Depending on what you are hauling around, and what you are hauling it in, there are some inexpensive alternatives.
You mentioned that you are only interested in rigid cases, but let me mention some soft sided bags that others may find useful.
Light stands, tripods, and other metal work can be hauled in bags designed for sports equipment. For example, baseball bat bags, airline golf bags (they totally enclose the normal bag), and ski bags. The bat bags will handle several of the most common light stands. The airline golf bags frequently have rollers on the bottom making lifting unnecessary, and some of these are made from rigid material, either fiberglass or some sort of heavy duty plastic. Ski bags should accomodate just about any stand.
Check local thrift stores, flea markets, and used sports gear stores. I frequently find used heavy duty bags for under $5, even airline golf bags for under $10.
Another possiblility is display transport cases. These are fairly heavy fiberboard cases with reinforced corners used for transporting displays to conventions, shows, etc. These are available in a wide variety of sizes. I just found a case 60" long. 20" deep, and about 10" wide for $10. It has straps which hold the top on, a carrying handle, and appears to be very rugged.
These can be found at places that manufacture displays such as signmakers, etc. Ask if they have any used ones they would part with.
A final alternative is equipment shipping cases. These are nearly indestructable cases used for shipping fragile electronic equipment through the airlines. This type cases may also show up at military surplus outlets. Unfortunately, they usually carry stiff pricetags. I've seen used ones offered for several hundered dollars.
Or you can go out and spend several hundred bucks for the official photo cases... your choice.
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