wheels, while possibly a nice feature, are fairly small and I'm not sure how rugged they are.
Then the final option, the
Benro Studio Hard case. This is similar in design to the Stellarvue C9 case (for those of you who might have seen one) but the Benro is definitely a step down in quality. The padding is maybe 50% - 75% the thickness of the Stellarvue case, but the Benro still feels well made. It is the only one that has hard sides all round with padding in addition. It is slightly longer than the others.
Due to the hard sides and length I chose the Benro Hard Case. It JUST fits the scope with diagonal!
Since it's a good few centimetres wider than the scope I was able to use the supplied dividers to create a long gap along the entire length of the scope. Currently this contains some of that "inflated" packaging you sometimes get in large boxes (I knew I kept it for a reason).
One divider was attached on the bottom of the case underneath the rings and another on the side of the case where the dovetail is. These are to protect the lining of the case.
I've also created a little compartment at the focuser end to store the finder.
As you'll see from the pictures, some of the packaging could be removed and the space used for all sorts of things, even eyepieces.
The big unknown, of course, is the durability of the case. It wasn't designed to sit out all night in dewy conditions so I reckon I would want to put it in the car after setting up.
Hope this is useful.
NOTE: Unless stated otherwise the dimensions quoted on the website are EXTERNAL. The Benro hard case is quoted as 94cm but the internal length is about 91.5-92cm.
