review of custom eyepiece case with coupon code

Howdy all -

Before I go any further, just want to let you know that the vendor whose product I'm reviewing here has a special offer for Astromart members that may be worth your while. Details at end (Anacortes representative - please check the end).

Wound up going a bit whole hog on the eyepieces (see "The $400 eyepiece challenge" thread, which turned out too challenging even for me), and picked up ES 100 degree 5.5 and 14, as well as ES 82 degree 18 and 30. To round out the capabilities, I also picked up an ES 2x focal extender. All are 2".

So then the issue became "How do I carry all this stuff around?"

Looked through the interwebs quite a bit, and was unsatisfied with the idea of pluck foam - for what I spent on the eyepieces, I wanted something with a better fit than the 1/2" margin of error of perforated foam cubes. Options for my combination of eyepieces (plus the 2 1.25" plossls that came with my Skywatcher I kept for star parties, and some of my other stuff - collimation eyepiece, adapters, filters, flashlight) were non-existent.

Enter MyCaseBuilder.com.

I was able to create a completely customized case with cutouts for my specific eyepieces (and other gear), in a locking aluminum flight case, for about $100. Compares to pluck foam cases that typically run $60ish or so it was really not very much more - and was specific to my exact needs.

While I chose an aluminum flight case, they have a number of other case options (including Pelican) with custom cutouts you can arrange any way you want using their online tool (which is not friendly for mobile but worked perfectly from my laptop).

Some pics attached.

Service was great - I needed a shape added to the library for my 5.5, and they added it same day. I was able to update my design to incorporate it - even after the order had been placed - and it turned out perfectly. Processing time was about a week, actual cost was $114 including shipping. I corresponded on several occasions with them, and received prompt, thorough follow up each time.

I chose the soft foam, which works perfectly. The case has rubber feet on both the wide and narrow bottom areas (wide when opening, narrow when standing like a suitcase) and looks sharp.

One note - if you're going to add filter cases into your design, be sure to measure the case. I estimated a little small, but the filter I own fits perfectly inside of a small zipper baggie in the foam cutout. I bought the optional "whoops" insurance so I can send the case back to have the filter cutouts made a little larger, but it remains to be seen if I'll actually take them up on it. Pic attached, will put a few in responses as I can't figure out how to add more than one.

In speaking with them, I let them know I was very satisfied with both the service and the product, and they very generously offered to provide a 5% discount to Astromart members.

So if you're looking for a custom case at a reasonably price, go to MyCaseBuilder.com and enter the coupon code "astromart5" at checkout. Discount is good until October 30, 2014 (and I'm a little jealous that you'll be able to get it as I did not). Note to Anacortes staff: Steve, the owner, would likely be able to work out a deal with you guys if you're interested...

Anyway, hope this helps you out if you're looking for a case.

Cheers,

Dan

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Another pic

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I designed and ordered new foam from them for my wife's eyepiece case. We were both very pleased with the results and I plan to replace the foam in a couple of my cases soon. (I just have to figure out which eyepiece I'm going to add first.)

Clear skies, Alan