Vanguard Supreme 53D review

Sometimes only a heavy-duty hard case will do when we want to protect a sizeable volume of expensive photo or video gear during transportation. Even if we’re just entrusting it to a courier’s white van, rather than airplane hold.

Peli is often the go-to brand in this category, but there are alternatives. Enter the Vanguard Supreme 53D to highlight the example here. Its manufacturer’s pitch is that not only is it ultra tough, but that photographers can stash up to 14 camera bodies with grips or pro level lenses within an internal zippered bag. That’s an impressive amount of kit. Said bag is also removable, as well as its Velcro-style dividers adjustable.

A near indestructible case in which to transport our photo gear necessitates reinforced materials, strong latches and thick padded linings however. Which can result in weight and bulk. So, are such trade offs worth it with regard to the Vanguard Supreme 53D?

Vanguard Supreme 53D: Specifications

Vanguard Supreme 53D: Price

With this product first introduced in 2009, the current up-to-date price (£210 / $275) being asked here is very similar to a premium look and feel airline cabin restriction-compliant roller bag aimed specifically at photographers. But for the outlay, we’re getting a much larger, suitcase-sized alternative that would need to go in the hold if flying via a commercial airline. Thankfully the hard plastic exterior claimed to be able to withstand 120 kg of external pressure providing peace of mind, should it ever come into contact with water, when clamped shut the claim is that it will endure depths of five metres. And pro photographers or videographers may concede that’s something worth paying for if they don’t mind the weight and bulk that comes with it. If that’s the case, then current value-added pricing makes this one a bit of a steal in my opinion.

Vanguard Supreme 53D: Design & Handling

Due to its suitcase-like size, weight, and bulk, inevitably the handling of this hard case isn’t going to be as smooth as a lighter weight troller style bag. Yes, the Vanguard Supreme 53D has wheels, but it also weighs a humungous 11.2kg even when empty. That’s more than double the heft of heavy-duty alternatives like the Think Tank Airport International V3.0 or Tenba Roadie Roller Air Case 21 that sit within a similar price bracket. Without its wheels and wide retractable handle, transporting this Vanguard would feel like a real slog, so I’m grateful for the inclusion of both.

This Vanguard option is also softer on the inside than it appears on the outside. Loosen the front and six side clamps that otherwise snap its lid firmly in place when traveling and we find a zippered fabric inner compartment, that sits loosely within. This has the familiar adjustable inner dividers that give this model its ‘D’ nomenclature, with the reassuringly padded walls of each little storage ‘cell’ held in place or re-configured via Velcro-like fastenings. As usual, this means any such adjustments can be made quickly in the heat of the moment if a bit of kit has been forgotten and needs to be squeezed in at the last moment.

There is a lot of cushioned storage space here though, with internal dimensions of the case a roomy 56x45x20cm. Imagine the interior of a large, family-sized suitcase – except more squarish – and you won’t be far off. Overall in terms of build and handling this feels like a well-constructed and at current prices value for money option for power users.

Vanguard Supreme 53D: Performance

For those looking for a heavy-duty trolley-style hard case, the Vanguard 53D impresses with its rock-solid robustness from the off. You can stand on this one and barely feel it flex. While the internal bag looks a bit flimsy from the outside in comparison, unzip it and the padded thick-walled interior with Velcro dividers, which I personally prefer over a basic foam interior, maintains the overall feeling of peace of mind regarding the safety of expensive kit if I was to stash it within. I don’t have enough gear to justify a hard case of this size, nor could I see myself using it that often, but it’s good to know the option is there and for a price that won’t break the bank.

Vanguard Supreme 53D: Verdict

Offering a near ultimate in protection for our photo and video gear when traveling, in truth you would need to be a professional photographer with a lot of kit to consider purchasing Vanguard’s voluminous and nigh-on indestructible Supreme 53D case. That said, you could turn over half the case to stashing clothes and toiletries if you’re a particularly safety-conscious amateur photographer, as the fair price here doesn’t put it out of reach of the enthusiast or hobbyist whose lust for gear has spun out of control.

Alternatives

With Peli being the brand to beat in this category of casing, the Vanguard Supreme 53D feels like a value-added alternative to the big ‘P’. If you want something that offers similar hard case light protection but is not quite as big and bulky and don’t have a shedload of kit yourself, then the foam insert Vanguard Supreme 40F is another value-for-money option worth investigating.

A similar light yet tough alternative for checking in as hold luggage can be found in the Peli Pelican Air Case 1535. The latter is recommended because it’s been designed to be 40% lighter than a regular Peli case of similar dimensions, thus providing another option for traveling photographers and videographers who want that hard case-like level of protection and security in transit. Slightly chunkier and weightier while still, roughly half that at 6.3kg of the Vanguard Supreme 53D is the foam interior Peli Pelican Protector 1510, which still squeezes in within most cabin baggage restrictions, so we have the choice of keeping to hand or check-in if preferred.

All this being said, the Vanguard Supreme 53D is the one to go for if a large case for a large amount of equipment at a fair price is what is required above all other considerations. Add in the fact that it can be clamped sufficiently tightly shut via its various latches to withstand being dunked in water to a depth of five meters plus is crushproof against pressures equivalent to 120Kg and, for power users, this is a solid investment in more ways than one. As ever, shop around to find the best price as it can vary substantially.