I don’t know about you, but I’m excited about the release of the new Canon EOS R5 mirrorless camera next week. I’ve been a 5-series shooter for over five years now, and the layout and ergonomics just feel natural and familiar in my hands, and I expect the R5 will continue that tradition.

My top six reasons for buying into the R5 system are:

1. The benefits of IBIS and lens-based image stabilization.

2. Faster autofocus with eye detection and 100% dual-pixel AF.

3. The astounding new video capabilities the EOS R5 offers.

4. Canon EF to RF adapters that leverage my EF lens library.

5. The compact and lightweight design for backpacking.

6. The pro-level build quality and weather sealing.
   

As a professional photographer, I’ll be using this camera every single day, so I need a bomber case to store and transport it wherever I go. My preferred solution these days is the Trekpak padded divider system which can be customized to fit most popular Pelican cases. It uses padded dividers with a locking pin system to make it both rigid and reconfigurable as your needs and kit change over time.

For the EOS R5, I selected a Pelican 1500 case and the Trekpak case divider kit. I started by gathering measurements for all of my RF lenses and accessories, and sketched out a preliminary layout on graph paper.

Once the RF f/2.8 lens “trinity” arrived, I began cutting and configuring Trekpak partitions to accommodate each of the lenses. I ended up altering my original design a bit (as you’ll see in the animated GIF above) but it distributes weight better and gives me the flexibility to carry all of my essential gear on every shoot.

My case securely holds the following items with room to spare:

• Canon EOS R5 camera body

• Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L (attached to body)

• Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L

• Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L

• Canon lens hoods for all lenses

• Canon EF to RF adapter with drop-in CPL filter

• Canon EF to RF adapter with Control Ring

• Filter pouch with four 82mm and 77mm filters

• Canon LC-E5 AC adapter to charge batteries

• Four Canon LP-E6NH spare batteries

• Really Right Stuff One-piece L-bracket

• Peak Design Leash & Clutch straps

In the process of building out the case, I came up with a couple of useful hacks. I used some .157 in. black corrugated Twinwall plastic sheet material that I had lying around the studio to make thinner, non-structural dividers between certain items to conserve space and weight. You can see this in the animated GIF between the lens hoods. The Trekpak pins work just fine with the corrugated sheets, and it makes efficient use of space for smaller items.

I also used left over pieces of the Trekpak material as shims to make things fit better. For example, I put a narrow strip under the lens cap of the 70-200mm lens (since it’s tapered) and in the slots where the lens hoods go so they wedge into place better.

Finally, I always tuck a Pelican 1500D Desiccant Silica Gel into my case to absorb any moisture. I rotate them out periodically and recharge them in the oven or a food dehydrator, as needed.

How are you planning to transport and protect your new EOS R5 or R6?

I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments section below.