Best Hard Carrying Case for Meike 85mm f/1.8
Owning the Meike 85mm f/1.8 is a brilliant move for portrait photographers on a budget, but its lightweight construction makes it vulnerable to accidental drops or heavy pressure in a packed gear bag. Whether you’re shooting a wedding or traveling for a location session, a standard cloth pouch simply won’t protect that glass. After testing various shells, I’ve found that a dedicated hard case like the Pelican 1120 offers the absolute best peace of mind for this specific prime lens.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Hard Carrying Case for Meike 85mm f/1.8: Detailed Reviews
Pelican 1120 Case with Foam View on Amazon View on B&H
The Pelican 1120 is the gold standard for protecting small primes like the Meike 85mm f/1.8. Its interior dimensions (7.25″ x 4.75″ x 3.25″) are perfectly suited for this lens once you customize the Pick N Pluck foam. I find this case exceptional because it doesn’t just protect against scratches; it is virtually indestructible, crushproof, and dustproof. The automatic pressure equalization valve is a lifesaver for those who fly frequently, ensuring the case is easy to open after altitude changes. The Meike 85mm fits snugly even with its hood reversed, and the high-density foam absorbs shocks that would otherwise shatter the lens’s internal elements. While it is bulkier than a pouch, the peace of mind you get when tossing this into a trunk or a checked bag is unmatched. It’s a lifetime investment for a lens that deserves to stay mint.
Check Price on Amazon → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Case Logic DLC-101 Case View on Amazon View on B&H
If you don’t need the industrial-grade protection of a Pelican, the Case Logic DLC-101 offers a fantastic middle ground. It features a molded EVA base that allows the case to stand upright while providing a rigid “hard” bottom to protect against impacts when you set your bag down. The interior is lined with thick foam and a soft nylex material that prevents the Meike’s finish from scuffing. I’ve used this case during urban shoots where I needed to swap lenses quickly; the dual-zipper design is smooth and doesn’t snag. It fits the Meike 85mm f/1.8 comfortably without too much extra wiggle room. While it isn’t waterproof, the weather-resistant fabric holds up well against light rain. It’s the perfect value choice for photographers who want more than a pouch but don’t want the weight of a hard plastic box.
Check Price on Amazon → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Hermitshell Hard Travel Case View on Amazon View on B&H
The Hermitshell Hard Travel Case is the most affordable way to get “hard shell” protection for your Meike 85mm. Made from high-quality EVA, this case is rigid enough to prevent the lens from being crushed under the weight of other gear in your backpack. It’s surprisingly lightweight and comes with a handy carabiner, which I’ve found useful for clipping the lens to the outside of my bag when I need to free up internal space. The interior is simple—a soft velvet-like lining—so you’ll want to ensure the lens is centered. The fit is a bit generic since it’s designed for multiple lens types, so you might notice a tiny bit of movement inside, but for the price, it’s a massive upgrade over the flimsy bag Meike provides. It’s honest, no-frills protection for the budget-conscious shooter.
Check Price on Amazon → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Nanuk 904 Hard Case View on Amazon View on B&H
The Nanuk 904 is for photographers who find Pelican cases a bit too “utilitarian.” This Canadian-made powerhouse features the PowerClaw latching system, which I personally find much more secure and easier on the fingers than traditional snap-latches. It uses NK-7 resin, which is incredibly tough but has a more refined finish. For the Meike 85mm f/1.8, the 904 provides ample space for the lens plus a few filters or a small cleaning kit. It is IP67 rated, meaning it can be submerged in water for 30 minutes without a drop entering. The build quality feels slightly more “premium” than its competitors, with integrated lid stays that prevent the case from flopping shut while you’re reaching for your lens. If you’re heading into harsh environments like salt spray or heavy dust, this is the vault your lens deserves.
Check Price on Amazon → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Lowepro Lens Case 9 x 13cm View on Amazon View on B&H
Lowepro has been a staple in my bag for years, and their 9 x 13cm case is specifically built for lenses with the dimensions of the Meike 85mm. While technically a “semi-hard” case, the thick one-piece foam padding provides excellent structural integrity. What makes this stand out is the SlipLock attachment tab, which allows you to secure the case to any compatible Lowepro bag or a standard belt. I love this for event photography where I’m switching between my 35mm and 85mm frequently. The OverLap Zipper is a clever touch, as it seals the top of the case to prevent dust and moisture from creeping in through the teeth. It’s not crushproof like the Pelican, but it offers a level of portability and accessibility that a hard box simply can’t match.
Check Price on Amazon → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Hard Case for your Meike Lens
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pelican 1120 Case | Extreme Protection | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Case Logic DLC-101 | Daily Commute | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Hermitshell EVA Case | Strict Budgets | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Nanuk 904 Hard Case | Professional expeditions | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Lowepro 9 x 13cm | Belt Attachment | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Meike 85mm fit with the lens hood attached?
Yes, but typically only if the hood is reversed. Most hard cases are designed to be as compact as possible. If you leave the hood in its shooting position, the diameter and length increase significantly, requiring a much larger and more expensive case. Storing it reversed is the standard practice for both space-saving and protecting the hood itself from snapping under pressure.
Are these cases waterproof or just water-resistant?
It depends on the material. Cases like the Pelican 1120 and Nanuk 904 are truly waterproof with O-ring seals and IP67 ratings, meaning they can be submerged. The Case Logic and Hermitshell cases are made of EVA and fabric, which are water-resistant. They will protect your lens from a light splash or drizzle, but they will eventually soak through if dropped in a lake.
Do I need to buy extra foam for these cases?
Most “Hard Resin” cases like the Pelican or Nanuk come with “Pick N Pluck” foam included. This foam is pre-scored into small cubes, allowing you to pull out a shape that perfectly matches your Meike 85mm. EVA cases like the Hermitshell usually come with a fixed soft lining and do not require extra foam, though they offer less customization for a “snug” fit.
Is the Meike 85mm f/1.8 fragile enough to need a hard case?
While the Meike 85mm has a metal mount, much of its barrel is plastic. It lacks the weather-sealing and rugged magnesium alloy build of more expensive Canon or Sony GM lenses. A hard case is highly recommended if you travel frequently, as the internal focus motor and glass elements can be knocked out of alignment by a sharp jolt or drop.
Can I fit other accessories in the case with the lens?
In a Pelican 1120 or Nanuk 904, you usually have enough extra room to pluck out a small slot for a silica gel packet (highly recommended for moisture) or a 67mm filter. However, in the more form-fitting EVA cases like the Case Logic, there is usually only enough room for the lens and perhaps a thin microfiber cleaning cloth.
Final Verdict
For the serious photographer who travels or shoots in unpredictable environments, the Pelican 1120 is the definitive choice for the Meike 85mm f/1.8. It offers professional-grade protection that will likely outlast the lens itself. If you’re a casual hobbyist who just wants to protect your gear inside a standard backpack, the Case Logic DLC-101 provides excellent padded security without the bulk. For those on a strict budget, the Hermitshell is a solid, functional upgrade over no case at all.