Purchasing the DJI RS3 Pro Gimbal was one of the best decisions I’ve made as a creator. After wringing my hands over the admittedly steep price tag, I finally took the plunge and purchased the gimbal solo to shave off a couple of bucks. I was beyond thrilled with the luxurious feature integration and intuitive flow of the RS3 Pro, but quickly realized that my choice to forgo the kitted version with Nanuk’s 930 waterproof hard case was a mistake. Fearing the risk of accidentally damaging my precious gimbal while traveling or on location, I put my creative endeavors on the backburner until I was ready to invest in a good case. Well dear reader, that time finally arrived, and I am going to share my impressions of my 930 hard case with you.
Upon unboxing I was immediately impressed with the solid construction of this case. Built from a tough NK-7 resin, the shell is obviously strong but also surprisingly lightweight. Subdued and unassuming, it's clear that practicality was the priority when engineering this bad boy, and I appreciate it for that.
The case weighs around 8.35 lb on its own, and sports a locking and latching system that feels sturdy and fastens tightly to form a completely weatherproof seal. The handle is ergonomic and soft-gripped for a comfortable carry without arm fatigue or wrist strain. It notably lies flush and is firmly attached to the shell with stainless-steel hardware. Handle breakage is the worst, and the attention paid to this little detail inspires a lot of confidence should I ever decide to board a plane with my gear. Nanuk offers its own Latch Retrofit Kit and TSA-Approved Case Lock for additional protection if you are considering doing the same.
As for the interior, it contains a custom-cut insert made of a firm and insulated closed-cell foam. The mold can accommodate several DJI gimbal models, including the RS2, RS2 Pro, RS3, and the RS3 Pro in combo or non-combo configurations, which is handy if you have more than one DJI gimbal or want to lend the case to someone who does. The foam insert arrived ready to go and each component of my RS3 Pro fit snuggly without issue.
I will say that the compartmentalized design is a bit of a double-edged sword. Intended to maximize the protection of each individual part, the satisfaction of a disassembled and organized carrying system is great until you need to spring the Nanuk open for some impromptu shooting. Even during planned shoots, the custom-cut construction choice adds time before and after to prepare your DJI gimbal, so bear that in mind if you dislike a tedious process. While I don’t mind it, you can always purchase cubed foam inserts to create a custom fit that is better suited to your needs. This is also a nifty option to consider if you want your 930 to do more than just carry your gimbal.
All told, I consider my 930 to be a solid purchase that has proved its worth tenfold in its construction and my own peace of mind. Thoroughly engineered, practical, and durable, this case is the perfect travel companion for my DJI RS3 Pro and will likely also become a multipurpose carrying case in the future.
Has a hard case ever saved your gear? What features do you value when shopping for gear protection? We want to hear your thoughts in the Comments section, below.
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