The best case for your DJI Mavic 2 - Vanguard Supreme 37D
By James Abbott
Finding the best hard case for your Mavic 2 Pro or Mavic 2 Zoom can be something of a minefield. Despite there being many options out there, ranging from dedicated cases with cut outs specifically for the drone and other accessories, to more general hard cases with a padded insert that can securely hold a much wider variety of kit, the big question is which is best for you?
Having purchased the Mavic 2 Pro with the Fly More Kit, that comes with a number of accessories including a small and lightweight shoulder bag, I quickly found that while the DJI bag is great, it certainly wouldn’t be suitable for every situation. Not to mention, having just completed the PfCO course with Pro Drone Academy in Ely and obtained my PfCO from the Civil Aviation Authority, I needed a case that would withstand the daily rigours of professional working life as a drone pilot.
The perfect find
When on the hunt for the perfect case, I began looking at dedicated hard cases with laser cut hard foam inserts for the ultimate fit of the Mavic 2 Pro and accessories. But, I quickly came to the conclusion that over the long term this was actually the worst decision; a dedicated case is obviously a great fit, but once you get a different drone a few years down the line the case would become effectively useless.
The obvious answer was to go for a generic hard case that could be used to carry the drone or other photographic equipment when necessary. And after a little research, the Vanguard Supreme 37D was the obvious choice. With a removable padded camera divider/insert, the Supreme 37D could be used both as a hard case and the insert either on its own or carried in another bag. So, depending on what I’d be doing – whether shooting with my camera or the drone – I’d be able to use the Vanguard Supreme 37D Hard Case if I required a high level of protection for my kit.
One of the great things about the Supreme 37D is that the DJI Mavic 2 Pro fits into it perfectly in the central section with the horizontal dividers removed and attached to the vertical dividers for additional padding and to achieve a better fit. There’s also space for all the accessories supplied in the Mavic 2 Fly More Bundle, as well as space for an additional three batteries (six in total with one in the drone), filters and other accessories.
When you purchase a hard case you’re clearly looking for the ultimate protection for your kit in transit, and the Vanguard Supreme 37D seems to be virtually indestructible. With the strength to support up to 120kg of external weight, the ability to withstand temperatures of -40°C to +95°C and the fact that it’s waterproof to a depth of 5m, the Supreme 37D is certainly a tough and versatile hard case.
Verdict
The Vanguard Supreme 37D Hard Case is exceptionally well made and has the potential to protect both drones – specifically the DJI Mavic, Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom, safe and secure in the toughest outdoor environments. The case is heavy at 4.2kg, but this is balanced with the impressive level of protection on offer.
If the hard case isn’t required the divider bag can be used as a case in its own right or stowed in another bag such as a rucksack for situations where you need to walk some distance to a location. All in all, for me, the Vanguard Supreme 37D is the best hard case available for your Mavic Pro drone and accessories.
Vanguard Supreme 37D specifications:
- Virtually indestructible
- O-ring sealed
- Airtight and waterproof up to 5m
- Built to withstand -40°C to 95°C temperatures
- Automatic pressure equalisation valve
- Ability to support up to 120kg of exterior weight
- Anti-slip rubber feet
- Solid carrying handle offer extra durability
- Thick, quick-release latches
- Steel-reinforced padlock holders
- Soft removable divider bag for easy customisation inside your case, or use as a standalone gear bag
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 41.5 x 32.5 x 19.5cm
- Weight: 4.2kg
Other sizes of Supreme Cases are available and there is a foam insert option (F models) if you have a set of kit that doesn't change
About the author:
Vanguard Ambassador James Abbott is an editorial and advertising photographer producing eye-catching landscape and portrait images for editorial, commercial and private clients. And despite being based in Cambridge – one of the flattest parts of the country – you’ll regularly find him exploring the UK’s hills, mountains and expansive coastline shooting landscapes and teaching workshops.
In each of his images, James aims to capture a sense of place that tells the viewer a story and this approach has earned him a number of awards over the years. He also regularly contributes to some of the UK’s best photography magazines and websites including Amateur Photographer, Digital Camera World, Digital SLR Photography, Tech Radar and WEX Photo & Video among many others. James is also a Vanguard ambassador using both high-quality bags and tripods from the brand to aid his photography.