I found a couple of demos that may or may not help photodoc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXhT7WtIsTg&feature=youtube_gdata_player

This video is a bit rubbish, but shows you the type of equipment that's out there. (I couldn't find the video I saw originally).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlRUXOdnCgE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Thank you SkinBrit and msmoto. Your advice is appreciated.

Msmoto, if only we could re-carve and glue in a new piece in the OR!!!!

Thanks again all.

Cutting the foam....freezing it is one way. This makes it very easily manipulated without being too soft. I use a filet knife, sharpened like a scalpel. Then, using a high speed grinder with a fine emory wheel one can smooth the foam out, albeit with a great deal of care generally holding the grinder with two hands. And, be easy on yourself. You can always glue in a new piece if you screw up, and re-carve the new piece.

You can buy a tool that is basically a heated wire, that will burn cleanly through the foam. I've never used one, but seen a guy use it to custom fit his pelican on YouTube.

Does anyone have any suggestions how to cut the foam so it looks really professionally done? I appreciate your input msmoto on how to glue the foam but cutting the foam to fit the equipment is my next step. I am using the firm foam as you indicated. I was contemplating borrowing some surgical equipment from the OR but not sure how that would go in the next surgery dept meeting:))) Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Does anyone have any suggestions how to cut the foam so it looks really professionally done? I appreciate your input msmoto on how to glue the foam but cutting the foam to fit the equipment is my next step. I am using the firm foam as you indicated. I was contemplating borrowing some surgical equipment from the OR but not sure how that would go in the next surgery dept meeting:))) Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I never use caps on any of my lenses except my 14-24mm... That bulbous front element is sturdy but vulnerable.

I have that same problem with the lenscap too. I pukll the lens out and the cap stays behind or if i put it in front up I risk having the lens slip out while I slide it up...

Just a note... a closed cell foam which is used as floatation in kayaks, and we call "kayak foam" strangely enough, comes in various thicknesses 3/16 inch (5mm), 1/2 inch (13mm), 1 inch (25mm, and 4 inches (102mm). It is easily cut and can be glued together nicely with a contact cement used to hold laminate down to counter tops. Makes a great way to custom fit a hard case.

As to lens caps, I seem to misplace them and thus I am sticking the lens into the soft Nikon bag without them quite often. May be a function of age :- )

Great idea! I like the idea of people altering favourite bags so that they have lens dividers in them as well. Let us know how this works out photodoc :)

Thank you everyone for your help and recommendations. I am replacing the stock dividers in the Porter Case with a solid foam insert that I am custom cutting to fit my equipment. The Porter case has one advantage in my opinion that being the ability to function as a baggage carrier. But the wheel clips already came off allowing the wheel to fall off so I drilled the axle and put a cotter pin and washer through for permanent mounting of the wheels. The inside of the case is not great either so I made the foam modifications. I will replace this case at some point and I am going Pelican even though it doesn't have the carrier function for other luggage. Again thank you for your quick and helpful reply's.

Yep, same thing here if I'm not careful. I can normally get my fingers underneath the lens, and push up from the cap. Regarding the case, I think photodoc is cutting out the foam in a larger case that will hold other equipment?

I hate taking it out of a camera bag. Same thing happens almost every time. :]

One thing that has annoyed me with the cap is that it often comes off if you put it cap first into a camera bag. You pull out the lens and cap stays in the bag. I agree with you Squamish the bag it comes with is quite good and does the job as is the case with the 24-70mm.

The bag that it comes in is pretty good. I haven't ever felt like I needed something beefier.

It's 100mm photodoc. I guess you'll need to cut the hole a bit smaller to allow for a snug fit? Welcome to the forum, and enjoy that superb lens!

Can anybody please tell me the measurement of the hood diameter of the 14-24 lens in mm. I am designing a case with foam that needs to be cut and I need the widest width (diameter) of the hood. Trying to get this done before the lens arrives. Thank you